What To Do When Your Car Dealership Goes Out of Business

It’s possible you’ve heard the news that many car dealerships are closing their doors— or maybe you’ve even experienced this firsthand this past year. Car dealerships across the country have been closing over the summer into early fall.  For example, subprime auto lender and used car retailer Tricolor recently filed for bankruptcy and announced closures of 65 of its locations across the Midwest, leaving many customers in the dark.

For some, this news has been a cause of concern, as closures affect dealerships with which they have longstanding relationships or limit options in remote areas. Whatever the case may be, car dealerships are closing at an alarming rate, which could have an impact on car owners both now and in the future.

Ahead, we spoke with a car dealership expert about why car dealerships are closing and what you should do to make sure you are prepared if it happens to you in the future.

Why Dealerships Are Closing

According to Scott Kunes, chief operating officer of Kunes Automotive and RV Group, which operates more than 40 dealerships across the Midwest, car dealership closures can happen for a variety of reasons. Most often, they close due to consolidation, shifts in manufacturer agreements or changing consumer demand in a specific area.

“In today’s market, manufacturers are encouraging stronger, more strategically located stores, which sometimes means smaller or overlapping dealerships close so that consumers can be better served by nearby locations,” he tells Family Handyman.

How a Dealership Closing Can Affect You

For most drivers, the impact is minimal. “Manufacturer warranties are honored at any authorized dealer, so consumers are not left without service options,” Kunes says. “The biggest change is usually convenience; it may mean visiting a different nearby store instead of the original local location.”

In other words, you won’t be left without support, but you may be left without a nearby location.

What Customers Should Do Next

If your car dealership has closed down, there’s no need to worry. However, you’ll want to take action to make sure all of your ducks are in a row.

Find Another Authorized Dealership

For starters, you’ll want to find another authorized dealership, preferably one close to where you live.

“The most reliable way for a consumer to find an authorized dealership is through the manufacturer’s website,” Kunes says. “Nearly every automaker provides a dealer locator tool where drivers can search by ZIP code to confirm the closest authorized service and sales locations, and this ensures warranty coverage will be recognized.”

Secure Important Documents

Next, you’ll want to make sure you have all of your important documents in your possession.

According to Kunes, you should keep copies of the purchase agreement, finance or lease documents and any warranty or service contracts. “These records prove vehicle ownership, financing terms and coverage,” he explains. “Even if a dealership closes, having that paperwork ensures the driver can continue service and warranty coverage at another location.”

Track Open Orders or Deposits

The next order of business is to keep track of open orders and deposits for your vehicle. If you placed an order or left a deposit, it’s important to follow up quickly. “Contacting the manufacturer or another authorized dealer can often resolve the issue, as many orders can be redirected and deposits should be accounted for during the closure process,” Kunes explains.

Make sure you hold onto receipts and order confirmations as well as these documents will be helpful down the line.

Check on Warranty and Service Contracts

It’s important to note that for the majority of drivers, a dealership closure doesn’t mean being left high and dry. “Even if a dealership closes, most customers are still protected,” Kunes says. “That’s because the majority of warranties and service contracts are backed by third-party administrators or the manufacturer itself, which means the coverage follows the vehicle, not the dealership. Drivers can usually go to another authorized repair center and still get the benefits they paid for.”

The best step for any vehicle owner is to review their paperwork and contact the warranty administrator listed to confirm coverage. “These protections are designed to provide stability and peace of mind throughout the life of the vehicle, regardless of any unforeseen changes that may happen on the business side,” Kunes adds.

FAQ

What if my registration, plates, or title weren’t processed before the dealership closed?

In this situation, the state DMV or motor vehicle agency is the best resource. “They can confirm the status of paperwork, license plates and guide you on next steps if something was left incomplete,” Kunes says. “Having a bill of sale and temporary registration ready will help the process go more smoothly.”

How do I get my vehicle’s service records if the dealership has closed?

This can vary based on your personal situation; however, many dealerships use digital systems for service records, which means records can often be transferred to another location within the same group or accessed through the manufacturer.

“When a consumer has purchased through a large group, those records can typically be shared across affiliated stores, creating an added layer of continuity,” Kunes explains. “If digital records are not available, drivers should maintain personal copies of service receipts going forward.”

About the Experts

• Scott Kunes, chief operating officer of Kunes Automotive and RV Group

RELATED:

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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How To Fill Raised Garden Beds for Thriving Plants

First Layer: Weed Prevention

To prevent weeds from growing into your garden bed, lay an organic base layer that will drain well when you water your garden. Cardboard, newspapers or paper bags are great choices.

Use a few landscaping pins to secure your weed layer to the ground, keeping it from shifting as the other layers are piled on top of it.

Second layer: Bulk Brown Organic material

Fill about a sixth of the depth of your raised garden bed with twigs and small branches (under two inches in diameter) that will fill some of the space yet break down and contribute healthy nutrients to the soil. Do not place large wood logs as part of this layer. Although they take up space, they also do not break down quickly and, if waterlogged, may introduce unwanted molds or spores into your garden.

Third layer: Green Organic Plant waste

Next, add a layer about a sixth of the depth of your raised garden bed of organic plant waste: dried leaves, chemical-free grass clippings, pine needles, and other decaying plant matter. This is also the layer to add old potting soil from container gardens. Compost in the process of decomposition also works well in this layer.

Note: When adding green plant waste, be cautious to avoid adding weeds that can take root and spread in your garden.

Fourth Layer: Raised bed Soil mix

Fill the final 2/3 of the raised garden bed with “Organic Raised Bed Soil Mix.” Most nursery websites will have a soil calculator to help determine exactly how many cubic square feet or bags of soil you will need to fill the raised bed.

