Electrical Panel Upgrade for Home Additions
Powering What Matters: Upgrade Your Panel the Right Way
Expanding your home is exciting—but without the right electrical infrastructure, it can also be risky. Whether you’re adding a bedroom, a sunroom, or expanding your kitchen, one of the most critical (yet overlooked) elements of your remodel is the electrical panel upgrade. This isn’t just a technical necessity—it’s about protecting your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.
At McCarthy Electric and Technologies, LLC, we help homeowners across Lynnwood, Lake Stevens, Everett, Marysville, and nearby communities safely scale their electrical systems to match their growing needs. As certified experts with over 25 years of field experience, we bring modern-day skill, safety-first design, and community-rooted care to every job.
Why Home Additions Demand a Panel Upgrade
A home addition usually means more lighting, HVAC loads, outlets, and appliances. But your original electrical panel—especially if it’s 100 to 150 amps—wasn’t designed to handle this new demand. Here’s why a panel upgrade is crucial when expanding your home:
- Prevent Overloads: Avoid dangerous breaker trips, melted wires, or worse—electrical fires.
- Meet Code Requirements: All new square footage must comply with current NEC (National Electrical Code) standards.
- Power Smart Devices: Smart panels or subpanels help manage new circuits for in-wall heaters, EV chargers, or radiant floor systems.
- Enable Future-Proofing: Adding capacity now prevents needing another upgrade in just a few years.
If you’re not sure whether your current panel can handle your home addition, we offer free estimates and formal load calculations for precise assessment.
The McCarthy Approach: Safe, Seamless, Future-Ready
At McCarthy Electric, our process for electrical panel upgrades goes beyond swapping boxes. We apply technical precision, deep code knowledge, and customer-centered planning every step of the way:
1. Formal Load Calculation
We don’t guess—we calculate. Our technicians use a detailed load analysis to determine your home’s total demand, accounting for both existing circuits and what the addition will require. This ensures code compliance and avoids oversizing (or worse, undersizing).
2. Seamless Service Transition
Our team coordinates directly with local utilities to safely disconnect and reconnect your power with minimal disruption. Emergency backup power options can be discussed if needed.
3. Minimal Wall & Drywall Damage
Through decades of remodeling experience, we’ve developed techniques to install new wiring and panels without unnecessary demolition. This keeps repair costs down and timelines tight.
4. Permits, Inspections, & Code Compliance
We handle all permitting and work closely with inspectors to ensure your upgrade is fully approved. Our work meets or exceeds all Washington State and local municipal codes.
5. 100% Work Guarantee
We stand behind every upgrade with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If it’s not done right, we make it right—no exceptions.
When Do You Need a Panel Upgrade?
If your home addition includes any of the following, a panel upgrade is highly recommended—if not required:
- Adding a new HVAC unit or radiant floor heating
- Installing a hot tub, pool, or spa wiring
- Expanding your kitchen with multiple new appliances
- Adding a home office, ADU, or garage suite with high power needs
- Wiring an EV charger (Level 2 or higher)
- Building a second story, basement conversion, or in-law suite
Even if your panel isn’t at max capacity now, these additions could tip it over the edge. Don’t wait for flickering lights or a failed inspection—get ahead of the issue with expert guidance from McCarthy Electric.
Local, Licensed, & Highly Trained
You’re not just hiring an electrician—you’re partnering with a trusted, Tesla-certified, Generac-affiliated, and Qmerit-vetted electrical contractor. Our team brings:
- Over 25 years of experience in Washington homes
- Factory training in EV load balancing, smart panel tech, and custom heating systems
- Local expertise in Snohomish and King County permitting and safety codes
- Technicians committed to continuing education and up-to-date certification requirements
Serving the Lynnwood area and beyond—including Lake Stevens, Marysville, Everett, and Snohomish—we’re proud to be the electricians homeowners recommend to their neighbors.
Your Panel Upgrade, Your Way
Every home is unique—and so is every upgrade. Whether you need a full panel replacement or a subpanel added for an addition, we offer tailored options:
- 200-Amp Panel Upgrades for modern whole-home coverage
- Subpanel Installations for detached garages or ADUs
- Smart Panels for energy monitoring and load optimization
- Dedicated Circuits for hot tubs, wall ovens, or workshop equipment
We’ll walk you through every choice with transparency and answer all your questions along the way.
What Sets McCarthy Electric Apart?
We’re not just licensed electricians—we’re your reliable partners during home expansion projects. Here’s what makes our service different:
- Emergency Availability 24/7: Because electrical issues don’t follow a schedule.
- High-Tech, Low-Damage Approach: We minimize impact to your finished walls and surfaces.
- Same-Day Troubleshooting Available: For time-sensitive concerns.
- Backed by Certifications: Our technicians are Tesla-certified and trained in advanced smart systems.
We don’t cut corners. We plan ahead, wire safely, and power your home for the long haul.
Take the Next Step: Get a Free Estimate
An electrical panel upgrade is one of the smartest—and safest—investments you can make during a home addition. Whether you’re mid-project or just planning, our team can guide you from inspection to install, with no pressure and no fluff.
Call us at 425-877-5572
Or schedule your free consultation directly through our Contact Page
FAQ: Electrical Panel Upgrades
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most panel upgrades for home additions are completed in 1–2 days, including coordination with your local utility and city inspection scheduling.
Do I need a panel upgrade if I’m only adding a small room?
Possibly. Even small additions can overload an older panel—especially if new circuits are needed. We provide free load calculations to help you decide.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Costs vary based on amperage, permits, and project scope. Most residential upgrades range from $2,500 to $5,000+, depending on your needs. Ask us for a quote—you’ll get a detailed estimate, not a ballpark guess.
Learn More
Explore related services and build your ideal electrical upgrade plan:
- EV Charger Installation Services
- Panel Upgrades
- Home Electrical Remodels
Need expert help with your addition? Trust McCarthy Electric—the local electricians who power smart homes and safe expansions.
McCarthy Electric and Technologies, LLC
Reliable. Certified. Community-rooted.