5 Tips for Squeezing Extra Storage Space Out of Your Garage

October 4, 2016 by Rick Scully

Your garage is stuffed to the max and you don’t think you can squeeze one more thing inside—including your vehicle. With cold weather on the horizon, it would be great to find space to store everything you need in your garage and still have room to park your car inside.

If your garage is like most, there’s a good chance you can maximize your garage storage space with a just a little creativity and the right tools. Let’s review five tips for squeezing extra storage space out of your garage.

Go Vertical

A garage–consisting of three blank walls and a door—lacks the built-in storage options found inside your home. Without storage options, we resort to stacking items on the floor along the perimeter of the garage. Only, this gives us a limited amount of space.

Once the perimeter space is taken, clutter marches toward the center of the garage. Before we realize it, the garage has been consumed by chaos, and we’re no longer able to park our vehicle(s) inside.

The key to maximizing storage while conserving vehicle parking space is moving storage off the floor. Instead, utilize the most plentiful area by storing items along garage walls.

Install a Garage Wall Organization System

Storing things along the wall makes sense, but you’re probably not thrilled about the idea of randomly hanging items all over your garage walls. Neither are we. Without a real system, randomly hanging items could leave you with a chaotic look and lots of unnecessary holes in the walls.

Instead, we recommend using a garage wall organization system. Comprised of sturdy PVC panels that come in a variety of neutral colors, this system will be your new best friend. The beauty of these panels is their flexibility. Each panel has slots which accommodate corresponding storage accessories. This includes a wide range of camlock hooks, shelves, baskets and specialized hooks.

Sturdy, lockable hooks and baskets stay put and are strong enough to hold heavy items. Rugged baskets and shelves come in multiple sizes, making it easy to find the right basket or shelf for the job. The system is scalable (start with one or two panels and expand later) and flexible enough to meet your family’s changing needs throughout the year. Just unlock baskets and hooks and take them down or move them elsewhere when the need arises.

Put Overhead Space to Work

For additional storage space that is easily overlooked, just look up. The overhead space in a garage is rarely considered usable space. However, with the right tools, overhead space can provide a wealth of additional storage space.

When installed by a knowledgeable, professional garage renovation expert, overhead garage storage racks provide a sturdy, safe place to store items seldom used. Accessible by step ladder, these racks are an ideal place to store seasonal items like holiday decorations.

Combine overhead racks with plastic totes and you’ll be able to safely store lots of items that are commandeering space in your garage. Overhead racks are also ideal for storing bulky items that take up a lot of space. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to carry the items safely up and down the step ladder to access them.

Rack ‘Em Up

There are a variety of specialized storage racks that can help you maximize storage in your garage. Overhead or wall bicycle racks allow you to store several bikes with limited or zero floor space. Hydraulic lifts can suspend lawn mowers, snow blowers or motorcycles, providing space underneath to park your vehicle.

Snow tires, kayaks, snowboards, skis and rooftop sports equipment racks can all be stored overhead. Specialized racks get the items off the garage floor, yet make them easily accessible when needed.

Unique Solutions for Unique Spaces

Perhaps your garage has an odd configuration, a recessed wall or obstacles like a central vacuum cleaner to contend with. A professional garage renovation expert can assess the space with your family’s needs in mind and create a made-to-measure storage solution just for you.

Unique, custom storage solutions can range from made-to-measure shelving to accommodate tight spaces or a curved wall; an overhead sling to store a canoe or other sports equipment; or a custom-built mezzanine to take advantage of a tall garage ceiling.

Your garage contains a fixed amount of space. However, creative solutions and the right tools can help you wring every bit of available storage space from your garage.

Hanging items on the walls reserves precious floor space. A garage wall organization system is scalable and flexible enough to accommodate your family’s changing storage needs. Overhead space can provide a treasure trove of storage for seasonal items. Specialized racks allow you to store several items in the space of one or without using any floor space at all. Made-to-measure storage solutions provide extra storage even in the tiniest of garages.

Ready to squeeze the maximum storage from your garage? Request a free, in-house consultation.

Are Your Prepared for Disaster?

September 20, 2016 by Rick Scully

No one likes to consider the possibility of a disaster, be it natural or manmade. However, the reality is that such disasters do occur. In the event of a catastrophe, it could take first responders up to 72 hours to reach you. Would you be prepared to fend for yourself for at least that long?

Disaster preparedness can vastly improve the outcome for you and your family if the unthinkable were to occur. Let’s review a few simple steps recommended by Public Safety Canada to prepare you to hold out until assistance arrives.

Be Aware of Risks Related to Your Region

Whether you live in Ontario or elsewhere in Canada, there are certain risks inherent to your area, particularly at certain times of the year. Tornados, blizzards, flooding, severe storms and power outages are among the various risks for which you may need to prepare. Understanding which risks are most probable for your community will help you prepare for the likeliest disaster and be more prepared for any calamity.

Visit GetPrepared.ca to review a full list of disasters. Get the statistics on each type of disaster and find out which regions are most likely to be affected by it. Learn what to do before, during and after, in the event that particular disaster strikes your community.

Create a Plan of Action Should Disaster Strike

How would you escape your bedroom if fire barred you from opening the door? If you’re on a higher floor, how would you safely exit the window? If you’re separated from your children, would they know what to do? Perhaps you’ve given thought to these questions. That’s an excellent first step. However, it’s important to clearly communicate an emergency evacuation plan to every member of your family. Even small children should know what to do in the event of a fire.

When an emergency happens, we don’t always think clearly. Having your plan outlined in writing and accessible to every member of the family can be invaluable during times of distress. Keep printed and digital copies of your emergency plan in various locations, including a central location everyone knows.

