Garage Goals and EV Chargers: Safety, Resale Value, and 2026 Home Trends

Overview Live from Butler Lexus South Atlanta in Union City, host Shelley Winter and Deborah Morton of The Agency Atlanta (Clareo Group, Inside Georgia Real Estate) break down how garages and EV charging are reshaping home decisions. Kevin from Butler Lexus joins to compare charger types, installation risks, and what inspectors and insurers are flagging. Listener calls add EV risk context and what sellers must disclose after finding asbestos.

Key Takeaways • Garages are now lifestyle space: storage, lighting, finishes, ceiling height, shelves, shop areas, and even lifts. • EV chargers are not equal, and installation quality matters as much as the unit. • Level 1 is standard 110, Level 2 is 220, Level 3 is commercial speed charging with heavy cost and grid demands. • Panel capacity, transformers, and neighborhood power draw can limit what is feasible at a single home. • Some insurers and condo associations are restricting indoor charging, pushing charging to exterior areas. • Adding a charger rarely boosts resale value on paper because buyers want different systems and appraisals track what is typical nearby. • A premium garage can be a deal breaker for the right buyer even if it does not materially change an appraisal. • Disclosures matter: asbestos, polybutylene pipes, lead paint, and other known issues should be disclosed to avoid future liability.

Caller Q&A • Craig, Monticello: Notes EV garage fires are statistically rare and would not drive his buy or build decision. Deborah agrees risk is lower than many causes, but buyer awareness matters, especially in condos where one incident can impact many units. • Greg, Griffin: Found asbestos in joint compound during a repair and asks about selling later. Deborah confirms disclosure is required, explains that containment is key, and that remediation becomes mandatory when walls are disturbed.

Looking Ahead Deborah’s 2026 outlook centers on balance: steadier mortgage rates, stable pricing, more options to tour, and a projected 14% rise in transaction volume. Design trends lean warmer and more natural, with indoor to outdoor living that flows via large opening door systems. Lifestyle storage needs, from golf carts to boats and RVs, are being built into more homes.

Practical Tips • If you own an EV or plug in hybrid, confirm charger type, age, and who installed it. Prioritize safe, code compliant wiring and placement. • When buying a resale home, treat an older charger like any aging appliance: inspect, verify permits when possible, and budget to replace outdated equipment. • If selling, focus spend on improvements that return more than they cost. Prep the panel, conduit, and space where practical, but do not guess the buyer’s charger. • Garage needs are not just car count. Ask: storage volume, hobby space, door height, lighting, flooring, and whether you need room for carts, boats, or tools. • For condos and townhomes, check HOA rules on charging and confirm insurance requirements before you close. • If you learn of asbestos or other known defects, disclose accurately, document what you found, and get professional guidance to reduce closing surprises.

Timestamps • 00:05 Welcome and live setup at Butler Lexus • 00:39 Why garages matter and EV charging enters the chat • 03:13 Chargers as inspection and insurance issue • 06:29 Charger levels and why charging location matters • 12:12 Resale value question: prep versus install • 20:40 Lifestyle lens for garages, boats, golf carts, RVs • 24:58 Caller Craig on EV risk context • 30:07 Caller Greg on asbestos disclosure • 36:26 2026 outlook and message of hope • 38:23 Inside Georgia Real Estate mobile app