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Electrical Upgrades to Consider in 2023

For condo and co-op owners who want to list their properties on the market or for those who want to build equity, electrical improvements should be high on the to-do list. Here are six upgrades that increase home value, and they also benefit quality of life for occupants. Many are updates that are relatively simple and low-cost to complete. You can do multiple upgrades simultaneously or tackle each one individually to make a property more appealing to residents looking for high-end units.

Install New Appliances

A high-demand upgrade

No matter how nice the rest of a kitchen is, if the appliances aren’t new, it will look outdated and sad. Upgraded kitchen appliances aren’t just an aesthetic concern either; new appliances – especially refrigerators – can save on energy consumption and therefore lower utility bills.

Improving the kitchen is the ideal time to add extra appliances for a touch of luxury, like:

• – Separate wine and produce refrigerators
• – Trash compactors
• – Double ovens
• – Microwave and convection ovens
• – Range hoods
• – Built-in espresso machines

A quick perusal of online home tours will reveal another popular installation: in-unit washer and dryer. With even “starter” apartments offering this amenity, it’s absolutely vital for premium and luxury units. With many stackable, economy-sized, double-duty, and ventless models available, it’s easy to find something that can work in the smallest of spaces.

Add Smart Devices

Everything at your fingertips

The move to home hubs and centralized control of the home is gathering speed. Items that can be managed via a single device include:

• – Heating and air conditioning
• – Lighting
• – Security
• – Window treatments
• – Entertainment systems

Adding thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and a programmable smart thermostat lets anyone control heat, even when one commercial boiler is providing steam heat for the entire building.

Increase Security

Multiple options for safety

Many New York City residents are worried about safety, so adding security features to a condo or co-operative makes sense. Some of the most common additions we see are smart locks and doorbell cameras, as well as window alarm sensors.

Smart locks are particularly attractive to property managers, as they don’t require physical keys and can be reprogrammed any time new household staff are hired by an occupant or a unit turns over.

Modernize Lighting and Switches

Easy and inexpensive

When considering security upgrades, lighting should be an integral part of the plan. You don’t need to leave outside lights on 24/7, though, or worry about staff turning them on and off when you have options like photocells and motion sensor lights.

In addition to updating in-unit fixtures from standard generic ones, changing out switches is a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. Dimmer switches let users control the brightness in any room, which is perfect for dining areas, the kitchen at nighttime, and living spaces for entertaining and media viewing.

Innovative switch models now also offer integration with voice assistants like Google Nest and Alexa, plus ways to control a large room from just one spot. The aesthetic choices are virtually limitless to match any decor style and switch panel size.

Create Home Office Space

Remote-ready design

Although many people returned to office work in 2022, many others decided that working from home was preferable. Having a home office can make a condo for sale more appealing to folks who want to continue remote or hybrid work but must remain in the city per their employers.

You don’t need a separate room to create a home office; an alcove, nook, or converted double closet will work just as well. Some ways to give any condo or co-op an instant office space include:

• – Increase the number of outlets to accommodate office electronics.
• – Use built-in surge protectors with some outlets in case of power fluctuation.
• – Install upgraded internet connections for the fastest communication (including hardwired options).
• – Add multiple lighting choices for both reading and screen work.
• – Have sources of heating and cooling nearby, so the rest of the unit can be set for lower or higher settings to conserve energy while the occupant is comfortable at their desk.

Update Wiring and Electrical Supply

Essential electrical infrastructure

Of course, all of the improvements listed above require up-to-date electrical wiring and a safe, adequate power supply. Insufficient electrical infrastructure is a major reason why many co-operatives don’t allow in-unit laundry, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

This upgrade starts with making sure the electrical panel is sufficient for the job. Many old New York residences, especially pre-war buildings, still have outdated panels (some have even been recalled). Not only does this prevent proper wiring, but it can also pose a fire hazard if the panel malfunctions.

When an electrical panel is replaced, it’s a good time to consider associated upgrades, like replacing old wiring, adding outlets to get rid of dangerous power strips, and splitting up circuits to give high-demand appliances their own circuits. Because older buildings have thick walls and floors, we have tricks to avoid drilling into concrete and similar materials. Instead, we reroute wiring around a unit’s surface, disguising it with covers that can be painted to match walls and moldings.

If a building you manage or a unit you own is ready for electrical upgrades to add value to the property, Bolt Electric welcomes the opportunity to consult with you on the project. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 212-434-0098. We’ll help you plan for your improvements, select new items, and install them safely and quickly for years of future enjoyment – and more money in the bank come appraisal time.