Adding This One Upgrade Could Increase Your Home's Value By 5%
When the power goes out, your home can feel vulnerable. But what if a power outage could just be a minor inconvenience instead of a major disruption? While a flickering flashlight might get you through the night, getting your first generator installed can do so much more. It can keep your entire home up and running smoothly and safely just as if the power never went out. But upgrading to a standby generator is not just about convenience. It is a strategic investment that can really boost your home's value, making it more appealing and competitive in the real estate market once you are ready to list.
What makes a permanent standby generator a game-changer is that it is always on and ready. Unlike smaller, portable generators that you have to start manually (if you are even at home or awake when the outage or storm happens), a standby unit is a permanent fixture, connected directly to your home's electrical system. This means that when the power grid fails, an automatic transfer switch senses the outage and smoothly activates the generator within seconds. Generators can be powered by natural gas or even propane, and are a handy luxury every home could benefit from. This hands-off approach to continued power ensures your home stays comfortable and consistent regardless of where you are and helps you prepare for severe summer storms, outages, and other similar situations.
Why buyers pay more for a home with a generator
The true value of a standby generator is the undeniable peace of mind it provides. For potential buyers, it is a promise that their new home is prepared to handle anything. A generator keeps things like your air conditioner running during a storm, and even other systems like your furnace and fridge. This prevents thousands of dollars in potential damage from frozen pipes or the inconvenience of spoiled food. A generator also makes sure your home's vital security features stay up and running (like alarm systems or smart home cameras). This is a fantastic selling point for buyers focused on security, especially families.
No matter what the current real estate landscape looks like, a house with a powerful, useful feature like a dedicated generator will easily stand out. Plus, as severe weather events become more common and our reliance on technology grows, a generator ensures the home stays safe and fully usable. It tells buyers that the home is not only well-maintained but also built for resilience (which, honestly, is what every potential buyer wants to hear). Having a generator appeals to a broad range of buyers, like families wanting to maintain their daily routine, elderly couples needing to keep medical devices on, and even remote workers who need a steady connection to the internet. And what's more, a standby generator offers a unique marketing perk that can shorten a home's time on the market and make it more valuable.
Is a generator worth the investment?
It is worth noting that permanent standby generators are a fairly big investment, with the typical cost of a whole-home generator costing anywhere from about $1,500 to $8,800, according to Home Advisor. You will need to also consider the various costs that come with generators, like a concrete pad for installation, the automatic transfer switch, fuel, and professional fees for a licensed electrician and plumber; this is definitely not a DIY project. While the cost might feel like a kick in the pants, it helps to view it instead as a long-term investment in your property's future, if you have the budget for it.
Looking down the line, the return on investment (ROI) for a generator is a mix of tangible and intangible benefits. Understandably, that sounds complex, so think of it this way: a 5% boost in your home's value is a realistic figure, especially if you live in an outage-prone area. But the true financial gain is higher when you factor in prevented costs. So, the money saved from avoiding a flooded basement due to a failed sump pump or a hotel stay during a multi-day blackout can quickly add up; a generator can prevent that. And to maximize your ROI when you sell your house, keep detailed maintenance records and highlight the generator's features in your listing. By proving the system is well-cared for, you solidify the value of your entire home and reassure potential buyers that they are making a smart and secure purchase.