garage renovation Archives - Page 4 of 5

Four Ways to Reduce Costs by Winterizing Your Garage

November 24, 2015 by Rick Scully

Frigid winter temperatures can wreak havoc in and around your garage. More than a mere inconvenience, freezing temperatures can drain the energy efficiency of your home, putting a sizable dent in your wallet. Preventive maintenance in your garage will save you time and heating energy while preventing expensive repairs. Consider four ways you can reduce costs by winterizing your garage.

Organize Your Garage

Avoid the frustration of rummaging through the garage to locate the window washer fluid or a shovel when it’s icy outside. Organize your garage for the most efficient use during winter (and throughout the year). A complete garage renovation during a bitter cold Toronto winter isn’t feasible. However, the following steps will help you organize your garage for winter:

Group items into task-related zones. Create zones for winter sports, automotive care, winter yard care, tools, household items and the garbage and recycling. You can quickly locate the item you need when it’s stored in the same place every time.
Store chemicals, household products and other items in garage storage cabinets. Tall, locked, vertical cabinets keep dangerous chemicals beyond the reach of pets and small children. Horizontal cabinets create hidden, accessible storage. Countertops double as project workspace. Relocate paint and fuel gels, which can freeze, inside during winter.
Reclaim floor space with a garage slatwall organization system. Lockable hooks, shelves and baskets provide flexible storage for ice skates, sleds and hockey sticks. Shelves, hooks and baskets can be quickly and easily moved. High hooks and shelves keep items out of little hands. Low baskets enable small children to store and retrieve their own winter toys and gear.
Store out-of-season items or those infrequently used on overhead garage storage Overhead storage racks are ideal for storing outdoor furniture cushions, holiday decorations and bulky items that take up too much space.

Garage organization doesn’t have to be daunting. Keep it simple until you’re prepared for a more ambitious garage renovation.

Weatherproof Your Garage

The harsh Canadian winter is tough on garages. Heat loss during cold weather wastes energy and significantly increases heating costs. Take an hour or so to care for the tasks below. You’ll reduce energy costs and prevent costly repairs.

Seal garage door and trim. Reduce drafts in your garage by applying weatherstripping around the sides and bottom of the garage door. Caulk the leading edge of the newly-installed weatherstripping. Fill gaps in garage door trim using foam or caulk backer rod (for larger gaps). Finish up with a quality indoor/outdoor caulk.
Insulate the garage door. Heat loss via your garage door can lower the temperature inside your garage (and the vehicles stored there) considerably. A single or double layer of foam board installed between the garage door frames reduces heat loss.
Fix or replace weather stripping around doors and windows. A tight seal is the key to keeping warm air inside and cold air out. Weatherstripping around windows and doors compresses over time and deteriorates due to age, exposure to the elements and other damage. Do a visual inspection of weatherstripping around windows and doors. Look for obvious damage. Close the door and check for gaps. Repair or replace weatherstripping as needed.
Insulate older, less efficient water heaters. Newer water heaters are insulated for cost-effective operation during brutally cold winters. Older tanks with an R-value rating of less than 24 must work harder to heat water and keep it warm, especially when located in an unheated space. Reduce heat loss by up to 45% and cut your heating costs by as much as 9% by draping the water heater with a water heater insulation blanket.
Insulate outside wall light switches and electrical outlets. As much as 5% of outside air that seeps inside your home each year enters via exterior wall light switches and electrical outlets. Reduce drafts and heat loss with inexpensive foam insulation designed for electrical covers.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing

Frozen water pipes and spigots can cause costly damage to your home. To prevent damage:

Drain, remove and store garden hoses. If left connected, ice can form and create pressure in interior water lines. This could lead to an expensive water line break. Instead, remove the hose, drain it and store it.
Turn off outside water sources during the frigid winter months. If there is an interior shut-off valve, cut off the water to exterior water spigots. Allow water to drain from faucet to prevent freezing.
Insulate pipes. An insulated faucet jacket will protect your exterior water spigot and connected interior pipes from frigid temperatures.

In addition to preventing damage and costly repairs, you’ll prevent accidents that could occur when dripping water freezes, creating a slippery surface.

Seal Garage Floors

A polyaspartic flooring system is a tough, durable floor coating with the look of granite. It seals floors, keeps moisture out, reduces dust, provides non-slip grip and is easy to clean. This professionally-installed flooring system includes a ten-year warranty and is available in a wide range of colours.

This winter, your garage will take a beating from cold temperatures, ice and snow. Lessen the impact of harsh winter weather by organizing your space with a garage wall storage system and garage cabinets; weatherproofing your water heater, windows, doors and electrical outlets; turning off exterior water sources; and sealing garage floors.

