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5 Great Uses for Your Garage Space
When most people picture a garage, they think of a musty, messy place strewn with tools and clutter with enough space for a car. But a garage can be so much more. Your garage space can serve many purposes and uses that add to your home and lifestyle. All it takes is some creativity, careful planning, and guidance from garage experts.
At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we can help you maximize your garage's full potential. Whether you want to transform an existing one or build one from scratch, we are ready to make your vision a reality. Here are five creative uses for your garage:
A Living Space
A garage doesn't have to languish as a carport. It can be turned into a comfortable and inviting living space, either as a guest house, extra room, or rental unit.
If you want to convert your garage to a living space, you'll want to think about certain factors such as:
- Installing a bathroom
- Building a kitchenette
Is an Attached or Detached Garage Better for My Home?
Garages are an important part of a home. They not only serve a variety of purposes - such as storage, recreation, or even business - but they also affect the exterior aesthetics of the house's main structure. Homeowners should, therefore, take special care when making decisions about garage design, from door styles to windows and even built-in smart technology.
One of the main questions to consider when designing a garage is whether it should be attached to the home or detached from it. This article will explore the advantages of each, but be sure to consult Illinois garage-building specialists like Blue Sky Builders, Inc. about your specific garage needs.
What Are the Benefits of an Attached Garage?
There are several ways an attached garage can provide value over a detached garage. For example:
- Cost: An attached garage may come with lower upfront costs. By sharing a wall with the house, it often requires less construction. It can also be easier to install utilities such as water and electricity in a garage already attached to the main house.
Windows In Your Garage: Pros and Cons
Among the many things to think about as you design a garage that meets your needs and budget is whether you want to include windows. For some people, the expense of adding windows to a room that does not often get used may not be worth it. For others, security considerations in their neighborhood makes the idea of windows in a garage unappealing.
If you are considering building or remodeling your garage, thinking carefully about window options is important. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our Chicagoland garage specialists can walk you through your options, including the pros and cons of each. We want you to have a garage that works best for you. Here are some questions to think about when it comes to garage windows.
Does Natural Light Improve My Garage?
One of the main reasons people consider adding windows to their garage is for the natural light. Without windows, garages can be dark and uninviting, making it harder to complete tasks or find items inside. Windows allow sunlight and warmth to filter in, which can improve visibility and make the space feel more welcoming. If you use your garage as a workspace or spend significant time in it, having natural light can make a big difference.
Five Signs of a Damaged Garage Roof
Everyone knows that a hole in your garage roof is a recipe for disaster. Valuable items like your car, your clothes, and precious family pictures can be damaged by water and humidity, even if you think they are protected by careful storage.
However, there are other signs of garage roof damage that you may not be aware of. If you recognize any of these signs of damage, it is important to contact a DuPage County, IL garage roof repair company right away before the damage gets worse.
Ceiling Stains Show Hidden Leaks
Ceiling stains are one of the surest signs of water damage. However, these stains can be difficult to see on garage ceilings because they may be high, dark-colored, and made of materials that make it hard to spot stains. Monitor your ceiling carefully for discoloration, warping, and stains that might suggest you have water leakage problems.
Damaged Shingles Can Lead to Expensive Repairs
Damaged shingles are common and may seem a minor annoyance, so many homeowners leave damaged shingles for another day. However, water can easily get under and in between damaged shingles, leading to further damage and expensive repairs. Watching out for missing, curling, and lifting shingles, as well as moss growth, hail damage, and buckling.
Are Your Garage Gutters Ready for Fall?
As the crisp air of fall begins to sweep through Chicago, it is time to start thinking about those beautiful leaves that will soon be falling. While the vibrant colors are a joy to see, they can quickly become a headache when they clog your gutters.
Keeping your gutters clean is essential to prevent water damage and other issues. If you are not up for the task or if you need some expert help, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is here for you. We are a trusted Chicago-area company specializing in garage doors, roofing, and gutters, and we are ready to help you keep your gutters in tip-top shape this fall.
