ELECTRICAL PANEL & REWIRING · WOODLAND HILLS, CA
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Los Angeles
Panel upgrades, whole house rewiring and EV charger installation managed by Rafa Home Builders, with an electrical load calculation, permits and code-compliant work performed by licensed electricians.
- CSLB License #1150519Class B General Building
- Licensed, Bonded & InsuredLiability + workers’ comp
- Family-Owned & Owner-LedJustin & Elon on every job
- Written Workmanship WarrantyOn qualifying projects
- Financing AvailableThrough Enhancify
POWER FOR HOW YOU LIVE NOW
Home Rewiring Contractor in Los Angeles for Today’s Electrical Loads
Many Valley homes were wired for a different era: smaller panels, fewer circuits and no plan for EV chargers, heat pumps, induction cooktops or a new ADU. Breakers that trip, warm outlets, flickering lights and two-prong outlets are signs the system is working harder than it should.
Rafa Home Builders plans electrical upgrades the way we plan remodels. We start with an electrical load calculation, decide whether you need a 200 amp panel upgrade, new circuits or whole house rewiring, and then coordinate permits, the utility and inspections. Electrical work is performed by licensed electricians where California law requires, under one plan and one point of contact.
Because electrical work often goes hand in hand with kitchens, bathrooms and ADUs, we can schedule it with your remodel so walls are opened and patched only once. Electrical upgrades are one of the services we coordinate as a Los Angeles general contractor, with licensed electricians performing the work where California law requires.
- Electrical load calculation before any upgrade
- 200 amp panel upgrades and circuit breaker replacement
- Whole house rewiring, including knob and tube replacement
- EV charger installation, recessed lighting and smart home wiring
Quick Answers
Electrical Panel & Rewiring Quick Answers
Short answers to the questions homeowners ask us most. More detail follows below.
- Who does the electrical work? Rafa Home Builders, a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1150519) in Woodland Hills, manages the project. Electrical work is performed by licensed electricians where required.
- Do I need a panel upgrade? Frequent breaker trips, an older or undersized panel, or plans for an EV charger, heat pump or ADU are common reasons. An electrical load calculation confirms what you need.
- Is 200 amps the right size? A 200 amp panel upgrade is a common choice for homes adding major loads, but the right size comes from your load calculation.
- What is whole house rewiring? Replacing old or unsafe wiring, such as knob and tube or ungrounded circuits, throughout the home. Walls are opened selectively and patched afterward.
- Can you install an EV charger? Yes. EV charger installation includes a dedicated circuit, a check of panel capacity and a permit.
- Do I need permits and the utility? Panel upgrades, rewiring and EV chargers require permits (LADBS in the City of Los Angeles). Changing your service size also requires coordination with the utility, such as LADWP or Southern California Edison.
- Where do you work? LA County, including Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Calabasas, plus Orange County.
- How do I get started? Request a free estimate online or call (714) 768-5719 to schedule a consultation.
WHAT WE HANDLE
Electrician Services for Panels, Rewiring, EV Chargers and Lighting
01
200 Amp Panel Upgrade
New panels sized by load calculation, with utility coordination.
02
Whole House Rewiring
Old and ungrounded wiring replaced throughout the home.
03
EV Charger Installation
Dedicated circuits and chargers placed where you park.
04
Circuit Breaker Replacement
Failing or wrong-size breakers replaced to code.
05
Recessed Lighting
Layered lighting with dimmers for kitchens and living spaces.
06
Smart Home Wiring
Smart switches, devices and low-voltage wiring planned in.
PROJECT GALLERY
Electrical, Lighting and Remodel Projects
PLANNING GUIDE
Planning an Electrical Upgrade the Right Way
How we decide what your home needs, and what each part of the work involves.
Electrical load calculation
A load calculation adds up the demand of your appliances, heating and cooling, cooking, EV charging and other equipment. It tells us whether your existing panel and service can handle new loads or need an upgrade.
Panel upgrades and circuit breaker replacement
Outdated or undersized panels can be replaced with a new panel and breakers sized to your home. If the service from the utility also needs to grow, that is a separate step coordinated with the utility.
Knob and tube replacement and whole house rewiring
Knob and tube and other older wiring lack a ground and were not designed for modern loads. Whole house rewiring replaces them with grounded circuits, opening walls selectively and patching afterward.
