What Is the Cost of Electrical Service Upgrade?

The Critical Role of Electrical Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were a factor in an estimated average of 46,700 home fires per year between 2015-2019, resulting in 390 civilian deaths and $1.5 billion in direct property damage. Proactive electrical system upgrades are crucial for mitigating these risks.

NFPA “Home Fires Involving Electrical Distribution and Lighting Equipment” (2021)

An electrical service upgrade typically means replacing or enlarging your main panel and service to handle greater demand and meet modern safety standards. You need one when your system shows overload symptoms, uses outdated components that create hazards, or no longer supports today’s appliances. Common clues are frequent breaker trips, lights that dim or flicker, old wiring types, or simply not having enough circuits for things like EV chargers or new HVAC equipment. Upgrading reduces risk and gives your home the capacity it needs.

Larger properties or commercial sites that need 400A service can expect roughly $3,500 to $6,000. Commercial service upgrades vary more widely—typically $5,000 to $12,000—because they often require heavier equipment, more extensive wiring, and additional coordination with utilities. The exact scope dictates the price.

• Signs of overload that require more capacity.
• Old or hazardous components that must be replaced.
• Added appliance demand such as EV chargers or large HVAC systems.
• Existing wiring type—old fuse boxes or knob-and-tube wiring adds work.
• Number of circuits needed for your layout.
• Required safety upgrades like AFCIs, GFCIs, and surge protection.

Addressing these during planning helps avoid surprises and keeps projects on budget.

Labor, permits, and material quality all add to the final bill. Labor reflects the job’s complexity and local rates. Permits are required to ensure code compliance and vary by jurisdiction. Choosing higher-grade panels and protective devices increases material costs but improves safety and longevity.

Extra costs can come from:

• Full or partial rewiring to replace old wiring.
• Adding new circuits for kitchens, workshops, or EV charging.
• Upgrading the service entrance or meter to accept higher amperage.
• Installing whole-home surge protection or standby generator hookups.

Watch for these warning signs:

Fixing these early can prevent outages and safety hazards.

An older panel becomes risky when it can’t handle current loads, has deteriorating parts, or uses obsolete technology. Frequent trips, visible damage, or the presence of fuse boxes and knob-and-tube wiring are all red flags. Upgrading reduces fire and shock risks and brings your system up to code.

An updated electrical panel makes a home safer and more attractive to buyers by removing outdated equipment and adding capacity for modern systems like EV chargers and efficient HVAC. Buyers value homes with reliable, code-compliant electrical systems, and you’ll avoid late surprises during inspections. In short, an upgrade helps protect your investment and keeps your home ready for future needs.

Real Estate Value of Modern Electrical Systems

Real estate professionals and home inspectors frequently cite updated electrical systems as a key factor in a home’s marketability and appraisal value. A modern, code-compliant electrical panel signals to potential buyers that the home is well-maintained and ready for contemporary demands, often leading to smoother transactions and higher offers compared to properties with outdated or hazardous electrical infrastructure.

National Association of Realtors (NAR) “Remodeling Impact Report” (various editions)

Upgrading delivers several practical improvements:

• AFCIs to reduce wiring-fire risk.
• GFCIs in wet areas to cut shock hazards.
• Higher amperage for EV chargers, HVAC, and heavy loads.
• Service-entry surge protection to safeguard electronics and appliances.

These changes lower overload risk and improve how your electrical system handles today’s demands.

Financing spreads the cost of an upgrade over time so you don’t have to pay the full amount up front. This makes it easier to move forward with necessary safety and capacity work without delaying. Rewired Iowa offers financing solutions to fit different budgets while keeping quality and safety top of mind.

Common reasons include rising electrical demand from new appliances, outdated wiring or panels, and safety concerns. If you see frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or old fuse boxes, your system likely can’t handle current needs. Upgrades are often required to support EV chargers, modern HVAC, or large workshop equipment.

Look for a licensed, insured electrician with experience in service upgrades. Check reviews and ask for references on similar projects. Choose a contractor who provides clear, written estimates, explains the scope and timeline, and follows local codes and safety practices.