A kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home. But in many older Los Angeles homes, there's an important question to answer before the new cabinets and appliances go in: can your electrical service handle it?

Many homes built before the 1980s still have 100-amp electrical service, and some older homes have even less. That was plenty when a kitchen had a refrigerator, a range, and a few outlets. Today's kitchens ask a lot more of your electrical system, and in most kitchen remodels we do in older homes, upgrading to 200-amp service is necessary.

Why today's kitchens need more power

A modern kitchen often includes several high-demand appliances that each need their own circuit:

• Induction or electric ranges and cooktops
• Wall ovens and speed ovens
• Dishwashers and garbage disposals
• Built-in microwaves and range hoods
• Refrigerators, wine coolers, and beverage centers
• Under-cabinet lighting and more countertop outlets

On top of the kitchen, many homeowners are also adding air conditioning, an EV charger, a heat pump water heater, or a laundry upgrade. Each one adds load to the same panel.

What code requires in a remodeled kitchen

When a kitchen is remodeled with permits, it has to meet current electrical code. In general, that means:

• At least two dedicated 20-amp circuits for countertop outlets
• Dedicated circuits for major appliances like the dishwasher, disposal, and microwave
• GFCI and AFCI protection where required
• Countertop outlets spaced so no point along the counter is too far from one
• Energy-efficient lighting that meets California's Title 24 standards

An older 100-amp panel often doesn't have the space or the capacity for all of these new circuits.

An older electrical service like this one is a common sign that a home will need a panel upgrade as part of a kitchen remodel.

Signs your panel may need an upgrade

• Your home has 100-amp service or less
• Breakers trip when you run the microwave and toaster at the same time
• Lights dim when large appliances turn on
• Your panel has no open spaces, or uses double-tapped breakers
• You have an older panel brand or fuse box
• You're planning to add an induction range, AC, an EV charger, or an ADU

What a 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade involves

1. Load calculation. We figure out how much power your home will need after the remodel.
2. Permits. The upgrade is permitted with the City along with the rest of the kitchen work.
3. Utility coordination. We coordinate with your utility, such as LADWP or Southern California Edison, for the service change and disconnect/reconnect.
4. New panel and service. The new panel, meter, and service equipment are installed, along with the new kitchen circuits.
5. Inspection. The City inspects the work before power is fully restored.

Planning the panel upgrade at the start of the project keeps the schedule on track and avoids surprises halfway through.

After: the new 200-amp service and meter outside, and the new panel inside with every circuit clearly labeled.

Blueprint Builders handles the upgrade for you

When you remodel your kitchen with Blueprint Builders, you don't need to hire a separate company for the electrical work. We handle the panel upgrade as part of your complete kitchen remodel, along with design, permits, utility coordination, and construction. One team, one contract, and one schedule, from the first sketch to the final inspection.

Planning a kitchen remodel?

Blueprint Builders is a licensed, bonded, and insured design-build general contractor (CSLB #841284) serving Los Angeles since 2004. Call us at (310) 751-6444 or email hello@blueprintbuilders.com to schedule a consultation. We'll look at your kitchen, your existing electrical service, and what it will take to bring both up to today's standards.

This article is general information. Electrical requirements depend on your home, your appliances, and current code, so every project needs its own load calculation and permit review.