Posted on August 19, 2022 in Uncategorized

One of the many joys of home ownership can be deciding on designated storage areas for your belongings. Whether you are renting or you own your own house, it is a wise idea to invest in some tools for any sort of minor repair. Unfortunately, many apartments do not have a good space for these sorts of tools. When the time comes for you to own your own home, however, the garage and a tool shed quickly become two wonderful spots for all of like items. The question remains, what should go in the garage and what should go in the shed?

Lay of the Land

Deciding what to keep in the garage or a tool shed will likely be dependent on how your property is arranged. Typically, a tool shed sits in a backyard further away from the home and a garage will be attached to the home or as a separate structure close to the home. In this traditional arrangement, the tool shed becomes a natural space for yard equipment:

• Mowers
• Weed hackers
• Shovels
• Potting soil and gardening tools

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 Posted on August 11, 2022 in Uncategorized

Every year we cycle through all four seasons, and each one presents unique challenges. The differences in the weather over the course of the year can also be especially drastic in the midwest. The question then arises, "How can I keep my garage in its best condition through the entire year?" With a bit of preparation and organization, you can ensure your garage remains in tip-top shape all year long.

Spring Cleaning

Though labeled as a chore, spring cleaning can be an excellent chance for you to revisit the items and projects you may have sent to the garage over winter. This is a good time to evaluate what should stay and what should go. Perhaps the dozen or so boxes you held onto in hopes of using for Christmas or birthday presents did not come in handy after all? Northern Illinois is no stranger to snowstorms, but are three snow shovels really necessary?

Take some time to look over what you may have been storing for months and ask yourself if is worth keeping at the expense of valuable space.

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 Posted on August 05, 2022 in Uncategorized

After many months of deliberation, you have finally set your mind to begin construction on the dream garage you have always wanted. Perhaps when you bought your home, the garage was the only missing part on your checklist and you agreed with your partner that you would one day change that. After a couple of cold Illinois winters and the apparent disappearing amount of storage space available, you cannot wait any longer.

Before the concrete begins to pour for the foundation, there are a few key items to consider:

• Zoning laws and neighborhood rules
• What type of garage is best for you?
• How big should it be?

Zoning Laws and Rules

If you are considering building a new structure on your property, it is a wise idea to check into the local zoning laws. The DuPage County Government website has the proper zoning laws available to review. Another important factor to consider before you begin building is checking the rules of your Homeowners Association (HOA) if your neighborhood has one.

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 Posted on July 28, 2022 in Uncategorized

Keeping agarage organized and clutter free is a responsibility that most people struggle with. If your garage looks more like a storage unit than a garage, you probably know this struggle well. Sports equipment, tools, auto equipment, children's toys, holiday decorations, and countless other items fill up garages across the country. For many people struggling with garage chaos, the prospect of organizing the garage is overwhelming to even consider. If you are taking on the challenge of garage decluttering this summer, keep the following tips in mind.

How To Organize Your Garage This Summer

Organizing your garage can seem daunting, but it is possible. Depending on the current state of your garage, decluttering and cleaning may take a few hours to a few days. Clear some room in your schedule, put on some gloves, grab an ice cold lemonade, and get ready to transform your garage using the following three steps:

• Categorize - The first step when organizing your garage is to separate the items into three categories: keep, trash, and donate. You will want to keep items of significant personal or financial value as well as items you frequently use. Items that you no longer need but may be useful to others can be donated to charity organizations or thrift stores. Broken items and random bits of garbage should go in the trash car or recycling bin.

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 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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