If 2020 is the year you decide to sell your home, then making a few upgrades to your home’s electrical system could help boost the listing price. Here are a few simple electrical issues to resolve before putting your home on the market.
1. 2-Prong Outlets
Two-prong outlets are a relic of the 1900s. They’re a better fit for a museum exhibition on the history of electrical systems than in a home for sale in the 21st century. Most modern gadgets use 3-prong charging cords and prospective buyers will expect your home’s electrical system to meet those demands.
2. Insufficient Outlets
A typical household has over a dozen electronic gadgets, from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to video game consoles and smartwatches. When you add in appliances, then you can easily see why one or two outlets per room is just not enough. Americans today need multiple outlets in each room, including the bathroom and kitchen. Make sure your home has enough outlets in each room.
3. Outdated Circuit Breaker Panels
If your home’s wiring has not been updated since the 60s then you may have an outdated, recalled, improperly modified or even undersized circuit breaker panel. Prospective homebuyers will steer clear of homes that have not had any electrical upgrades in over 50 years, so be sure to have this taken care of.
4. Lack of GFCIs
Areas of the house that have running water, such as the bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement and laundry room, should have GFCI, or ground-fault circuit interrupter, outlets. GFCIs constantly monitor electricity flowing in a circuit, to sense any loss of current and prevent electrocution. Before the widespread adoption of GFCIs, an estimated 800 people died annually from electrocution in the U.S. Today, that number is about 200 deaths per year.
5. Antiquated Electrical Service
Modern homes should be able to handle 200 amps, rather than the traditional 60 amps in older homes. This higher capacity is meant to service the dozens of electronic gadgets and appliances used in households today.
If you have any questions about your home’s electrical system, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Blue Apple Electric team for expert advice and recommendations.