Your plan of action should outline rendezvous points outside your home in case of an event like a fire. A rendezvous point outside of your community is also essential to prepare for an incident which forces you to evacuate the neighbourhood. Practice the plan with young children so they commit it to memory. This will help them to calmly execute the plan, in case they get separated from you.

Create an Emergency Kit

Whether a disaster forces you to hunker down in your home or garage for several days or forces you to evacuate your home and community, you’ll need to have a stash of supplies on hand. Store three days’ worth of non-perishable food items like canned or dried goods. Include at least two litres of water per family member during that three-day period. Large water jugs are an easy way to ensure there is enough water for everyone—including pets—if you are stuck in your home. However, if you must leave your home, smaller bottles are easier to transport. In addition to food and water, be sure to keep an emergency supply of medications.

Your emergency kit should be a portable grab and go bag. If you have a large family, it would be difficult to store enough supplies for everyone in a single, easily portable duffle bag. Instead, create a separate backpack for each family member that is tailored to their specific needs and that each member can easily transport.

A variety of additional items should be in the emergency kit, including a small amount of cash, a battery-operated flashlight and radio, a manual can opener and first aid supplies. Though not every creature comfort will fit in your grab and go bag, a variety of other items like toiletries should be stocked near your emergency kits. Garage shelving or garage cabinets are a great place to store your kits and additional emergency supplies.

For more info on how to prepare your family for a natural disaster, visit GetPrepared.ca. To learn more about how to maximize the storage capacity of your garage to better accommodate a stash of emergency supplies, visit Garage TailorsGarage.com.

National Clean Out Your Garage Day

September 1, 2016 by Rick Scully

A 5-Step Plan to Reclaim Your Garage

The garage is one of the most neglected spaces in our homes. Over time, it often becomes the family dumping ground from everything to broken furniture and outgrown toys to sports equipment and holiday decorations. Couple our tendency to stockpile items in the garage with our aversion to cleaning the garage, and you have a recipe for chaos as our growing pile of stuff gets out of control.

Garage clutter isn’t just an aesthetic problem or even a mere inconvenience that forces us to spend time searching for misplaced objects—like a garden trowel or someone’s lucky baseball. It also poses a health hazard. Improperly store baseball bats, hockey sticks and garden implements pose a serious tripping hazard. Clothing and newspapers stored openly in the garage attract mice and other vermin by providing nesting material. Chemicals stored in the garage pose a poisoning hazard to animals and small children. Improperly stored flammable liquids pose a fire hazard.

As garage clutter grows, it becomes harder for the garage to fulfill its intended use—a safe haven for your vehicles from the harsh summer sun, frigid winter temperatures and all of the precipitation that falls in between. If you’re like many families, perhaps you’ve surrendered to garage clutter, opting to park your vehicles outside. If so, don’t despair. Instead, get ready to take back your garage in five simple steps on Clean Out Your Garage Day—the Saturday following Labour Day.

Step One: Start with a Plan

No one wants to spend the entire day knee deep in clutter, so we put off cleaning the garage. However, when we approach the task with a plan, the job becomes easier and we can tackle it efficiently.

Take time to assess your priorities. What is most important to you when it comes to your garage? Reclaiming parking space for your vehicles? Creating a workshop for a hobby or small business? Securing storage space for sports equipment? Or perhaps you require all three. Start by mapping out the space to determine what you can fit inside the garage and where everything should go.

Step Two: Zone Out

As you lay out your plan for the garage, group like items to create task-specific zones in your garage. For instance, group yard tools together in a gardening and lawn care zone. Group motor fluids and other car care accessories in an automotive care zone. Store sports equipment together in a sporting goods zone. Establishing zones is the first step to creating order in your garage.

Grouping like items together makes locating items quicker and simpler—saving you valuable time on each project. However, without an orderly way to store those items, the space will quickly descend into chaos again, making it difficult to find space to park your vehicles. Instead of using valuable floor space, store items vertically and overhead whenever possible.

A garage wall organization system like Slatwall provides vertical storage for a wide variety of items through the use of integrated baskets, hooks and shelves. You can purchase and install a vertical wall organization system or enlist a professional garage renovation expert to install the system for you.

Step Three: Enlist Family or Friends

Reduce the amount of individual time and effort required to get the job done by making the cleaning of your garage a fun, family project. By involving every member of the family in the project, each person becomes more invested in keeping the garage clean.

Another option? Invite a few friends over, fire up the grill and transform the task of cleaning out your garage into a fun and productive day with friends.

Step Four: Empty the Garage

When your garage is overflowing with clutter, the best way to approach the situation is to start with a clean slate. That means emptying the garage of all its content. While this might seem tedious, it’s the best way to take inventory of what is stored in your garage. Knowing exactly what you have in your garage is critical to the next step in the process.

If you haven’t already installed your vertical wall storage system, now is the time to do so. Once your Slatwall, baskets, hook and shelves (or alternate vertical wall storage system) is in place, you are ready to proceed to the next step.

Step Five: Discard, Donate and Designate

This compound step is the most important task in the process. While it may seem daunting, it can more easily be described with one word: PURGE. By emptying your garage in the previous step, you can now see exactly what you’re working with. Group like items together to easily identify duplicates of tools and sports equipment.

Discard broken toys and furniture. Properly dispose of old household chemicals. Donate gently-used items your family no longer needs like old toys and shoes. Gift a friend or neighbor your duplicate yard tools or sports equipment. Once you’re pared the contents of your garage down to the items you plan to keep, designate a storage space for each remaining item.

Return each item to the appropriate task-related garage zone, as identified in step two. Using the complementary hooks, baskets, shelves of the wall organization system and professionally-installed overhead storage, place each item in a designated spot. Voilà! You now have an organized garage. To maintain your newly organized space, simply return each item to its designated spot.

