Fireplaces are useful features in a home. Fireplaces are sources of ambient heat and also add style to indoor spaces. Fireplaces can complement just about any interior style. Fire places can be traditional and burn wood or connect to a home’s natu ral gas supply for on-demand ambi ance. What’s more, fireplaces may come in vented or ventless variet ies, depending on homeowners’ preferences and what is allowed by community building codes. That means a chimney or flue may not be needed — expanding the list of rooms where a fireplace can
be installed.
Certain trends have emerged among fireplace fans in recent years. Here’s a look at what’s getting con sumers fired up about these home decor elements.
Minimalist style: Many fireplaces are designed in neutral colors with minimal trim that directs focus on the fire and not the appliance. When the fireplace is not in use, it blends in with surroundings and will not compete for attention with other design elements.
Convertible fireplaces: Homeown ers can choose between open or sealed fireplaces. A convertible fire
place enables homeowners to have the best features of these options. A convertible fireplace can be convert ed to wood from gas, or the opposite, in as little as 30 minutes.
Nature-inspired materials: Natu ral stone continues to be a materi al of choice in fireplace surrounds. Light colors work well for a fireplace, and also fit with today’s lighter color interior design preferences. Natural stone also works perfectly with both contemporary and rustic decor.
Vintage fireplaces: Vintage contin ues to be a buzzword in 2022, and the choice to go vintage also applies to fireplace styles. A room decorated
in vintage elements can be comple mented with a vintage fireplace or one designed to look vintage.
Integrate into wall decor: Fire places that are built right into a wall save space. One can have a television and a fireplace on the same wall. These types of fireplaces work well in modern home designs. Other fireplaces may be built into bookshelves or other wall features.
Fireplaces can improve the appeal of a home. Various trends are popular this year, making fireplaces high ly coveted features.
Homes contain a variety of components that appeal to homeowners with different ideas about the perfect place to call home. That starts with the style of a home.
Buildings are classified according to share components. A Craftsman style home will have a covered porch with a set of wide base columns, while a Cape Cod home is often defined by a gabled roof and dormer windows. Modern houses, which are sometimes called contemporary homes even though the terms are not interchangeable, will have their own sets of unique characteristics. Here’s a look at seven features that make modern homes unique.
1. Minimalist approach: Con temporary and modern homes both employ an approach that leans toward minimalism, including clean design lines. Spaces are open and airy without the clutter of too many ornate architectural details. While modern homes may have some cur vature to their design, contemporary ones are all about an angular look.
2. Neutral color palette: Mod ern homes tend to utilize a neutral color palette. Modern homes may use “earthy” elements, such as wood and brick, in ways that do not look rus tic. Contemporary homes rely on a color palette of black and white with shades of gray or other neutral col ors.
3. Geometric shapes: Modern homes have strong horizontal and vertical elements that showcase geometric shapes in their designs. Contemporary homes often have flat roofs, while modern homes may not.
4. Large, unadorned windows: Most modern homes show case a lot of natural light by uti lizing large windows that are not covered up by heavy win dow treatments or elements like shutters and thick trims. Large windows are the focus of the interior and shift attention to the view outdoors.
5. Open floor concept: A hallmark of modern interior design, the open concept floor plan removes many of the walls that tend to separate com mon areas of a home. This helps to foster the spread of natural light and maintains the emphasis on simplicity of design.
6. Smart elements: Thanks to the proliferation of smart technol ogy, smart homes are cropping up with greater frequency. While smart devices can be included in any home style, they tend to feel like they were designed specifically for mod ern homes. In a similar vein, modern homes may include environmentally friendly elements, such as solar pan els, upcycled materials, added insu lation, and energy efficient lighting.
7. Updated kitchen spaces: The clean lines and attention to technolo gy and open space generally extends to modern kitchens. Modern kitch ens tend to feature efficient, top-tier appliances with additional storage and space amenities that keep the room from feeling cluttered.
While some may consider mod ern homes austere, many others are right at home among their clean lines and airy spaces.
Jaw-dropping features can sell a home in a heartbeat. A penthouse apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows and a panoramic view of a city skyline likely won’t prove a hard sell, nor will a home with an infinity pool overlooking a landscape of rolling hills. As awe-inspiring as such features can be, some more subtle components, such as authentic hardwood floors, also can do much to make a home more appealing to prospective buyers.
