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Recent Blog Posts
What to Do When Flying Things Attack Your Garage
Flying things and garages can be a troublesome combination. At best, their presence can mean costly repairs, and it can serve as a loud and annoying nuisance to the homeowner. In the worst of scenarios, winged things in the garage can be dangerous. Learn how you can safely and effectively evict the flying intruders in your garage, and how you can protect your garage from future attacks.
Birds (Swallows, Woodpeckers, and Other Problematic Birds)
While some birds still prefer living in undeveloped areas, away from humans, many others have adapted quite well to the hustle and bustle of our lives. In fact, some actually thrive on the food and shelter we unwittingly provide. House sparrows are a prime example. They make their homes in the eaves and crevices of our homes and eat our discarded food.
In some cases, they are nothing more than a minor annoyance, like when they wake us up in the early morning with their singing. However, they can also pack nesting material into fan and dryer vents, posing a fire or inhalation problem in garages. If swallows are your problem, move their nests as quickly as possible (but only when the nest is free of eggs and young) and then deter them from re-nesting with mesh netting or other appropriate material.
Common Mistakes When Building a Garage
Homeowners are almost guaranteed to run into obstacles when building a garage, whether it is for the first time or if you are a highly skilled contractor. When deciding on the style and size of the garage you are building, it is important to make sure that it is customized to fit your home. Some common mistakes that may occur during the construction include inexperience, improper permits, zoning issues, the height of the structure, and failure to check for a flood zone.
Work with a Professional
It is important to work with professionals such as the experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. when constructing a garage to ensure that everything will go as planned. Your creative ideas for design can be discussed with someone that can tailor the garage to your needs but also follow proper building regulations.
Plan Ahead for Sizing
Before the actual process of constructing your garage, you should consider what size you want it to be. The size of your garage is one of the most important aspects of the planning process. You should consider how large your vehicle is, if you are going to need extra storage room and how much, the walking space, and how much land you have available to build on.
Help! My Garage Is Flooded
If you have experienced flooding in your garage, you are likely wondering how to proceed. Flooding in your home or garage is problematic for a number of reasons. Excess water can damage the structure and floor of your garage, and any items you have stored there are at risk of being damaged. If you have flood water in your garage, it is best to take action immediately, before any further damage can be done. Additionally, it is a great idea for any garage owner to take extra preventative measures to ensure their garage is flood proof, or at least resistant to water, to keep flood water from doing any future damage. Below, we break down how flood water can damage your garage, the steps you can take to prevent flood damage, and what you should do if you have current flooding in your garage.
Why Is Flooding a Problem?
Floodwater is problematic for a number of reasons. First, floodwater in your garage could damage your belongings. Your vehicles, lawn equipment, and other items stored in your garage are at risk of damage if water reaches them. Additionally, water in your garage can cause major damage to your garage's structure. Walls and floors can be ruined. Wood can warp easily if exposed to excess water. In addition to damage caused, floodwater left untended can lead to mold and all sorts of microbial organisms that can grow in your garage.
Safety Tips for Entertaining in Your Garage
Although Labor Day has come and gone, many people still enjoy having barbecues, even in the fall. Your garage can be easily converted into a perfect party venue complete with indoor and outdoor access, electricity, room to move, and more. While throwing an event in your garage can be tons of fun, there are some safety concerns to address before having your guests over. Garages can be home to dangerous insects, toxic chemicals, sharp tools, and other safety hazards, so it is important to prepare your space ahead of time. This week, we are exploring a few safety concerns you should address before hosting a party in your garage.
Clear the Clutter
If you have not cleaned your garage in a while, do so before hosting an event in the space. Excess junk and clutter around your garage not only hurts the ambiance of your event, but it can also be a safety hazard. Your guests should be able to move around freely without any risk of tripping or bumping into things. Additionally, make sure that any boxes or items you have stored on shelves are secured and will not fall on your guests. In general, the more you can clear out the area, the better.
Summertime Garage Sale Tips
Are you considering a summer garage sale? Late summer is a great time to clean house and sell off any unused or unwanted items and earn some extra cash. Many people are out and about enjoying the sunshine, meaning you have a prime market of potential shoppers. Additionally, if you have children, hosting a late summer garage will help you purge any unwanted items like old clothes and sporting gear, all while allowing you to take inventory of what you have for the coming year. Follow our tips below to make the most out of your summertime garage sale.
Advertise
Garage sales do not require a ton of marketing, but a little advance notice will help draw in a larger crowd. Start by placing signs around your neighborhood. Depending on the size of your community, simple signs may be enough. If you do not have many neighbors nearby, consider putting an ad in a local newspaper or on an online community calendar. Do not forget to include the dates and times of your event, as well as a general overview of the types of items you will be selling. Consider drawing arrows on some of your signs to direct shoppers to your event.
Convert Your Garage into a Showroom
Garages can be used for so much more than simply storing vehicles. We love watching homeowners get creative with their garages and using their space effectively. We have seen some amazing home gyms, additional living spaces, and workshops all built in converted garages. It is amazing what a little creativity can do to an otherwise neglected garage.
