Posted on July 26, 2022 in Uncategorized

Owning your own home has both advantages and disadvantages. While owning your own home has numerous financial and practical benefits, there are certainly downsides. For many homeowners, home maintenance and upkeep is among the top concerns. Garages can be especially problematic – especially if the garage is old and has not been renovated in many years.

If your garage is not meeting your needs, consider working with ourcustom garage builders to refurbish your current garage or design a brand-new custom garage.

Common Garage Concerns

Garages are where we store everything from automobiles to gardening supplies. For many, our garages are also where we host friends and neighbors for casual get-togethers or barbeques. Whatever you use your garage for, one thing is certain: Garage problems can be frustrating and costly.

Some of the most common garage problems facing homeowners include:

• Garage door malfunctions – Automatic garage door openers make opening and closing the garage a breeze. However, garage doors are also subject to wear and tear over time. Garage door sensors can become dirty or damaged. The door itself can become warped due to weather or accidental collisions.

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 Posted on July 19, 2022 in Uncategorized

Whether it is to escape a summer thunderstorm or to simply find refuge from the sun, your garage can be a great place to set up for a summer party. Pull the cars out, set up some tables and chairs, turn up the music, and have a great time. To get the most out of your garage space and keep your guests safe and entertained, here are some tips for turning your garage into a party room:

• Remove large or dangerous items – It is best to remove items that could be harmful to guests or could be tripping hazards, especially for any children who may be present. Lawnmowers, sharp garden tools, gasoline cans, and other hazardous products should be removed or safely stored away from your guests. If you can't move it or have nowhere else to store it, hide the items behind a hanging sheet or place a barrier between the objects and the entertaining space.
• Clean that floor – Dirt, grease, oil, and other fluids from your car can leave your floor dirty and potentially dangerous. Beyond being unsightly, they can be slipping hazards or become harmful if accidentally ingested. Commercial grease and oil removers can be used for heavy-duty stains and spills. Detergents can be used to clean the dirt from your floor and kitty litter can be used for smaller oil stains.

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 Posted on July 12, 2022 in Uncategorized

As our lives are busier and our time for interests and hobbies becomes more important than ever, more people are using the space in their garage as an extension or a complement to their living space. There are many different functions that a garage can play beyond just providing shelter for your vehicles. Some of our most popular custom garages can provide space for your hobby, extra storage space, or give you more room to store the items that you just cannot live without. If you are ready to see how a custom garage can provide added functionality, contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Some uses for the space in a custom garage include:

• Indulge your hobbies – Whether it is providing more room for your bicycles, your motorcycle, space for a home gym, or building your dream workbench, a custom garage can give you the room to store the things that make you happy.
• Extra storage space – To free up closet or basement space in your house, a custom garage can provide you with more shelving or even attic space. If you don't have room for a mudroom in your house, or just want a convenient alternative for your outdoor gear, a custom garage can provide the extra space you need to hold those dirty boots, coats, and more.

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 Posted on June 30, 2022 in Uncategorized

Garage entry doors, whether on an attached garage or a free-standing garage, play a valuable role in the appearance and performance of your garage space. You should ensure that your door is maintained well and permits easy access while keeping out extreme weather and unwanted pests. A well-constructed and well-maintained entry door can provide protection against break-ins and improve the look of your garage. Here are some signs that it may be time to look at a replacement garage entry door:

• Difficult to open – If you find that your entry door is sticking when it opens or closes, it is time to look for a replacement. The hinges, frame, or door itself may have become damaged or warped. This makes it a security risk and also means it may not be providing weather protection.
• Exterior damage – When a garage entry door has dents, scratches, or frame damage, it can be more than just an eyesore. The door may be weakened and not able to perform well.

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 Posted on June 24, 2022 in Uncategorized

Mice, chipmunks, raccoons, and other wild animals love to find safe places to make their nest or find their next meal. If your garage is not secured, it could be an attractive place for them to access and attempt to make their home. In the winter, they may be in search of a warm place to stay and escape the cold. In the summer, they may be attracted by bird seed, dog food, or other rodent-friendly snacks that you may be storing in your garage. They can destroy your belongings, bring in fleas and other pests, leave behind their droppings, and be a biting danger if startled. They could even chew on wires and wood beams, leaving behind expensive damage. Here are some tips to follow to keep animals out of your garage.

Keeping Bugs and Animals Out of the Garage

• Fix holes and gaps in your siding and doors. The small spaces that some rodents are able to squeeze through are incredible, so eliminating access points to your garage can be challenging. Check for holes, especially around doors and windows where animals could get through. Smaller holes can be patched and repaired, but larger or widespread holes or cracks could require new or upgraded siding or windows.

