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Recent Blog Posts
Making the Most of Overhead Storage in Your Garage
Storage space is often a very desirable option when it comes to buying or building a home. Whether it is a bedroom closet, kitchen pantry, basement, or garage, people need places to put all of their "stuff." There are many items that you may like to keep in your garage or shed, such as gardening tools, lawnmowers, snowblowers, outdoor patio furniture, bicycles, scooters, holiday decorations, sports equipment, and more. Along with all of these items, you may be struggling to find space for your vehicles in your garage. One option is to create additional storage space by installing overhead shelving units. Determining how large these can be often depends on the structure and size of your garage, including the roof line.
Hanging from the Rafters
Regardless of whether you have a finished, drywalled ceiling in your garage or simply wooden rafters, you can find a storage solution that works. The garage ceiling or attic can be the ideal place to store lighter or medium weight seasonal items like holiday decorations and camping gear. Some options include:
Options for Adding a Breezeway to Your Detached Garage
Many older homes have "detached" garages, which means they are separate structures from the main house. Newer, more modern residential architecture typically has the garage "attached" to the house. This makes it convenient for homeowners to exit their vehicles and enter their mud room, entryway, or kitchen without having to go outside. Illinois residents may particularly like this option, since it means that they do not have to brave the elements, especially during inclement weather or when it is dark. A connected breezeway that goes between your home and garage provides a covered space to improve traffic flow into your home. As with any type of house renovation or addition, you will want to be sure to explore your options and consider your needs, as well as how these changes will complement your existing garage and house.
Form Versus Function
A breezeway can add a unique architectural element to your home's exterior. Features like skylights or stained-glass windows add natural light and turn the breezeway into a design focal point. In other cases, you may want to simply have a breezeway blend into the existing design of your home and garage, which could be brick, wood, siding, or a combination of different materials.
Transforming Your Garage into a Workout Facility for the Winter
The Chicago-area winters can be especially cold and long. Temperatures can hover at or below freezing from November all the way to March. Although some natives of Illinois may venture outside to get some exercise, many prefer to work out indoors during these months. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place throughout the state, it may be awhile before individuals will feel safe going to a public gym or rec center. As such, now might be the perfect time to consider renovating your garage into a workout area. Whether you want to utilize the entire garage space or just a section of it, there are ways to accomplish your goal of staying fit and healthy.
Tips for the Best Use of Space
Creating a gym in your garage can save you time and money in the long run. Gym memberships can be expensive, and there may be gas and transportation costs if there is not a gym within walking distance. Having an area to exercise in your garage makes it much more convenient, which is sometimes half the battle. In addition, if you are working from home or your kids are learning remotely, going to the garage allows for an escape from the same four walls. Keep in mind that depending on the size of your garage, you may or may not be able to leave your vehicles in it during your workout time. If you have a three-car garage but only two cars, that extra space can be ideal. You can also move your lawnmower or snowblower to a shed if you have one.
How to Renovate Your Garage to Include a Wine Cellar
After the challenges of 2020, everyone is hoping for a return to some sort of normalcy in 2021. However, with COVID-19 vaccines just starting to be administered, it may be months before the country is opened up again. In Illinois, many restaurants are still closed, or if they are open, they are operating at reduced occupancy. In response to these restrictions and social distancing guidelines, a lot of people have spent more time at home than ever before. This may include entertaining at home, either outside in their yard, on their patio, deck, or even in the garage . Wine lovers may want to consider utilizing their garage space by converting part of it into a wine cellar.
Wine Lovers Unite
If you do not have a designated wine cellar in your home, the garage might be the perfect place to store your favorite wines. Depending on how much room you want to set aside for it, adding a seating area can turn your garage into an ideal entertaining space for friends and family gatherings. Another fun idea is to start a wine club and use your garage as a wine tasting room. However, it is important to consider the types of wine you want to house to ensure you have the appropriate environment to keep them. For example, different varieties of wine are best kept at certain temperatures. A lot of white or sparkling wines are best served chilled, while red wines are typically served at room temperature.
Tips for Preventing Ice Damage In, On, and Around Your Garage
Winters in the Midwest can be brutal, with blizzard-like conditions. This can include snow, ice, sleet, slush, and wind. Anything that is outside can take a beating, including your house and garage. When any type of precipitation cannot drain properly, and the temperature drops to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water can freeze and turn to ice. Besides creating a slipping hazard for homeowners or guests if ice accumulates on walkways or stairs, this can also affect a structure's roof, siding, and flooring. If there is nowhere for the ice to go once it melts, it can cause serious structural problems. That is why it is important to take steps to prevent ice from forming near or in your garage during the winter months in order to protect your property.
Protecting Your Investments
When snow and ice accumulate on a roof, it can eventually cause leaks once the temperature warms and all of that precipitation melts. Trapped water on the roof that freezes can create an ice dam, which may lead to water pooling and working its way under the shingles. In some cases, the ceiling could cave in, or water may seep through the drywall.
