Consumer Corner
Debunking Common Bathroom Remodeling Misconceptions
Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Many homeowners put off upgrading essential spaces like the bathroom because they perceive the hassle or expense outweighs the benefit. Common myths surrounding these projects keep many homeowners from even envisioning a beautiful new bathroom, let alone embarking on a remodeling project.
“There’s a lot of misinformation about renovations, especially when it comes to bathrooms,” said Scott McGillivray, HGTV star. “A lot of people think a bathroom renovation means you have to gut the whole thing and start over. That is not true.”
To help sort facts from fiction, consider this information from the experts at Bath Fitter, a leader in custom bath and shower remodels, along with results from their online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults.
Myth: A traditional down-to-studs remodel is the “right” way or “only” way to achieve a new bathroom.
Truth: Tradition and right are not one and the same. There are plenty of innovative ways to achieve a like-new bathroom without the messy demolition, stress and unexpected delays. In fact, according to the survey, 50% of respondents who renovated their bathroom in the past five years agree that a tub-over-tub liner is an affordable solution that eliminates these renovation pain points while providing the same quality and durability of a traditional remodel with long-lasting results.
Myth: Tub and shower liners are made from substandard material that results in a low-quality look.
Truth: Constructed from the same premium acrylic found in high-end spas, custom liner products are a high-quality solution that’s just as attractive, exceptionally durable and easy to clean. Consider options from Bath Fitter, which manufactures every acrylic bathtub, shower and wall at its North American facility, ensuring the highest quality standards are met. When installed with a one-piece seamless wall system, these acrylic tubs and showers look new for longer than most traditional remodel options and are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Myth: Tub and shower liners are “coverups,” which can worsen or create problems with mold or water damage.
Truth: Custom-made tubs and showers are installed using a grout-free, watertight system that prevents future mold and water damage. Extensive sanitizing of existing bath areas ensures a clean and strong foundation prior to installation. In fact, 47% of survey respondents who renovated their bathroom in the past five years used a tub-over-tub solution as part of the renovation.
Myth: Liners are a temporary fix that won’t last or serve as a long-term replacement.
Truth: While 1 in 4 future renovators believe tub-over-tub solutions are covers and insufficient substitutes for a complete replacement, McGillivray’s renovation experience tells a different story.
Unlike resurfacing or replacing bathtubs or showers, which may only last a few years, Bath Fitter products offer the same look and feel of a new tub or shower but with a lifetime guarantee, installation in as little as 24 hours and less hassle than a full demolition renovation.
“Bath Fitter is a great example of how to reface a bathroom,” McGillivray said. “It gets you the beautiful, finished product you are looking for, but it’s smart because it saves time, money and adds life expectancy back to the space.”
Myth: The number of bath and shower style options are limited and won’t fit contemporary bathroom design trends.
Truth: Custom tubs and showers are available with hundreds of design and customization options to suit any space or style and blend in seamlessly with your chosen aesthetic. From Scandinavian to English Country, you can find an expansive portfolio of designs that can be integrated into an existing design or incorporated into an updated look.
Find more ideas and inspiration for your bathroom remodel at bathfitter.com.
Benefits of a One-Day Bathroom Remodel
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, it may be time to give your bathroom more than just a facelift. Dated fixtures, peeling paint and chipped tiles are telltale signs that all isn’t well with your bathroom. A beautiful new bathroom may be more accessible than you think. A one-day bath remodel can turn your outdated bathroom into a stylish space you’ll enjoy using every day.
Convenient: A one-day bathroom remodel is perfect if you want to upgrade your bathroom without interrupting your daily life. Since it can be completed in just a few hours, you can skip the inconvenience of having a construction crew in your home or experiencing extended disruptions to your daily routine.
Affordable: Traditional bathroom renovations can take weeks to finish with costs rising by the hour. A one-day bathroom remodel keeps costs down since the installers specialize in completing bathroom remodels quickly and efficiently.
Customizable: You can customize every aspect of your new bathroom, from the fixtures and walls to the accessories and lighting. Experiment with different designs and make your vision a reality using Bath Fitter’s Design Your Own Bath online tool.
