Chicago’s Multi-Generational Housing Boom Creates Urgent Need for Electrical Panel Upgrades as Families Age in Place

Chicago is experiencing an unprecedented surge in multi-generational living arrangements, with 17% of all home buyers purchasing a multigenerational home between July 2023 and June 2024 – up from 14% the previous year. As more families choose to age in place while accommodating multiple generations under one roof, the electrical infrastructure of Chicago’s aging housing stock faces mounting pressure that demands immediate attention.

The Perfect Storm: Aging Homes Meet Modern Electrical Demands

25% of buyers purchased a multigenerational home to take care of aging parents, creating a scenario where nearly 57 percent of older adults are homeowners in Chicago, with over 83 percent in suburban Cook County. This demographic shift is occurring in homes that were never designed for today’s electrical loads.

Many older homes were built with 60-amp or 100-amp electrical service, which is often insufficient for today’s power demands. When you combine this with the reality that “these households are more likely to be taking on larger renovations and adding lifestyle-enhancing features to their homes”, the stage is set for electrical system failures.

Warning Signs Your Multi-Generational Home Needs Panel Upgrades

Multi-generational households face unique electrical challenges that manifest in several ways:

• Frequent circuit breaker trips due to overloaded circuits, short circuits, and ground faults
• Reliance on power strips and extension cords because the electrical system isn’t keeping up, with outdated panels lacking enough circuits to accommodate additional outlets
• Buzzing noises, slow device charging, non-functional outlets, and flickering lights pointing to overloaded circuits
• Burning smells or visible scorch marks around electrical panels indicating overheating due to faulty wiring, loose connections, or overworked systems

The Hidden Dangers of Delayed Upgrades

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical malfunctions are one of the leading causes of home fires in the U.S. For multi-generational households, this risk is amplified by increased electrical usage and the presence of vulnerable family members who may have mobility limitations during emergencies.

If your home is more than 30 years old, you may have an outdated electrical panel that’s not equipped to handle today’s power demands. Upgrading to a new panel can provide better safety and reliability, as well as greater capacity for modern appliances and electronics.

Specialized Electrical Planning for Aging-in-Place Features

Multi-generational homes require thoughtful electrical planning that goes beyond basic capacity upgrades. Installing motion-activated lighting can help prevent falls and accidents by providing better visibility in areas like hallways and stairwells, while upgrading to outlets with larger buttons or touch-activated switches can make life easier for family members with arthritis or other mobility issues.

Modern aging-in-place electrical upgrades should also include home automation systems that make it easier to control lighting, temperature, and security from one central location, especially helpful for people with limited mobility.

The Investment Reality: Costs and Benefits

Upgrading an electrical panel typically costs $2,000–$4,000, involving the cost of the panel itself, labor charges, and any necessary electrical work or rewiring. The exact cost depends on factors such as the size of the panel, the complexity of the installation, and local market rates.

However, electrical panel upgrades enhance home safety, efficiency and can increase resale value. For Chicago’s multi-generational households, this investment provides peace of mind and ensures the home can safely accommodate the electrical needs of multiple generations.

Professional Installation: A Non-Negotiable Requirement

Due to the risk and need for compliance with electrical codes, it’s recommended to hire a professional electrician for upgrades. When selecting an electrical contractor for your multi-generational home’s needs, look for companies that understand both the technical requirements of modern electrical systems and the unique challenges of aging-in-place modifications.

For Chicago homeowners facing these challenges, professional Electrical Panel Upgrades Chicago services can provide the expertise needed to safely modernize your home’s electrical infrastructure while accommodating the specific needs of multi-generational living.

Planning for the Future

As Chicago’s multi-generational housing trend continues to grow, proactive electrical planning becomes essential. Upgrading to a 200-amp electrical panel provides the capacity needed to run multiple appliances and devices simultaneously without overloading the system, and also future-proofs your home, allowing for the addition of electric vehicles, heat pumps, or other energy-efficient technologies.

The convergence of Chicago’s aging housing stock, growing multi-generational living trends, and increased electrical demands creates an urgent need for specialized electrical service planning. By addressing these challenges proactively, families can create safe, comfortable environments where multiple generations can thrive together for years to come.