Because this is a considerable space to fill, mixing your own dirt may be challenging, but it is always doable.

An ideal garden soil mix for growing plants and vegetables can be made by mixing 40% compost, 40% topsoil, and 20% sand. Additionally, you can add peat moss, but not too much since it will bog down and make the dirt heavy.

Water your raised bed garden

Ensure your raised bed garden gets plenty of water before planting, and top off the soil as it settles.

When first filled with material, raised beds have air pockets. With time and various waterings, the air pockets will work their way out, and all that organic matter will settle into its proper place. When this happens, the raised bed’s soil level will seem lower. Before planting, add more dirt as needed.

FAQ

Is it beneficial to lay landscape fabric at the base of a raised bed garden?

Starting with a layer of weed prevention is good for a raised bed garden.  However, look for a material that will naturally decompose, allow for good drainage and promote the benefit your plants will gain from the nutrients found in the natural or native soil the raised bed is sitting on.  Man-made landscape fabric will prevent live organisms such as worms and other helpful insects from being a part of your raised bed garden environment.  Yes, you want to keep the weeds out, but be judicious about what you use at the base of your raised bed.

Is there an ideal depth for raised bed gardens?

Anywhere from 12 to 18 inches will be ideal for a raised bed garden.  Larger plants need more depth for their roots to develop well and give a good harvest.  Roots for many herbs and lettuces don’t require as much depth and would thrive in a depth of 12. Be sure to research ideal growing environments for the vegetables you want to grow and then plan your build accordingly.

What should I not put in my raised garden bed when filling it?

You should refrain from adding too many freshly cut wood chips to your raised bed.  When wood chips decompose, they draw nitrogen from the soil, which will negatively affect the development of your plants.

It is also not recommended to add pressure-treated or painted wood. Over time, the chemicals in these woods will leach into the soil and reach your vegetables.

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A Guide to Gorgeous Floors

Getting Started

Should I Get New Flooring? A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

Yes, There's a Right Way to Lay Flooring — Avoid These Common Mistakes

The Ultimate Guide to Laser Levels: 13 Expert Tips

Flooring Forecast: Pros Talk the Latest Flooring Trends

Types of Basement Floor Drains and Their Best Uses

Installation

The Ultimate Guide to Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring

How to Install Cork Tile Flooring

4 Easy Ways to Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring Like a Pro

Pro Tips and Tricks for Installing Laminate Flooring

Installing a Floor Transition Strip in 5 Easy Steps

Finishing Touches

Transform Your Space: Installing Baseboards the Right Way

Renew Your Vinyl Floors With This Painting Project

How to Install Quarter Round Molding Like You Know What You're Doing

Cutting Baseboard Corners Made Simple

Care & Repair

How Do You Remove Tough Stains from Vinyl Flooring?

10 Easy Ways to Fix Hardwood Floor Scratches

Repairing Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Replace a Damaged Hardwood Floor Board

A Guide to Preventing Hardwood Floor Scratches

How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring

13 Quick and Easy Ways to Remove Subfloor Staples

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Why Using a Car Sun Shade Might Be Smarter Than You Think

Sunshades for cars and trucks have been around for decades. Early versions (also called sun visors) were placed on the exterior, connected to the roof. These visors acted like a baseball cap’s bill, reducing sun glare and blocking rain, as well as boosting a car’s style and character. Interior sun visors became standard when exterior sun visors fell out of favor. However, they did little more than block the sun from blinding you while driving.

Over my career as a General Motors and ASE Master Technician, I’ve replaced hundreds of expensive interior plastic trim panels and other components (usually not covered by auto insurance) damaged from excess sun exposure and dangerous high temperatures caused by the “greenhouse effect” that can quickly turn your car into an oven. Without a sunshade and with the windows rolled up, the sun’s infrared radiation waves (IR) become stuck inside your car, similar to how heat—even on the coldest days—becomes trapped inside a greenhouse.

Although today’s sunshades don’t block sun glare while driving, they do help reduce interior temperature and protect interior trim. Read along as seasoned automotive and automotive accessory experts share practical tips on using sunshades to protect your car and make driving more pleasurable.

What Are Sunshades Supposed To Do?

Sunshades are designed to block the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays and infrared radiation waves (IR). UV and IR pass through glass, heating up everything inside the passenger compartment. “Sunshades offer tremendous benefits of protecting interior trim, finishes and components,” says auto insurance and industry expert Melanie Musson. As interior temperatures rise, heat is transferred and absorbed by “components, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, trim and seats.”

“Control switches and metal can reach temperatures of 180-200 degrees F. in less than an hour,” says Juliette Zambrano, owner of Innovative Wraps. Throughout my own career, I have seen seats and trim fade and have replaced hundreds of dashboards/crash pads and other plastic trim pieces that were cracked and buckled, steering wheels that split and electrical parts all damaged by the sun’s destructive heat.

Benefits

“There are several advantages to using sunshades,” says Zambrano, including:

• Blocking harmful UV rays prevents seat and color trim from fading.
• Blocking sunlight’s radiation helps keep interior temperatures lower on bright, sunny days.
• Lowering interior temperatures 30 to 40 degrees F. reduces air conditioning (AC) workload, lowering fuel costs.
• Lowering interior temperatures also means “cooler touchpoints,” and a longer-lasting interior, added Zambrano.
• Protecting the interior from damage “helps maintain your car’s resale value,” stated Musson.
• Once set up, they are easy to install and remove, usually without tools or hardware.