Ready to improve the look and function of your garage? Garage Tailors Garage specializes in custom garage renovations designed to maximize storage and make your garage the envy of the neighborhood. Request a consultation and reserve your space today on our spring garage renovation schedule.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

October 28, 2015 by Rick Scully

The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a cold and snowy winter here in Toronto. Yet, meteorologists are expecting a mild winter in Southern Canada courtesy of the worst El Niño we’ve seen in half a century. Either way, the first snow of the season has already hit. Perhaps this first blast of wintry weather caught you off guard. If so, now’s the time to prepare your vehicle and your garage for the winter ahead.

Make Room in the Garage

During warmer months it’s common to park in the driveway to make room for bicycles and other sports equipment that tends to take over the garage. However, to maximize the life of your car and minimize your morning prep time, park your vehicle inside the garage whenever possible. Faced with a sea of bicycles, skateboards and soccer balls, it may seem impossible to safely squeeze your vehicle into the garage. However, it can be a lot easier than you think.

First, sort through your things and edit anything you don’t need. Be brutal. That means ditching old tires, broken furniture and toys the kids have outgrown. If the item is still usable, donate it to a deserving charity or gift it to a friend. Rotate seasonal items.
Group similar items. Find anything you need in a flash by storing related items into specific zones. Create an area near the garage door to store winter weather items, like salt and snow shovels. Set up a zone for automotive fluids and supplies. Store fluids on shelves or in a garage cabinet, away from kids and pets. Place winter sports gear in a dedicated zone children can easily access. Eliminate any unnecessary duplicates discovered while sorting.
Arrange items along the garage perimeter. A wall organization system with movable shelves, baskets and hooks will maximize the items you can store along your garage perimeter.

Once you’ve created space, park your vehicles inside the garage to protect them from the harsh winter weather. Now it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the heavy snow and bitter cold that lies ahead.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather Hazards

The contradictory predictions about what to expect this winter require cautious drivers to prepare for whatever lies ahead. Take a few simple steps now to prepare your vehicle for frigid temperatures and snowy conditions.

Stock up on automotive supplies like antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and wiper blades.
Store additional supplies in your trunk, including all three items listed above. Keep kitty litter or gravel on hand to create traction if you get stuck and a shovel to dig yourself out.
Get all-weather tires. Unlike all-season tires, all-weather tires carry the severe service emblem. An aggressive tread enables all-weather tires to bite snow and divert water and slush, so they handle better during perilous winter conditions. Another option is to get snow tires. Store the alternate set of tires on a tire rack to retain limited garage floor space.
Keep vehicles running in top shape. Don’t skimp on oil changes and other maintenance. Thinner oil performs best during colder temperatures, but check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer suggests. Top off fluids, including windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.
Keep the gas tank full. Don’t wait until your needle hits E. Fill your tank at the halfway mark so you’ll be ready if forced to sit in traffic for hours during a storm.
Use an engine block heater when parking outside in brutally cold temperatures. By keeping the engine warm, the block heater prevents damage to engine components that can occur when heating the engine in extremely cold weather. Your car will also heat up faster.

Whether we have a cold and snowy winter or a particularly mild one, there are sure to be plenty of days when winter weather will impact your commute. Prep your garage by reducing clutter, organizing the space and arranging items along the perimeter so you can park your vehicles inside. Ready your car for winter by stocking up on winter weather supplies. Store essentials in the trunk of your car. Invest in Ontario winter-worthy tires. Properly maintain vehicles, top off fluids and use a block heater to avoid starting an ice cold engine. Then you’ll be prepared for the winter ahead, regardless of what the weather may bring.

Create Garage Storage Solutions in Time for Winter

September 28, 2015 by Rick Scully

The end of summer is upon us, and soon we will be bolstering for winter. For months, your garage has become a receptacle for sports equipment, camping gear, bikes, and more, leaving your car in the driveway. Before a snowy winter arrives, it is time to organize.

The best way to proceed is to determine your family’s organizational personality, and design storage solutions that will work for everyone. Determining your storage style is easy. Look inside your home, especially the kitchen and the bathrooms. Is everything hidden away in a cabinet or drawer? Or do you prefer to have everything in sight and within easy reach of where you will need it? Remember to consider other members of the household, too.

Young children may have one set of needs, while teens have another. Maybe your four-year-old won’t remember to brush his or her teeth, unless it is all laid out before them. Teens may feel the need for more privacy to store the items they use routinely.

As you set out to reorganize your garage storage system, there are three basic styles to consider. Here is a brief explanation of these styles. Pick the one that works for your family situation.