Grounding systems and electrical code compliance
A safe system needs proper grounding and bonding, and GFCI and AFCI protection where the code requires it. Electrical code compliance is confirmed through permits and inspections.
EV charger installation
A Level 2 EV charger needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit. We plan the charger location, check panel capacity and pull the permit, and we can pair the work with a panel upgrade if needed.
Recessed lighting and smart home wiring
Remodels are the ideal time to add recessed lighting, dimmers, smart switches and low-voltage wiring. Planning them with the layout puts light and controls exactly where you need them.
Find Out What Your Electrical System Can Handle
Book a free consultation. We will look at your panel, talk through what you want to add and outline the next steps.
How It Works
Our Electrical Upgrade Process, Step by Step
A clear path from the first look at your panel to final inspection.
- 01
Consultation & Panel Review
We look at your panel, wiring and goals, such as an EV charger, ADU or remodel.
- 02
Load Calculation & Scope
We run an electrical load calculation and give you a written scope, schedule and price.
- 03
Permits & Utility
We pull permits and coordinate with the utility when your service size changes.
- 04
Electrical Work
Panel, circuits, wiring, devices and fixtures installed by licensed electricians.
- 05
Inspection & Walkthrough
Inspections are completed, walls are patched where opened and we review your warranty terms.
BEFORE YOU UPGRADE
Electrical Permits, Costs and Timelines
What to expect before the power goes off.
Permits and utilities
- Panel upgrades, rewiring, EV chargers and new circuits require permits.
- City of Los Angeles addresses go through LADBS; Calabasas and Orange County cities have their own departments.
- Service size changes are coordinated with the utility, such as LADWP or Southern California Edison.
- Inspections confirm code compliance.
What drives cost
- Panel size and location
- Whether the utility service must be upgraded
- Access to wiring in walls and attics
- Number of new circuits and fixtures
- Drywall and stucco patching
Your free estimate itemizes these items. Financing is available.
What affects timeline
- Load calculation and scope
- Permit review
- Utility scheduling for service changes
- Inspections
You receive a written schedule, including any planned power shutoff.
Service Areas
Electrical Upgrades in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas and Orange County
As a home rewiring contractor in the San Fernando Valley, we handle each electrical panel upgrade in Woodland Hills and across LA County, from older homes in Encino, Sherman Oaks and Studio City to newer homes in Calabasas, and take on electrical projects in Orange County.
Electrical service areas include:
- Calabasas
- Hidden Hills
- Tarzana
- Encino
- West Hills
- Canoga Park
- Winnetka
- Reseda
- Chatsworth
- Northridge
- Woodland Hills
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
- Porter Ranch
- Granada Hills
- Agoura Hills
- Valley Village
- Bell Canyon
- Toluca Lake
- Burbank
Adding an ADU or remodeling? Plan the electrical with your ADU or kitchen remodel, or call (714) 768-5719.
FAQ
Electrical Panel & Rewiring FAQs
How do I know if I need an electrical panel upgrade?
Common signs include frequent breaker trips, an older or undersized panel, warm or buzzing equipment, and plans to add an EV charger, heat pump, ADU or major appliances. An electrical load calculation confirms what your home needs.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
The installation itself is usually a focused project, but permits, utility scheduling for service changes and inspections set the overall timeline. Your written schedule includes any planned power shutoff.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade or EV charger?
Yes. Panel upgrades, rewiring, EV chargers and new circuits require permits. In the City of Los Angeles, permits go through LADBS, and separate cities have their own departments.
Can a 200 amp panel handle an EV charger?
Often, yes, but it depends on your other loads. A load calculation shows whether your panel can add an EV charger or whether upgrades are needed.
Should I replace knob and tube wiring?
Knob and tube wiring lacks a ground and was not designed for modern loads, so replacing it is often recommended, especially during a remodel or sale.
Can you add recessed lighting to existing ceilings?
Yes. Recessed lighting can be added to most ceilings with careful layout and minimal patching, and it is easiest during a remodel.
Who performs the electrical work?
Rafa Home Builders manages your project as a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1150519). Electrical work is performed by licensed electricians where California law requires. Qualifying projects come with a written workmanship warranty, with the terms spelled out in your project agreement. Products and fixtures may also carry their own manufacturer warranties.
UPGRADE YOUR ELECTRICAL
Ready to Talk About an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Los Angeles?
Tell us what you want to power. We will schedule a free consultation, review your panel and walk you through options, permits and pricing.