When it comes to selling your house, there are many commonly known upgrades that can both increase the value of your home as well as make it more appealing to potential buyers. These upgrades usually focus around the kitchen, bathrooms, or “curb appeal”. However, there are many other types of upgrades that can also raise the value of your home. Let’s explore the top 5 ways an electrician can increase the value of your home.
Replace your Old Switches and Outlets
One of the easiest and least expensive upgrades is replacing the switches and outlets. Nothing says “old house” more than old, crusty, painted over switches and receptacles on the walls. Replacing these old devices with new models can help make an old home look new. It will also give your home a more contemporary look. Especially when decora switches or new USB outlets are used. You will also get the added benefit of not only a safer electrical system, but GFCI protection and tamper proof outlets for child safety.
An Electrician Can Offer Energy Saving Suggestions
We all know that a home with energy saving features is attractive to buyers. Why not discuss energy saving options with an electrician? Because they are not trying to sell you a product, you can have confidence in their unbiased advice.
Lighting Design and Upgrades Make a Big Impact
A professional electrician and lighting contractor can assist you in achieving a beautiful lighting plan, inside and outside your home. Updated lighting such as LED Lighting, Ceiling Fans, Dimmer Switches and Outdoor Landscape Lighting can make a huge impact on potential buyers.
Upgrade Your Panel, Surge Protection, and Generators
Another upgrade that can drastically change the value of your house is the electrical panel and service. An old breaker or fuse panel is often cited for replacement by the buyer’s home inspector, as is an older and small electrical service. Home inspectors seem to always say that a house should have a 200-amp service these days and will cite that as a required upgrade on the inspection report. If you have an older panel, especially if it’s the Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand, the inspector will also cite that for replacement. Often times homeowner’s insurance companies will not cover a newly bought house if it has an FPE panel in it.
This is when I get the phone call from the buyer. They tell me that the home inspector cited a panel or 200-amp service upgrade in a house they are looking to purchase, and they would like me to give them an estimate to upgrade it. They will then use that estimate to negotiate a lower price on the house. The sellers will often make the concession due to wanting to sell the house since they are already in contract negotiations with that buyer.
Live in a safer home and not have to deal with negotiations during the sale of the house
So that leads to the question, why wait until the sale? When I have a customer say “I was thinking about upgrading my electrical panel, but I may be selling the house in a few years” I always tell them that they are going to pay for the upgrade either way. The only difference is if they pay for it now, they will live in a safer home for the next few years, and not have to deal with negotiations during the sale of the house.
A licensed electrician can answer questions you may have regarding any of these topics. The right electrician can ensure that what you have is sufficient for your home.
Identify Uncertified Electrical Work
If you’re living in a previously owned home, you will want to consider this. Because many homeowners choose to do electrical work on their own homes, you may be living in a home with uncertified electrical wiring. We suggest hiring an electrician to ensure that all wiring in your home is certified, which in turn will increase the value and safety. Don’t worry about this if you’re house was brand new when you purchased it though, everything should be certified.
In the end, anything that can make your house safer is a good idea. The added benefit that it might make the house more valuable or easier to sell is just an added benefit.
Phoenix Electrical is NW Georgia’s Top Rated Electrical & Lighting Contractor. We are licensed Master Electricians, located in Calhoun GA, we are readily available to handle all of your electrical needs promptly and efficiently. Our electricians are in your area to provide you with a convenient, fast and reliable service. We specialize in serving owners of residential and commercial properties. Call Phoenix Electrical at 706-607-6332 for more information.
