Do Older Homes in Colorado Springs Need Electrical Upgrades Before Remodeling?

Published on

February 17, 2026

Do Older Homes in Colorado Springs Need Electrical Upgrades Before Remodeling?

If you own a home built in the 70s, 80s, or 90s in Colorado Springs and you’re planning a remodel, this question should come up early:

Do we need to upgrade the electrical before we start?

The short answer?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes absolutely yes.

And ignoring it can derail your project halfway through construction.

Let’s walk through what actually matters.

Why Electrical Comes Up During Remodeling

Remodeling today isn’t just new cabinets and paint.

Modern homes demand more power than they did 30–40 years ago:

Larger refrigerators
Double ovens
Induction cooktops
Tankless water heaters
EV chargers
Heated floors
Home offices
Smart home systems

Older electrical systems weren’t designed for that load.

When you remodel — especially kitchens, bathrooms, or basements — your electrical system gets stress-tested.

That’s when limitations show up.

The Age of Colorado Springs Housing Stock

A significant portion of homes in Colorado Springs were built between 1970 and 1995. Many of them have:

100-amp panels
Limited kitchen circuits
No dedicated appliance lines
Minimal exterior outlets
Outdated breaker boxes

That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe. But it does mean they may not support modern upgrades without modification.

Signs You Likely Need an Electrical Upgrade

If you’re remodeling, here’s what we look for:

1. 100-Amp Service

Most modern remodels benefit from 200-amp service. If you're adding:

An EV charger
A hot tub
A finished basement
High-end kitchen appliances

A 100-amp panel can become overloaded quickly.

2. Full or Overcrowded Panel

If there’s no space for new breakers, you can’t add new circuits. Remodeling almost always requires new circuits.

3. Aluminum Branch Wiring

Some older homes used aluminum wiring. It’s not automatically dangerous, but it often requires remediation when updating.

4. Lack of GFCI / AFCI Protection

Current code requires updated safety protections in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and bedrooms.

If walls are opened during remodeling, upgrades may be required to meet code.

Why It’s Cheaper to Upgrade During a Remodel

Here’s the practical side.

When walls are already open:

Running new wire is easier
Labor is more efficient
Drywall patching is already planned
Inspections are already happening

Upgrading electrical after a remodel is finished?
That means reopening walls you just paid to close.

Doing it during construction is almost always more cost-effective.

When You Might Not Need an Upgrade

Not every older home requires major work.

You may not need an upgrade if:

You already have 200-amp service
The panel has space
Wiring is copper and in good condition
You’re not adding major appliances

A qualified electrician should evaluate the system before finalizing remodeling plans.

Colorado Springs–Specific Considerations

There are local realities here:

Many homes at elevation require higher HVAC loads
Cold winters increase electric heating demand in some properties
EV adoption is increasing locally
Older neighborhoods may have service limitations from the utility

If you're planning long-term ownership, upgrading now may prevent headaches later.

The Bigger Picture: Remodeling Is About Infrastructure Too

Remodeling isn’t just cosmetic.

When you invest in your home, you’re investing in:

Safety
Capacity
Longevity
Resale value

Buyers notice updated panels. Inspectors flag outdated ones.

Electrical isn’t flashy — but it’s foundational.