Hardwood flooring is a sought-after commodity. Data from the National
Association of Realtors indicates that 54 percent of home buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood floors. In fact, NAR figures indicate that 28 per cent of buyers between the ages of 35 and 54 consider hardwood floors “very important” when looking for a home. Homeowners who are considering sell ing their homes, or those who simply want to upgrade their existing floor ing, may want to consider installing hardwood flooring. Though it’s a proj ect best left to professionals, hardwood flooring can be installed by skilled DIYers. In such instances, homeowners may want to keep these dos and don’ts in mind.
DO hire a professional if you have limited or no DIY flooring experience. Hardwood flooring installation is not generally a project for novice DIYers. Hardwood flooring projects may pres ent some common challenges, but no two homes are the same. So unless they have prior experience installing floors in multiple rooms or homes, homeowners may save themselves
time, trouble and a significant amount of money hiring a professional to do the job.
DON’T ignore the subfloor. New hardwoods won’t erase the problem of subfloors in poor condition. Accord ing to the home renovation experts at BobVila.com, squeaky floors could be an indication that the subfloor has begun to warp or twist. Sinking floors are another indicator of deteriorating subfloors. Subfloors should be some what level before new hardwoods are installed, so DIYers should inspect and address subfloor issues before install ing new flooring.
DO expose wood flooring to the ele ments in your home prior to installa tion. The home improvement resource BuildDirect recommends acclimating hardwoods to the space where they will be installed. Skipping this impor tant step could result in gaps during the winter and cupping over the sum mer. To acclimate hardwoods, open the boxes and spread them out for about a week while running the air conditioner
or heater at normal levels. When storing hardwoods prior to installation, avoid keeping them in potentially moist areas like a basement.
DON’T skimp on tools. A DIY hard wood flooring installation might be less expensive than hiring a professional, but homeowners should resist any temptation to increase those savings further by purchasing less costly tools or fewer tools than is necessary to com plete the job. BuildDirect notes that DIYers will need at least a miter saw, table saw, cleat-nailer or stapler, finish nailer, compressor, jamb saw, chalk line, nail set, and tape measurer when installing hardwood floors. Purchase all necessary tools and read product reviews to ensure each tool is up to the task.
Wood floors can be awe-inspiring. Some homeowners can install such flooring on their own, and the proj ect can be much easier if they learn as much about installation as possible prior to beginning the project.
Home trends come and go. Today’s must-have items tend to become tomorrow’s outdated features in the blink of an eye.
Homeowners who plan to stay in their current homes for years to come needn’t prioritize modern trends over personal preferences. However, home owners looking to sell their homes can consider these favored features to increase their properties’ appeal to
modern buyers.
Separate laundry room: According to the National Association of Home Builders’ 2021 What Home Buyers Really Want report, a separate room dedicated to laundry was the most desired feature among prospective home buyers. Though it might not inspire the awe of an outdoor living room or floor-to-ceiling windows over looking a wooded backyard, a laundry room fills a direct and universal need. Perhaps that’s why 87 percent of buy ers want a room dedicated to laundry in a home.
Exterior lighting: Drive through a modern suburban neighborhood at night and it won’t take long before you realize the popularity of exterior lighting. And that’s no coincidence, as homeowners everywhere appear to embrace exterior lighting. The NAHB
report indicates that exterior lighting is the most sought-after outdoor feature. The good news for prospective sellers is that exterior lighting is an inexpen sive and instant way to transform a property at night. Some solar-powered lighting along walkways and outside the front door can make a home feel more safe, while some uplighting of large trees in the backyard can pro duce a sight to behold once the sun goes down.
Energy-efficient upgrades: Inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything over the last year-plus, and energy is no exception. So it should come as no surprise that 83 percent of prospective home buyers are looking for energy-efficient windows and appli ances in a home. These features save money and benefit the planet, making them a win-win among buyers.
