In this blog, we have laid out 5 electrical Improvements to increase your home’s value
When it comes to improving a home’s value, most homeowners think of the obvious: fresh paint, a kitchen update, or a landscaping makeover. But one key element that’s often overlooked is the electrical system.
Think about it: in an age where we’re more dependent on tech devices than ever, an upgraded, efficient, and safe electrical system is a highly attractive selling point. Underneath the surface of your home lies the potential for substantial value addition, ready to be unlocked through sensible electrical improvements.
An Argument for Electrical Improvements For Your Home
Upgrading or repairing your home’s electrical system is an investment that increases your property’s value while also improving your safety and functionality. A modern, well-maintained electrical system is the rebuttal to the common perception that older homes are more of a financial burden than they’re worth.
So, whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or looking towards future resale value, here are five electrical improvements you can make to increase your property’s worth.
1 – Electrical Panel Upgrade
An electrical panel upgrade is a major improvement that should be a topmost priority when trying to increase the value of a property. A home’s electrical panel, often hidden away in a utility room or basement, is the heart of the electrical system. It regulates the distribution of electricity to the various circuits within the house. Older properties often have outdated electrical panels, which are unsafe and insufficient for modern electrical needs.
An upgraded electrical panel provides the capacity to support contemporary electrical appliances and systems, i.e., HVAC units, electric car chargers, home automation systems, and more. As more homes become “smart,” an upgraded panel remains crucial for accommodating these energy demands.
Regarding safety, old electrical panels bring serious fire hazards due to overheating or overloading. Upgrading to a newer, safer panel puts prospective buyers at ease, knowing the home is safe.
The costs of an electrical panel upgrade vary; the home’s size and the installation’s complexity are two factors that determine the cost. However, it’s a small price to pay for the immense value and safety benefits.
2 – Energy-Efficient Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting is another sensible way to increase your home’s worth while reducing your energy bills simultaneously. Replacing outdated incandescent light bulbs with LED or CFL alternatives will reduce energy consumption by up to 80 percent.
Energy-efficient lighting adds value to a home by minimizing its carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency. Additionally, modern LED lights offer more than cost savings; they are available in various colours and can be dimmed or controlled through voice commands or smartphone apps.
Energy-efficient lighting, particularly LED lights, affords various applications beyond general home illumination. They’re now commonly used in outdoor lighting, creating inviting and safe outdoor spaces. LED lights are also employed in accent lighting, highlighting specific areas or features to create a more dynamic space. They’re a perfect fit for task lighting in workspaces or kitchen areas, providing a focused, bright light without generating excessive heat.
Unlike traditional lighting, LED lights have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of bulb replacement. This translates into would-be savings over time. They also produce less heat than incandescent and halogen bulbs, curbing energy wastage, reducing fire risks, and contributing to a cooler home environment.
Another added perk is their flexibility in terms of colour variation and control. Unlike traditional bulbs, LED lights come in various colours and brightness settings. You can pair them with smart home systems, allowing homeowners to control intensity, colour, and on-off schedules using a smartphone or voice assistant. You don’t get this adaptability with traditional lighting systems, making energy-efficient lighting a fun, functional, and eco-friendly choice for modern homes.
3 – Home Automation Systems
Speaking of smart home systems, integrating a home automation system into a property adds value in more ways than one. A home automation system uses technology to control various aspects of a home, including but not limited to lighting, temperature control, security systems, and entertainment systems.
Home automation appeals to prospective buyers because it offers convenience, efficiency, and enhanced safety. For instance, homeowners may control their home’s lighting, temperature, and security systems from their smartphones or smart speakers. It’ll eliminate the burden of having multiple remote controls and reduce energy wastage by allowing homeowners to turn off lights or adjust the thermostat remotely.
Home automation also adds value through improved safety features. A smart home system enables property owners to monitor their homes 24/7, receive security alerts, and even remotely lock doors or turn off appliances. This level of control and protection is highly appealing to prospective buyers, making it a valuable addition to a property.
4 – Electric Car Charging Station
As electric vehicles become more mainstream, homes with electric car charging stations are becoming increasingly desirable. The presence of an EV charging station in your home adds value by providing convenience and reducing reliance on public charging stations.
While it’s true that EV home charging installation costs can be high, the long-term cost savings and added value to a property outweigh the initial investment. Installing an electric car charging station also showcases a homeowner’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. This appeals to prospective buyers concerned about their carbon footprint and hopes to reduce their environmental impact.
5 – Surge Protection
Power surges are a common culprit for electrical damage in homes. They occur when there is a sudden spike in the electrical current, often caused by lightning strikes or power fluctuations from the utility company. These surges ultimately damage appliances and electronics, corresponding to costly repairs or replacements. Installing surge protection in a home adds value by protecting expensive electronics and appliances.
Surge protectors are a line of defence between your electronics and any excess voltage. They function by utilizing a metal oxide varistor (MOV) component, designed to conduct significantly more electricity when voltage exceeds a certain level, absorbing the surge.
When a power surge occurs, the excess electrical energy is redirected to the MOV, protecting the connected devices from damage. But be reminded that all surge protectors have a lifespan, and their ability to absorb surges diminishes over time. Replacing them periodically makes sense if you want continued protection of your electronics and appliances.
Last Thoughts On Home Electrical Improvements
Investing in electrical improvements is smart and strategic if you hope to increase your property’s value. Each of these upgrades, from energy-efficient lighting to home automation and surge protection, improves the home’s functionality and safety and appeals to today’s buyers’ contemporary lifestyle expectations and environmental consciousness.
The beauty of these improvements is their dual function. They offer immediate benefits to current occupants by reducing energy bills and offering convenience and safety while promising a higher return on investment should you decide to sell the property. If you are looking for electrical home improvements then give Gladiator Electric a call and we can set up a virtual estimate.
Mike has been in the industry since 2000 and is the owner of Gladiator Electric. After working for local Bergen County established electrical contractors and completing a 5 year state-sanctioned apprenticeship program, Mike become a foreman for a large company where he remained for over a decade. As an accomplished Martial artist in Brazilian jiu jitsu , Muay Thai & boxing Mike has learned focus, tolerance, fairness, humbleness, discipline and personal growth.
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