424 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-852-8485
Recent Blog Posts
How To Winterize Your Garage Door
By now we know that preparing your garage for winter is essential in the Great Lake Region. However, a vital part of your garage often gets overlooked in the process. The garage door is obviously very important to the function of the structure, but most people are unaware of how to winterize it. Fortunately, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has several suggestions to make sure your garage operates correctly all winter long.
What to Do Before Winter
There are quite a few steps you can take before winter gets too rough to guarantee that everything runs as it should.
Check Your Batteries - A faulty garage door opener is the last thing you want at the end of a cold, long work day. The batteries in most remote openers are easy to locate and replace. Consider changing them out at the start of the season if it has been a while since they were last changed.
It is also a good idea to check the battery in the external keypad if your garage has one. Unlike remotes, most keypads require a 9-volt battery. In both cases of the keypad and openers, it is beneficial to keep a set of spare batteries on hand at any given time.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Attached and Detached Garages
You may find yourself purchasing an older home that is missing a garage . Perhaps you are planning to build a custom home with a personalized garage construction. Whatever the case, if you choose between an attached or detached garage, how do you decide? The immediate response may be to build a garage that is attached to the home, however, that may not suit your needs. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help guide you through the pros and cons of both styles so you find what is perfect for you.
Detached Garages
A major factor in your decision could be based on your property. If the plot of land you are building on is long but narrow, a garage behind the home may be the option. In some neighborhoods, it may be very common for homes to have alleys running behind them. This is often where a garage will be placed as the land is not wide enough to allow a buildout on the side of the house.
Another benefit of a detached garage is privacy. If you live in a home where the residents have different work schedules and someone needs to leave early in the morning, a garage away from the house can reduce the noise and disturbance it may cause the others in the house. Similarly, if you work on projects out in the garage, it can give you more freedom to work in peace at any hour.
Tips on Insulating Your Chicago Area Garage
Cold weather has rolled into the Chicagoland area, and though you may be warm in your home, there is likely one area in your home that is having to deal with the elements more than the rest. If you are among the majority of homeowners, your garage is equipped with little or no insulation. Despite this being the norm for most homes, it is not ideal. Insulation in the garage is highly beneficial to the structure and you as the owner. Luckily, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has you covered when it comes to tips on insulating your garage.
Why Insulate at All?
You may be asking yourself, "is it even necessary to insulate my garage?" The answer is undoubtedly –– yes. Not only does insulation allow the space to become more accessible and comfortable during the winter season, but it also improves the safety of your home. Installing an appropriate "fire-rated" insulation to the structure gives you another layer of protection should a fire start.
Before you Begin
Determine if you are doing the job yourself. If you are, make sure you have the appropriate materials and tools. These can include insulation, foam to fill gaps, drywall, screws, and a screwdriver. Do not forget to wear gloves and long sleeves when handling the insulation as it can irritate the skin.
Fun Holiday Decoration Ideas for Your Garage
Even though the holiday season appears to start earlier and earlier every year, the coldest day of the year seems to be the day you decide to put up holiday decorations. At the end of the process, it can feel quite rewarding to stand back and admire the miniature winter wonderland you create. There are no limits to how you can decorate your home, but what are some clever ideas for incorporating your garage into the design? Here are just a few options for decorating your garage this holiday season.
The Garage Door
There are several options for the garage door when it comes to unique holiday designs. Think of it as a canvas for you to personalize. Though your garage door type may influence what you wind up displaying, most of these options will work with any door.
Projector - Projectors have become more common over the past few years. Classic white garage doors are very useful for projecting patterns. They are resistant to harsh temperatures and water. Many have winter-appropriate patterns such as snowflakes or stars that can really complement a light display. A projector can usually cover a lot of space as well.
Ways To Upgrade Your Chicago Area Garage
Are you getting the most out of your garage or is it just a space to store things and park a car? Your garage can be so much more. An upgrade to your garage can give you more opportunities to utilize the space and increase your home's value. Here are a few examples of how you can spruce up your garage and turn it into a brand-new space!
Practical Upgrades
There are a few different routes you can take when making upgrades to your garage. The first step is cleaning up and organizing the space to get a scope of your garage. This can also help bring to light any areas that could use improvement.
Connecting a Detached Garage - If your house and garage are separate, perhaps it is time to look into connecting the two with a breezeway or corridor. This is contingent on a few factors but is definitely worth looking into if it is an option for you financially.
Adding Additional Storage - If you find yourself struggling with keeping things organized in the garage, consider looking into additional cabinets or other storage systems. A lot of garages have overhead space that could be better utilized with shelving to store items. New shelving, hook systems, and storage lockers are also great ideas.
