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Recent Blog Posts
Turning a Garage Into a Housing Unit
With the current housing crisis, people are turning to creative solutions. Some homeowners have begun renting out spaces like their basements, mother-in-law suites, or even their garages. Extended families are often living together - but still want some privacy from each other. If you are considering using your garage as a living space, it is important to understand what actually needs to be done to convert a garage into a housing unit. Exactly what needs to be done depends on how you will be using your converted garage. If you are simply turning an attached garage into an extra bedroom for a family member, there is less to be done than if you were converting a detached garage into an apartment to rent out. An experienced Chicago, IL garage building company can help you plan and carry out your conversion project.
Getting the Permits You Need
If you intend to start using your garage as a housing unit, you will likely need permits to have work done. You may need to ensure that your unit will not be in violation of any housing codes or other municipal laws regarding accessory dwellings. An experienced garage builder can help ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant codes.
How to Prevent Water Damage in a Garage
Whether you are building a new garage from scratch or thinking of making some repairs to your current garage so it stays in good shape, preventing water damage should be high on your priority list. The Chicago area has seen a lot of rain this year and quite a few people have experienced flooding on their property. Now that the rainy season is largely over for this year, now would be an excellent time to take steps to prevent water damage for the next one. Our experienced Chicago, IL garage building and repair experts can assess your property and see what measures you should take to prevent water damage in your garage.
Repair Your Garage Door Seals
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent water damage to your garage is to maintain your garage door seals. Making sure your garage doors seal tightly can prevent water from seeping into your garage during the next heavy rainfall. This is especially important if your garage is at the bottom of a sloping driveway.
Five Ways to Make a Garage More Energy Efficient | Illinois
Whether you’re interested in a more eco-friendly lifestyle or just looking to cut down on electricity bills, investing in an energy-efficient garage is a net positive for your home. Here are some insights from our Chicago garage-building and repair experts on easy fixes to garage energy consumption.
Add Insulation to Your Garage Door
If your attached garage is not properly insulated, it will take more energy to regulate the temperature in the rest of the house. To determine the amount of insulation required, garage experts will refer to the ‘R-value,’ a measure of any insulation’s resistance to flowing heat. Generally, you’ll want to keep the R-value at 7 or above.
There are a variety of ways to protect your garage door against the elements. Foam panels are a popular choice, since materials like polystyrene can be bought in bulk and cut to fit the exact dimensions of your garage door.
Adding a Living Space to the Top of a Garage
Have you ever wanted to do something more with your garage? A living space might be the perfect solution for making the most of the space under your garage roof. Whether you’re looking to build a man cave or a cozy living room, our stellar Chicago garage-building and repair experts can help you realize your vision. To get started, here’s an overview of what to expect for the project.
Know What You Want Before You Get Started
Having a clear idea of what you want for your garage living space can save you a lot of time. Consider how much room you want, how to furnish the room, and what needs to be moved for the project to begin. A repair expert can help you out with the logistics, especially if you are able to communicate your ideas for the garage. If you need to add a floor, stairs, or other important structural elements, make sure you have blueprints and they are up to code.
How to Get Your Garage Ready for a Chicago Winter
Chicago winters are no joke. Between the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, it is essential to get your garage ready for the harsh weather. Whether you use your garage to park your car or as a storage space, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping it functional and safe throughout the cold months. From our outstanding Chicago garage-building and repair experts, here’s a great guide to get your garage winter-ready.
Declutter and Organize
First things first: Take a look around your garage and clear out anything that does not belong there. Do you have summer gear, lawn tools, or bicycles hanging around? Now is the perfect time to store those away for winter. Organize your garage so the things you will need in the winter — like snow shovels, ice melt, and space heaters — are easy to access.
You can also add shelving or hooks to create more space and get items off the floor, where they could be exposed to cold and moisture. The goal is to have a clean, organized space so you are not tripping over clutter when it is freezing outside.