Open Storage

If you are a highly visual family, you may prefer to have everything on display. Imagine your belongings hanging neatly on a wall or visible on a shelf. You can simply walk in, spot what you are looking for, and then when you are finished, you know exactly where to return the item.

Nowadays, there are some amazing garage storage materials. Did you know you could hang your lawnmower on the wall? New technology has provided systems that accommodate tremendous weights using a simple Camlok^TM hook. Shelves or platforms offer a level storage area, ideal for books, bins or boxes. Make sure bins & boxes are well marked, however.

Garage interior design has become a myriad of choices and options. If you have 14′ ceilings, or more, you can even include a mezzanine to hold seasonal items that aren’t too heavy, like lawn furniture in winter, and holiday decorations in summer.

Open storage can be an efficient and easily maintained solution for your garage. You can get everything off the floor, and leave plenty of room to keep your car safe over winter.

Closed Storage

If the idea of open storage doesn’t appeal to you, closed storage keeps everything out-of-sight and sometimes, out-of-mind. If your idea of a garage renovation includes sleek lines, and a polished aesthetic appeal, cabinets may be the way to go. Your garage storage can go from chaotic to controlled using the proper choice of cabinets, in a layout tht suits your needs.

Closed storage is also extremely flexible, so if your hobby is woodworking, you could have small drawers to hold screws, nails, hinges, all within arm’s reach of your workbench. If you are an auto enthusiast, the drawers may be better placed next to the spot you will be working. The key is to organize your possessions in a way that actually works for you. Cabinets can come with drawers, shelves or countertops, all based on what you need.

Women may want a corner for craft items or sewing projects. Again, these areas can be organized easily with the correct choice of cabinets.

One more benefit of closed storage is that it can be lockable. Some of us store valuables in the garage, or we keep cleaning supplies and oils or windshield washer fluid for our vehicles there. Locked storage keeps children safe and protects your assets.

A word of caution, however, closed storage works great for organized people. If your family can keep a system going, terrific, but some families tend to start out with good intentions, but life has a way of distracting us and we end up creating chaos but behind a closed door. Be realistic when you choose your garage storage options. Can you see yourself opening a cabinet door and releasing a barrage of assorted items cascading over your head? If so, closed storage may not be the answer.

The Best of Both Worlds

Most families will benefit most from a combination of the first two styles. Garage renovation specialists can help you sort out your family’s storage needs based on your family lifestyle. Most of us do one major garage renovation in a lifetime. How are we to know the pros and cons, and anticipate what the future may hold? That’s why professional help, via a free in-home consultation, can be extremely helpful.

Closed storage is ideal for items you will not need frequently. There are even locker style cabinets for sporting equipment off-season. Having a dedicated space for the things you may use a handful of times throughout the year will provide better accessibility and convenience.

Things you use frequently can be stored openly on hooks, shelves, etc. so they are always within easy reach. You can also rearrange open storage as the seasons change. The lawnmower gets stored away and the snow shovel hangs in its’ place.

With some consultation, you can devise a garage storage system that will help your family stay organized, as well as giving your car (or cars) a safe, warm spot indoors this winter. Consider a free in-home consultation to discuss your options.

Freedom From Clutter: The Fall Clean Up

September 15, 2015 by Rick Scully

There is something almost instinctual about autumn, compelling us to clear clutter, repair damaged items, and discard what we no longer need. In short, we seem to share the desire to organize before the winter arrives.

Perhaps you are welcoming a parent or in-law to live with you, or moving your student out to the dorm. Maybe there is a home office in your dreams. Regardless of the impetus, fall is the time for storing our things to make room for growth. Our garage is the receptacle of things we want to save but without some organization, it becomes unbearable. De-cluttering first to make room for a new garage interior design can be the answer. If you’re aiming to make room for the cars and get everything off the garage floor, these tips should help you on your way.

Where to Start

This is usually the hardest part for most people. You look around and think it is too overwhelming. We have all been there. The car has been relegated to the driveway, while all the stuff that you moved out to make room for that in-law unit or the desk abandoned by your college bound student, has found a new perch in the middle of your garage.

Now it is time to allow the car to reclaim a spot where the overflow has been. Take a deep breath and clear out everything you do not want or need any longer. “Clear to where?” you ask. You might be surprised at how simple it is to put your old stuff to good use. Remember, someone else really needs what you no longer need.

Depending upon what you find, there are several outlets to consider. The Canadian Diabetes Association will pick-up clothes, including footwear, bedding, toys, and any small household items, including computers. The phone number is 1-800-505-5525.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore will accept windows, doors, working large appliances, toilets, vanity units, lighting fixtures, and more materials left over from home renovation projects. In fact, did you know they will sometimes arrange to have someone to dismantle / remove units that are to be donated? They offer that free service. ReStores also accept non-upholstered furniture, such as dining tables, desks, or dressers. You can even get a tax break, as the proceeds go directly to helping needy families secure homes.