Patio: Patio spaces have long been popular, but that popularity reached new heights during the pandemic. When forced to stay at home for long periods of time, millions of people longed for ways to spend more time outdoors without breaking lockdown rules. Patios provide outdoor living spaces, and 82 percent of buyers indi cated they wanted a patio with their next property.
Side-by-side sink: A double or sideby-side sink is among the more afford able features buyers are looking for. At less than $1,000 on average, a sideby-sink is an affordable way to make a home more appealing to modern buy ers.
Modern buyers want a lot out of their homes, and sellers can do their best to meet those desires while getting the most money for their properties.
It might not take a home theater to enjoy the big game with friends or fire up family movie night, but a spacious entertainment room can cer tainly enhance such experiences. That’s especially true when homeowners give considerable thought to designing entertainment rooms. Film buffs and sports fans may have different notions of the ideal entertainment room, but the following are three design features that merit consideration by all look ing to upgrade their entertainment spaces.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer abun dance of options when choosing a screen for an entertainment room. Televisions have long been a go-to choice, but projector screens merit consider ation as well. If the room will be devoted exclusively to entertainment, then a television or a fixed projec tor screen might be homeowners’ best bets. Fixed projector screens are installed on the wall and pro jectors are typically hung from the ceiling. Semi-fixed projector screens provide a similar viewing expe rience but can be pulled down or retracted when residents are not watching a movie. Semi-fixed can even be installed in front of a television so residents can stream a movie on the projector and then watch television through a cable box when it isn’t movie night. Projectors often provide much bigger screens for a fraction of the cost of equally sized televisions. However, sports fans may prefer televisions, as live streaming sports has not yet caught up to streaming movies and TV shows in terms of reliability or even availability. As a result, many sporting events remain available via cable television only, while even those that can be streamed tend to have a few hiccups dur ing the game.
Though televisions and projectors tend to come with built-in audio, the quality of that sound often leaves much to be desired. So homeowners will want to choose a sound system that provides theaterquality sound. If the room is being renovated from scratch, such as a full basement remodel, installing speakers in the ceiling can create a genuine theater experience. Ceiling speakers also can be installed in existing rooms, though that will likely cost more and extend the time it takes to complete the proj ect. Surround sound is a must in any entertainment
room. Homeowners worried about wires need not fret, as modern wireless surround sound systems are available at many different price points. Some sys tems are better suited to small rooms than others, so homeowners should measure the room and choose a system that best suits its dimensions.
Whether you’re using the space to watch the big game or fire up the latest blockbuster (or both), chances are you’re going to be spending consider able time sitting in your new entertainment room. A modular sofa might be ideal, as it can be recon figured depending on what you’re watch ing and how many people are watching along with you. Comfort is indeed important, but you’ll also want seat ing that provides ample support so you aren’t battling any aches and pains once you leave the room. That support also can keep residents and guests from dozing off.
Everyone has their own ideas on what makes the ideal entertainment space. But sports fans, movie buffs and others can all agree that an entertain ment room worthy of the big game or the latest blockbuster has a sizable screen, pristine sound and comfort able seats.
Do-it-yourself devotees cite a desire to save money as their primary motivator when attempting DIY home improve ments. A survey of more than 1,000 home owners from the insurance provider Clovered, found that 85 percent of respondents indicated a chance to save money as their top reason for attempting a DIY home improvement project. The chance to save money was an even greater motivator for homeowners than the opportunity to improve (79 percent) or repair (66 percent) their homes. Those savings can be significant because homeowners won’t have to pay labor costs, which the renova tion experts at BobVila.com note can cost anywhere from $20 to $150 per hour per laborer. Though the cost savings of DIY can be hard to resist, homeowners considering a DIY renovation are urged to make an honest assessment of their skills before attempting a project on their own.
Driving puts a certain measure of wear and tear on a vehicle. Whether a vehicle is used pri marily for commuting or as a vessel to take travelers to parts unknown, wear and tear is inevitable.
On the opposite end of the spec trum, individuals may not realize that failing to drive their vehicles regularly also can affect performance. Here’s a closer look at what can happen when vehicles sit idle for lengthy periods of time.
Battery loses its charge. The battery in a vehicle is still being used even if the car isn’t running. Batteries power various components in a car, such as the vehicle computer, phone chargers and more. If the engine does not turn over and help to recharge the battery, the battery will eventually die. Peo
ple who drive infrequently may want to consider a trickle charger that’s plugged in during periods of non-use.
