Most homeowners tend to overlook electrical systems and pay more attention to areas like roofing, plumbing, and flooring when improving home value.
While such upgrades are equally important, issues like old breaker panels and faulty wiring can be a major turn-off for potential buyers when selling the home.
Simple things like highlighting specific spots with proper lighting and positioning outlets strategically to boost functionality can make a huge difference.
This article compiles the top six electrical upgrades to increase your home value.
Upgrade the Switchboard or Electrical Panel
As technology advances, the need to buy more electric appliances increases, raising household energy consumption levels.
If your home has an old electric switchboard like porcelain and ceramic fuses, it may be struggling to withstand the ever-rising electricity demand.
As time goes on, it can break down, resulting in electrical fires.
This makes electrical distribution board upgrades a priority if you want to keep your home secure while increasing its value.
It is also a perfect way to save money as modern switchboards are more energy-efficient, enabling you to lower your monthly expenses.
Childproof Power Outlets
Childproofed electric outlets can be a major win, especially if your potential buyers are families with children.
This is an inexpensive way to let buyers see that you care about their kids’ safety and the entire family’s welfare.
Childproofing your power outlets may involve receptacle cover plates or other devices that hinder the kids from moving closer to power outlets and inserting objects into them.
Upgrade the Thermostat
Thermostats help regulate indoor temperatures automatically, especially when no one is home.
If your thermostat is outdated, it can read temperatures inaccurately and overwork your heating and cooling system.
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that can allow you to adjust temperature settings and include it in your home automation system.
You can regulate your smart thermostat from anywhere using your phone, tablet, or any other internet-connected device.
Shift to LED Lighting
The number of people seeking to save more on energy costs and lower their carbon footprint keeps rising.
This means you can attract a high-paying home buyer by installing energy-efficient lighting.
You can save up to 80% on your lighting cost when using LED lights compared to incandescent bulbs, halogens, and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).
With low energy usage, your home power bills will drastically drop.
LED bulbs last five times longer than other options, have flexible lighting designs, and are eco-friendly.
Rewire the Home
Some older homes have electrical systems that are beyond repair.
If you get a chance to break the walls, you will be shocked at how outdated and dangerous your wiring is.
Electrical codes call for an urgent replacement of such systems.
This will not only improve your home value but also help prevent fire hazards.
Install a Home Surge Protection System
Power surges happen more often and when you least expect them.
A power spike can damage all your appliances, including refrigerators, coffee makers, dishwashers, television, and more, without a proper home surge protection system.
Electricians often mount whole-house surge protectors between the home’s community power grid and circuit breaker panel.
Once activated, the surge protector controls the flow of current to electrical appliances and devices throughout the house.
The best electrical upgrades can boost your home’s return on investment by a significant margin.
It also gives you and your family peace of mind, knowing that you have secured the home from fire hazards.
Install an Backup Generator
A backup generator can provide peace of mind during power outages and can be a valuable selling point for potential buyers.
A backup generator is a system that provides electricity to your home during a power outage.
It can be powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel fuel, and can provide electricity to your home’s essential systems, such as the refrigerator, furnace, and sump pump.
Install a Charging Station for Electric Vehicles
As more people switch to electric vehicles, having a charging station installed in your garage or driveway can make your home more desirable to potential buyers.
Installing a charging station can be a relatively easy electrical upgrade that can add value to your home.
Install a Home Automation System
A home automation system can make your home more convenient and energy-efficient, which can be an attractive feature for potential buyers.
This type of modern or “smart” control system can allow you to control lighting, temperature, security, and more from your smartphone or tablet.
Finally, as you upgrade your electrical systems, ensure you also upgrade to modern and energy-efficient appliances to lower energy wastage.