Drawbacks

Obviously, you cannot drive with a sunshade blocking the windshield. Check with your state motor vehicle laws for restrictions on driving with side and back glass window curtains and mesh screens in place. Other drawbacks include:

• Universal, or one-size-fits-all all sunshades may leave gaps along the edges or require trimming for proper coverage.
• Some designs (accordion, roll-up) can be difficult to install in tight spaces or smaller cars.
• Integrated suction cups provide stable installation but may leave unsightly “shadow marks” on the windshield.
• Large or custom-fit shades may be tricky to remove or store neatly in your car.
• Sunshades only cover the windshield; for complete coverage, you will need to add mesh window shades.
• Cheaply made sunshades, or products made from poor-quality materials, can warp, wrinkle, and lose the ability to reflect IR and UV rays after repeated use.
• Custom-made sunshades can be costly but offer the best fit and level of protection.

You need to weigh the pros and cons to determine if and what brand of sunshade is right for you. Then you’ll need to determine the best type/design.

Do They Work?

Yes. “They help regulate the temperature inside your car, making it more comfortable and preserving the lifespan of your electronics,” says Paul Knoll, Senior Marketing Director at American Trucks.

Your entire car is constantly at risk from sunlight. Blocking UV and IR, sunshades are the first line of protection against sun damage and blistering interior temperatures, while offering an “improved driving experience, especially on hot, sunny days,” says Zambrano. Instead of the interior of your car reaching blistering temperatures hot enough to burn your skin, sunscreens help the interior remain at lower temperatures that are not so punishing to you and your car’s interior.

Does the Material Sun Shades Are Made From Matter?

Yes, materials matter quite a bit. “Bright, reflective film that actually sits flat against the glass is best for heat reduction,” says Zambrano.

Look for sunshades that “integrate reflective materials such as metal-coated polyester (Mylar). These work best because they reflect the sun back instead of absorbing it,” says Knoll.

“There’s a wide range of materials that are effective,” added Musson. Better sunshades are made from 240T polyester, have multi-layers with a foam core that insulate better than fabric sunshades, and incorporate reflective vinyl coatings that offer durability and heat resistance.

“Mesh is also a great option for side and back windows to cut glare, but it won’t reflect heat as effectively as a reflective windshield shade would,” says Zambrano.

Best Sunshades For Your Car

Look for sunshades that offer a UV blockage protection rating of 90 percent or higher. According to Knoll, “custom-fit sunshades provide the best coverage and protection. Quality manufacturers like WeatherTech or Covercraft are known for manufacturing crisp-fitting, high-reflective sunshades [that increase] cooling efficiency.” For convenience, look for sunshades that are easy to set up and take down. You’re more likely to use them. “Foldable or accordion-fold shades are easiest for day-to-day use,” added Musson.

Alternate Ways To Keep Your Car Cool

Parking in shade, under a canopy or in a parking garage is the easiest and least expensive way to keep your car cool. Remember to keep the sunroof sunshade closed and be ready to remove any sap or bird droppings when parking under a tree. Tinted windows, reflective dashboard mats, solar-powered fans and side window shades all can help lower interior temperatures. Covering the steering wheel, seats and dashboard with towels can block direct sunlight. This will keep them cooler but won’t do anything to lower the interior air temperature.

FAQ

Should I crack my windows when parked?

It will help a little by venting out hot air. However, you need to consider security and weather. “It can soften that initial blast of heat when getting into your vehicle after it sat all day out in the sun,” says Zambrano.

Does window tinting help keep the car cool?

Yes, definitely. Today’s modern window tinting can reduce interior heat up to 60 percent, block up to 99 percent of UV rays and filter 90 percent of the sun’s IR, keeping the interior dramatically cooler. Some states allow sun-blocking window tint four to six inches from the top of the windshield. Before installing any window tinting, especially if your windows already have factory tinting, consult your state tinting laws for legal limits. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reducing exposure to UV rays to defend against UV radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer.

Can I cool my car faster once I start driving?

Yes. If you have the ability to remotely start your car, let it run for a few minutes before getting in. To help force out hot air, open all the windows (and sunroof if you have one) and run the AC at full blast. I have a habit of driving with all the windows down for a few minutes. It helps evacuate the hot air, lowering temperatures faster and allowing the AC to cool my car quicker.

About the Experts

Juliette Zambrano is the owner and installer at Innovative Wraps and has over 13 years of experience in the automotive industry. Together with her husband Chris, she built Innovative Wraps into one of Albuquerque’s most trusted automotive shops for wraps, paint protection film, and ceramic coatings. Innovative Wraps is a trusted installer of STEK and Avery Dennison paint protection films. (Electronic communication, Sep. 12, 2025)

Melanie Musson, a published insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance and AutoInsurance.org and is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry, specializing in the auto industry.

Paul Knoll is Senior Marketing Director at American Trucks and is a dedicated car and truck enthusiast with a lifelong passion for vehicles.

Resources

Isabel Aguirre, Marketing Manager, Anytime Auto Glass, (Electronic communication, Sep. 10, 2025)

American Trucks: “WeatherTech vs. Intro-Tech: What’s the Best Sunshade for Protection Against UV Rays?” (Oct. 13, 2023)

Antique Automobile Club of America: “Visors and sun visors” (2023)

AutoZone: “Do Car Sunshades Work and How to Use Them” (Sep. 12, 2025)

Good Calculators: “Inside Car Temperature Calculator” (Sep. 10, 2025)

Window Tint Law USA: “Window Tint Laws” (2025)

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Ford Recalls Nearly 5,000 SUVs Over Defect That Could Cause Engine Fires

When it comes to prolific auto makers, some recalls now and then are to be expected. Ford is one of the larger automotive manufacturers in the United States, so it’s no surprise that these vehicles have safety issues every once in a while. But lately there have been more and more Ford recalls, and this week there’s another one. According to a recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to five thousand Ford vehicles pose a fire risk.

