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Is a Custom Garage or a Prefab Garage Model Best for Me?
Every household has different needs when it comes to a garage. You may want a standardized garage that’s "ready to go," or you might prefer a custom garage built to your specifications. If you’re having trouble coming to a solution, our Downers Grove, IL garage-building and repair experts are prepared to help with any project. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has been in business for 45 years, providing tailored garage services for homeowners across Chicagoland.
Pros and Cons of a Prefab Garage
Prefab garages, also known as modular or portable garages, are pre-built structures that are transported to your home. They are typically constructed in factories, and might require some assembly before being ready for use on your property. Before you consider investing in a prefab garage, you should weigh the upsides and downsides to see if one would align with your needs.
Three Tips for Renovating Your Garage
If you’re looking to try something new with your garage space, you might be stumped at where to begin. Up until now, you might have been using it just for car storage or a place to store your tools. But just like any other room in your house, a custom garage can be a space to practice your hobbies or have friends over.
That being said, transforming your garage overnight is no easy feat; the Downers Grove, IL garage-building and repair experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you realize your aspirations for your garage. We’re ready to assist at any point during your project, starting with these three practical tips for garage renovation.
Tip #1: Know Your Budget
Figuring out a budget early on can help ground your project with a realistic scope. Depending on how much you want to overhaul, you might want to consider the cost of materials, tools, furnishing, or expert assistance. For instance, stripping the walls of a garage to install new insulation can come with varying price tags depending on the method, whether you want to go with fiberglass batts, spray foam, or foam panels. A budget doesn’t have to account for every possibility–at some point, we all run into unexpected expenses–but having an estimate for the cost will help prevent your project from getting stuck in the weeds.
What is the Difference Between a Gable Garage and a Hip Garage?
When you have a new garage built, you have a lot of decisions to make. You will need to decide whether you want a two or three-car garage, whether you want a manual or electronic garage door opener, and whether you want flood vents installed. Some of this comes down to how you plan to use your garage. You might want different things if you plan to use your garage strictly for parking your cars in, primarily for storage, or as a space for working on projects. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether you want a hip garage or a gable garage. Our experienced Chicago, IL garage-building experts will work with you to design the kind of garage you need.
Gable Garages and Hip Garages Have Different Roofs
The main difference between a gable garage and a hip garage is the roofing. A gable garage’s roof has two sloping sides that meet at a point in the middle, forming a triangle shape. A hip garage has a four-sided roof, where four triangular sides meet at a point in the middle.
Is Your Garage Ready for Winter?
Garages can be wonderfully convenient during a Chicago winter. When your car is parked inside, you do not have to worry about scraping ice off your windshield every day or digging snow out from around your tires. It is easier to start driving when at least the first foot or two are on concrete before you hit snow. Just as you might winterize your car, like by putting snow tires on it, you should also make sure your garage is ready for winter. If getting your garage prepared to withstand a snowstorm is going to be a big job, an experienced Chicago, IL garage renovation company can help.
Weatherproof the Doors
If your garage is attached to your house, you should make sure the interior door is well-insulated. Unless your garage is heated, it can get very cold during the winter. You will want to make sure the cold air is not getting into your house and driving up your heating bills.
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.
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