SOURCE:
Bath Fitter
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Consumer Corner
The McMansion era is over: Zillow says American buyers want homes that feel personal, practical, and resilient
Zillow’s 20-year analysis shows American homebuyers are moving away from oversized McMansions and toward smaller, flexible homes with wellness, sustainability, and climate-ready feature
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Zillow’s 20-year look at for-sale listings suggests a major shift in how Americans define the ideal home. In 2006, listings leaned into size, symmetry, and status, with McMansion-style homes featuring grand foyers, formal dining rooms, oversized primary suites, and luxury finishes meant to impress. In 2026, Zillow says buyers are focused less on square footage and more on flexibility, comfort, and how a home supports everyday life.
According to Zillow, affordability pressures are helping drive that change. New homes are getting smaller, and listings increasingly highlight spaces with a clear purpose rather than oversized layouts. Mentions of reading nooks are up 48%, while features tied to self-expression and wellness are also gaining traction. Zillow says “color drenching” is up 149% in listings, spa-inspired bathrooms are up 22%, and recreation-focused amenities like golf simulators and pickleball courts have each risen 25%.
Sustainability and climate readiness are also moving closer to the center of buyer priorities. Zillow reports that mentions of zero-energy-ready homes are up 70%, whole-home batteries are up 40%, and EV charging stations are up 25%. Climate-resilient details such as flood protection and fire resistance are increasingly being marketed as value drivers, a sharp contrast to 2006, when energy efficiency was rarely emphasized.
Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, said the data shows American homes have shifted “from status symbols to sanctuaries.” Looking ahead, Zillow expects the next phase of home design to center on adaptability, with homes built to respond to changing family needs, lifestyles, and climate conditions.
Source: Zillow, Inc. via PR Newswire
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Consumer Corner
Avoid a Summer Breakdown: Why Now is a Smart Time to Replace an Old HVAC System
As summer approaches, homeowners are encouraged to replace outdated HVAC systems in spring for improved efficiency and cost savings. Many homeowners lack awareness of their system’s age and lifespan, leading to higher long-term costs. Investing in a modern system enhances air quality, reduces energy bills, and adds home value.
(Feature Impact) With summer heat just around the corner, homeowners may not be aware that spring can be a perfect time to prepare for rising temperatures. An outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, for example, may not be up for the task of keeping a home cool.
In fact, it can end up costing homeowners more in the long term due to a gradual decline in efficiency and more frequent repairs. In addition to savings over time, there are multiple reasons to replace an aging system this spring.
In a recent survey, Carrier found more than one-quarter (26%) of homeowners don’t know the age of their HVAC system, and a slight majority (54%) don’t know the average lifespan of one. Those knowledge gaps can result in missed opportunities for long-term savings.
Aging Systems Can’t Take the Heat
Many homeowners postpone purchasing a new HVAC system until their existing system fails or they find their aging system is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. Often, upfront costs deter homeowners from purchasing a new system; however, 8 in 10 homeowners would consider a new heating and cooling system if it paid for itself in energy savings within 5-10 years. With a new energy-efficient system, those savings are possible.
A New HVAC System is a Critical Home Investment
Modern heating and cooling systems have uses beyond heating and cooling. They can improve air quality in the home by balancing humidity levels, reducing drafts and keeping a consistent climate throughout multiple rooms and stories. They also use less energy and run more quietly than older systems, making a home quieter and more cost-effective.
HVAC Basics Many Homeowners Miss
HVAC units often go unseen, yet a home’s comfort depends on them running consistently. It’s critical that homeowners schedule annual maintenance appointments to ensure their system is running as it should and they’re aware of when it may be time to replace.
While it may seem more cost-effective to stick with an outdated system for one more season, an old system could end up prolonging issues and ultimately cost homeowners more in repairs.
Spring is an ideal time to invest in a new HVAC system, as contractors are generally more available to install a new system and homeowners can get ahead of the summer heat, ensuring they’ll be cool all season long.
Signs It’s Time to Replace
Red flags that indicate it’s time for a new HVAC system include: a system that’s more than 10-15 years old, a system that needs noticeably more repairs, energy bills going up despite usage remaining the same, inconsistent temperatures, a system struggling to maintain the desired temperature or a system that’s constantly running or seems less efficient than it used to.
