Whether you are remodeling or looking for quick updates to you home, there is a good chance you’ve surfed the internet for inspiration. You find the perfect look, and BOOM! You see the price tag.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to upgrade the value of your home without breaking the bank. Here are a few projects you can do that will save you money while increasing the value of your home.
LED lighting is the most often recommendation electricians make to home and business owners alike. It’s the first logical project when you want to reduce your monthly bills and future maintenance costs. LED lamps in general could last upwards of 50,0000 hours while a standard bulb would only last around 1,000, saving you quite a bit in replacement costs, and they cost significantly less than standard bulbs to operate. If your home has air conditioning, your savings will go even further due to the reduction in power consumption by your AC to remove heating generated by lighting systems.
Ceiling fans. Yes, you read that correctly. Both decorative and functional, your home value is increased when you add ceiling fans to bedrooms and living spaces. when it comes to home value, fans help keep rooms cool in summer months, while circulating heat in the winter. The end result is a cut to your energy bill. The best part of this upgrade is your initial investment won’t cost much. Ceiling fans require a fan-rated electrical box, so contact a licensed electrician if you are installing one in a new location.
Switches and outlets. Replacing your outdated switches and receptacles is another inexpensive way to give your home a new look and feel. Like LED lighting, it’s also a great way to improve your homes efficiency.
Smart Home Automation. Smart home systems are now being factored into appraisals for home sales. Having devices such as smart thermostats, security systems, smart smoke detectors, and lighting systems will definitely make your life easier. However, from an electrician’s perspective, some smart home systems outdate themselves rather quickly. If you are going to invest in some type of smart home automation, we recommend leaning towards items like smoke detectors, outlets, and thermostats. The average lifespan of most smart devices is about 10 years, while smart outlets can go up to 25 years before requiring replacement.
Upgrade your panel. While obviously the most expensive project on this list, upgrading your panel is one electrical project which you don’t want to ignore as a homeowner. Older electrical panels used to have glass fuses, and when a circuit was overloaded, the fuse would blow. Today’s panels however, when a circuit is overloaded, a breaker trips and stops working until it is reset. This means homeowners may not even know when their circuit has been overloaded. In extreme cases, overloaded circuits can also cause serious damage like a fire. By having your panel assessed, and upgraded if needed, homeowners have the peace of mind knowing that in addition to increased efficiency, their home is safe electrically.