Will ceiling fans installed with only remotes for (not the wall switches) affect our resale value?

Profile picture for ilyssa
We're installing ceiling fans in our 2nd two bedrooms. We are planning to install them with remote controls for lights and fan speed without wiring them to the switches in the room. Will this adversely affect our resale value when we sell years down the road?
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August 02 2009 - Germantown
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Answers (10)

Profile picture for Timber Creek Const.
Why not install the switch while you are at it ?
I have a switch on the wall for the fan and the light, I just leave both of them in the on position and then control the fan and light from the remote that lays on the night stand by my bed.

That way, later on when you go to sell your home the new homeowner has the convenience of "either - or" .
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February 10 2010
Profile picture for D C Electrical
ilyssa,  As you can see from many of the answered given. It's subjective. I'm an electrician and half of my customers prefer the remote installation and half want a switch. 

The only reply here that is partially wrong is Carol Chiofalo (sorry Carol), it is not unsafe if properly installed. But here opinion on the wall switch isn't wrong it just puts here in the half that likes to have wall switches.

Most remotes come with a cradle that can be screwed to the entry wall and Home Depot has one that can be placed in an electrical switch box for those who have children and don't want to loose the remote. Hope this is helpful.
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February 07 2010
Profile picture for AlexSaenger
Generally the answer is "no". The ceiling fan will be a plus for your home. So whatever you add is a good thing :)
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January 11 2010

No it will not affect the resale value to not have a switch on the wall.
First many people look for fans. I have not seen anyone look for switches when they buy a home.  If you want the fans usually come with a wall mount  holster if you will if you want to keep it located there.  The loads of fans are usually quite low so adding one or two to a circuit that is not overloaded is usually a no brainer.  I would reccomend the hunter with the built in remote only! NOT THE ADDED REMOTE! Those have many flaws.  I have installed over 1000 fans, I have found the good the bad and the ugly with fans.  Keep this in mind if you want to upgrade your home. If it is simple, blends in, does not take up space, and you and everyone you know likes it then it is a great idea.

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December 21 2009
Profile picture for thecarolteam
Yes, it will.  In addition, it is not safe to have an electrical device that is hard wired to the house but is only controlled by a very un-reliable battery powered device.  DEFINITELY include the wall switch in the circuitry, the remotes will still work fine.  Since you are adding the load of a fan motor and probably two bulbs, be sure you have enough capacity on the affected circuits to handle the additional wattage.  Wouldn't be good to constantly trip breakers (or burn wires) would it?  Sounds like consulting a professional electrician would be worth the cost.
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August 03 2009
Profile picture for Mr Caveat
if you were worried, you could make a small "soap dish" like cradle to keep the remote in. i could see a future homeowner fretting, for instance, about losing a remote... a sill to keep it on might be handy
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August 03 2009
Should not, but these remotes can be a pain for some buyers. Be sure to provide the buyers with the original directions, or perhaps you can write them down for them.
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August 03 2009
Profile picture for Isklopot
Much more important than remote or wall switch will be doing the wiring to code.
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August 02 2009
No way, have fun and put those fans in.  Staying cool is a reward to anyone on a hot humid day.  Don't stress over the switch, saves on the electric bill.  I don't think homeowners think about this as a problem when buying or decisoning a house.
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August 02 2009
Profile picture for AlexShek
I think having a ceiling fan with or without a switch is a great addition to any home. It adds comfort and saves energy.
If you are planning to stay in the house for a few years, I would not worry about the resale value. Make sure it is convenient for you and enjoy! I can't see someone not buying the house because two fans are not wired to the swithces
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August 02 2009
 

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