Ceiling Fans - Yea or Nay?

Question

Ceiling fans seem to be a point of contention with designers/remodelers. What are your thoughts? Should we replace them with new lighting, update them with a newer ceiling fan, or burn them at the stake?

Ryan Normand · Answer

Probably depends on location too. Here in Phoenix you'd have to be INSANE to not put in ceiling fans. Don't care how good your AC is, we run both simultaneously in the summer. I've had numerous customers pay me to install ceiling fans. I've never had anyone ask me to remove them.

Ricardo R. · Answer

@John Seitz if its a flip and there is AC either window or central then, I would likely just do recessed lighting, LED thins. Here's why... ceiling fans are one of those things that are only usually noticed when they are present; meaning if it's there people notice them, if not, then no one usually notices. Next, if you are trying to use a ceiling fan/light combo then people will take note of it but will also notice that it is the only source of light in the room. Recessed lights show cleaner and more updated in contrast. Lastly, it's usually a one-way street in 'perceived' and actual value... ceiling fans alone won't do anything at all to raise your value and don't raise the perceived value because while some will think it's practical others will think it's dated or cheap or not their style... whereas with recessed lighting it gives the perception that the space is updated immediately and higher end in comparison and allows you to piggyback on that perception into other aspects of the flip and market it as updated and clean also it is something that many more buyers love when compared to just a ceiling fan. Just my two cents, I hope this helps.

Bill B. · Answer

Ceiling fans add more detail/interest to large blank ceilings than a single “boob light” IMHO. I don’t think the fans are used often but they occasionally used and almost the same price as a cheap light. What’s the downside? I don’t think I’ve had to replace one in over 20 years with a dozen properties. (Probably points to how rarely they are used as anything other than a light source.)

They’re considered an “upgrade” when selling and cost virtually nothing, what’s the downside?

Scott E. · Answer

Came to say what @Ryan Normand said.

This is going to depend on your market. What are the competitors in your area doing?

In my market and in all of my flips, ceiling fans go in every bedroom, and in the living room. Non negotiable. It would be crazy to consider any other option.

If there are already ceiling fans in the house, they are usually old and gross and dusty. So I just replace them all. Fans are cheap but can really upgrade the feel of a room.

John Seitz · Answer

Ricardo,

These are some excellent points. I hadn't thought about it this way, but I agree with what you're saying. It makes a lot of sense. Gracias por la ayuda.

Bill J Fay · Answer

Ceiling fans are great if you do not have AC. If you have AC, it's cheaper to install regular lighting.

Noah Corwick · Answer

I believe it depends on the area (city/state) and price point for the project.

Like others have pointed out, here in AZ, it is significantly noticeable if there are no ceiling fans since it's hotter than hades in the summer. So not having them is a big turnoff.

However, you can likely get by depending on the price point of the house if selling it. From a flip standpoint, if the house is anything around $550k and up or is a luxury house, they should probably be installed. With anything less, you might be able to get away with it. But considering the total fan cost will be $500-$800 + install for a 3/2 home, I believe the ROI is worth it when looking at this decreasing your days on market and upping your closing percentage.

John Seitz · Answer

Flip

Ricardo R. · Answer

Is this for a flip or a rental?

Ceiling Fans - Yea or Nay?

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