Still on the fence about whether it’s worth it to spend a weekend cleaning out the garage? Consider this: a disorganized garage detracts from the aesthetics of your home and creates unsafe conditions for your family. It can also cost you time and money. Searching through garage clutter to find items steals valuable time. When garage clutter forces you to park outside, the harsh elements can damage the body of your vehicle and its internal systems, costing you money. Cleaning the garage might seem like an overwhelming task, but it is one that will pay off handsomely.

To streamline the process, tackle the early stages of cleaning your garage prior to the cleanout date. Plan the layout of your garage, incorporating task-related zones. Purchase and install a scalable wall organization system that includes complementary storage accessories like baskets, shelves and hooks or hire a professional garage renovation expert to install it for you. Enlist family or friends to help on the big clean out day. Completely empty your garage. Discard broken or outdated items. Donate gently-used items you no longer need. Designate a permanent storage space for each item within the appropriate zone and return items to their space.

If the project still feels too daunting, consult with a professional garage renovation expert for help transforming your garage into an organized, multi-use storage space.

Three Ways to Make Your Garage Floor Look Great and Withstand Use and Harsh Weather

August 23, 2016 by Rick Scully

We seldom think about the garage floor. However, this important surface undergoes continuous abuse. It must bear the weight of vehicles, withstand damage caused by debris tracked in on tires and shoes and hold its own against leaking automotive fluids. Fluctuating temperatures of sweltering summer heat and frigid Canadian winters cause concrete floors to expand and contract. Then there is the battle of the elements: rain, sleet, snow and salt that gets tracked in on shoes and tires.

Examine your garage floor. Is the surface beginning to show wear? Bare concrete tends to crack, stain or become pitted with age. Cracks and stains not only diminish the beauty of your garage floor, they can compromise the surface, making it vulnerable to degradation. A garage floor coating or covering can preserve the surface and add instant pizzazz. Let’s examine three different garage flooring system options that will enhance the look of your garage and reinforce your floors to better withstand use and harsh weather.

Cover and Protect with PVC Tiles

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best garage flooring system. Budget and personal preference play a major role. However, the condition of your garage floor is also a consideration. Substantial pitting or cracking requires that voids be filled before coating is applied. Alternately, an interlocking PVC tile floor will hide imperfections and protect floors from further damage.

PVC tile offers a less permanent solution. Individual 19 5/8” x 19 5/8” square tiles lock together like puzzle pieces. Available in a range of colors, this modular flooring system can quickly and easily transform the look of your garage while hiding stains and imperfections. Choose tiles in a smooth, matte finish or select a raised medallion surface for additional skid prevention.

Interlocking PVC tiles are sturdy, attractive and chemical-resistant. They can easily be adapted to fit any garage configuration. Since no adhesive is used, simply remove and replace a single tile in the event of damage. PVC tile can be hosed down, pressure washed, mopped or hand scrubbed.

The area where drywall meets the floor is susceptible to damage caused by moisture or abuse—like dents from scooters or bicycles. Protect this vulnerable area of the wall by finishing off the look off with six-inch vinyl baseboards. This prevents water damage to the wall and stops water from seeping beneath the tiles, creating mildew.

Seal the Deal with Epoxy Coating

Epoxy is a floor coating that is applied directly to concrete floors. While it is sold in big box stores, consumers run into problems when applying epoxy because they dismiss the importance of surface preparation. More than a simple, weekend DIY project, applying epoxy paint to a garage floor requires several steps in order to achieve the very best results.

Properly applying epoxy to a concrete floor can require three or four days—during which the garage must remain empty. Major cracks must be repaired to create a smooth finish. Most importantly, the moisture level of the concrete must be checked to determine if a barrier is needed. Skipping this step is the critical mistake most DIYers make. If too much moisture is present, it will seep through the concrete, preventing proper adhesion of the product. When applied under such conditions, the coating begins to flake or chip within a year.

Next, a professional garage floor installation team will use a commercial grinder to remove 1/16^th of an inch of the uppermost layer of concrete. This opens the pores of the surface and prepares it to accept the coating. Some may consider bypassing professional installation and using muriatic acid to clean and open the pores of the surface. We do not recommend the use of this hazardous chemical, which isn’t always effective on older concrete surfaces.

Once the surface is properly prepared, a moisture barrier must be applied if the concrete has a high moisture content. After application of the water seal, the epoxy is rolled onto the surface. It must cure before the surface is used.

Epoxy coats the top layer of the surface, sealing it. This stain-resistant coating causes water and oil to bead on the surface, so it can easily be wiped away. Epoxy comes in a wide range of colours and provides some skid resistance. The look is finished with vinyl baseboards in a complementary colour.

Epoxy provides a great, water-resistant coating that can give your garage floor a new look. While it costs much less than polyaspartic coating, application takes at least twice as long. Since the coating sits atop the surface, it is vulnerable to cracking and fading over time due to thermal expansion and contraction of the concrete. However, an epoxy coating application can provide a beautiful, stain-resistant floor for many years.

Polyaspartic Coating—Beautiful, Flexible and Long-lasting

At Garage Tailors Garage, polyaspartic coating is the preferred garage floor coating. The same preparation steps described above, are required. However, since polyaspartic coating doesn’t take as long to cure, it can be applied in as little as one day. It can also be applied over minor cracks in concrete flooring.

Water-soluble polyaspartic coating penetrates the concrete, providing better surface protection than coatings which only coat the top layer. The water-soluble nature of polyaspartic coating makes it fluid, allowing it to shift with the concrete through the expansion and contraction caused by hot and cold temperatures.