Preparing Your Garage for the Illinois Winter
Winter is rapidly approaching and with it, the cold temperatures of DuPage County. As the weather changes, you may find yourself using your garage less for projects and primarily for storage and protecting your vehicle. Make sure you are prepared for the frigid temperatures by getting your garage in order and organized to the best of your ability. Staying on top of your garage tasks and responsibilities can leave you with a fresh mindset the following spring season.
Tidy Up the Space
Before the big chill, make sure your garage is in order. You don't want all your tools and items laying about when the temperatures drop. Cleaning up and putting everything away as best you can keep you feeling good about your space all through the colder months. Additionally, with everything in an organized system, you will be able to locate whatever you may need in the garage faster. This ensures that in the event of grabbing something from the garage, you are not stuck out in the cold digging around for a misplaced hammer or light.
What to Know About Garage Door Openers
Did you know that not all garage door openers are created equal? The garage door opener is something that we rarely think about unless something goes wrong with it. Aside from the basic functions of opening and closing, most of us are indifferent to what goes into the mechanics of it all. If your opener has stopped working and you are in the market for a new one, do not jump too quickly on the first or cheapest option available. Here are just a few things to consider before getting a new garage door opener.
Different Types of Openers
- Screw Drive - One of the more powerful options for an opener is the screw drive. This type of opener is particularly handy when you have a very heavy door such as a wooden one and require more force to open the door. It will require a small amount of maintenance such as checking the bolts every now and then. While not among the most expensive options, the screw drive opener is not the cheapest, either.
- Chain Drive - Adversely, the chain drive is the most wallet-friendly option. It does not have as much power as the screw drive, but if you have a lighter door such as an aluminum door, this will not pose any problems. The main drawback of this option, however, is the noise. If your garage shares a wall with a space that needs to be quieter such as a bedroom with thin walls, this may not be your ideal opener.
Is Your Garage Too Small?
Though there are many ways to maximize and optimize space within your garage , you still may find yourself too tight on space. This is the time to ask yourself, "is my garage too small?". If you struggle to find room for the desired number of cars in the garage, or are unable to fit a car in the garage at all, or find yourself working in very tight quarters in the garage, it might be time to think about a larger garage. Luckily, there is no shortage of options you can take if this is the decision you have come to.
Do I Rebuild?
One option is to tear down and start from the ground up with a new garage. If your garage is older and several parts of it are in need of repair, this might be the best option for you and your home's value. If your roof has recently been damaged, your siding is discolored, and the floors are stained, perhaps it would be best to take the route of tackling all of the garage rather than one single project. If you plan on selling the home at any point, a new garage is a big boost to the appeal of your home.
How to Improve Storage in your Illinois Garage
The garage is the perfect place for a multitude of things. The garage can quickly become a catch-all for many objects, whether you use the space for storing automotive supplies, working on projects or crafts, a place to stash outdoor furniture, or organizing gardening equipment. However, this habit can quickly become a messy problem when storage begins to clutter. You may find yourself running short of room to keep everything organized. Luckily, there are several measures you can take to keep your garage in order and hold the clutter at bay.
Blank Canvas
Starting off with a clean slate is the simplest way to create adequate storage systems, but often this is not our situation. When faced with the task of organizing, try your best to declutter and go through everything in your garage as best you can.
- Eliminate anything you no longer need - Over the years, you may have hung onto spare parts, bits of wood, or old furniture that you do not have use for. Consider donating or getting rid of these things to free up valuable space.
How To Keep Your Chicago Area Garage Safe For Your Pet
Your garage has many functions. Whether you use the space for car repair, hobbies such as woodworking, or storage for paints and tools, the garage can be a multi-purpose getaway for you. However, it can also be dangerous for your pet. Many homeowners welcome a furry companion while they work in the garage. You want to be sure that your best friend is safe while accompanying you.
Organization is Key
The best thing you can do for your pet is to keep your garage organized. Check that everything is in its proper spot, ensuring no loose tools or chemicals are lying about. A dog or even a cat seem naturally attracted to items they should not be getting into. Specifically, a garage is often a storage spot for harmful chemicals. Storing these items in the proper methods is your first step to making a safe space for your pet.
Keep Dangerous Chemicals Off of the Ground and in Cabinets
Check the labels of these items for proper storage. Some items such as paint may not be best stored in a garage and would be better stored in a basement out of extreme temperature changes. Consider keeping cleaning materials in cabinets or storage bins that a pet cannot open.
Call 630-852-8485 for a Free Estimate
Services listed are not a guarantee or indication of future work.
