Time for a Panel Upgrade?
Most Michigan homes built before 1990 have 60A or 100A electrical panels that weren't designed for modern loads. An upgrade to 150A or 200A service handles EV chargers, central air, additions, and prevents the breaker trips that signal an overloaded system.
Permit Pulled & Inspected
We handle the city permit, DTE coordination, and final inspection on every panel upgrade.
5 Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade
If any of these are happening in your home, your electrical panel is likely undersized or aging out. None of these go away on their own.
Breakers Trip Often
Breakers tripping multiple times a month means circuits are routinely overloaded.
Lights Dim or Flicker
Lights dimming when the AC, dryer, or oven turns on is a sign of insufficient capacity.
Pre-1990 Home
Most older Michigan homes have 60A or 100A panels that are undersized for today's loads.
Adding Major Loads
Planning an EV charger, hot tub, addition, or central AC? You likely need more capacity.
Failed Inspection
Selling your home and the inspection flagged the panel? Buyers and lenders often require an upgrade.
Pick the Right Service Size
Modern homes typically need 200A service. Smaller homes or condos may work with 150A. The right size depends on your home's square footage and what's plugged in.
What to Expect on Install Day
Most panel upgrades are completed in a single day. Here's exactly what happens, from first call to final inspection.
On-Site Assessment
We evaluate your current panel, total load, and what you're trying to support. You get a firm estimate.
Permit & Coordination
We pull the electrical permit from your city and coordinate any power cut with DTE Energy.
Panel Replacement
Power off, old panel out, new panel in, all circuits relabeled and tested. Typically 6 to 8 hours.
Final Inspection
City inspector signs off on the work. We file the documentation with your home records.
What Drives the Real Cost
Tier pricing above is typical, but every home is different. These five factors determine where your estimate lands within the range, and which DTE rebates may apply.
What Changes the Estimate
Service Size
100A, 150A, 200A, or 400A. Larger service = larger panel, wire, and meter base.
Panel Location
Panels in tight basements or detached garages take longer than open utility rooms.
Service Mast & Meter
If the outdoor mast or meter base needs replacement, factor that into the scope.
City Permit Fees
Vary by city. Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Livonia, Southfield, and Troy all differ.
Add-On Work
Whole-home surge protection, grounding upgrades, or sub-panel additions if needed.
DTE Energy & Federal
Stacked Incentives Available
If your upgrade enables EV charging, heat pump, or other electrification, multiple rebates may apply.
Panel Upgrade Questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential panel upgrades are completed in a single day, typically 6 to 8 hours of on-site work. Power is off for most of that window. The full process (assessment to inspection) takes 1 to 2 weeks once the permit is filed.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes. Every Michigan city requires an electrical permit for panel upgrades. IB Electric pulls the permit, coordinates with DTE Energy, and handles the final inspection. You don't file anything yourself, and the work is signed off in your home records.
Will my power be off the whole day?
Power is off for most of the install day, typically 4 to 6 hours of the 6 to 8 hour window. We schedule with DTE Energy to cut and restore power at specific times. Plan ahead for refrigeration and any medical equipment that needs continuous power.
Will a panel upgrade increase my home value?
Yes, especially in older homes. Buyers and home inspectors flag undersized or outdated panels, and lenders sometimes require an upgrade as a condition of closing. A modern 200A panel typically recovers most of its cost at resale and removes a major inspection liability.
What brand of panel do you install?
IB Electric installs Square D, Eaton, and Siemens panels by default, depending on availability and what fits your home best. All are major manufacturers with strong parts availability and long-term breaker compatibility. If you have a preference, let us know during the assessment.
Does insurance cover a panel upgrade?
Homeowner's insurance typically does not cover a panel upgrade as preventive maintenance. It may cover replacement after fire, lightning, or storm damage. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts after older panels (Federal Pacific, Zinsco) are replaced. We provide itemized invoices for any claim or discount paperwork.
Can you finance a panel upgrade?
Yes. IB Electric offers financing options for panel upgrades and other major electrical work, including same-as-cash promotional terms for qualified applicants. See our financing page for current offers, or ask during your assessment.
Get an Estimate.
We'll come out, look at your current panel and total load, and give you a firm estimate. No surprises on install day. Licensed Master Electrician on every job.