Many charitable organizations will be happy to accept your lightly used items, as long as they are in good, usable condition. There are agencies that help so many worthwhile causes. The top three in the Greater Toronto Area are Value Village, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army, all of which work toward the betterment of our local communities. Most will not accept stained mattresses, broken items, or worn out clothing. Donations should be usable. If you would not use it, do not donate it.

Now what?

You probably are beginning to find a bit more breathing room by now. Look at the items that are left. If they are broken or dilapidated throw them in the trash. By now most of us understand the basics of recycling, but if you have questions about whether it’s possible to recycle certain products and where you can drop them off, you can check with the City of Toronto.

Eventually we all come to the corner or cabinet that has been housing left over paint, thinner, pesticides, motor oil, or other hazardous substances that cannot be thrown away in the conventional fashion. Thanks to Project Orange Drop, you can locate places to safely dispose of these substances, and still protect the environment. This agency accepts used batteries, pressurized cylinders, oil filters and the items listed before.

Now that you have not only decluttered your garage but supported the community and helped others to help themselves, it’s time to organize what’s left.

Assembling Your Garage Storage System

As you consider your options, you might want to consult a garage renovation specialist, who can help you determine long term needs, as well the immediate ones.

Your in-law may become your nanny or aging and in need of more care so moving in with your family may become one of the options. Realistically, you will probably re-arrange furniture and other items. Your empty nest may be revisited by your college grads in search of entering the full-time work force. You will want to be certain that your treasures are as safe as the day you stored them. You may want to reconfigure the storage on the walls from season to season.

Keep these things in mind as you work towards your renovating your garage space and storage. With the clutter gone, it’s time to store your things safely and securely while still get your car(s) into the garage.

The Year of Soil – 4 Ways to Improve Our Own Backyards

August 17, 2015 by Rick Scully

The year 2015 is the International Year of Soils according to the United Nations. Worldwide recognition of the need to promote sustainable soil resources has prompted scientists and researchers around the globe to come up with a variety of ways we can help keep the planet green. Green thumbs among us understand that good soil is critical to any backyard garden or landscaping endeavor. With a few of the right garden tools and a composter, gardeners naturally return to the soil what it needs to be a rich source of organic carbons. These organic carbons are an important towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

Likewise, non-gardeners can make a difference in the world by recycling reusable and organic wastes with the sorting of garbage, recycle and green bin storage solutions. Experience tells us that a system must be convenient and easy to use so our families will utilize them. By properly sorting green waste, recyclables, and trash, everyone can promote less use of landfills and better soil worldwide. The number of options available might surprise you. This list will help you achieve sustainable soil in your own yard, as well as maintaining a workable solution for your recycling and green waste.

Tip #1: Choose water conscious plants and landscaping.

The effects of global warming and other environmental changes have inspired the trend for landscaping that requires little to no water. Those not affected by drought can still benefit from these water conscious choices.

Planning a landscape includes finding plants that will work well in your soil. Many drought resistant plants are ideal for poor soil and full sun. Proper placement and planting is the secret to creating a beautiful garden able to sustain itself, and thrive, even in harsher conditions. Hardscaping is a technique that augments landscaping by adding tiles, stones, walls or patios. Consult an expert to determine the best plan for your needs.

Determine the best way to care for your soil, and your soil will care for you.

Tip #2: Smart Composting

Composting is a sound way to eliminate organic waste / composting. It is the ultimate form of recycling. Any waste products that come from plants can be tossed together, including leaves, banana peels, apple cores, or even the bedding from small animals. Many items you currently place in your green bin can be put to use as mulch in your own garden as compost. Kitchen waste is acceptable such as vegetable peels, fading lettuce or coffee grounds.

Meats, fats, and non-plant based byproducts should never be included in the compost pile. Keep a trash receptacle close and handy at all time. If you are worried about the smells that might occur from the garage, or under your kitchen sink, consider an outdoor bin storage solution. These also work well for people that do not have much storage space in their garage.

Despite what some experts will tell you about “layering” compost, you should feel comfortable tossing in green and brown waste as you produce it. Most gardens produce more green than brown waste, so layering is not easy to accomplish. Just stir the mix from time to time to ensure the green and brown waste mixes properly together.

Composting creates a lot of heat and must be done outside. If you have a large yard, you can compost directly on the ground, but if your garden is small purchase a good compost bin or tumbler. Never store compost in plastic containers. The heat will melt the plastic and could create a hazard. Only use approved composting equipment.

