A fancy new bathroom, a kitchen with all the mod cons – these are the things many Australians think of when it comes to increasing the value of their home. The same goes for applying a fresh lick of paint or some nice new landscaping.
No doubt these can increase a home’s appeal, but they are big, costly renovations to make. And because these are what come easily to mind, they cause many homeowners to overlook small, simple upgrades they should do as well.
Electrical upgrades count among the latter. Even just a few small upgrades can make your home surprisingly more appealing, valuable, and even safer. This article will explore some of the most prudent electrical upgrades that Australian homeowners should consider making.
Table of Contents
1- The Circuit Breaker Panel
Faulty, overloaded, or even just old electrical systems can be dangerous to anybody inside the house. They increase the risk of fires and shocks.
One key component to upgrade to improve safety is the circuit breaker panel. Changing this also gives you the chance to increase your home’s electrical capacity, which means you can power more appliances.
However, the dangers involved mean that this is not an upgrade you can do yourself. It is best left to the pros, so call in a qualified electrician or a firm such as Aussie Electrical.
2- GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets are another upgrade which can make your home safer. Their purpose is to prevent shocks in wet environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers can also be a good investment for safety. They help prevent the causes of electrical fires.
3- LED Lighting
As well as keeping your home safe, upgrading your electrical items can make it more energy efficient. Swapping incandescent or fluorescent bulbs for LED ones does this and they are also brighter and longer lasting.
Well-lit spaces can be very appealing to visitors and potential buyers.
4- Electric Vehicle Charging
Many homeowners are unsure whether this is a worthy investment as we seem to have been promised that electric vehicles would be the next big thing for a long time now, yet their adoption has been slow and modest.
However, electric vehicles are still the frontrunner as an eco-friendly personal transport solution. It looks likely that people will eventually switch to them, and perhaps part of the reason they haven’t is because of the lack of charging stations. Installing your own one now could be a big selling point in the future.
5- A Video Doorbell
These are a relatively inexpensive and easy upgrade, and they are rapidly becoming an expected feature of modern homes in some countries. In others, they are a nice perk that is great for security and convenience.
Companies are starting to introduce other products which complement these and increase their functionality too. For example, smart locks can recognize familiar faces from the video doorbell camera and unlock the door automatically.
Upgrading the electrics around your household can enhance your property’s value while also making your home safer, more efficient, and more convenient while you are occupying it. Some upgrades you can make are fast and affordable, but remember to practise electrical safety and leave complicated jobs to qualified electricians.
Read Next: 5 Ways Lighting Upgrades Can Increase Your Homes Values