Polyaspartic coating is available in an array of attractive colours. A professional garage floor installation team can even create a custom colour for you. To achieve the look, a base coat is applied to the floor. A specified combination of colour flakes is sprinkled over the base coat and allowed to cure. Excess chips and sharp edges are shaved off and vacuumed away before the final sealant is applied. This textured coating looks great and provides excellent skid resistance.

Standard vinyl baseboards can complete the look. However, polyaspartic coating affords an additional baseboard option that gives a garage a more polished finish. The thicker consistency of polyaspartic coating is ideal for creating a seamless baseboard or wainscoting effect. Plywood is attached to the walls. Then the coating is applied over the wood to create a unified baseboard.

Polyaspartic coating is versatile and provides a durable, attractive finish that is guaranteed for the life of your garage floor. To maintain it, simply clean the floor with soap and water or pressure wash it twice a year.

Bare concrete floors generate dust and are susceptible to staining and cracking that gets worse with age. Garage floor coatings and coverings are not only beautiful, but functional. They protect concrete floors from stains and other damage. While garage floor covering or coating is an investment, it can protect floors indefinitely while improving the look and value of your home. Prepare your garage floor to withstand the beating of heavy use and thermal expansion and contraction. Request a consultation to review the available garage flooring systems and see which one is right for you.

Organize Sports Equipment in Your Garage in Three Easy Steps

August 9, 2016 by Rick Scully

Healthy living requires an active lifestyle. For many, competitive sports are the key to staying fit. Sports and other recreational pastimes provide much-needed exercise, boost mental acuity, foster a healthy sense of competition and bring busy families together. Whether your family enjoys bicycling, hockey, golf, softball or soccer, you likely have a large collection of sporting equipment which poses a storage dilemma.

For many families, the garage becomes the dumping ground for the family’s sports equipment. Basketballs, soccer balls and softballs roll around the garage. Bikes are dropped in the driveway or in the middle of the garage, getting run over or blocking access to the garage. Car doors get scratched or dented as little ones attempt to retrieve riding toys or as older children try to maneuver scooters and bikes through the garage. Bats, hockey sticks, skateboards and bicycles create a tripping hazard.

A garage cluttered with sporting goods is more than just an eyesore or an inconvenience. It can cause expensive damage to vehicles or dangerous injuries due to a fall. However, you can organize sports equipment in your garage in just three easy steps.

Clean Up Your Act

The first step is the hardest. Begin by cleaning out your garage. To create organization from chaos, start with a clean slate. As you remove items from your garage, use this time to purge. Donate or give away outdated or unused items. This includes items your children have outgrown or no longer use. Junk broken furniture, toys and sports equipment. Get rid of unnecessary duplicates. This leaves less to store.

Cleaning the garage may seem like an overwhelming task. However, it’s an ideal weekend project that goes quicker with a few helping hands. If the children help, they’ll have more of a stake in keeping the newly organized space clean.

Map Out the Space

Before returning everything to your garage, create a layout for storage. Establish task-specific storage zones. Create zones for sports equipment, automotive products, gardening supplies, garbage and recycling tools, etc.

Consider the space required to store items from each zone. Leave enough clearance for bicycles and the lawn mower when vehicles are parked inside the garage. Place each zone in the area most convenient for performing related tasks. For instance, in winter, shovels and salt should be placed near the garage door. Now that you have a clear idea of where everything should go, it’s time to create an organized system for storing sports equipment and other items.

If You Build It, They Will Organize

It may seem impossible to get kids to cooperate when it comes to organizing the sports equipment and putting it away neatly. However, once a simple, consistent organization system is in place, it’s easier for everyone—including kids—to put their things away. The key is creating a designated spot for everything.

There are a variety of organization systems available from peg board to storage bins and other DIY options. In an unfinished garage, the studs can provide a place to store hockey sticks, baseball bats and other sports equipment. These options may be ideal for storing some things, but abysmal for storing others. For unlimited flexibility and a more polished look while keeping items easily accessible, a garage wall organization system can’t be beat.

Slatwall consists of 1’X8’ PVC panels that are waterproof and mold resistant. The panels are slotted, for use with complementary hooks, baskets and shelves. Each panel is secured to the wall studs. The system is scalable, so start with one or two panels or opt for floor to ceiling installation. It’s up to you.

The real magic of this system is its flexibility. The slots accommodate countless storage configurations. Hang baskets for storing softballs or soccer balls. Install hooks for hanging sports bags or uniforms. Mount a shelf to hold cleats or helmets. If you’re a multisport family, and space allows, create sections for each sport or family member. When the season changes, it’s easy to rearrange the configuration to accommodate a different sport. Specialty hooks or shelves can be used to store bicycles, skateboards, skis and more.

A wall organization system is ideal for storing sports equipment. However, the corresponding baskets, hooks and shelves make it ideal for storing everything from gardening tools and lawn chemicals to automotive fluids and household chemicals. Once your wall organization system is installed, simply store each item you’ve elected to keep in a designated spot within its respective zone.

Sports equipment is essential for active families. Finding a way to keep it all organized can be an ongoing challenge. A wall organization system, with its sturdy, slotted wall panels and wide array of corresponding storage accessories, creates an organizational foundation on which you can build to meet the needs of your family’s busy lifestyle. This flexible organization system makes it easy to keep the family’s sports equipment organized in the garage.

Ready to organize your sports equipment in three easy steps? Request a consultation today.

Creating the Perfect Garage for a Car Enthusiast

July 13, 2016 by Rick Scully

Car and racing enthusiasts anxiously await the 30^th running of the Honda Indy Toronto on July 15-17^th. This exciting annual event is a summertime fan favorite. The roar of high performance vehicles on the track, combined with the rising temperatures of summer, spur automotive enthusiasts to turn their attention to the repair and maintenance of their own vehicles.