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 Posted on June 17, 2022 in Uncategorized

Whether you are looking to change up the appearance, address surface or structural issues, or improve the energy efficiency of your garage, installing new siding is a great investment. Siding can provide a number of benefits that will add value to your home and save you money in the long run. Here are just some of the reasons why you should contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. and learn more about your options for new siding.

• Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal - Old siding can become faded, worn, dirty, and just unappealing to passersby. By updating your siding, you can immediately provide a fresh look to your garage. You can choose from a variety of colors, textures, and materials. If you have a detached garage, you may choose to match the siding of your home or opt for a contrasting color or style instead.
• Increase Energy Efficiency for Your Garage – When you install new siding, you will see benefits year-round. New siding wraps provide protection against high temperatures in the summer and the cold during the winter. Blown-in insulation can provide additional insulating value. You can also add a moisture barrier for a breathable layer that will still keep excess moisture out.

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 Posted on June 10, 2022 in Uncategorized

There are many ways you can update an existing garage and improve the usefulness and value of your home. By adding new windows or replacing your old ones, you can freshen up your garage, lighten up the interior, and provide better protection. While replacing existing windows is a common option, a garage renovation expert may be able to help determine if you could enlarge the existing windows or even add new windows to your existing garage. Whatever window option you choose, there are many benefits to updating your garage's windows.

• Let in a breeze – Ventilation in a garage is always important, especially during a hot Chicago summer. You can choose hinged casement or awning windows that both operate on a crank or double-hung windows which slide up and down. Either way, more air circulating through your garage will make it more comfortable.
• Bring in the Light – Newer windows with larger panes of glass can provide additional natural light into your garage. Additional windows or enlarging existing windows is another option. To allow for additional light but also provide privacy for your valuable possessions inside, frosted glass or a plastic coating is also available. Windows on a garage, whether it is attached or stand-alone, can match the existing windows on your house. It is important to check with an expert on whether adding additional windows to your garage or enlarging the existing ones is structurally possible.

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 Posted on May 27, 2022 in Uncategorized

Just like the roof on your house, your garage's roof does an important yet unheralded job of protecting your valuable assets. Especially if your garage is detached, you may overlook its condition. However, the impacts of a leaky roof could be enormous. Leaks could damage your vehicles, lawn care tools, sporting equipment, or other valuable property. If the garage is attached, water damage could affect the living areas of your house. To catch roofing problems on your garage before they start, look for these signs and if any are present, call Blue Sky Builders, Inc. for a free estimate.

• Shingles that are curled or cracked – As shingles age and endure the elements, they can begin to curl at the edges or develop cracks. This can allow moisture to seep through and eventually create leaks. Individual shingles can be replaced and cracks can be filled in with roof cement, but if a large number of shingles are all curled or cracked, it is likely time for a new roof. Similarly, a few missing shingles can be replaced, but a large number of damaged shingles calls for a new roof.

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 Posted on May 19, 2022 in Uncategorized

During warmer months when foot traffic increases through your garage, it is important to keep your garage safe for children, other members of your family, and anyone else who may enter. However, it also is essential to keep an eye on potential hazards to your pets. Keeping a well-maintained and clean garage will keep them safe too.

Make sure your garage floor is free from any spills, leaks, or even old chemical stains. Your pet may be tempted to drink or lick anything that is on the floor. The most common source is from your car, truck, or other vehicles, so make sure you check under them carefully. Antifreeze has a sweet smell and taste that may be attractive to pets, but it can be extremely dangerous. Petroleum Projects, such as gasoline, paint thinner, and motor oil are also commonly found in garages and can be harmful if ingested or even inhaled by your pet.

Pesticides and other lawn chemicals can also be particularly harmful to human and pet populations alike. Prevent spills and keep them high up on shelves away from curious mouths and paws. Many lawn chemicals also come in small, granular forms and can be easily spilled before or after application. A good sweeping or hosing down of the floor of your garage can help eliminate the threat.

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 Posted on May 13, 2022 in Uncategorized

Nothing can stop you in your tracks like a malfunctioning or broken garage door opener.Garage door openers can perform consistently for years, but they will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. If you see or hear any of the following signs with your garage door opener, it may be time to call in a professional.

Signs it is Time to Replace Your Garage Door Opener

• The Door Won't Open or Close – This seems like the obvious place to start. If your garage door opener won't respond when you press the button and there is nothing else stopping the door, it may be time to look for a replacement.
• The Garage Door Only Works Intermittently – This situation can not only be frustrating but also dangerous. If the batteries in your remote are OK, there could be something more seriously wrong. Faulty wiring or other mechanical issues may be causing the door to behave erratically. The door opening and closing unexpectedly is another bad sign.

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