Electrical work in Los Angeles homes ranges from simple outlet additions to complete panel upgrades, whole-home rewiring, EV charger installation, and solar-ready electrical systems. California’s electrical code requirements — combined with LA’s aging housing stock — mean that many homeowners face electrical upgrades they were not expecting when they start a remodel or construction project. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) coordinates licensed electrical work as part of all full construction and remodeling projects across Greater Los Angeles.
Common electrical projects APLA handles in Los Angeles:
Panel upgrades are required for most ADU projects and any major remodel that adds significant electrical load (EV charger, HVAC upgrade, expanded kitchen).
EV charger demand in LA has surged. California Title 24 now requires EV-ready conduit in all new construction and major ADU projects.
Many LA homes built before 1980 have aluminum wiring or original knob-and-tube wiring that presents fire risk and insurance issues. Full rewiring is typically done during a major remodel when walls are open.
Several California code requirements affect electrical work in LA homes that homeowners should understand:
All significant electrical work in LA requires a permit from the applicable building department (LADBS for City of LA properties, separate departments for Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Monica, etc.). The permit process involves:
APLA coordinates all electrical permits as part of full construction projects. Work without permits violates California law, creates insurance exposure, and creates problems at resale.
A standard 100A to 200A panel upgrade in Los Angeles costs $3,500–$6,500 including permits and LADBS inspection. Upgrading to 400A service runs $5,000–$10,000. Panel upgrades are commonly required for ADU projects, EV charger installation, and homes adding significant new electrical load.
Yes. Installing a Level 2 EV charger (240V dedicated circuit) requires an electrical permit in Los Angeles. LADBS and other LA-area building departments process EV charger permits as part of standard electrical permit applications. APLA pulls all required permits for EV charger installations as part of project management.
Many LA homes built between 1965 and 1973 used aluminum branch circuit wiring, which expands and contracts more than copper, creating loose connections at outlets and switches that can cause arcing and fire. If your home has aluminum branch wiring (check your electrical panel or hire an electrician to assess), remediation options include CO/ALR compatible outlets, pig-tailing connections with approved connectors, or full rewiring. APLA evaluates aluminum wiring as part of any major remodel scope.
Electrical for a garage conversion ADU in Los Angeles typically costs $5,000–$10,000 including a dedicated sub-panel, all rough-in wiring, outlets, switches, lighting, and final fixtures. A detached new-construction ADU requires running electrical service from the main panel to the new structure, adding $2,000–$5,000 to the total, bringing costs to $8,000–$16,000.
California allows homeowners to perform electrical work on their own primary residence with a permit. However, work must pass inspection, and unlicensed electrical work on ADUs, additions, or remodels that will be permitted creates inspection risk. For any project managed by APLA, all electrical work is performed by or supervised by licensed electricians and inspected by the building department.
Yes. APLA coordinates licensed electrical subcontractors on all remodel, ADU, and construction projects throughout Greater Los Angeles. All electrical work is permitted and inspected. We do not perform standalone electrical-only service calls — electrical is part of our full construction project management.
Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, building an ADU, upgrading your panel for an EV charger, or doing a whole-home renovation, APLA coordinates all electrical work as part of your full project under one licensed contractor.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359
Serving all of Greater Los Angeles — Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Culver City, Pasadena, Glendale, Torrance, and beyond. Learn more about our electrical services.