Whether you own an imported, high-end, performance vehicle, are restoring a classic automobile or simply want to maintain your family vehicle, garage organization is essential.

Why Garage Organization Matters

Performing your own vehicle maintenance can either be quick and easy or slow and painful. Think about the pit crews at the Honda Indy Toronto. They perform their tasks quickly because they are organized and have all of the necessary tools on hand. Likewise, the level of organization in your garage will impact your car maintenance experience.

One of the most time-consuming parts of vehicle repair and maintenance is often finding the right tool for each job. Perhaps you have every tool you need, but without a well-planned organization system, it’s difficult to locate them.

That means that the next time you need a specific wrench or screwdriver, you might spend more time looking for the tool than it will take to actually complete the job. When a simple oil change turns into an all-day, search-and-rescue affair, we’re likely to procrastinate, neglecting critical vehicle maintenance. This can cause a malfunction that could lead to a serious accident.

Now that we understand why garage organization is crucial, let’s examine the question that will guide the transformation of your garage into a car enthusiast’s dream.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Garage?

The first step to creating a garage suited for a car aficionado is to determine exactly how you will use the space. Will the garage serve as a haven for winter vehicle repairs and maintenance? Then the renovation plan must provide adequate storage space, but allow room to park your vehicles inside the garage.

Will you need a workbench? If so, how much work space is required? What kind of tasks will you be doing? The type of work performed dictates which work surface is best. For instance, a stainless steel countertop may be more aesthetically pleasing, but a solid butcher block top will stand up better to heavy tool use. Also, task lighting must be incorporated into the design of a workspace. If the garage will be used for vehicle repairs and maintenance during winter, a heating source should also be integrated into the garage renovation.

If a workstation is needed, but there is limited space, a garage renovation specialist can create a custom workbench that folds flat against the wall when not in use.

Do you own a vintage or sports vehicle that is seldom driven, but requires space in the garage? If your garage has adequate height—a hydraulic car lift will provide a secure parking space for your cherished vehicle.

No matter how you plan to use your garage, organization must be a key component of the renovation in order to maximize the available space.

Organize Your Garage to Make Vehicle Maintenance a Breeze

Just as automobiles come with a variety of options and price points—so does garage organization. Organizing your garage can be as simple as creating task-related zones, installing pegboard for tool storage and repurposing or upcycling an old table for a workspace. For a more flexible option and a sophisticated look, a wall organization system is ideal.

A wall organization system stores items neatly along the garage perimeter, clearing space for parking. The system consists of durable, slotted wall panels that are secured to the studs. Corresponding baskets, hooks and shelves are strong enough to secure heavy items. The wall panels are water, mold and mildew-resistant and are available in several attractive colors.

A wall organization system provides functional, attractive, easy-to-access storage. However, some prefer concealed storage. Garage cabinets provide elegant, hidden storage. Quality garage cabinetry ranges from basic, budget-friendly cabinets to sleek, Canadian-made cabinets with an elegant European design.

Available in a variety of colors and configurations, garage cabinetry provides a clean look and customizable storage solutions. Lockable garage cabinets are the ideal place to store automotive fluids—like oil, antifreeze and windshield fluid—out of the reach of small children and pets. They also provide secure storage for valuable tools, specialty items and high-end accessories.

There are a variety of off-season tire storage options for the garage. One or two sets of seasonal tires can be suspended from the ceiling on a strong steel rack. A made-to-measure platform can store multiple sets of tires. If you prefer not to store your tires overhead, a wall-mounted tire rack is a good alternative.

Whether you’re an car connoisseur, a gung-ho gearhead or a daring do-it-yourselfer, a well-designed garage renovation can deliver maximum storage and suitable workspace for your automotive passion. Talk with a garage renovation specialist to discover how your garage can be transformed into a dream space any car enthusiast would envy.

Five Ways to Maximize Space in Your Garage with Overhead Storage

July 12, 2016 by Rick Scully

There never seems to be enough storage space in our homes. When we exhaust storage space inside, the garage is the most likely space to fill the void. However, with a limited amount of space, the garage can quickly become a cluttered dumping ground for the entire family.

Our garages house important items like tools, lawn and garden supplies and sporting equipment. However, mounting garage clutter often includes items that are broken, outdated or no longer needed. If your garage is overflowing; you’re forced to park your vehicles in the driveway; or you haven’t seen your garage floor in years, you’re probably frustrated with your storage situation. Before you consider renting additional storage space, look for ways to maximize your available space.

The first step to reclaiming precious square footage in your garage is to annually purge unneeded items. Give new life to an old table or dresser by repurposing or donating it. Give away unnecessary duplicate items. Toss broken toys and furniture. Safely dispose of expired household cleaners. Once you’ve pared down to the necessities, you may discover that you still have more than you can fit comfortably in your garage. To find additional space, look overhead.

Overhead space offers an ideal way to store items while reserving premium floor space, maximizing unused space, keeping items stored out of sight and out of the reach of small children and pets. With a variety of overhead storage options available, let’s explore five ways you can use overhead storage to save space in your garage.

Store Seldom Used Items on Overhead Shelving

Overhead shelves come in a variety of options. Sturdy steel overhead garage shelves—secured to ceiling joists or to the ceiling and a wall—are designed to support several hundred pounds. For safety, overhead shelving should be installed by a garage renovation specialist or an experienced professional knowledgeable about how to properly install weight-bearing shelves.

Holiday decorations, camping gear and other seasonal, or seldom-used items can take up considerable space in your garage. Such items are ideal for overhead storage because they don’t need to be accessed frequently. A small step ladder provides access to overhead shelves. If climbing up and down a step ladder isn’t appealing, try hydraulic shelves. With the touch of a button the shelf lowers for loading. Another push of the button raises it overhead again.