Tire rot can set in. Dry tire rot is deterioration that sets into the rub ber. The material dries out and becomes brittle, causing splits and cracks to form. Driving with tire rot can cause tires to deflate.
Rust and corrosion can occur. There is still plenty of metal in mod ern vehicles. A vehicle that has been exposed to salt or rain or one that is stored in a moist climate can be sus ceptible to undercarriage or engine rust. This may cause damage that’s not easily repaired.
Damage from sap or droppings. A vehicle parked in one location for a long time could be a target for bird droppings, fallen berries, sap, and
other substances that are potential ly harmful to the paint job. Leaving the car or truck out in the sun also means UV rays can cause clear coat over the paint to oxidize and begin to fail, which can produce blotchy or peeling spots.
Poor brake performance. When vehicles are left to sit, corrosion could build up on the rotors and the brake pads may become less flexible. Mois ture also may seep into brake lines, causing issues with pressurization of brake fluid. Each of these factors adds up to brakes that do not work properly — which is a big safety haz ard.
Formation of tire flat spots. When
tires are not used frequently, the weight of the car can continually put pressure on the same parts of the tires, leading to flat spots. Tires also can lose pressure if they sit too long.
Oil and other fluids may lose effi cacy. Various fluids can go stale in a vehicle if it isn’t regularly driven. Gasoline also may develop condensa tion, which can reduce efficiency and performance. Taking short trips helps avoid this issue.
Infrequent driving can cause damage to a car or truck. But many potential issues can be avoided by driving vehicles more often.
Anynumber of issues can affect drivers while on the road. Few issues may prove more disruptive than a flat tire. Flat tires can delay road trips and adversely affect commutes, all the while posing a significant safety hazard. Changing a flat tire is a valuable skill that all drivers should have in their repertoire, and this simple guide can help motorists hone their tire-changing skills.
now have areas of exposed metal on the bottom designed specifically for jack placement. Consult your owner’s manual to find this spot, and then raise the vehicle until the tire is about six inches from the ground.
Remove the lug nuts. Once the tire is off the ground, remove the already loosened lug nuts, ideally placing them in a small receptacle or bag so they won’t roll away.
Remove the flat tire. Using both hands, grip the tire by the treads and gently pull it off. Bridgestone recom mends placing the tire on its side so it does not roll away.
Mount the spare. When mounting the spare, gently push the tire on until the lug bolts can be seen through the rim.
the vehicle using the jack until the spare tire is resting on the ground but not with the full weight of the vehicle on it. At this point, Bridgestone rec ommends drivers use their full body weight to tighten the lug nuts once more before fully lowering the vehicle. Once the vehicle has been lowered, some drivers may notice the hubcap does not fit over their spare. That’s alright, as it’s safe to drive without a hubcap covering the spare. In such instances, place the hubcap in the trunk when you’re putting back the jack, wrench and flat tire. But if the hubcap does fit over the spare, put it back on.
Take stock of your tire-changing tools. Vehicles typically come with the tools drivers need to change a flat tire, especially if the car or truck was purchased from a dealership. In addition to a spare tire, the tools driv ers will need include a jack and a lug wrench. Tire wedges are not abso lutely necessary, but when placed in front of or behind the tires, they can prevent rolling while changing the tire. A small flashlight kept in the glove compartment or center console storage also can be helpful, but driv ers also can download a flashlight app on their smartphones to provide some extra illumination when changing a flat at night.
Turn on your hazard lights and find a safe place to pull over. The moment drivers recognize a tire is flat, they should turn on their hazard lights and find a safe place to pull over. Avoid changing tires on narrow shoulders, as that leaves you and your pas sengers vulnerable to oncoming traffic. If you must, drive on the rim until you can find a safe place to pull over and change the tire. If possible, pull into an empty parking lot. Flat ground is
ideal, as it can prevent the car from rolling while the tire is being changed.
Apply the parking brake upon stopping. The parking brake can reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling while the tire is being changed, so always apply it before getting out of the car.