Why Is Ford Recalling These Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA report, the vehicles in question have problems in their battery junction boxes. The report explains that “a short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.” Vehicle fires are a threat that must be taken seriously. The NHTSA warns that “a vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.” This particular threat feels doubly scary because short circuits can happen even while your car is parked. Be as careful as possible when operating your Ford vehicle until you’ve confirmed that it poses no danger to yourself, your loved ones or other drivers on the road.

Which Ford Vehicles Pose a Fire Risk?

Per the NHTSA report, nearly 5,000 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles pose a fire risk. If you own one of these cars, keep an eye on your mailbox for your owner’s letter. The automotive company says that they’re mailing out the letters in late September 2025. You can also search your car’s vehicle identification numbers (VIN) on the NHTSA site.

Until you know your vehicle is safe, either because it’s exempt from the recall or you’ve had it repaired, exercise extreme caution around it. The NHTSA suggests that impacted owners should “park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed.”

Is There a Fix?

According to Ford, “dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper.” As is standard practice in this type of situation, the dealers will perform these repairs free of charge.

If you have further questions, you can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48 and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V628000.

Source

Engine Compartment Fire, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

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Do Air Purifiers Really Work?

I live in a region prone to wildfire smoke, so I was interested in finding out if air purifiers actually help with that. It turns out that they do. They can also help alleviate asthma and allergies by removing dander, dust, mold spores and other airborne particles.

“But most air purifiers don’t kill bacteria and viruses,” says HVAC and indoor air quality expert Jon Gilbertsen. “Disinfection is not the air purifier’s responsibility, unless it has added features like UV-C light or plasma technology.”

And even then, most of those have not been tested in real-world living conditions, or on humans, so their effectiveness remains murky. Here’s more about how air purifiers work, how well they clean the air and how to maximize their effectiveness.

How Air Purifiers Work

Air purifiers pull air through filters, with the help of a fan, to capture particles like dust, pollen, dander and smoke. Some use ionization and UV light, while others rely on HEPA filtration (high efficiency particulate air).

“Air can clean itself a little over time, but very slowly and never fully, which is why allergens and pollutants tend to hang around,” says Gilbertsen. “An air purifier just speeds the process up and makes it more effective.”

Some are also designed and/or marketed to help prevent respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and influenza. Those rely on an expanded base of technologies, which sometimes include generating gases and chemicals intended to kill microbes, such as ozone, formaldehyde and hydroxyl radicals.

How Effective Are They?

Air purifiers can be very effective at removing allergens and helping alleviate asthma conditions, especially those from reputable brands certified by an independent testing agency, such as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

“But air purifiers are about cleaning, not sanitation, so don’t buy one expecting it to keep you from catching the flu,” says Gilbertsen. “It most likely won’t.

Lack of Human Testing

According to a review of nearly 700 studies, which was published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the vast majority of air purifiers claiming to prevent the spread of airborne diseases have not been tested on humans. Instead, most have only been tested in unoccupied rooms, which is potentially problematic because it doesn’t demonstrate how well the purifiers work in real-world scenarios, such as in a home with children running around.

A second potential problem of air purifiers intended to curb the spread of indoor infections is that there have been very few studies concerning their possible harmful effects, such as releasing ozone, formaldehyde and other chemicals into the air.

Effectiveness Against Disease

No air purifiers in the US market have clinical proof of general disease prevention, says air purifier manufacturer Edwin Cheung. That doesn’t mean that they won’t help prevent disease, but don’t rely on them to do so.

“While air purifiers can reduce the number of airborne particles and lower exposure to viruses or bacteria, it’s best if they’re viewed as a layer of protection and not the only method,” says HVAC expert Michael Bilotti.

How Do I Know If I Need an Air Purifier?

You should consider an air purifier if:

• Someone in your home has allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues;
• You have pets, which spread dander and odor;
• You live where there is poor outdoor air quality, such as in a city or area prone to wildfire smoke;
• You use an indoor fireplace or wood stove;
• Your house generally just feels stuffy, dusty or musty.

“Even one of these is already a good reason to use an air purifier,” says Gilbertsen.

Does Room Size Matter When Choosing An Air Purifier?

Yes. Air purifiers are designed for specific room sizes, and if you buy one that is too small, it won’t be as effective. Also, check the purifier’s power rate, which is measured in CADR (clean air delivery rate), which determines how quickly it can filter particles from an area.

“An air purifier that’s bigger than you need will work fine and even faster, but it will also be noisier and more expensive,” says Gilbertsen.

Does It Matter Where You Put an Air Purifier?

Yes, where you place an air purifier in a room matters. “The ideal location for an air purifier is inside the room where airborne pollutants typically frequent,” says Cheung. “We also advise our customers to keep in mind clearance requirements. Some air purifiers can be placed near walls, while others require more space around them.”

Gilbertsen also recommends picking an air purifier that you like the look of. “Otherwise, you’ll want to hide it and end up placing it somewhere in the corner or behind furniture,” he says. “A lot of people do that trying to keep it out of view, then it ends up cleaning the same little pocket of air instead of circulating through the whole room.”

What types of filters do air purifiers use?

