If you’re a homeowner thinking about purchasing a generator, you may be wondering whether your investment will pay off when the time comes to sell your home. Not to mention there are a lot of conflicting messages online about the value a generator can provide to your home. Some examples include “Standby generators will increase the value of your home tenfold!”, and “No, a standby generator is not a consideration in the buying process!”

This disparity leaves many people feeling caught in the middle. So what is the truth: does a generator increase home value or not?

Does a Standby Generator Increase Home Value?

The short answer: Yes. But maybe not as much as you’d hoped.

The long answer: The return you get on your generator will depend on two factors: your home’s location and the likelihood of a power outage. If you live in an area with frequent storms and outages (like New England) buyers will be more willing to pay for the peace of mind that comes with a generator. Conversely, if you can’t remember the last time a big storm hit, then a generator may not be as appealing for the buyer.

Similarly, think about your area’s power grid. Do you have overhead lines? These are far more likely to lose power than underground ones. Do you experience frequent outages even without severe storms? Then a generator is a must! Of course, even a home that is connected to a strong grid with underground power lines will experience outages from time to time. Under these conditions, a generator may be perceived as a “nice to have” feature for a home buyer.

Overall, the return on a generator investment tends to be between 56 and 84 percent. While the investment will increase your home’s value, you’re not likely to make a significant return on what you spent buying and installing the generator.

The Real Value: Peace of Mind

If you’re solely interested in increasing the value of your home, then you’re probably wondering whether it’s worth the effort. But it’s important to note that most homeowners don’t buy a generator simply as an investment—standby generators come with the guarantee that you’ll never be left in the dark.

Extended outages are common throughout New England. In fact, it’s rare to go through a blizzard or a thunderstorm without some homes losing their power. And going without power for days at a time comes with costly risks: burst pipes in the winter, spoiled food year-round—not to mention you can’t watch your favorite shows or enjoy the comfort of air conditioning!

With a standby generator, you’ll be free from worry. Your generator will automatically switch on in the event of an outage, meaning you’ll enjoy the comforts of electricity even as your neighbors sit in the dark. The best part? Your generator will switch on even if you’re not home, so you can take peace of mind with you when you’re on vacation or when you’re at the grocery store!

Whether you purchase a standby generator for your personal benefit or in the hopes of increasing your property’s value, there’s no denying that they are an excellent addition to any home. Are you ready to give your home the benefit of reliable backup power 24/7? Contact us today. One of our qualified Briggs & Stratton generator technicians would be happy to speak to you about all of our home generator options.

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