Four Things to Think About Before Insulating Your Garage
Insulating your garage might seem like a simple task, but there is more to it than just slapping up some foam boards or fiberglass and calling it a day. Whether you are looking to convert your garage into a comfortable workspace, a home gym, or just want to keep it more energy-efficient, proper insulation makes a huge difference and our Chicago-area garage insulation specialists can help. Before you jump into a project, here are five things to consider to ensure your garage insulation is done right.
Choose the Right Insulation Material
There are a variety of insulation materials to choose from, and each one comes with its pros and cons. Some of the most popular options for garages include:
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Fiberglass batt insulation: Affordable and easy to install, this is a common choice for garages with walls already framed.
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Spray foam insulation: While pricier, spray foam seals gaps more effectively, providing better insulation and air sealing.
5 Great Uses for Your Garage Space
When most people picture a garage, they think of a musty, messy place strewn with tools and clutter with enough space for a car. But a garage can be so much more. Your garage space can serve many purposes and uses that add to your home and lifestyle. All it takes is some creativity, careful planning, and guidance from garage experts.
At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we can help you maximize your garage's full potential. Whether you want to transform an existing one or build one from scratch, we are ready to make your vision a reality. Here are five creative uses for your garage:
A Living Space
A garage doesn't have to languish as a carport. It can be turned into a comfortable and inviting living space, either as a guest house, extra room, or rental unit.
If you want to convert your garage to a living space, you'll want to think about certain factors such as:
- Installing a bathroom
- Building a kitchenette
Is an Attached or Detached Garage Better for My Home?
Garages are an important part of a home. They not only serve a variety of purposes - such as storage, recreation, or even business - but they also affect the exterior aesthetics of the house's main structure. Homeowners should, therefore, take special care when making decisions about garage design, from door styles to windows and even built-in smart technology.
One of the main questions to consider when designing a garage is whether it should be attached to the home or detached from it. This article will explore the advantages of each, but be sure to consult Illinois garage-building specialists like Blue Sky Builders, Inc. about your specific garage needs.
What Are the Benefits of an Attached Garage?
There are several ways an attached garage can provide value over a detached garage. For example:
- Cost: An attached garage may come with lower upfront costs. By sharing a wall with the house, it often requires less construction. It can also be easier to install utilities such as water and electricity in a garage already attached to the main house.
Windows In Your Garage: Pros and Cons
Among the many things to think about as you design a garage that meets your needs and budget is whether you want to include windows. For some people, the expense of adding windows to a room that does not often get used may not be worth it. For others, security considerations in their neighborhood makes the idea of windows in a garage unappealing.
If you are considering building or remodeling your garage, thinking carefully about window options is important. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our Chicagoland garage specialists can walk you through your options, including the pros and cons of each. We want you to have a garage that works best for you. Here are some questions to think about when it comes to garage windows.
Does Natural Light Improve My Garage?
One of the main reasons people consider adding windows to their garage is for the natural light. Without windows, garages can be dark and uninviting, making it harder to complete tasks or find items inside. Windows allow sunlight and warmth to filter in, which can improve visibility and make the space feel more welcoming. If you use your garage as a workspace or spend significant time in it, having natural light can make a big difference.
Five Signs of a Damaged Garage Roof
Everyone knows that a hole in your garage roof is a recipe for disaster. Valuable items like your car, your clothes, and precious family pictures can be damaged by water and humidity, even if you think they are protected by careful storage.
However, there are other signs of garage roof damage that you may not be aware of. If you recognize any of these signs of damage, it is important to contact a DuPage County, IL garage roof repair company right away before the damage gets worse.
Ceiling Stains Show Hidden Leaks
Ceiling stains are one of the surest signs of water damage. However, these stains can be difficult to see on garage ceilings because they may be high, dark-colored, and made of materials that make it hard to spot stains. Monitor your ceiling carefully for discoloration, warping, and stains that might suggest you have water leakage problems.
Damaged Shingles Can Lead to Expensive Repairs
Damaged shingles are common and may seem a minor annoyance, so many homeowners leave damaged shingles for another day. However, water can easily get under and in between damaged shingles, leading to further damage and expensive repairs. Watching out for missing, curling, and lifting shingles, as well as moss growth, hail damage, and buckling.
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