Regular turning, with a shovel or in a bin will help keep the compost moist enough and aid in the decomposition, creating a marvelous fertilizer for your yard.

Tip #3: Recycling made easy.

Keeping reusable products out of the landfills will help promote healthier soil content, and a better environment. Recycling can be inconvenient, but a garage renovation specialist can help design a recycle centre that will work for the whole family.

It is important to have recycle bins easily accessible and conveniently placed to encourage consistent use. Stackable bins offer maximum storage space, while large bins provide more room for trash or recyclables. Recycle centers can be set up in your garage, or outside, depending on your preferences. Outdoor storage has specific challenges, such as protection from raccoons or other scavengers looking for food. A professional garage renovation specialist will help plan an easily accessible recycle centre for your household safe from curious paws.

Tip #4: Use organizational systems to cut down on your carbon footprint.

Do you have piles of stuff hanging out in your garage? Have you ever replaced an item you know you owned but could not locate? Have you ever discovered a lost article, only to find it broken or unusable? Everyone has these experiences, unless they are organized.

Getting everything off the floor is the first step. You have more space than you realize, and several garage storage options to fit any lifestyle. Many people overlook the use of valuable overhead and wall space available to them.

There is no need to remain caught up in a disposable society. Reuse, reduce, and recycle with a good system inside your garage or outdoors in a bin solution. It is good for the planet.

Envision Your Garage Renovation at Avenue Décor Centre

February 9, 2015 by Rick Scully

A cramped, overflowing garage is easy to ignore during warm weather, when vehicles are often parked outside. During cold winter months, a disorganized garage with limited storage space is more than just a minor inconvenience.

It may impossible to fit one or both vehicles inside the garage. If you manage to squeeze the car in, it must compete with the snow blower, shovels and winter sports equipment, making it more likely to get scratched or dented.

Perhaps you’re determined to organize your garage this spring, to avoid the same headaches next winter. You want an organized space that reflects your lifestyle, works seamlessly with the rest of your home and provides adequate space to store the things you own. Yet, you’re not quite sure where to begin.

Whether you plan to make small changes or a do complete garage renovation, it can be difficult to visualize how new components will look in your space. However, a brand new showroom in Newmarket makes it easy to envision your dream garage and select elements that suit your unique needs.

Discover Avenue Décor Centre in Newmarket

The brainchild of builder Tony Torelli, Avenue Décor Centre is a 6,000 square foot showroom of renovated spaces ranging from stunning kitchens and baths to innovative garage organization solutions. Open to consumers, designers and contractors, Avenue Décor Centre works with top local contractors and designers to bring your home renovation ideas to life.

You’ll discover an endless array of fixtures and finishes for your home and garage that fit your needs and reflect your individual style. Walk through renovated spaces that integrate the latest, most innovative products for the home and garage. The fully-staffed space is open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday; 9 AM to 5PM on Saturday; and Sunday by appointment.

The licensed, experienced experts who designed and renovated these elegant spaces are available for help with every stage of renovation, from planning and product selection to home consultation and renovation. Not sure what to expect from a garage renovation? Visit the Garage Tailors Garage display at Avenue Décor Centre.

Garage Renovation in Action

Our single-car garage display boasts plenty of organized storage space. Striking Contur cabinets in Carbon immediately demand your attention. This highly-flexible system provides a high-end look at an affordable price. Manufactured in Montreal, Canada, these durable cabinets are the perfect marriage of quality, form and function, wrapped in a sleek, European design.

These handsome cabinets are loaded with innovative engineering features. Expanded foam core in the door panels minimizes inadvertent dents. EZ-open finger pulls and spring-assisted door stays in upper cabinet doors and push-to-open/close feature on lower doors make the cabinets easily accessible. Most doors and drawers are lockable for added safety and security. Heavy-duty shelves and drawers provide ample storage for heavier items.

Overhead is a sturdy, U-shaped, custom-built platform. Overhead platforms provide the perfect place to store seasonal items, like holiday decorations or off-season sporting goods. The overhead shelf on display was made-to-measure. We also offer a range of prefabricated, steel platforms for overhead or back wall storage.

Need a place to store garden tools, bicycles, automotive goods and sporting equipment? A wall organization system, like SlatWall, is ideal. Displayed in gray, black and white, these prefabricated panels can be configured to any size. The slots in the panels accommodate corresponding accessories, including baskets, bins, shelves and hooks. Together they create a highly-configurable storage solution to fit your family’s unique lifestyle.