Place the wheel wedges in the appropriate place. If you have wheel wedges, place them in front of the front tires when changing a rear tire and behind the rear tires when chang ing a front tire.
Remove the hubcap. Some vehi cles are equipped with hubcaps that cover the lug nuts. If that’s the case, then remove the hubcap before lifting the vehicle with the jack. If that’s not the case, simply loosen the lug nuts, which may require a little extra effort since lug nuts tend to be on very tight. At this point, it’s easier to loosen the lug nuts than remove them entirely, which can be done once you’re ready to remove the tire.
Put the jack to work. Now it’s time to place the jack and ultimately lift the vehicle. The experts at Bridgestone Tire note that many modern vehicles
Tighten the lug nuts. One by one, place the lug nuts back on the bolts and tighten then by hand. Tighten them as much as possible so they’re able to hold the spare on as effectively as they held the original tire in place.
Lower the vehicle. Patiently lower
Check the pressure on the spare tire. A portable inflator can indicate the tire pressure in the spare and inflate it if need be. Drivers who can not determine the pressure in the spare should drive slowly to the nearest ser vice station and have the pressure checked or even the spare changed to a new tire, if possible.
The cost of owning a vehicle has risen dramatically in recent years. Though prices at the gas pump have done much to stretch drivers’ budgets, supply shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic hit motorists’ bottom lines even before the average gallon of gas reached unimaginable levels in mid-2022. Though it’s certainly not an inexpensive time to own a vehicle, drivers can take solace knowing that these four basic vehicle maintenance tasks can be performed at home and save them money.
Among the simplest DIY vehicle maintenance tasks, changing the air filter on a car or truck requires no spe cial tools. Changing an air filter can be done in as little as 10 minutes, though novices might need more time until they get a feel for what’s under the hood. Vehicle own ers’ manuals can indicate where the air filter is and how frequently it should be replaced.
Changing wiper blades is another simple DIY task that doesn’t require any special tools. Streaking is a telltale sign blades should be replaced, and some blades even start to come apart after excessive wear and tear. The time it takes to perform this task could depend on how long it takes to remove the old blades, which can take time until DIYers get a handle on how to quickly remove them.
Novices may be overcome by nerves when attempting these jobs for the first time, but online tutorials can help them get a handle on any task that stretches their abilities to the limit. If the task seems too tall to tackle at home, take the car to a trusted mechanic or dealership.
According to Bankrate. com, the average cost of a top service oil change at six nation wide franchises exceed ed $75 in May 2022. But this relatively simple task can be performed at home rath er easily. Drivers will need to invest in a ratchet, oil filter wrench, oil pan, and funnel, but that’s all they need to change their own vehicle oil. A jack will be nec essary as well, but most new vehicles already come with a jack.
4. Tire inflation: Drivers can save on that costly fuel by keeping their tires properly inflated at all times. Poor ly inflated tires make the engine work harder to get the vehicle down the road, and that extra work wastes fuel. A por table tire inflator can read the pressure in each tire and drivers can then inflate the tires to the PSI recommended in their owner’s manual. A quality tire inflator can be purchased for less than $100.
The industry standard regarding when to get an oil change used to be every 3,000 miles. However, with modern lubricants, most engines can now go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles before oil should be changed. And AAA reports that engines that require full-syn thetic motor oil actually may be able to go as far as 15,000 miles between oil changes. Most late-model cars now require synthetic-blend
or full-synthetic, low-viscosity oils. These oils minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. In addition, newer cars are designed with moni toring systems that automatically determine oil life. While earlier systems were time- and mileage-based, advanced systems will analyze vehicle operating conditions to determine when oil begins to degrade.
Modern cars have much longer life spans than one may expect. Not too long ago, drivers often commemorated the milestone of their vehicles reaching the 100,000-mile mark. Howev er, data from Car and Driver indicates the average vehicle now lasts around 12 years or roughly 200,000 miles. More advanced electric or hybrid vehicles may be able to go even further, with some capable of reaching as much as 300,000 miles.
According to a 2006 report from Consumer Reports, vehi cles made in Japan and Korea have fewer problems per 100
vehicles than those made by American and European man ufacturers, making them tops in vehicle longevity.
