Electrical System
Electrical System | Whole Home Rewires | Electrical | Andersonville
When your Andersonville home still relies on aging wiring, every light switch and outlet can feel like a roll of the dice. HEP’s licensed electricians replace worry with reliability by delivering meticulous whole home rewires that bring your electrical system up to today’s safety codes. From removing brittle, knob-and-tube lines to installing new grounded circuits, we upgrade each room without turning your daily routine upside down. Our team protects floors and furnishings, works efficiently to limit downtime, and keeps you informed at every step so there are no surprises—only peace of mind.
Choosing HEP means choosing local experts who understand Andersonville’s housing styles, regional permitting, and the unique power demands of modern living. We pair high-quality materials with infrared testing and detailed inspections to ensure your new wiring can support smart appliances, EV chargers, and future upgrades. With straightforward pricing, courteous service, and a workmanship warranty, you’ll feel the difference the moment you flip the switch on your newly rewired home.
FAQs
Why would a homeowner in Andersonville need a whole-home electrical rewire?
Many of the classic brick two-flats and frame homes in Andersonville were built before modern wiring standards existed. These properties often still contain knob-and-tube or cloth-insulated wiring that is now brittle, ungrounded, and overloaded by today’s appliance loads. A full rewire replaces these obsolete conductors, adds grounding, brings the system up to the current Chicago Electrical Code (which follows the 2020 NEC with local amendments), and dramatically reduces fire and shock risk while adding the capacity needed for HVAC upgrades, EV chargers, and future tech.
What is involved in a whole-home rewire project?
The process starts with a detailed load calculation and circuit map. After obtaining City of Chicago building permits, our licensed electricians: 1. Protect floors and furnishings. 2. Remove accessible old branch circuits. 3. Strategically open walls and ceilings to fish new copper NM-B or MC cable. 4. Install new grounded receptacles, AFCI/GFCI protection, and dedicated circuits for kitchen, laundry, and HVAC. 5. Upgrade the service panel (usually to 200 A) and meter socket if needed. 6. Schedule city inspections, correct any punch-list items, and patch drywall. Most projects can be completed room-by-room so you can remain in the house during the work.
How long does a rewire usually take in the Andersonville area?
Duration depends on size and accessibility, but for Andersonville’s typical 1,800–2,500 sq ft homes you can expect 7–14 working days on site, plus 1–2 weeks of lead time for permits and ComEd service coordination. Larger projects or those requiring extensive plaster restoration can extend to three or four weeks.
Do I need to move out while the work is done?
Not usually. We plan the job in phases, energizing temporary circuits so essentials (refrigerator, Wi-Fi, HVAC) stay powered. You may lose power in specific rooms for portions of the day, and there will be some dust and noise, but most Andersonville clients stay comfortably in the home throughout. If we discover hazardous wiring that must be de-energized immediately, we’ll coordinate temporary lodging options.
How much does a whole-home rewire cost in Andersonville?
Because labor dominates the cost in plaster-and-lath homes, budgets usually range from $8 to $15 per square foot. A 2,000 sq ft house might run $16,000–$30,000, including permits, rough materials, a 200 A panel, and basic wall repairs. Exact pricing depends on • accessibility of wall cavities, • number of lighting fixtures and devices, • service size upgrade, • optional extras such as recessed lighting or smart switches. We provide a fixed-price proposal after a free on-site assessment.
What permits and inspections are required for a rewire in Chicago/Andersonville?
A building-wide rewire requires an electrical permit from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings, stamped by a supervising electrician. Rough-in and final inspections must be scheduled through the DOB’s E-Plan system. If the service amperage is increased, ComEd must approve and swap the meter. Our team handles all drawings, permit filings, coordination with inspectors, and ensures your final Certificate of Completion is issued—protecting your insurance coverage and resale value.