Lift Ladders and Bulky Household Items Overhead

Large ladders come in handy if you own a multilevel home. Yet, they can be difficult to store. Even when stored along a wall, a large ladder consumes a lot of valuable real estate. Store bulky household items overhead using overhead shelving or an overhead rack made especially for storing such items.

Keep Kayaks and Seasonal Sporting Goods Overhead

Ladders aren’t the only bulky items that might be stealing space in your garage. Kayaks, skis, surf boards, snow boards, fishing poles, roof racks and other unwieldy recreational items can either be stored on overhead shelving, specialty hooks or a customized overhead sling. A made-to-measure overhead garage sling has the added benefit of making it easier to load kayaks and roof racks onto your vehicle.

Utilize Overhead Bike Racks

It can be difficult to find just the right place to store your bicycle. A variety of vertical and horizontal wall racks are available. However, if there is limited wall space left or you already have a tight fit in your garage, overhead bicycle storage provides another good option.

Overhead bicycle storage racks operate on a pulley system that is either manual or motorized. A two-bike pulley system stores bikes flat against the ceiling and requires minimal clearance space. The five-bike pulley system, which requires 60-inches of clearance, is designed to take advantage of the generous height of tall ceilings.

Maximize High Ceilings with a Custom Built Mezzanine

Towering garage ceilings offer another exciting option for maximizing storage space. A custom-built mezzanine provides additional space ideal for storing seldom-accessed items. To accommodate a garage mezzanine, the ceiling must be at least 14-feet high and deep enough to accommodate the 8-foot depth of the platform, without obstructing garage door rails.

Mezzanines run the full width of the garage and can either be installed at the rear of the garage or over the garage door. The overhead garage balcony is accessible via step ladder, stairs or even a car lift. Light, bulky items—like seasonal decorations and off-season sports equipment—are ideal for storage in a mezzanine.

Overhead space is an untapped storage jackpot in most garages. Sturdy steel overhead shelving is the perfect place to store seasonal and seldom-used items. Specialty racks make light work of storing ladders and other bulky items overhead. Customized overhead slings make lifting and lowering kayaks, roof racks and other sporting goods a breeze. Overhead bicycle racks safely store multiple bikes while reserving floor and wall space. A made-to-measure mezzanine provides loads of overhead storage space for bulky items.

Need more storage in your garage? Contact a garage renovation specialist to discover how overhead storage options can maximize your storage space.

Make Room in Your Garage to Embrace Our Growing Bicycling Culture

June 21, 2016 by Rick Scully

Recreational and utilitarian bicycling is experiencing a resurgence in cities across North America, including Toronto. The growing interest in cycling has prompted events like Bike Month—a month-long celebration of cycling in Greater Toronto and Hamilton that kicked off on May 30^th.

Cities worldwide are being forced to re-examine their infrastructure. Biking enthusiasts and motorists are demanding more bike lanes in their communities and on main thoroughfares, prompting Toronto to develop a 10-year plan to expand its cycling network.

Why has cycling become so popular? Because cycling offers numerous health and environmental benefits.

Health Benefits of Cycling

Cycling is a fun physical activity that offers countless health benefits. Yet, it is easily-accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

Most of us learned to ride a bike as children. Once learned, it’s a skill you never forget. This makes cycling ideal for children and adults. Based on the type of bicycle and the course chosen, cycling can be relaxed and easy or high-energy and intense—making it suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced riders.

Cycling engages all the major muscle groups, while putting very little strain on joints and muscles. The heart and lungs also get a good workout, improving cardiovascular health. Continued cycling increases stamina and strength. In just a few hours a week, this low-impact cardiovascular exercise can improve health, lower stress levels and reduce feelings of anxiety. Regular cycling can also serve a vital role in an overall weight loss or healthy weight maintenance regimen.

As Westerners, we spend hours seated at desks, on the couch in front of the television and in our cars while commuting. A sedentary lifestyle puts increased strain on joints and muscles employed while sitting, causes unused muscles to shorten and encourages stiffness in underused joints. Utilitarian bicycle riding—for transportation—converts the sedentary commute to local shops or work into active transportation which promotes good health. Utilitarian cycling also benefits the health of the environment.

Environmental Benefits of Cycling

Nearly 30% of Canadian greenhouse gas emissions stem from the transportation of people and goods. Therefore, reducing transportation emissions has become a key part of Canada’s goal to diminish greenhouse emissions by 30% by 2030. Active transportation—walking and cycling—can help us get closer to that goal.

Motor vehicles are a major contributor to smog—an unhealthy mixture of air pollutants and other particles which can be irritating to the lungs and aggravate various health issues, like asthma. When we opt for active transportation like cycling, as opposed to starting up our vehicles, we help reduce smog and greenhouse gas emissions.

There is a growing push for walkable communities as a strategy for reducing the burden placed on our environment. Walkable communities offer the perfect setting for recreational and active transportation biking.

Perhaps you’re ready to embrace Canada’s rapidly expanding cycling culture, but an overflowing garage poses a serious bicycle storage dilemma. Fortunately, there are a variety of smart, sleek garage storage options for your bicycles and cycling equipment.

bike storage solutions - bicycle wall rack storage

Bike and Cycling Equipment Garage Storage Options

For many homeowners, storing the family bicycles in the garage becomes an either/or situation. Either the bikes get stored in the garage or the vehicles do. When improperly stored, bicycles stored in the garage can scratch or dent vehicles or be accidentally run over. The bike might also be damaged if it falls over.

Serious bicycling enthusiasts make a substantial investment for bicycles and cycling equipment. Investing in a workable garage bicycle storage option will protect your investment in your bicycle, your vehicle and your garage. With a wide variety of creative garage bicycle storage options available, it is easy to find the one that fits your needs and budget.

