The 4 Problems Homeowners Face When Bringing Electrical Up to Code

You’re finally ready to tackle that remodel or bring your home’s electrical system up to date when you hear the phrase “not up to code.” Suddenly, what started as an exciting project feels like a pop quiz you didn’t study for.

Most homeowners don’t realize how often electrical codes change, or how many older homes in Central Iowa are quietly living in the past when it comes to safety standards. It’s not about doing something wrong; it’s just that homes age, and what was perfectly acceptable decades ago isn’t always safe today.

The truth is, bringing a home’s electrical up to code can uncover a few surprises along the way. The top problems homeowners face when bringing electrical up to code are:

• Surprise violations discovered during remodels
• Outdated panels that can’t keep up with modern living
• DIY fixes or hidden wiring issues from past owners
• Constantly changing electrical codes that create confusion

Problem #1: Surprise Code Violations During Remodels

You’d think tearing into a wall would be the messy part of a remodel, but sometimes the real mess is what’s hiding inside it. Old wiring, missing junction boxes, mystery splices… it’s like a time capsule from the days when avocado-green appliances were the height of luxury.

Most homeowners don’t find out about code issues until work is already underway. And by then, fixing them can delay the project, eat up the budget, and make you wonder why you ever wanted an open concept kitchen in the first place.

The good news: you can avoid most of these surprises with a quick pre-project electrical check. A licensed electrician can spot outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or missing safety devices before demo day, giving you a clear picture of what’s ahead.

It’s kind of like getting a home inspection before you buy a house, a little bit of planning that saves a lot of stress, drywall dust, and eye-twitching later on.

Problem #2: Outdated Panels and Overloaded Circuits

If your home was built back when microwaves were considered space-age technology, your electrical panel might be living in the past too. Many older homes were designed to handle a fraction of the power we use today, long before air fryers, gaming consoles, and half a dozen chargers per room became standard.

When panels or circuits are outdated, they can struggle to keep up. You might notice lights that flicker, breakers that trip for no reason, or a faint burning smell that makes you want to unplug everything. These are warning signs your system is working overtime.

The simple fix? Upgrading your electrical panel. A modern panel not only keeps your home up to code, but it also gives your electrical system the breathing room it needs to handle modern life safely.

Think of it like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone. Your old one technically worked, but it couldn’t handle streaming, navigation, and a group chat at the same time. A new panel can.

Problem #3: DIY Fixes and Hidden Violations

Every electrician has a story that starts with, “You’re not going to believe what we found behind this wall.” Sometimes it’s harmless, like a soda can from 1984. Other times, it’s a live wire wrapped in electrical tape and hope.

Many older homes have been through multiple owners, and not all of them called a licensed electrician when something stopped working. From double-tapped breakers to wires twisted together without connectors, DIY “fixes” might look fine on the surface but quietly break code (and sometimes start fires).

The problem is, you usually don’t find these hidden violations until something stops working, an outlet sparks, or a home inspection brings them to light.

You don’t always know there’s a problem until something flickers, pops, or a home inspector raises an eyebrow. That’s why it helps to have a pro take a look once in a while, not to judge, just to make sure your home’s wiring is as dependable as you think it is.

Think of it like a dental cleaning for your house. You don’t skip it because you expect bad news, you do it to make sure everything stays strong, safe, and smiling.

Problem #4: Constantly Changing Codes

Electrical codes aren’t set in stone. They evolve every few years as technology changes and safety standards improve. That’s great for keeping homes safe, but it can feel like the rules shift just when you’ve finally figured them out.

One city might adopt new code updates right away, while another takes a year or two to catch up. Add in the fact that Iowa towns can have their own local twists, and it’s easy to see why homeowners get frustrated trying to make sense of it all.

Here’s the truth: no one expects you to keep up with every new requirement. That’s literally our job. Licensed electricians spend hours staying current on the latest codes so you don’t have to. We know what’s changed, what applies to your home, and what can wait until your next upgrade.

You focus on designing your space and picking out the perfect light fixtures. We’ll handle the boring (but important) rulebook part.

Your Next Steps

Electrical codes can sound intimidating, but they’re really just a roadmap for keeping your home safe. They exist to protect your family, your investment, and your peace of mind.

If you’ve discovered your home isn’t up to code, don’t panic. Most fixes are simple once you know what’s going on. The key is understanding what’s urgent, what can wait, and what might even save you money or hassle later on.

At Integra Electrical, our goal is to make that process clear and stress-free. We work with homeowners every day to identify what needs updating and explain it in a way that actually makes sense.

If you’re not sure where to start, take advantage of our Free Home Safety Assessment. It’s a quick, no-pressure way to learn where your home stands and what improvements will bring it safely up to code.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my home is up to code?

If your home hasn’t had electrical updates or inspections in the last 20 years, there’s a good chance it’s not fully up to today’s standards. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it’s worth checking before starting any remodels or adding new appliances.

Does “not up to code” mean my home is dangerous?

Not always. It just means something in your electrical system doesn’t meet the current safety standards. Some issues are minor, while others are worth fixing sooner rather than later.

How often do electrical codes change?

Every three years. Updates are designed to improve safety and reflect modern technology. In other words, the code evolves just like everything else.

What happens if I ignore electrical code issues?

You might be fine for a while, but hidden problems can lead to bigger issues later, like failed home inspections, insurance headaches, or even electrical fires. It’s usually cheaper and easier to handle them before they become emergencies.

How much does it cost to bring a home up to code?

It depends on what’s found. Some fixes are simple and inexpensive, like adding grounded outlets. Others, such as panel upgrades, cost more but make your system safer and more reliable for decades to come.