Even the floor gets an eye-catching finish. Our one-day polyspartic flooring system was applied, giving the garage floor a tough-as-nails coating similar in appearance to granite. Black, green and gray paint chips combine with silver sparkle to create this colour while also providing ample grip that makes the floor skid-free.

Polyaspartic flooring is available in a range of attractive colours and comes with the peace of mind of a ten-year warranty. For a finished look and to protect the walls around the perimeter of the floor, we installed a six-inch punched aluminum base.

Each Garage Tailors Garage renovation is specifically tailored to the space and the customer’s individual needs. Still, seeing cabinets, shelving, wall storage systems and garage flooring installed in a physical space makes it easier to visualize your dream garage renovation.

Visit the Avenue Décor Centre Garage Tailors Garage display at 17035 Yonge Street in Newmarket today and start planning your spring garage renovation project.

Plan Now for a Better Garage Experience Next Winter

February 3, 2015 by Rick Scully

How many times did you awake this winter to discover that your car was covered in ice and snow because there’s no room for it in the garage? Trudging out in the harsh elements to brush away snow, chip off ice and warm up your car is the last thing you want to do on a busy weekday morning. Worse, it can leave you rushing to get to work or to get the kids to school on time, making winter travel even more dangerous.

Last year, perhaps you promised yourself that you wouldn’t spend another winter forced to park your car outside of the garage. The months seemed to fly by, and your plan to organize or renovate the garage never quite happened. Before you knew it, you were in the midst of another harsh winter. After our last blast of wintry weather, perhaps you’ve made the same promise to yourself again this year.

Next winter might feel as though it’s a lifetime away. But then again, remember how quickly last year seemed to pass? The first month of the year is already in the books, and Groundhog Day is almost here. Ontarians are eagerly awaiting Wiarton Willie’s prediction of whether spring is on the horizon. Wiarton Willie’s forecast of what’s to come is out of your hands, but the fate of your garage isn’t. Now is the time to start making plans.

Think it’s too early to start planning for a garage renovation? It isn’t. Garage organization and renovation services are in high demand and have been growing in popularity in recent years. Schedule your garage renovation consultation in February to ensure your project will be started as soon as spring arrives. Starting early allows plenty of time for consultation, design and the ordering of products.

The primary purpose of your garage renovation might be to rescue your vehicle from the harsh winter weather. However there are many benefits to getting your garage renovation completed during spring. Are you tired of tripping over bikes, bats, balls and gardening tools in your garage? Do you avoid tackling small projects around the house because finding a screwdriver or wrench is a small project in itself? Depending on the options you choose, you’ll be able to:

Safely store your winter tires.
Neatly store winter sports equipment like sleds, ice skates and skis.
Store family bicycles off the ground and out of the way of vehicles.
Organize and store tools.
Neatly house gardening tools and equipment.

Just as unprotected sun exposure can damage your skin, it can also damage the paint on your car. Over time, the sun can cause oxidation and premature fading. Prolonged exposure to the oppressive summer sun weakens leather seats and rubberized trim. The headlights of your vehicle are also impacted by exposure to the sun. Parking your car in the garage during summer keeps your vehicle looking newer longer. It also makes it more comfortable to get into the car on hot summer days.

Renovating your garage during spring means you’ll have a safe place to park your car next winter, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the benefits of an organized garage during spring, summer and fall. Each garage renovation is tailored to meet the unique needs of the client. So whether you need a simple wall organization system, overhead storage, garage cabinet installation or customized storage solutions, your garage renovation specialist can help your dream garage become a reality.

Complete the garage survey form to tell us a little about your garage and schedule your no-cost, in-home consultation.

Five Ways to Calm Garage Chaos

September 18, 2014 by Rick Scully

If your garage has become a chaotic collection of belongings, the thought of organizing your garage likely feels overwhelming.

It doesn’t have to be.

Whether you decide to take one Saturday to clean your garage as a family or prefer to organize the space a little at a time, these five steps will simplify the process and help you to achieve the results you want.

Step One: Create Specialized Zones

The items in a typical garage can generally be classified into the following categories: household supplies, automotive supplies, gardening tools and supplies, recycling and waste disposal, tools and workbenches and sporting goods. Create dedicated zones in your garage for each of these categories. This instantly reduces the amount of time spent searching for items. Once items have been shifted to designated zones, they can be further organized.

Step Two: Utilize Vertical and Overhead Space

Floor space is at a premium in most garages. Vehicles parked inside the garage consume the majority of available floor space. What remains must be used judiciously. Therefore, one of the keys to an organized garage is to strategically employ vertical and overhead storage space.