Many companies offer specials during the spring and fall months, known as shoulder season. For example, until May 31, Carrier is offering 0% APR for 60 months and up to $2,100 in rebates so customers can get a jumpstart on a cool, comfortable home. A new HVAC system means more than just cool temps this summer; it means added home value, cleaner air and peace of mind.
Learn more about available rebates, tax credits and financing plans at Carrier.com or by contacting a local expert.
SOURCE:
Carrier
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Jay Leno Test Drives the Slate Truck as Startup Pushes Toward 2026 Launch
The affordable electric pickup from Slate Auto is gaining attention after Jay Leno test drove the prototype on Jay Leno’s Garage. Here’s the latest update on pricing, features, reservations, and the planned 2026 production launch.
Testing the Slate Truck
The affordable electric pickup from Slate Auto is continuing to gain attention as the startup moves closer to production. One of the most visible recent developments came when legendary car collector and TV host Jay Leno featured the truck on his popular YouTube series Jay Leno’s Garage.
The episode offered one of the most detailed looks yet at the upcoming Slate Truck, including a real-world test drive, design insights, and a closer look at the company’s philosophy behind building what could become one of America’s most affordable electric vehicles.
Watch the Jay Leno Test Drive
What Jay Leno Revealed About the Slate Truck
During the episode, Leno drove a pre-production prototype of the truck while engineers from Slate Auto explained the design approach.
Unlike many modern EVs packed with luxury features, the Slate Truck is intentionally simple.
Key highlights from the test drive include:
A Focus on Simplicity and Repairability
One of the most notable ideas behind the truck is that it is designed to be easy to repair and modify. Instead of relying on proprietary parts or complex electronics, the vehicle uses a more straightforward architecture that could allow owners or independent mechanics to work on it.
This approach contrasts with many EVs that require dealership service or specialized tools.
Modular Body Panels and Customization
The Slate Truck is built around a modular platform with removable exterior panels and optional accessory kits.
According to the company, owners will be able to customize the vehicle with:
Different body panel styles Accessory racks and cargo options A potential conversion kit that can transform the pickup into a small SUV
The idea is to allow the vehicle to evolve with the owner’s needs over time.
Minimalist Interior
Inside the prototype shown to Leno, the truck features a very basic interior layout.
Instead of a large infotainment system, the vehicle relies heavily on smartphone integration and simpler controls to keep costs down. This minimalist philosophy is part of the company’s effort to build a lower-cost EV.
Pricing and the “Affordable EV” Promise
When the truck was first revealed in 2025, Slate Auto suggested the vehicle could cost under $20,000 after incentives.
However, with changes to federal EV incentives and updated pricing expectations, analysts now estimate the truck will likely start around the mid-$20,000 range.
Even at that price, the vehicle could still become one of the most affordable electric trucks available in the United States.
Production Plans in Indiana
The company plans to manufacture the truck in Warsaw, Indiana, where a large former industrial facility is being converted into an EV factory.
Production targets include:
Production start: Late 2026 Early deliveries: Possibly 2027 Potential capacity: Up to about 150,000 vehicles per year once fully ramped
Strong early interest has also been reported, with more than 100,000 reservations placed for the truck shortly after its reveal.
A Different Kind of Electric Truck
The Slate Truck is entering a market where most electric pickups—such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T—sit at much higher price points.
Rather than competing on luxury or performance, the Slate Truck is aiming to fill a different niche: a practical, customizable, and relatively affordable electric work vehicle.
If the company can deliver on its promises, it could open the door to a new category of budget-friendly EVs.
For now, the test drive on Jay Leno’s Garage provides one of the clearest glimpses yet at how the truck might perform in the real world.
Related Coverage on STM Daily News
- Automotive News and Innovation – STM Daily News
- Boom Supersonic and the Overture: The Return of Commercial Supersonic Travel
- The Evolution of Public Transportation in Los Angeles
- Technology News and Emerging Innovations
Further Reading and Information
- Slate Auto Official Website
- Watch the Slate Truck Test Drive on Jay Leno’s Garage
- Car and Driver: First Look at the Slate Truck
- TechCrunch: Slate Auto Leadership Changes Ahead of Launch
- InsideEVs: Latest Electric Vehicle News
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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