Thanks to advancements in technology, cars are more durable than ever, but that doesn’t make them impervious to breakdowns or the need for repairs. A recent report from AAA found that more than two-thirds of service calls were for vehicles a decade or older. Here’s a look at some of the problems that can affect older vehicles.
The average car battery lasts between three and five years,
according to Auto Zone. Bat teries tend to show signs of wear at the four-year mark on average. Corrosion or dirt on battery terminals also can affect battery performance.
Electrical system issues can be caused by anything from burnt out car fuses to bad or faulty electrical connections and contacts. Cor roded or loose screws, nuts and wires can cause electrical issues, which may be more common in older vehicles that have significant mileage on them.
The suspension system is comprised of springs, tires, shock absorbers, struts, antisway bars, and other parts that connect the vehicle to the wheels. Suspension systems
regulate the amount of bounc ing in the vehicle while on the road and make it manageable. Eventually, all suspension sys tems can and will wear out, and parts will need to be ser viced or replaced.
The evaporative system con sists of a network of hoses, canisters and valves. It helps vent pressure in the gas tank. An older vehicle may end up with a cracked hose that can cause a fuel leak. Hoses also may be compromised else where in vehicles, so these points should be checked dur ing routine maintenance.
As with other moving parts on a car, the brake system wears down over time and parts will need to be replaced. Squealing, squeaking or a
soft brake pedal are indica tive of braking system issues and should be looked at by a mechanic promptly.
Modern vehicles are increas ingly being controlled by computers. These computers handle a variety of features, including navigation and pair ing to mobile phones, among others. Over time, systems may no longer work if there are no computer updates available. That means Blue tooth pairing may no longer function, or maps may not be current for GPS systems.
Cars and trucks have longer life spans due to technological advancements. However, age is still a factor in the deterio ration of different vehicle sys tems.
Trade-ins are a vital component of many auto mobile transactions. A recent report from the National Automobile Dealers Association revealed that 22 percent of all pre-owned vehicle sales included a trade-in.
Drivers want to get the most value they can for their trade-ins. Though some factors, like the age of the vehicle, are beyond drivers’ control, there are many steps drivers can take before trading in a car to maximize its value.
Do your homework. It’s never been easier to determine the value of a car prior to trading it in.
Resources like NADA, Black Book and Kelley Blue Book can give drivers a good idea of what they will get for a given vehicle when trading it in. According to Kelley Blue Book, roughly 54 percent of tradein vehicles qualify as “good condition,” so drivers should be realistic as they determine the value of their trade-in. A trade-in value that is designat ed for vehicles that qualify as “excellent” is likely unrealistic, though not impossible.
Hone your negotiation skills. Dealers may initial ly offer less than drivers expect, as they, too, will try to make the transaction as beneficial as pos sible to their bottom lines. In such situations, driv ers who want to get a better trade-in value should be prepared to negotiate. Some dealerships may not budge on their initial trade-in values, but some might, and drivers prepared to negotiate a better value are in the best position to get a good deal.
Shop around for a deal. Trade-in values may not fluctuate wildly between dealerships, but they like
ly won’t be exactly the same, either. Patiently shop ping around for the best deal for your trade-in can ensure you get the best deal possible. Request all trade-in offers be made in writing, and don’t hesi tate to take one offer to other dealers to see if they will match or exceed a competitor’s offer. Don’t dis count working with less traditional sellers, such as online dealerships like CarMax.
Give the vehicle a thorough inspection. No matter what resources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA sug gest, no car is going to get top dollar at trade-in if it doesn’t look good or run smoothly. Address any dings or dents, clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle and take the car to a mechanic to determine if there are any issues that should be addressed to improve trade-in value. Dealerships may want to examine the car prior to making a trade-in offer, so the car should be tended to prior to visiting a dealership. In addition, drivers who conduct their own inspections are in better position to negotiate should dealerships point to certain issues with the car.
