By John Mikels, Contributing Reporter
During my conversation with Alexandr Godonoaga, the founder of Cob Services LLC, an electrician company located in Naperville, IL, he was not beginning with tools and specs. Instead, he was leaning in and saying a sentence that resonated with me.
“You’re not just preparing your home. You’re preparing your life to be a little out of rhythm—for a few days, sometimes a week. And that’s what makes the difference.”
With years in the business, Alexandr has assisted families modernize the electrical systems in their homes. He has literally wired everything from suburban ranch-style houses to multi-generational homes with a lot of character. And one of the paramount lessons he has learned is that the rewiring phase is not just a physical process. It is a deeply personal process.
“This is someone’s space. It’s their kitchen where they make coffee every morning, their living room where their kid took their first steps. And we’re coming in to take out pieces of it—no matter how insignificant it may be—wires behind the walls. That takes trust. And it takes preparation.”
“So, what kind of preparation can a homeowner do before a crew from Cob Services – or any esteemed electrical company arrives at the house?
1. Clear a Path—Literally
“Think of it like moving day,” Alexandr said. “You wouldn’t leave your couch blocking the door.”
Electricians require access to outlets, light switches, electrical panels, attics, and basements, and sometimes even crawlspaces. This requires moving furniture, shifting pictures off the walls, and sometimes even closet clear-outs. The more prep work you do, the more efficiently and respectfully the crew can navigate through your space.
2. Know That You’ll Be Living Without Power
Rewiring is not a minimalist process. Alexandr’s strategies for homeowners that need a full system refurb is to fully embrace ‘off-grid’ mode.
“Charge all your devices. Pre-cook any necessary meals. Think about your fridge, Wi-Fi, all lighting especially if there’s children or seniors in the house,” he adds.
Best of all, the process is made easier if the homeowner or residents vacate the house for parts of the day. A day at a friend’s, or a few hours at the park can make a world of difference.
3. Dust Will Find Its Way In
No matter how carefully the work is done, there’s no such thing as a dust-free rewiring. “We bring tarps. We clean up. But we’re cutting into walls and ceilings. It’s construction. Dust travels.”
Alexandr’s advice is simple: cover what you can, store away what you love, and don’t schedule a big dinner party the day after the crew leaves.
4. Talk to Your Family—Including the Furry Ones
One of the most unexpected challenges, he says, is how families—especially pets and young children—react to the disruption. “We’ve had dogs that bark nonstop, kids who get scared by the sound of drills or by us walking in with tool belts. It’s loud. It’s new.”
His tip? Give kids a simple explanation of what’s happening and why. And consider boarding pets or keeping them in a quiet room when possible.
5. Be Open About the Quirks of Your Home
Older homes often have stories tucked behind their walls—quick fixes, outdated DIYs, or hidden panels. “We love when homeowners tell us, ‘Hey, this wall was added later’ or ‘There’s something weird behind the fridge.’ It saves hours.”
Transparency upfront can save time, stress, and even money.
Before ending the call, Alexandr said something that sounded more introspective than a presentation soundbite, as though it were a daily mantra he tells himself.
“They don’t call us because something is wrong. They call us because—and this is the big one—ready. Ready for their home to finally be in sync with the life they want to live within.”
That form of readiness is not always flagrant. It may come in the form of a parent quietly decluttering a playroom, or an elderly homeowner anxiously observing the slow unveiling of decades of meticulous work. A fleeting look of the lights dimming, coupled with a glimpse of the muted excitement and anticipation as the real work begins, plays a role too.
Trust remains one of the key aspects that is often overlooked, as it is not only about the basics of load capacities, or what code upgrades are necessary. It is the trust that comes in giving over the walls that sheltered one in the pass, the walls that have kept laughter in, and saying, “make it stronger, please.”
In Alexandr’s eyes, there lies immense importance in each wire pulled or outlet replaced. It is a step towards the greater goal of restoring one’s tranquility, safeguarding future priceless moments, and enabling people to feel at home, within their walls and in the life those walls shield.
Preparing for a whole-house rewiring can be overwhelming. If that is the case, take a deep breath. Remove any obstacles that stand in your way. Seek any clarification that you need. While it may feel disruptive, you are actually making room for a safe environment. “If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Remove any obstacles that stand in your way. Seek clarification if you need it. If it feels disruptive, remember it’s for a safe environment. A safe environment for ‘everything ahead,” allows for rewiring of new possibilities.