How to Host a Safe New Year’s Eve Party in Your Garage
As a result of the COVID-19 health crisis, people have spent more time at home this past year. This is partly due to federal, state, and local guidelines such as stay-at-home orders. In addition, a lot of employees have been working from home instead of going into an office building. With many area restaurants and bars closed in attempts to combat the virus, people have gotten creative with their get-togethers. In some cases, the garage has become the go-to place for studying, working out, crafting, or playing games. The driveway can also be an extension of this often under-utilized space. For those who want to ring in the New Year, the garage may be the best space to have a New Year's Eve party.
Social Distancing, Holiday Style
By temporarily moving your vehicles out of your garage, this frees up a large, open space, which is ideal for a socially distanced gathering. In addition, you can keep the garage door partially or wide open to allow extra ventilation and air circulation. With the garage door open, guests can spill out into the driveway. Portable fire pits can help keep everyone warm, since the temperatures in Illinois can be frigid in the winter. Heat lamps may also be a wise investment for outdoor entertaining.
How to Turn Your Garage Into a Dream Space for a Chicago Sports Fanatic
With people spending more and more time at home these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have utilized their garage space like never before. From turning your garage into a home office or gym to using it as a rec room, it can provide a practical and inviting area for your friends and family to gather. There is no time like the present to show your love for your favorite Chicago sports team. Whether it is the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Fire, or Sky, you can share your pride in a fun and festive way. If you are more of a college sports fan, don your garage walls with items showing your support of schools like Northwestern, Loyola, DePaul, or the University of Illinois. Not only can this improve the aesthetics of your garage, but it may also increase your home's overall value.
Converting That Old Garage Into a Winner
With many major sports teams not permitting fans in the stands to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the only option is to watch games on television instead of in person. Since we are all craving a change of scenery, why not create one in your own garage? Now that the winter months are upon us, it is the ideal time to tackle a home project you might have been putting off. The garage can be an extension of your home, especially when the weather outside is frightful.
Turning Your Garage Into a Winter Wonderland This Holiday Season
This holiday season, more and more people will be spending time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With non-essential businesses closed to prevent further spread of the virus, many Illinois residents are entertaining at home more often, and they may be making use of their garage to do so. In some cases, individuals might be utilizing their garage space like never before, turning it into a home office. Decorating your house and garage for the holidays can lift everyone's spirits, from young to old. This may include putting up a Christmas tree or hanging lights from your roof or siding, or even placing inflatable Santas or snowmen in your yard or driveway. Below are some tips for creating a magical holiday scene on the inside or outside of your garage.
Holiday Decorating Tips
There are various simple decorating tips that you can still do even while on a budget this holiday. For example, you can use extra garlands that are lying around in bins to enhance the inside of your garage. In addition, you may want to put up a small, pre-lit Christmas tree to make it feel especially cozy. Hanging a wreath on the side access door to the garage or the outside light fixtures always gives a jolly feel to any structure.
The Best Ways to Protect Your Garage During an Illinois Winter
Now that December is here, Illinois residents are bracing for a cold and snowy winter. Preparation is key to survive the often harsh winter conditions, and this may include "winterizing" your home and vehicles. In some cases, people put plastic on their home's windows to keep them insulated and free of drafts. Keeping cars running in the winter may mean putting snow tires on and antifreeze in the engine. Similarly, there are steps homeowners can take to protect their garages during the cold months to preserve and maintain their value. Not only do garages house your automobiles, tools, decorations, and more, they may also be used as home offices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important now more than ever to keep your garage properly maintained, especially if it is serving multiple purposes.
Inclement Winter Weather Tips
In the Chicagoland area, the period between December and April can see significant precipitation and blizzard-like conditions. This means your home and garage can take a beating during the winter, with snow, ice, sleet, and slush all hitting these structures. Typically, brick, stone, and siding are meant to withstand the outdoor elements, but over time, they can wear down or break.
Why You Should Leave the Demolition of Your Old Garage to the Experts
When updating or remodeling your house, you may want to consider renovating your garage as well. If you have an older home, then it is likely that your garage may need some work, too. Perhaps you have looked into how much work it would take to upgrade your garage, and you may have made the decision to demolish the existing structure and build a new one. This is a major undertaking, so it is best to leave it to the professionals. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it can also prevent injuries as well as a lot of time and headaches instead of you trying to do it yourself (DIY). Although DIY projects are popular this year because so many people are stuck at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, having a company like Blue Sky Builders, Inc. assist you in tearing down your old garage and building a new custom garage is a wise investment!
Ensuring a Safe and Secure Garage Demolition
Even though you may think demolition is as simple as taking a sledgehammer to your old garage, there are many steps that must be taken prior to doing a "demo" and building a new structure of any kind. Unless you are a professional contractor, it can be downright dangerous for you to tear down your current garage structure. For example, attempting to dismantle a garage door can lead to serious injuries if a cable snaps and the door comes crashing down on your hand or foot.
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