Trade-ins are a big part of buying and selling cars. Drivers can look to various strategies to ensure they get a great deal on their trade-in.
well. That means auto buyers have more EV options now than ever before, which can make the process of buying such a car more exciting, but also more dif ficult. Narrowing down a growing number of options may not come easy to first-time EV buyers, who can keep these tips in mind as they begin this exciting journey.
incentives also may apply. The Canadian Automobile Association reports that the Government of Canada offers point-of-sale incentives of as much as $5,000 for drivers who buy or lease an EV. These subsidies can help bring the cost of EV ownership down by a significant amount and are worth exploring as driv ers decide which electric car or truck to buy.
Electric vehicles are widely touted as the vehi cles of the future. Despite the growing avail ability of such cars in the present day, for many drivers EVs remain a novelty. That means buying an EV for the first time is a wholly new and unique experience.
Tesla EVs might be the most visible electric cars on the road today, but most major auto manufactur ers, including Nissan and Chevrolet, produce EVs as
• Get an idea of the accessibility of charging stations around your home. The number of public charging stations is on the rise, but there’s still a lot of work to be done in this area. In fact, research from McKinsey & Company indicates that nearly half of consumers in the United States indicate that bat tery or charging issues are their foremost concerns about buying EVs. The automotive resource Auto Trader notes that most EVs have enough battery range to cover more than the average daily commute in America. But drivers who hope to use their EVs as their everyday cars that take them to work and help them run errands and get around town should confirm there are enough public charging stations to make that possible.
• Look into subsidies. The Office of Energy Effi ciency & Renewable Energy notes that all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased new in or after 2010 may eligible for a federal income tax credit that could be as high as $7,500. State and/or local
• Consider your parking situation. Homeown ers who own single-family homes with a garage that can accommodate at least one vehicle can easily charge their EVs so long as they clear space in the garage where the car can be parked. Auto Trader notes that some garages may need to be upgraded with a level two charger, and that can be expensive. Drivers who must park their EVs outdoors overnight should know that this, too, may require some addi tional funds for electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE). Local building codes may govern the instal lation of such equipment, which is best performed by an electrician. These are some additional costs of EV ownership that first-time buyers must consider and research before they switch to an electric car or truck.
EVs may become the new normal over the next several decades. But before that day arrives, firsttime EV buyers must consider a host of factors as they shop around for an electric car or truck.
Drivers in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle over the last couple of years likely discovered that the process of buy ing a car or truck is as difficult as ever. Prior to and during the COVID19 pandemic, factory closures, sup ply chain issues, semiconductor chip shortages, and a bevy of other complications led to fewer vehicles on lots and much higher sticker prices on cars that were on the lots. That has caused people who are on strict bud gets to reevaluate priorities and time lines.
According to Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ senior manager of insights, consum ers can’t expect to walk into the deal ership thinking they’re going to find
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
incentives or bargains right now. Plus, they may not even be able to see or test drive a vehicle they want. That reality makes now a great time for car shoppers to rethink their buying strat egies.
Tyson Jominy, Vice President of Data and Analytics at J.D. Power, says vehicle inventory in November 2021 reached record lows. Although there has been some improvement in 2022, consumers may still have to make some concessions if they need a vehicle promptly. SUVs and pick-up trucks have been some of the hardest inventory to find. Considering a sedan or even a compact car may be the only
way to get a new car quickly.
Those with the luxury of time may continue to wait for inventory to increase and prices to decrease. Tech experts, including Intel CEO Pat Gels inger, expect chip shortages to persist into 2024. If a person’s vehicle is in good condition, it may be more eco nomical to hold on to it a little longer and do the maintenance required.
It may take some investigation, but there are certain dealerships that are not adding astronomical markups, also called “market adjustments,” to the costs of their vehicles. These deal ers may advertise online, and car buy ers can always call ahead to ask about markups.
Lots filled with a variety of makes, models, colors, and features are no
longer the norm. Shoppers will be afforded more flexibility in price if they’re willing to take what’s available.
The Federal Reserve increased inter est rates in the middle of 2022 and it initially planned to increase rates a few more times throughout the year. People, particularly those who do not have the best credit, can do themselves a favor and shop around at different banks for the best loan rates — the loan may be less costly than what’s offered through the dealership. Also, certified pre-owned vehicles tend to come with promotional interest rates that are lower than the average APR, which makes them a viable alternative.
Vehicles are still expensive and in short supply, necessitating changes to how people buy their cars or trucks.
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