Schoolyard style bike racks are easily placed near the back garage wall, allowing bicycles to be parked in a neat, orderly fashion. This style of rack is easily put in place. However, it has a large footprint, so it is often favored by those who use all or part of the garage for bike storage during summer months.
Horizontal wall bike storage relies on a wall organizational system—sturdy, durable panels that work with complementary hooks, shelves and baskets to store a range of items. Bikes are stored flat against the wall from hooks placed at the desired height. This makes it relatively easy for each family member to remove his or her own bike.
Vertical wall storage also works in tandem with a wall organizational system, but bikes are stored vertically. The bikes protrude further from the wall. However, more bicycles can be stored in the same space. Many find this storage option aesthetically pleasing. However, it can be more difficult for small children or those with limited arm strength to hang and retrieve bikes from the wall.
Overhead bike pulley systems come in both manual and motorized varieties. This storage option makes use of wasted, overhead space and reclaims valuable floor space. Depending on the placement of the rack, vehicles may need to be moved to store and retrieve bikes.
Baskets, hooks and shelves can be hung at various points along the wall organization system panels to store bicycle helmets, water bottles and other equipment.

bike storage solutions - bicycle storage ceiling lift

For a more in-depth look at each style and tips on selecting the right storage option for you, review Reclaim Your Garage with Creative Bike Storage Solutions.

Are you ready to embrace the Canadian cycling culture? Learn the cycling laws and safety rules, check out an ongoing list of Ontario cycling events, then discover the top cycling paths in the Greater Toronto area. If you’re in the market for a new bicycle, save the date for the Toronto International Bicycle Show’s Fall Blowout Sale on October 15^th.

Contact Garage Tailors Garage to find the garage bicycle storage option that’s right for you.

Six Questions for Your Best Garage Renovation

June 7, 2016 by Rick Scully

A renovation or design project that doesn’t quite end up as you imagined is disappointing. That’s why it’s critical to hire a highly recommended expert who will take measures to learn exactly what you want.

A good designer has a variety of design ideas in mind. However, exceptional designers understand that the most critical component of any project is creating a design that fits the distinct needs and preferences of each client. To achieve this, the design expert must ask the right questions and listen carefully to client responses.

At Garage Tailors Garage, we tailor each garage renovation to the specific budget, lifestyle needs and design aesthetics of the client. During the initial consultation, I explore the space and talk to perspective clients about how they envision their renovated garage supporting their current lifestyle and any future needs. However, this conversation begins long before I arrive at their door. It starts with six important questions asked on our client consultation request form.

Tell me about your garage organization and storage needs.

A successful garage renovation is visually appealing and functional. To ensure the design achieves both goals, we start by gaining a thorough understanding of how you plan to use your garage.

Think about what is stored in your garage now. Will you require a garbage and recycling station in the garage? Do you need a place to store tools? Will lawn equipment and gardening implements be stored there? What other items do you store in your garage? Is your garage the designated storage space for seasonal decorations or off-season tires?

If your family is active, you’ll likely have a variety of sporting goods that require dedicated storage space. The consultation form simply requests that you check off the types of items you want to store. However, the form is also designed to prompt you to think more deeply about how you plan to use your garage, preparing you for our discussion about your lifestyle needs.

Tell me a little about your garage.

Your garage has a limited amount of space, but our creative and made-to-order storage solutions maximize every square foot available. First, we need to know more about the space.

In this section of the questionnaire we ask whether we’re renovating a one, two or three-car garage. You’ll also estimate the height of the ceiling. This gives us a clear idea of how much wall space and overhead space is available for the garage renovation design. Lastly, we need to know more about the existing framework. Is the space drywalled or will we be working with block walls or open wood stud walls? The answer to this question will dictate the application process of certain design elements like wall organization system panels.

Tell me a little about your storage style or preferences.

ctech cabinets black silver car finished floors drywall windows

In the questionnaire, this is presented as a simple, multiple choice question. Do you prefer to see everything or do you want to keep some things behind closed doors? Yet, this question speaks to the heart of your design. Do you want everything kept on display using baskets, hooks and shelves, or do you prefer the clean lines of hidden storage?

When done well, both storage styles can be quite attractive. Visibly stored items are quickly and easily accessed. The items themselves can be arranged in a pleasing manner that makes them an integral part of the design. On the other hand, sleek cabinets provide hidden storage, ensuring the renovation design is the star of the show.

What type of storage are you interested in?

2 car garage oakville slatwall organization camlock hooks shelves hose reel drywall finish after

custom overhead storage, rear wall secured with airplane cables

1 car garage, central Toronto - attic mezzanine overhead storage for 1.5 storey garage

Now that you’ve had a chance to consider what you’ll be storing in your garage, the available space and the storage style preference, it’s time to address the type of storage you envision for your space. Would you like to see everything stored neatly along the walls of your garage? Would you prefer to store everything overhead, making use of wasted space? Or would you prefer to combine wall organization and overhead storage to maximize the available storage space in your garage?

Whenever possible, it’s ideal to incorporate both wall organization and overhead storage. Wall organization systems make frequently used items like gardening tools and sports equipment easily accessible. Overhead storage racks are perfect for storing large, bulky items like kayaks and infrequently used items like holiday decorations.

In this section you’ll also indicate whether you want to include garage cabinetry or lighting options in your renovation design.

What level of finish are you interested in?

garage design & renovation, ctech cabinets, slatwall organization system, polyaspartic flooring on stairs, finished drywall, overhead bike storage, undermount lighting

Our garage renovations range from basic garage organization projects to high-end garage renovations. The distinction is in the finishes. If you simply want to transform a cluttered garage into an organized space you’ll enjoy returning to each night, you may opt to bypass the finishes. You’ll still have an organized garage that looks great and does everything you need it to do.