Most quality air purifiers use a combination of filters, including HEPA and carbon. HEPA helps remove particles, while carbon helps with issues like gases and odors. It’s also common for air purifiers to have pre-filters, which catch bulky materials like pet hair.

FAQ

How often do I need to replace filters?

It depends on manufacturer recommendations and whether you have pets or live in a high-pollution area, but usually six to 12 months for HEPA filters and three to six months for carbon ones. It’s best to stay on top of the replacing them, as clogged filters reduce airflow, and thus diminish the air purifier’s effectiveness.

“Each home has different conditions, so it’s best to check the filter from time to time for dust buildup, and replace or wash it as soon as it starts looking clogged or dark gray,” says Gilbertsen. “That’s why I recommend investing in a model with a filter-change indicator light.

Do air purifiers help with allergies or asthma?

Yes. Quality air purifiers that are certified by independent testing organizations can help with allergy and asthma symptoms, which are triggered by airborne irritants. Make sure to buy one with the correct size and CADR rating for your room’s size.

“Removing allergens like pollen, pet dander and dust, purifiers can reduce triggers and help people breathe better,” says Bilotti. “While they don’t cure allergies or asthma, they can significantly decrease symptoms when used consistently.”

About the Experts

• Jon Gilbertsen is an indoor air quality expert, HVAC professional and president at Chris Heating & Cooling in the Chicago area, a family run business founded in 2005.
• Michael Bilotti is an Army vet turned HVAC pro with more than 20 years of experience. He is now leading the charge at Degree Heating & Cooling as the general manager.
• Edwin Cheung is founder of Rabbit Air, a two-decades-old air purifier company dedicated to improving health and wellness one breath at a time.

Sources

The Conversation; “Most air cleaning devices have not been tested on people − and little is known about their potential harms, new study finds.” (August 25, 2025).

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Cutting Baseboard Corners Made Simple

Verify the angle of each corner

Use a square or angle finder to determine if the corners are square. If not, determine if they are wider (obtuse) or tighter (acute) than 90 degrees. If the corner angle is wider, your miter angles will need to be greater than 45 degrees. If the angle is tighter, the miter angles will be less than 45 degrees.

Take detailed notes with measurements and specifically which way the miter cut will face. Careful documentation prevents costly mis-cuts during installation.

For baseboards with a square profile, consider using a butt joint

If you are using baseboards with a square, non-decorative profile, you may want to consider using a butt joint in the corner. This will greatly simplify the baseboard installation process. You can also use a butt joint with baseboards with decorative profiles, but it will require cutting cope joints in the profile on one of the inside corner pieces, which can be challenging for even experienced trim carpenters.

If a corner is not square, dial in the angle

Once the square helps you determine you do not have a 90-degree corner, use scrap baseboard pieces to cut test pieces for dry fitting. Measure each baseboard length carefully, accounting for the miter cuts at each end.

Adjust the angle on the miter saw a half of a degree (44-1/2-degrees for tight or 45-1/2-degrees for wide corners) and cut scrap baseboard chunks. Test fit these and continue to adjust until you have a tight fit. This process varies for every corner, so mark your scrap pieces with the angle you’ve cut them at for reference on the following corners.

When you find the correct angle for your corner, transfer and cut the angle to the actual baseboard pieces you’ll be installing.

When the angle is cut right, but it is not sitting well in the corner, shim it out

Use paint stirrers, popsicle sticks, or any other thin flat material that you can nail through to shim the baseboard against the wall and snug up the miter. Slide the popsicle stick behind the bottom of the baseboard at the floor to shim out the bottom or tuck it behind the top of the baseboard to bump the top forward.

If some of the popsicle stick peeks out above the baseboard, cut the excess off with a utility knife after it has been nailed in place. You may find you don’t need the popsicle stick behind both pieces coming into a corner. Play with the placement of the popsicle stick to determine which way best tightens the mitered corner.

Nail the baseboards in place

When you find the correct angle for your corner, transfer and cut the angle to the actual baseboard pieces you’ll be installing. Nail the baseboard pieces to the wall using two-inch brad nails, hitting every wall stud that they span.

For a professional finish, fill the nail holes with wood filler and sand it back with fine-grit sandpaper. Caulk any gaps along the top edge of the baseboard. Then do a quick touch-up with your topcoat paint or stain.

FAQ

Do tall baseboards make a room look bigger?

The addition of wall trim, including baseboards, adds dimension to a room and makes it appear larger. Furthermore, taller baseboards contribute to the illusion of taller walls by drawing the eye upward.

Should there be a gap between the baseboard and wall?

No, baseboard gaps are not only unsightly but also allow drafts into the home. A bead of caulk should be applied to the gaps at the top, where the baseboard meets the wall. Gaps at the bottom, where the baseboard meets the floor, should be covered with quarter-round or shoe molding.

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Is There a Right Way to Lay Flooring?

In my years as a flooring installer, I learned the job is more complicated than I originally expected. So if you’re going to lay your own flooring — even if it’s click-together laminate or luxury vinyl, which you’ll repeatedly hear is effortlessly easy to install (don’t believe it) — take heed. You need to know that the right way to lay flooring involves:

• Planning;
• careful measurements;
• skillful cutting;
• bending over a lot (ouch!) and spending way too much time on your knees (pro tip: get knee pads);
• techniques to compensate for irregularities in the room in which you’re working (walls that aren’t straight, uneven subfloors and extremely humid conditions).