Another option homeowners have is converting their garage into a showroom to display their prized collections. Many Illinois residents have built up large collections of prized items, from classic cars to license plates and more, but finding a safe place to store and display those collections can be difficult. If you are looking to convert your garage into a beautiful showroom to display your prized collection, follow our handy guide below.
Tackle the Clutter
Many people keep their garages full of clutter and hidden from the world. The first step in turning your garage into a beautiful showroom is to tackle the clutter. Depending on the size of your collection, you may need to move everything else out of the garage and into another location. Consider moving your lawn tools and furniture to an additional shed or storage space inside your home. Throw out any items you no longer have a use for. Donate any still usable goods like outgrown bikes and leftover sports equipment.
Garage Flood Cleanup and Prevention
A flooded garage can be a major problem. While everyone uses their garage for different purposes, it is safe to say that most people would be sad to see the things stored in the garage damaged by invasive water. Furthermore, flooding can damage the entire structure of your garage. The heavier the flooding, the more serious the damage can become. Your garage walls and flooring can easily be damaged by water, and extensive flooding can even break or damage your garage door. Many homeowners believe that they do not need to worry about flooding because they do not live in an area with a major risk of flooding, but water can easily make its way into any garage in any location. Therefore, it is important that all garage owners take extra care to ensure their garage is protected from flooding. Below, check out a few ways to flood proof your garage, and a step by step guide for cleaning up an already flooded garage.
Flood Prevention
If you are hoping to protect your garage from flood damage, start by inspecting the space. Pull everything out of your garage so you have a full view of the floor, the walls, the ceiling, and your garage door. Removing everything you have in your garage may seem a bit extensive, but the alternative could be overlooking a leak that could lead to major damage. Look for cracks in the flooring and walls that water could run through. Seal anything you think looks risky. Fix any holes in your roofing as well to ensure water is not dripping down from above. Most repairs should be fairly easy, but a contractor may be needed if extensive repairs are necessary.
What Is a Car Lift?
Have you ever heard of a car lift before? Imagine purchasing a brand new vehicle, only to discover you do not have the space within your garage to store it. Do you build a new garage? Should you purchase an awning and leave the vehicle exposed? Fortunately, car lifts are great, convenient solutions for those needing extra vehicle storage within their garage. Car lifts are growing in popularity among homeowners who are short in storage, and these easy to use tools are great at optimizing the space within your garage to free up more storage space. Taking advantage of the vertical space within your garage, car lifts raise one vehicle off the ground, allowing another vehicle to be parked underneath it. Car lifts are safe, can hold significant weight loads, and are easy for homeowners to operate on a daily basis. This week, we are exploring a few of the many benefits of installing a car lift within your garage.
Easy Additional Storage
Most homes feature only one-car garages. This can be problematic for households with more than one vehicle. Sometimes even two-car garages are not enough if more than two vehicles are involved. Aside from rebuilding or expanding your garage, car lifts are a great option to add significantly more space to your garage. A lift can turn your one car garage into a two car garage, and can potentially upgrade a two-car garage into a four-car garage, depending on the space available. The specialists at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can inspect your available space and advise you on the number of lifts you can fit within your garage.
Fighting Moisture and Humidity in Your Garage
Have you noticed excess moisture and humidity in your garage? People often face humidity problems in their bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, but garages are also easily susceptible to invasive water and the troubles it can bring with it. Excess humidity and condensation can damage your garage's structure, its flooring and finishes, and can potentially harm anything stored within your garage as well. The moisture and heat stored in your garage can potentially seep into your home, causing increased temperatures and humidity within your house.
Moisture problems can also lead to mildew and mold, putting your family's health in jeopardy. Additionally, wet areas are ideal for dust mites, tiny creatures who multiply in humid areas and are a common cause of allergies. While garages are easily susceptible to water, there are fortunately many different methods of removing any excess condensation and humidity you notice in your garage. Below, we list some of the most commonly used ways you can reduce excess moisture from your garage.
America’s Most Unusual and Expensive Garages
The talented team of garage specialists at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has been providing dream garages to clients across Illinois for over 30 years. Are you ready to get started on your next garage project? Even small updates can help increase your garage's functionality and boost your property value. Realtors estimate that adding a two-car garage to your home can increase your home's market value by thousands of dollars.
Contact our team today to learn more about the wide variety of garage services we offer including custom garage design, unique customization opportunities, renovations, and more. Thanks to our cost effective services and financing options, the perfect garage may be closer than you think. For this week's blog, however, we are exploring a few garages that most of us can only drool over. Check out some of America's weirdest, wildest, and most expensive dream garages.
Mockingbird Lane – Paradise Valley, Arizona
Part of a massive five acre, 35,000 estate, the garage of Mockingbird Lane in Paradise Valley, Arizona, is one that will make classic car enthusiasts swoon. The garage houses 20 vehicles and features a "show garage" that cost $400,000 to complete. To complete the classic look, the garage has a 1950's style checkered floor, antique gas pumps, art-deco style columns and great lighting.
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