For functional reasons, like preserving your garage floor and discouraging stains, you might select one of our garage flooring options. These include our one-day polyaspartic flooring system and modular, interlocking floor tiles—which can be scrubbed clean or replaced if damaged.

For clients seeking to transform their garage into a contemporary showplace, we can incorporate a number of finishes to get the look you want. Drywall, painting and beautiful polyaspartic flooring—available in a variety of stunning colors—pair nicely with Canadian-made garage cabinetry designed in a sleek, European style to create an impressive space.

What is the budget for your garage renovation?

The last key question about the design deals with your budget. The array of design and finish options available represent vastly different costs. I suggest that clients establish a budgetary range. The bottom number should be what you’d ideally like to spend on the project. The top number is what you’d be willing to spend to get the look and function you desire. Creating a budget range will allow us to develop design options that address your lifestyle and storage needs without going over your budget.

Are you ready to transform your garage into an organized, functional space or a fabulous showplace where you can park your vehicles and store all the things your lifestyle requires? Complete the Garage Tailors Garage consultation request form and begin the journey to your best garage renovation.

Create a Gardening Command Centre in Your Garage

May 19, 2016 by Rick Scully

Temperatures are rising and spring flowers are in bloom. During the approaching Victoria Day weekend, garden centres will be overflowing with Ontarians preparing for the planting season. Many of your neighbors will likely use the long weekend to plant flower and vegetable gardens.

Perhaps you enjoy gardening, but break into a cold sweat at the thought of sifting through the chaotic contents of your garage to locate gardening tools. A hectic schedule—brimming with work and family obligations—makes it challenging to find time to do the things you love. A disorganized garage steals valuable time that could better be used to pursue activities you enjoy like gardening.

Don’t allow garage clutter to sideline your dream of lounging in your personal garden paradise this summer. Instead, create an organized garden command centre in your garage that will prepare you for a successful growing season.

Organize Your Garage for Gardening

The right tools can make any job easier. Make the best use of your time by creating a space where all of your gardening tools are organized and easily accessible. A wall organization system makes it easy to store gardening implements and supplies.

Panel systems like Slatwall, made of durable PVC and available in a variety of colors, provide a strong, sturdy, storage solution that is both flexible and attractive. The 1×8 foot Slatwall panels create a scalable wall organization system that works in a small space, but can easily be expanded to meet future storage needs.

Slatwall panels work with a variety of complementary accessories like hooks, baskets and shelves. Long-handle tools like rakes, shovels and spades hang from hooks neatly along the wall. Flower pots and watering cans store on shelves. Baskets provide catchall storage for gloves, small tools and more.

Create a Dedicated Work Surface

If you don’t have a potting bench in your yard, installing a dedicated workspace in your garage will make gardening tasks like potting a breeze. A flat work surface can be created by repurposing an old table or dresser or by purchasing a premade workbench from a big box store.

For a sturdy, attractive work surface with additional storage, install a garage storage cabinet complete with a sturdy butcher block worktop. Garage storage cabinets come in a variety of configurations which include doors, drawers, shelves and open-to-floor storage space. Cabinets provide additional, hidden storage. Lockable cabinet doors protect pets and small children from accessing dangerous lawn chemicals.

What if you don’t have adequate space in your garage for a dedicated work station? An experienced garage renovation specialist can design a unique, made-to-measure solution to fit your space. A custom solution can be tucked into a tight space or an oddly configured corner of the garage. When space is at a premium, a foldaway work station provides work space whenever you need it, then tucks away to accommodate vehicle parking.

Create a Plan for Your Garden

Once you’ve created your garden command center, it’s time to turn your attention outdoors. Make the most of Ontario’s short growing season by planning ahead. Consult the Farmer’s Almanac or the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for recommended planting dates.

Carefully plot out your gardening space. What flowers, shrubs and trees will you plant this year? Sketch out a layout for your flowerbeds. Note which areas get full sunlight and which areas are shaded. Before you purchase plants, research online or visit a local garden centre to find out how much daily sunlight your desired plants and flowers require. For instance, flowering annuals like carnations, petunias and marigolds need at least six hours of daily sunlight. However, areas that receive less than six hours of sun are the perfect haven for impatiens, begonias and black-eyed Susans.

Do you plan to have a vegetable garden? A home garden is a fantastic way to keep a supply of fresh, flavourful vegetables on hand during the growing season. Carefully plan out your garden. Which herbs and vegetables does your family eat regularly? Choose plants that thrive in your local area but don’t require more time and space than you have available.

Heed plant and row spacing recommendations. A small tomato or cucumber plant can quickly expand, taking up far more space than you expected. Plant vegetables in suitable areas of the yard. For instance, climbers like cucumbers and beans are ideal for a space along a fence or trellis.

Certain vegetables thrive when planted together. For example, basil and tomato plants are ideal companions. Basil repels mosquitoes, spider mites and aphids; improves pollination by attracting bees; and boosts the health and flavour of tomatoes. On the other hand, fennel and brassicas (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, etc.) inhibit the growth of tomato plants. Consult a companion planting guide for ideas on which plants to situate together.

Creating a beautiful landscape filled with luscious plants; fragrant, colourful flowers; and fresh, delicious herbs and vegetables requires an investment of time and effort. However, carving out space in your garage for a gardening command centre simplifies the process.

A gardening command centre with a dedicated work surface and gardening tools and supplies that are neatly organized will maximize your time and help you achieve beautiful results. Would you prefer to put your time and effort into gardening and leave the work of creating your garden command centre to a professional? Request a consultation with a garage renovation expert.

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