A garage wall organization system increases garage storage space exponentially. We recommend a slatwall-based system that, when used with coordinating baskets, hooks and shelves, can accommodate a variety of storage requirements and can be easily reconfigured with each change of season.

Step Three: Make Seasonal Adjustments

When the season changes, how we use our garage storage space often does, too. Softball equipment, golf clubs and bicycles take a back seat to sleds and skis once the air turns crisp and cool. The lawn mower must make way for the snow blower.

Take a few minutes at the change of the season to reorganize your garage so that seasonal items are easily-accessible. The last thing you want to do is wake up to a snowy drive, only to realize that you must first dig out the snow blower. Also, if little ones are forced to wade through summer sporting goods to access their sleds, the garage floor will be littered with the items they had to cast aside.

Reduce the potential for clutter further by ensuring that all items can be easily located.

Step Four: Label or Clearly Display Items

Ever had to dig through half a dozen boxes to find an item? It’s time-consuming and frustrating. Eliminate this time suck by clearly displaying items whenever possible. This can be achieved with open shelving or clear storage boxes.

Open storage isn’t appropriate for some items. Nor do all homeowners find this storage style aesthetically-pleasing. If closed cabinets or non-transparent storage boxes are more your style, invest in a label-maker. Neatly label boxes and either the inside or outside of cabinet doors. This makes locating items a breeze.

The steps above can certainly simplify the process of organizing your garage. However, you may require a more complex or customized solution. If so, assistance is required.

Step Five: Know When to Call in the Troops

As with any other home improvement, some jobs one can handle quite easily. Others require the assistance of a skilled professional. If you’d like to maximize storage in your garage and you don’t know where to begin, or the work required is beyond your knowledge and abilities, it’s time to call in a garage renovation specialist.

A knowledgeable, experienced garage organization professional will assess your needs and create a plan which addresses them and maximizes available space. A garage renovation specialist has access to professional-grade materials, like custom cabinetry, not available to the public. He or she will be familiar with building permit requirements and can install overhead shelving capable of bearing heavier loads safely. A qualified professional will also be able to complete the work correctly and in a timely fashion.

Curious about how a garage renovation specialist can calm the chaos in your garage? Request a consultation today.

What to Look for in a Professional Garage Designer

March 25, 2014 by Rick Scully

You’ve decided that you’re finally ready to renovate your garage and you don’t want to do it yourself. How do you know which professional garage designer is right for you? Of course, you want to know that the person’s business is licensed and insured. However, there are several other factors that will help you decide whether a garage design professional will meet your needs. Here are a few to consider.

Experience

One of the advantages of hiring a professional garage designer, rather than trying to tackle the project yourself, is the knowledge, wisdom and experience that he or she will bring to the project. Every project is different. However, the more renovation projects the person has under his belt, the more scenarios he has encountered. This adds to the person’s overall knowledgebase, which is invaluable on a design project. Ask your potential designer how many projects he has designed. If he has a strong body of work, he should have a substantial portfolio that he is willing to share. Otherwise, your project could end up being where the designer cuts his teeth. Good for him; potentially disastrous for you.

Testimonials and References

If the designer has a large body of work, then he should also have several happy customers who have given him glowing testimonials. Look for testimonials on the designer’s website. If there are several, that’s a good start. However, how do you know that all of that glowing praise is from legitimate customers? Ask the design pro for references from past clients who are willing to spend a few minutes talking to you. A good designer with a solid body of work, and lots of happy clients, will likely have several.

Work Style and Reliability

When talking to references, don’t just ask about the design itself. Find out what it was like to work with this designer.

Was he prompt?
Did he deliver on his promises?
Was the owner/manager on site?
Was the project on time? On budget?
Did he clearly communicate about any problems or issues that arose?
Was he respectful of their property and that of their neighbors?
Did he follow-up promptly with any requests?
Have there been any issues since the completion of the project?
Would they hire the designer again in the future?

Detailed Proposal

Within a few days of meeting with you and seeing your space, your potential garage design professional should come up with a proposal. If you’ve wanted to renovate your garage for a long time, the moment you get that proposal can be truly exciting. You begin envisioning your new space. Take a hard look, though, at the proposal itself. Is it a simple sketch with few details? Did the person jot down a few ideas on the back of a napkin? A competent garage design professional will provide you with a detailed proposal that clearly defines the scope, timeline and estimated cost of the project.

Customized Solutions

Look closer at the proposal. Does it reflect that the designer took the time to get to understand your lifestyle and what’s most important to you in your garage renovation? Does the proposal make the most of your unique space? Is the designer simply planning to install “out-of-the-box” cabinets and shelves, or are you getting a space designed to fit your specific needs? An experienced design professional will maximize your space by building custom storage solutions that take advantage of overhead space and other areas of the space you probably hadn’t considered. A good design pro will ensure that the renovated space fits your lifestyle and specialized storage needs. For instance, if your family is active and has bicycles, kayaks and other sporting goods, the space will be specifically designed to house those goods.

