How a Commercial Property’s Electrical Condition Affects its Value in Today’s Market
Commercial property value is essential to the real estate market. It influences investment decisions, helps calculate property taxes, and determines financing terms. Assigning a property value is an intricate process that considers various factors, from location to market conditions, income potential, and the physical building itself.
While property owners and buyers can’t control the economic factors that affect property value, they can make necessary upgrades to a commercial property to enhance its value—and save themselves money. That’s why assessing the electrical condition and looking for any problems is important.
5 Common Issues to Discuss with Your Electrical Professional
Reliable electrical systems are a must for any commercial space. They help prevent voltage fluctuations, energy loss, and major electrical failures. If you aren’t sure about the electrical health of your commercial property, here are five common problems to discuss with your electrical professional.
1) Blinking and Flickering Lights
A tell-tale sign of electrical issues is dimming or blinking lights. Aside from being distracting, lights that flicker can indicate a range of problems, including:
- Loose light bulbs and connections
- Faulty wiring
- Voltage irregularity
2) Outdated Wiring
Older commercial buildings often house outdated wiring that can affect property values. Old wires could be damaged, leading to potential fire hazards. Even if they are safe, outdated systems might be inefficient or unable to connect with modern technologies.
An electrical professional should be called in to check the health and age of the wiring to determine the best solution.
3) Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers track electrical currents and immediately cut power off if there is an overload or a short circuit. This helps prevent damage or overheating to the electrical system. Tripped breakers are not a major cause for concern if they happen infrequently. However, if they occur constantly, some underlying larger issues could need remedy. An electrical contractor can address the root cause and fix the situation.
4) Crowded Wiring
It’s not uncommon to find overcrowded wiring bundles in commercial buildings. Wiring becomes overcrowded when multiple wires are run through the same, single opening. The friction of the cables rubbing against each other can degrade the coating and expose the live copper underneath, which could lead to the potential for fires.
5) Poorly Designed Electrical Systems
Electrical systems should be installed properly to maximize efficiency, mitigate damage, and maintain safety. A poorly installed system risks electrical fires, short circuits, overheating, and more. That’s why it’s crucial to have all electrical work performed by a licensed professional.
As a general rule of thumb, if you have any concerns about a building’s electrical system, always contact a reputable electrician and contractor to solve the problem right the first time.
Upgrade Commercial Buildings for the Future
Addressing common electrical concerns is only part of boosting commercial property value. Modernizing buildings through electricity can mitigate reliance on fossil fuels, cut energy waste, and reduce utility expenses.
Benefits of Building Electrification
Commercial building electrification promotes sustainability efforts, encourages energy dependence, and creates a comfortable climate for occupants. U.S. commercial buildings contribute 16% of all greenhouse gas emissions. However, transitioning from gas to electric energy significantly lessens the global impact.
It also opens the door to other modernizations, such as:
- Electric vehicle charging ports
- Smart building capabilities
- Solar panel integration
- Microgrid-based energy
In our modern era, sustainability efforts and modern infrastructure will work together to stay innovative without harmful by-products. Upgrading building systems will be part of that future, positively affecting commercial property value.
Find a Licensed Bonded Contractor for Your Commercial Space
PPNW’s licensed and bonded experts offer extensive knowledge and a strong commitment to quality, supported by a long history of contributing to our region’s growth and development.
Whether you need electrical services for a new installation, maintenance, or upgrades, our dedicated experts ensure your projects are managed with the highest level of skill and integrity, delivering safe and reliable solutions that meet your business needs.
View our directory of skilled contractors and electricians near you.