If you’re contemplating doing a DIY flooring job, I’m not trying to discourage you. Unlike some construction trades, flooring installation is very DIYable, so there’s no reason not to save a bundle of cash by doing the job yourself. You just don’t want to mess it up, because mistakes are hard to correct. In this short primer, which I’ve prepared with construction and design experts, you’ll find some key tips on the right way to lay flooring that will help you get great, long-lasting results.

Is There a Right Way to Lay Flooring?

Yes, and you’ll know the difference between a floor that has been laid the right way and one that hasn’t very soon after installation. One that hasn’t been installed correctly could develop a number of defects, including gaps, buckling or lifting. None of these are easy to fix and may require a do-over.

Even if that doesn’t happen, the layout could detract from the room design rather than enhance it. That’s usually because the installer didn’t pay attention to the right way to lay flooring in this particular situation. The direction you lay any flooring material — especially rectangular boards — matters.

What Direction Should You Lay Flooring?

The question of directionality is nuanced and involves several considerations, but the two main ones are structural stability (which helps prevent defects like gapping) and aesthetics. “Structurally speaking,” observes tiny home builder Jonathan Palley, “it’s better to lay flooring perpendicular to the underlying joists, but that’s not necessarily an issue with smaller homes. Aesthetically, you usually want flooring to go the long way in rectangular rooms.”

Luxury real estate advisor Corinne Smith adds, “In terms of looks, flooring looks best when it’s parallel to the longest wall or in the direction of natural light. In hallways, boards should run lengthwise.”

The location of the door can also have a bearing on the flooring direction. From a feng shui point of view, allowing the flooring to run into a room from the door (perpendicular to the door opening) creates a visual flow that feels inviting. To do this, you might have to lay the flooring parallel to the shorter walls, and that’s usually OK in a small room. In a long room, however, it’s best to ignore feng shui and do as Palley and Smith say: Go parallel to the long walls, even if it means cutting across the doorway.

Directionality also depends on the type of flooring you’re installing:

Hardwood and engineered wood boards

Follow the guidelines above.

Laminate and luxury vinyl planks

Rectangular planks have seams between them that create a longitudinal pattern, so the same aesthetic considerations apply as for hardwood boards. Structurally, however, laminates and luxury planks are thinner and less stable than hardwood boards, and they need more support, so the default direction is perpendicular to the floor joists.

Square tiles

Tiles with a directional geometric or wood-grain pattern usually look better if the pattern runs parallel to the long walls, so go ahead and start laying them against one of them. However, if there’s no pattern, or the pattern is non-directional or complex (such as wood parquet), tiles look best if you start laying them at the center of the room and splay them out toward the walls.

Best Ways to Lay Flooring

“Best practices always come down to prep, prep, prep,” says remodeler Ben Kuhl. “First and foremost, make sure you have a clean, level subfloor. Then, bring in the new flooring, so it can acclimate to the environment.” Giving the flooring a few days to acclimate to the room conditions helps avoid nasty surprises like:

• Shrinking and gapping, which happens when the material loses moisture in low-humidity conditions after you install it;
• curling and cupping, which happens when it absorbs moisture in high-humidity conditions and swells.

When it comes to fastening the flooring to the subfloor, the method depends on the material, and here are Smith’s (and my) recommendations:

• Solid hardwood: Nail-down or staple using a flooring nailer or stapler;
• Engineered wood: Nail-down, glue-down or floating (no fasteners), depending on the product;
• Laminate flooring: No fasteners are needed for a floating floor system with click-lock edges;
• Luxury vinyl planks: Floating click-lock or glue-down, depending on type;
• Ceramic tile: Thinset mortar and grout;
• Wood tile and parquet: Glue;
• Carpet tiles: Peel-and-stick, glue or carpet tape.

Mistakes People Make When Laying Flooring

You can make all kinds of mistakes when laying flooring for the first time. Hopefully, this list will help you avoid some of the most common ones:

• Not preparing the subfloor: You have to make the subfloor flat. Bumps and depressions will cause the boards to separate.
• Not leaving expansion gaps: Many DIYers forget to leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the edges of the flooring and the walls. This is a major boo-boo, according to Kuhl. “The most common mistakes I’ve seen—and I’ve had to fix my fair share of poor jobs—are ignoring expansion gaps and not prepping the subfloor properly. I’ve seen hardwood floors buckle and even “explode” under the pressure of wood movement because the expansion gaps weren’t left in place.”
• Skipping the underlayment: Moisture seeping through the subfloor can ruin a wood floor in a matter or months. You should omit underlayment only if you’re gluing the flooring to the subfloor.
• Not staggering joints: If the ends of the boards line up, they create a joint pattern that competes with the pattern created by the longitudinal joints. This layout is visually unappealing, and it’s structurally unsound. The best stagger pattern is random, with ends of boards no closer to each other than six inches.
• Failing to give new flooring time to acclimate to the room conditions: (see above).

FAQ

Does lighting impact the direction you should lay flooring?

Yes. When flooring runs in the same direction as the main natural light source, such as sunlight through a window, the light minimizes the visual impact of the seams and enhances the flooring’s natural colors and grain pattern.

How do you find a room’s center to lay tile?

This is easy in a rectangular room. Measure the length of one of the long walls, divide by two and make a mark at that point on the wall. Do the same for the opposite wall, then snap a chalk line between these points. Repeat the measurements for the short walls and snap another line. The point at which the lines cross is the midpoint of the room.

In an irregularly shaped room, your best bet is to scribe out a rectangle that encompasses as much of the floor area as possible, then find the midpoint of the rectangle using the method above.

