9 electrical upgrades that can increase the resale value of your home
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
There are plenty of obvious ways to boost the value of your home: replace those dated tiles in the kitchen, redo the deck, or repaint the weatherboards. Electrical upgrades are less obvious – but they can make a real impact on the resale value of your home.
How do power-related updates appeal to buyers? The experts at Hines Electrical have some ideas.
How electrical upgrades increase your house value
Despite the occasional slump, house prices in New Zealand never seem to drop for long. In such a tough market, many buyers are spending at the top of their range, so they’re looking for homes that are ready to live in – no big renovations or updates required.
That’s why updating or upgrading electrical components can be a positive. For buyers, modern heating, efficient lighting or newly-restored wiring are things they don’t need to worry about – or pay for – down the road.
Electrical upgrades to consider:
Level up to energy-efficient LED lighting
LED lights use around 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer, making them cheaper to run and gentler on the environment. Updating older lighting systems to LEDs is also a chance to add high-end features like dimmers or smart controls and redesign lighting layouts to better fit your home. Both energy savings and improved lighting design can make your home more appealing to buyers.
Upgrade your switchboard
Old switchboards aren’t designed to handle modern electricity needs, which can lead to overheating, blown fuses, melted components and even fires. Replacing your old power board is a simple way to reduce that risk and make sure your home is ready for future electricity needs. For buyers, an up-to-date switchboard is a sign that a house is set up for success – if they want to add solar panels or an electric car charger, they can.
Install energy-efficient heat pumps
New Zealanders used to struggle through winter with wood fires, fan heaters and woolly jumpers. Now, people expect more from their homes. Energy-efficient heat pumps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, without the effort of a fireplace or the power bills that come with plug-in heaters. Because they’re so popular with homeowners, heat pumps are some of the most cost-effective electrical upgrades you can make.
4. Invest in smart home technology
Imagine using a door code instead of a key, or switching on your heating before you get home. Smart home technology is increasingly popular with New Zealanders. Think internet-enabled door locks, alarms and cameras, lighting, heating and more. If you’re selling a home, investing in this type of technology could help it stand out, particularly to younger buyers.
Get RCDs installed
A residual current device (RCD) is a safety essential. An RCD will automatically disconnect the circuit and stop the flow of electricity if something goes wrong, like electricity escaping through a damaged appliance or a cut power lead. It means any electrical shocks will last only a split second, and faulty appliances will turn off, reducing the risk of fire. You’ll need one RCD for every three circuits in your switchboard – if you don’t have any installed, get a qualified electrician in as soon as possible. That way, you're protecting yourself, your house and any future owners.
Install a home EV charger
With roughly 130,000 electric or hybrid vehicles on New Zealand roads, a good chunk of Kiwi homeowners need a way to charge at home. You can charge a car with a standard wall plug, but many homes don’t have an outlet near their driveway or carport. Standard plugs are also much slower than purpose-built EV chargers, with some vehicles needing up to 24 hours to charge fully. Installing a home EV charging station is relatively simple – and could be a selling point for some buyers.
Replace old and outdated wiring
Old wiring can struggle to keep up with the needs of a modern home – plug in too many appliances, and it overloads. Even worse, it can overheat and cause fires, making it a serious safety hazard. In most cases, if your home hasn’t been rewired for 40+ years, it’s time for an update. Buyers will appreciate it.
Inspect and certify all electrical work
Certified work that’s up to code is a must if you’re selling a home (or even if you’re not). While recent work completed by a licensed electrician should be up to code already, double-check any DIY jobs done by you or previous owners. Get a certified electrician to come in, certify, and document, so you have a way to reassure buyers.
Consider installing solar panels
Solar panelling is a big investment that pays off in the long term, reducing your reliance on the public power grid and helping you save on energy costs. Many Kiwis like the idea of solar panels but can’t quite make the leap to installing them, which is why a home with panels already in place could be a winner.
Electrical upgrade FAQs
Which home electrical upgrades provide the best ROI?
The home electrical upgrades that offer the best return on investment tend to focus on energy efficiency and power savings, rather than appearance. Heat pumps are a good example, providing real value and appeal for a relatively small investment.
Is it worthwhile rewiring an old house?
Yes, it’s worth rewiring an old house before you sell. Old wiring can be inefficient and even dangerous, which can turn potential buyers off your property.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
In New Zealand, a switchboard upgrade costs between $1500-$3000, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the job. Talk to the Hines team to get an accurate quote.
Want to make your home sale-ready?
Thinking of selling your home? Don’t forget to put electrical upgrades on your to-do list. Rewiring, installing a heat pump, or updating your lights could make a real difference to your sale price.
Hines Electrical can help – talk to one of our qualified electricians today.
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