Service Follow-up Spelled Out in Contract

You expect, of course, that everything will turn out well on a project. However, it is important to address what happens when things don’t go exactly as planned. What kind of follow-up does the garage design professional offer? Is a warranty offered on the materials that will be used in the renovation, like slatwall, shelving, cabinetry and flooring treatments? Does he guarantee his work? If so, for how long? While such scenarios aren’t pleasant to consider, the possibility of paying for an expensive renovation and being left with shoddy work or materials, and no recourse, is far worse.

Planning a garage renovation is exciting. A well-designed garage can organize your life and beautify your home. However, it is well worth it to do your homework when it comes to choosing the garage design professional that will transform your space.

Would you like to see what an experienced garage design professional can do for your space? Request a consultation today.

Make Your New Year’s Resolution a New Year’s Reality

January 15, 2014 by Rick Scully

As the clock strikes twelve, signaling the New Year, our enthusiasm burns bright. We’re excited about the possibilities ahead of us and all of the positive changes we’ve resolved to make.

If you’ve ever been in a gym during the first week of the year, you know that it’s brimming with people eager to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. By the second or third week, the crowd begins to thin. That’s because it doesn’t take long for that glittery excitement to fade.

Maybe you’ve begun to experience this, too. Your intentions were good, but you no longer feel motivated. Suddenly, those resolutions feel less like an opportunity for growth and more like a burden. One simple change will bring you closer to achieving your goals. Rather than making a broad resolution, like wanting to lose weight, travel more or make more money, create a step-by-step plan for reaching very specific goals.

The goals mentioned above are indeed worthwhile. However, my expertise lies with another common resolution—the desire to get organized. Let’s look at a few ways to ensure that you realize your intention of getting organized this year.

Get Clear About Your Objective

Start by getting crystal clear about what you want to achieve. Set SMAC goals. Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Compatible. A goal like, “I want to get organized,” is admirable, but not specific or measurable. It is therefore less likely to be achieved. So be specific.

“I’m purging my closet of anything I haven’t worn in the past year.”

“I’m donating all of the toys and clothing my children have outgrown to a local shelter.”

“We’re going to organize the garage so that we can finally park the car inside.”

Now you have specific goals that can easily be measured. If the project still seems overwhelming, don’t panic. My three steps to ideal organization will help you simplify the process and achieve your desired results. Let’s apply those three steps to organizing your garage.

Step One: Get rid of everything you don’t want or need.

This is the step that sometimes hurts. Many of the items stored in your garage have some sentimental value. They represent special memories from your past or optimism about the future. Approach each item logically. Ask yourself if you’ve used it in the past year. If you haven’t, chances are you’ll never use it again. It’s simply clutter, and it’s standing between you and your ultimate objective of organizing your garage.

Don’t be afraid to let go of unused items. If anything is broken, outdated or unsafe, dispose of it. For items that are still in good shape and may be useful to someone else, arrange for a spring garage sale or donate them to a local charity. Don’t hold onto things because maybe one day you’ll need them. Recall the frustration you felt when you made your resolution to get organized. Stay focused and be ruthless. Purge, purge, then purge some more.

Step Two: Divide your stuff into manageable chunks.

Have you ever tried to do a small house repair only to discover that your hammer, wrench and screwdriver were in three separate places? It makes what might have been a simple job frustrating and time-consuming. That’s why it’s important to group all of your tools in one central location, like a toolbox.

Now, take the same approach when it comes to organizing your garage. Separate items by category. Group holiday decorations, gardening supplies, power tools, sporting goods and automotive products. You’ll save valuable time (and prevent needless aggravation) throughout the year.

Step Three: Organize your things according to themes, seasons or purpose.

Organize the garage in a way that makes accessing items intuitive. Place items used frequently where they are easily accessible. Seasonal items like Halloween or Christmas decorations don’t need priority placement. Such items are good candidates for high shelves or overhead storage racks. Winter weather equipment like shovels, ice melting products and antifreeze should be placed near the garage door and given a priority space during the winter.

Once you’re done purging and organizing your garage, you may discover that your current storage options don’t accommodate everything you own. However, a well-designed garage, tailored to fit your lifestyle needs, will provide the storage you need. Simply contact a garage organizational expert to find out how quick and affordable a custom garage transformation can be.

Getting organized requires time, effort and a lot of hard work. However, when your space is organized and clutter-free it will be well worth it.