About the Experts

• Jonathan Palley is the CEO of Clever Tiny Homes, a company that uses the highest levels of design, construction, technology and manufacturing to deliver homes at highly affordable prices.
• Corinne Smith is a Washington State real estate advisor who has as in-house team of contractors and a remodeling crew that often works on large scale remodels. Her personal website is Legacy Homes.
• Ben Kuhl is a remodeler and the CEO and founder of Shelf Expression, a high-end, custom shelf manufacturer.

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Should I Get New Flooring? A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

Installing new flooring is one of the best ways to add value and beauty to your home, but it can also be a significant investment. Choosing the right flooring depends not only on your design preferences but also on your budget and long-term plans for the home. Read on to learn more about new flooring cost vs. benefit with help from Gary Bernard of Holyoke Millwork and Alex Ciosek from Summerlin Floors.

The Cost of New Floors

“A general rule to follow is tile is the most expensive, followed by wood, laminate, vinyl and carpet,” Ciosek says. Material and installation costs for each material include:

• Tile: $10 to $50 per sq. ft.
• Wood: $8 to $25 per sq. ft.
• Laminate: $2 to $13 per sq. ft.
• Vinyl: $2.50 to $13 per sq. ft.
• Carpet: $2 to $8 per sq. ft.

Additional costs: Be sure to budget for existing floor removal, subfloor repairs, baseboards and any additional tradespeople. “For example, if you are doing a floor in a bathroom, the toilet will need to be removed by a plumber,” Ciosek says.

How Long Does New Flooring Last?

More expensive flooring options generally last longer. Tile can last 25 to 50 years or more, though “styles become outdated and need to be replaced,” Bernard says. Hardwood floors may hold up for 30 to 100 years, depending on species, finish and care. Lower-cost materials like vinyl and laminate last 10 to 30 years, while carpet usually needs replacement every five to 15 years. “Carpet really depends on where it is located, as well as usage,” Ciosek says. “I have seen carpet that looks decent after 20 years, and carpet that is ready to be replaced in a year.”

Does New Flooring Increase Home Value?

Yes, new flooring does increase a home’s value, especially when replacing worn or outdated materials. According to the National Association of Realtors, new hardwood flooring can recoup up to 118 percent of its cost at resale.

Should I Get New Flooring?

“Anyone with flooring needs should look into flooring upgrades,” Ciosek says. However, your finances, the condition of your current floors and how long you plan to stay in your home all factor into the decision. It is never a good idea to overextend yourself financially for a cosmetic upgrade. If floors are dated but functional, it’s better to wait and save rather than rush into a costly project. If floors are damaged or failing, action is necessary, but budget-friendly options exist.

How long you plan to live in your home should also influence your choice. “If you’re in your forever home or are building a new home, it’s worth investing in the good stuff,” Bernard says. For a shorter-term return on investment, Bernard recommends installing luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which offers one of the best new flooring cost vs. benefit.

Permanent Flooring Alternatives

The high cost of new flooring can lead some homeowners to consider lower-cost alternatives such as peel-and-stick vinyl, floor paint or sheet vinyl. While neither flooring expert recommends these options due to their limited durability, they can be a practical solution for those working with a tight budget.

FAQ

What flooring has the highest return on investment?

Solid hardwood flooring has the highest return on investment (ROI) if you plan to live in your home more than seven to 10 years. Anything less, opt for LVT for the highest ROI.

Does new carpet add value to a home?

New carpet can add value to a home if replacing worn carpet or covering damaged floors.

Will putting down peel and stick flooring devalue my home?

It can, especially if installed in a kitchen or bathroom. “It’s cheap looking and doesn’t hold up well,” Bernard says. However, putting peel and stick in a laundry or utility room would likely not negatively impact your home’s value.

How can I make my floors look better without replacing them?

For an affordable facelift, consider painting hardwood or outdated tile, professionally cleaning stained carpet and adding area rugs to cover worn spots.

About the Experts

• Alex Ciosek is a project estimator at Summerlin Floors in Amherst, Massachusetts.
• Gary Bernard is the 3rd generation owner of Holyoke Millwork, a flooring retailer and installer in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Source

National Association of Realtors Remodeling Report (2022)

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Flooring Forecast: Pros Talk the Latest Flooring Trends

Lately, flooring trends are being driven not just by aesthetics, but also by practical concerns such as durability and a desire to make eco-conscious choices. Of course, choosing the right flooring also makes the difference between your home looking modern or outdated.

“Floors have an underrated influence on the overall look and feel of a home,” says Ron Shimek of Mr. Handyman. “While bold patterns or statement finishes may cycle in and out more quickly, core flooring options such as hardwood and stone tend to endure.”

Here’s more about what’s trending with floors, according to the experts.

New Flooring Trends

Eco-Friendly Materials

Many homeowners are turning toward sustainable, environmentally friendly flooring options like reclaimed wood, cork and bamboo. “Bamboo and cork are ecological, elegant and provide natural comfort,” says interior designer Prashant Sharma. “But they dent more readily, and therefore are not suitable for heavy furniture areas.”

Wide Planks and Tiles

Wide-plank wood and engineered wood designs are definitely en vogue, along with oversized tiles, especially in modern homes with high ceilings and open concepts. “This is because they help create the illusion of larger, more open spaces, plus bring a sleek, modern feel compared to skinny planks, which can make a room feel busier,” says Shimek.

Warm Wood Tones

Cool, gray floors are giving way to warmer shades like honey oak, walnut and chestnut. “This is part of the return to biophilic design, which incorporates more elements of nature to make a space feel more restorative and inviting,” says Shimek.