How Do You Know If Your Gutters Are Clogged?
It is not always easy to tell when your gutters are clogged, but there are some clear signs that trouble might be brewing up there. Watch out for these signs:
- Overflowing Water: If water spills over the sides of the gutters during a rainstorm, that is a sure sign of a blockage.
Why Isn’t My Garage Door Opening?
Few things in life are as vexatious as a garage door that stops working. This problem often starts intermittently and increases in frequency until the garage door simply does not open at all. If you find yourself in this situation, you're probably wondering what is going on and how you can fix it. Fortunately, our Chicago area garage door technicians are on the job – call us now and get the problems with your garage door opener sorted out before it gets cold outside.
How Do Electric Garage Door Openers Work?
Most people don't give a moment's thought to how their electric garage door opener works until it stops working. When you stop to pay attention, though, garage door openers are actually clever pieces of engineering that we really shouldn't take for granted.
What Are My Options for Garage Roofing Materials?
There is never a bad time to replace a garage roof, but if you are starting to think about it now, it is probably because your roof is already starting to show signs of wear and tear. You know what they say about replacing the roof of your garage because it is the same thing they say about other home repairs: Do it when you want to, not when you need to.
Although the temperature outside may not yet feel like it, cooler weather is just around the corner. It is a great time to start thinking about replacing your garage roof before you find yourself dealing with water damage, drafts, compromised safety, and other issues that commonly come along with old garage roofing.
Before you make any decisions about when to do your garage roof, though – and before you even decide what you want your garage roof to look like – you will need to think about what you want your garage roof material to be made of. Take a look at a few of the most common garage roofing materials, and then contact our Illinois garage roof repair and replacement experts today.
Steel Doors Are a Good Option for Garage Entry Doors
When it comes to choosing a new entry door for your home, steel doors offer a compelling combination of strength, security, and style. An Illinois garage renovation professional can help you understand how steel doors can transform the look and functionality of your home's entrance.
Unmatched Durability and Security
Steel doors are renowned for their exceptional durability and security features. Their inherent strength provides a formidable barrier against intruders, offering homeowners peace of mind. Unlike wood, steel does not expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity, ensuring long-lasting performance without warping, cracking, or rotting. This resilience makes steel doors particularly well-suited for any climate, as they can withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rainfall.
Many steel doors come with fire-resistant ratings, adding extra protection to your home. A steel entry door not only strengthens your home's security but may also make you eligible for insurance discounts. Some companies offer reduced premiums for houses with such doors.
Signs Something is Wrong with Your Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are vital components that balance the weight of your door, making it easy to open and close. When these springs start to fail, they can cause significant inconvenience and potential safety hazards. As a homeowner, recognizing the early signs of spring problems can save you time, money, and potential injury. An Illinois garage renovation professional can reveal indicators that suggest your garage door springs might need attention.
Visual and Auditory Clues
- Unusual noises: When operating your garage door, pay attention to any loud bangs, snaps, or popping sounds. These noises often indicate that a spring has broken or is about to break.
- Visible gaps or separation: Examine the springs for any visible gaps in the coils or signs of separation. Healthy springs should have tightly wound coils without any spaces between them.
What to Keep in Mind When Choosing New Garage Windows
Selecting the right windows for your garage is an important decision that impacts not only the aesthetics of your property but also its functionality, energy efficiency, and security. An Illinois garage renovation professional can help you understand the factors in choosing garage windows and will help you make an informed decision that enhances your home's value and comfort.
Does it Matter Which Window You Choose?
Absolutely. The windows you select for your garage play a significant role in various aspects of your home. Proper windows can help regulate temperature, reducing heating and cooling costs, which improves energy efficiency. High-quality windows provide an additional layer of protection against intruders, enhancing security. Natural light from well-chosen windows can transform your garage from a dark storage space into a functional work area.
The right windows allow proper air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and mold growth. Attractive garage windows enhance your home's overall appearance and increase its resale value. Given these factors, choosing the right garage windows is a decision worth careful consideration.
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