Your home's service is how much power it can draw from the grid, set by the main breaker and the utility connection. Older homes often have 60-amp or 100-amp service. Modern homes — with central air, EV charging, heat pumps, and lots of appliances — increasingly need 200 amps, and 60-amp service is now often inadequate.
$2,000–4,000+ to upgrade to 200-amp serviceAddress soonElectrical
Why it matters
Two reasons. Capacity — a 60-amp service can struggle with a modern electrical load, and even 100 amps can be tight if you plan to add an EV charger or a heat pump. And insurance — many insurers will not write a policy on a home with 60-amp service (and some are wary of older 100-amp setups), which can also complicate your mortgage. Upgrading is a planned cost, and it sometimes requires coordinating with the utility.
How to spot it
Read the main breaker rating in the panel — it'll say 60, 100, or 200. A small old panel or an actual fuse box (round screw-in fuses rather than breakers) usually means 60-amp and dated equipment. Ask the home's age and whether the service has ever been upgraded.
What it costs
Upgrading to 200-amp service typically runs $2,000–4,000+, and more if the utility service drop, meter base, grounding, or panel location also need work, or if the service is underground.
What to do
Address soon. Confirm the service size and whether it meets your plans (an EV charger or heat pump pushes you toward 200 amps). Check insurability — especially for 60-amp — before you remove your conditions. Have a Licensed Electrical Contractor quote the upgrade, which is done under an ESA permit and inspection, and factor it into your offer.
Education and triage, not a home inspection. Casaroo flags a likely small or old service from panel photos — a Licensed Electrical Contractor confirms the rating and what an upgrade involves. We flag; we don't inspect.
Common questions
What is Undersized electrical service (60/100-amp)?
Your home's service is how much power it can draw from the grid, set by the main breaker and the utility connection. Older homes often have 60-amp or 100-amp service. Modern homes — with central air, EV charging, heat pumps, and lots of appliances — increasingly need 200 amps, and 60-amp service is now often inadequate.
Why does it matter for home buyers?
Two reasons. Capacity — a 60-amp service can struggle with a modern electrical load, and even 100 amps can be tight if you plan to add an EV charger or a heat pump. And insurance — many insurers will not write a policy on a home with 60-amp service (and some are wary of older 100-amp setups), which can also complicate your mortgage. Upgrading is a planned cost, and it sometimes requires coordinating with the utility.
How can I spot it?
Read the main breaker rating in the panel — it'll say 60, 100, or 200. A small old panel or an actual fuse box (round screw-in fuses rather than breakers) usually means 60-amp and dated equipment. Ask the home's age and whether the service has ever been upgraded.
How much does it cost to fix?
Upgrading to 200-amp service typically runs $2,000–4,000+, and more if the utility service drop, meter base, grounding, or panel location also need work, or if the service is underground.
Insurer requirements vary — confirm coverage with your broker and have a Licensed Electrical Contractor assess the service. Casaroo flags, it does not inspect.
Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
This guide is general education, not a home inspection and not advice for your specific property — always
consult the appropriate licensed professional, and get a licensed home inspection before you remove conditions
or buy. Cost ranges are 2026 estimates that vary by region, size, and access; confirm specifics with a
qualified professional.