Textured Stone-Look Tiles

Porcelain tiles that resemble slate or limestone are another emerging flooring trend. “They are wear-and-tear resistant and low-maintenance, but less favorable when you want something to warm your feet,” says Sharma.

Custom Garage Floors

Aaron Cash of Garage Living says homeowners are looking beyond gray garage floors, instead seeking custom blends, decorative flakes and finishes that match their cabinets, cars or even the interior of their homes. “A garage is no longer an afterthought; it’s part of the home’s living space,” he says. Polyspartic coatings, also trending in the world of garages, hold up well in places with temperature extremes.

Flooring Trends to Leave Behind

Cool Gray Tones

Shimek says the “millennial gray” trend is quickly fading, being replaced by warmer design choices. Cool gray floors can make a space feel flat and cold, while warmer, brown floors are more welcoming and vibrant.

Skinny Planks

Thin wood planks are giving way to wider planks, which better suit modern, spacious home designs. “Skinny planks tend to make a room feel crowded or busy,” says Shimek.

Some Synthetics

Shimek says laminate and vinyl are budget-friendly options, but their appeal is waning due to their shorter lifespans, environmental impacts and sometimes low-quality looks.

High-Gloss Floors

They’re just too much maintenance. “They are too easily scratched and show dust,” says Sharma. “Households now desire finishes that conceal everyday wear.”

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

And we’re not just talking about ’70s shag. “Wall-to-wall carpeting used to be very popular due to its coziness, but it is now regarded as unhygienic and harder to clean,” says Sharma.

Epoxy Garage Floors

“They had their moment, especially with big-box store kits,” says Cash. But, they can peel, chip and stain over time. “Most of the work we do at Garage Living involves replacing failing epoxy with Polyaspartic,” he says. Also, skip the paint. It won’t last well and becomes a mess to remove.

FAQ

What type of flooring is the most timeless?

Hardwood is always a sure bet. “It is classic and durable, and adds significant resale value to a home,” says Shimek. But, natural stone, like marble, slate, granite or sandstone, is good runner-up for both indoor and outdoor spaces. “It has been used in homes for centuries, gives off an elegant and luxurious feel and adds significant value,” says Shimek.

What are the most sustainable and eco-friendly flooring options?

• Shimek says reclaimed wood is the gold standard for eco-conscious flooring since it is 100 percent recycled and incredibly durable. For new hardwood, look for FSC-certified products, which signify that the wood was harvested responsibly.
• Cork is also a highly sustainable, renewable resource. It is made by removing the bark of cork oak trees, which then grows back.
• Bamboo is often considered sustainable, due to its fast-growing nature; plus, it’s a durable and cost-effective alternative to hardwood.
• Linoleum (but not vinyl flooring) can actually be eco-friendly because it’s biodegradable and often made from natural materials like linseed oil, jute and cork powder.

About the Experts

• Ron Shimek is president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, where he has worked since 2019.
• Prashant Sharma is co-founder and interior designer at Rangreli home decor retailers, and has years of experience with residential and commercial design.
• Aaron Cash is president and co-founder of Garage Living, Canada’s largest garage storage and organization contractor, currently with 35 North American franchisees.

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Why Some Pickup Trucks Have Amber Lights On Top

Ever feel like big trucks are becoming incredibly common? The data backs that sentiment up. According to a 2024 Cornell Law School study, 80 percent of new vehicles sold in the United States were classified as light trucks, meaning they weigh anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 pounds.

And those are trucks on the relatively smaller side, with larger commercial alternatives weighing well over that 10,000-pound mark. With that much mass hurtling down highways, it makes sense that trucks have to be treated a little differently when it comes to safety laws. If you’ve ever noticed a truck with a row of orange or amber lights above its windshield, you’ve seen one of those unique safety rules in action.

Here’s what’s going on with those lights and what it means if you’ve seen them on the road.

What Orange Truck Lights Mean

That trio of orange lights on top of a truck doesn’t provide any added visibility for the person driving the truck. Instead, they’re what’s known as clearance lights, intended to show people outside of the vehicle exactly how large the truck is.

According to the Department of Transportation, commercial vehicles more than 80 inches wide are required to have “three amber front and three red rear identification lamps spaced between 6 and 12 inches apart at the center of the front and rear of the vehicle, as high as practicable.”

This is not exactly a new practice, either. Turns out, the DOT has required cab roof lights on larger trucks since 1989. As heavy-duty trucks have become more popular, those little amber lights become more prevalent.

Are Trucks Getting Bigger?

It’s an open secret that for the majority of consumers in the U.S., bigger is always better. This is as true as it is for televisions as it is for trucks, and it’s a mentality that has incentivized automakers to make trucks as large as their engineers can design. Large trucks have a practical appeal, too, especially if you’re someone looking to do a significant amount of hauling.

There’s also another, more technical incentive for automakers to beef up their trucks. Federal requirements for how fuel-efficient a vehicle has to be are usually based on its physical footprint. So by making a truck bigger, wider and heavier, automakers can then put it in a category with other large trucks and less demanding fuel economy standards.

According to Consumer Reports, the hood height of passenger trucks has increased at least 11 percent on average since 2000. Meanwhile, new pickups also grew 24 percent heavier on average from 2000 to 2018. As trucks continue to simultaneously boom in size and popularity, new safety regulations will likely have to be created to protect smaller vehicles and pedestrians with whom they share the road.

Sources:

Cornell Law School, “The Unchecked Rise of Trucks and SUVs in America” 2024

Consumer Reports, “The Hidden Danger of Big Pickup Trucks” 2024

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Online Filings, “DOT Lighting Requirements for Trucks: What You Need To Know” 2024

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• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
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