How do Prefab Garages stack up to Green Certification?

Yes, there really is a way to make sure you're doing the greenest thing for the environment even if all you need is a shed for your backyard.  When considering storage garages for sale in today's diverse prefab garage market, remember to think about how your garage could contribute to a cleaner lifestyle.  

The issue of caring for our environment concerns all of us, whether considering a small shed or a roomy double garage for cars and more.  It's more important than ever to consider what kind of environmental impact our actions have on the world we live in.

Recently the Green Parking Council published an article about new certification levels for garage structures: 

"Green Garage Certification is the world’s only rating system defining and recognizing sustainable practices in parking structure management, programming, design, and technology.
An industry-driven, field-tested road map for high-performance new and existing parking garages, Green Garage Certification recognizes forward-thinking facilities shaping the transportation network of tomorrow.
Built through the collaboration of over 200 professionals from the parking, real estate, technology and sustainability worlds, Green Garage Certification promotes a holistic approach to garage performance and sustainability and encourages the adoption of emerging smart parking and intelligent transportation tools."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has green building advice on their website, including this information on choosing a greener garage door:

"Garage doors containing recycled content are available on the market, including ones made of composite wood or steel. Insulated garage doors are also widely available, which can help keep your garage and any adjacent rooms warmer in the winter, and improve the energy efficiency of your home. For homes in warmer climates, consider a perforated garage door, which allows ventilation and light inside the garage, while providing security and privacy."

The Amish tradition of hand built structures and gardening was a green industry long before it became evident in today's fast paced world how necessary green building practices are to assist the creation of a sustainable and healthy environment.  

We've been keeping the garage and shed building business in Lancaster County as green as possible since 1975.  Community is important to us and we keep the well-being and safety of our neighbors first.  We were quick to response in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy caused damage and destruction throughout the East Coast. We got a number of calls saying that our structures were some of the only ones still standing! For more information on the methods and materials used in we use, contact 

us here .

Top 5 Shed Organization Hacks for Your Outdoor Man Cave

Are you looking for mundane or ho-hum tricks to manage the limited space you have available in you shed? 

You're looking for brilliance! Well, we may not have brilliance but we do have a few good ideas you may not have thought of in this simple but informative blog entry; The top 5 shed organization hacks for your outdoor man cave.

1) Shelves Are a No-Brainer

Now shelves aren't so far up on the brilliance scale. You've thought of those already. But how useful are they really? Are they sturdy enough to hold all your stuff without wobbling? If they're not all that sturdy, consider screwing them to the wall. Why not? It's your shed, and everything in it, right down to the shelves should be as useful as it can be. Furthermore, make sure they're not so tall you can't use the top shelf. If they are, start thinking skinny and flat. We're sure you can come up with few of those items to stick up there.

2) Install a Tool Hanger or Two

Tool hangers to hang those pesky rakes and shovels from are just smart. If you install one of these hanger, long gone are the days of leaning them in the corner only to have to struggle to get the one you need. As well, how many times have you caught a toe on a rake only to have it knock everything else over or swing out to practically smack you in the head?

3) Peg Boards Are a Big Plus

Peg boards are so versatile since you can buy a lot of different types of hangers to plug into them. Plus, as the things you store on peg boards will change over time, you can move the hangers around to fit it all without a hitch or a hassle.

4) Wind up Cords and Hoses

Although your hose reel may be handy sitting in the yard, it takes up quite a bit of floor space in your shed. Consider a wall mount system that holds them tight against the wall. Your hose will be just as handy if you really need it during the fall and winter months. Furthermore, extension cords can be hung in the same way without getting tangled. Think about it, when you need an extension cord, you need it now. It wastes a bunch of time trying to untangle it and get the knots out just so you can string a light under your car or power up a saw for a quick cut with your saw.

5) Can You Do the Can-Can?

We bet you can. But we're not talking about dancing here. Most guys think of trash cans are only useful for trash. However, have you thought about using them for storing bagged items like pet food and bedding or driveway oil-dry? Or how about sidewalk salt, grass seed, lawn fertilizer or charcoal briquettes for the grill. You get the point. Anything that comes in a bag can be tossed in a can or bucket to make it less of a mess to deal with and take a lot less space.

Floor Space Is at a Premium

No matter how big your shed is, floor space is always going to be at a premium once you stick your hunting gear, golf clubs, lawn mower, motorcycles and ATV's inside. But think about it; if you get all the little stuff up off the floor and out of your way, you'll have tons of room for the big stuff. Who knows, with a little planning you may even have room for a comfy chair to sit on while you watch the game and enjoy a cold one after all the honey-do's are done for the day.

If you'd like more room for all the stuff you need to keep outdoors, contact us. We'll be more than happy to show you how we can help you get a lot more space in your outdoor man-cave.

Prefab Garages: Advantages and Considerations

Advantages of a Prefab Garages

There several benefits for having prefab garages.  One of the main pros is their affordability. These garages are considerably more affordable than garages built from scratch. You get to select the kind of garage you want, so your garage cost depends on your budget and what you prefer.

Variety is another benefit. You can find prefab garages in a wide range of styles, sizes and designs. What’s more, you can order a prefab garage that fits into whatever space you may have.  You can easily select your garage’s roofing, siding and trim so that it matches your house.

They're also environmentally friendly. Consider that there’s less waste involved in manufacturing them.

Considerations and Warnings

• You can have the entire structure transported, at once, or have it moved in sections that will be connected once the sections arrive at your site.
• Constructing your prefab garage includes installing any extra features you may request, besides interior finishing and garage wiring.
• If your garage will be planted in a damp area, lumber can be pressure treated for an additional cost. Also, floor joists and floors can be upgraded.
• This type of garage typically meets or even exceeds standards required for earthquake safety without having to make extra modifications This is because prefab garages are constructed from materials made to withstand the stress involved in transporting them.
• You need flat, level land for your prefabricated garage. If you've already built your foundation, level out your space, using a shovel.
• When using a kit, ensure you keep up with all screws and other tiny parts. Losing a single screw can make your garage look as if it’s angled slightly to the right.
• Customizing your prefab garage can increase the cost of a basic kit. Consider that it’s less expensive than traditional garages because it’s not customized. Therefore, making adjustments in finishes and materials or adding storage space can affect cost.

Let Stoltzfus Structures help you select the best prefab garage for your property. If you have any questions about these garages, please contact us.

3 Reasons a Detached Garage is a Good Idea

Even with proper construction and ventilation, garages attached to your home can be a health and safety hazard for your family. Noxious vehicle exhaust is not the only threat to be concerned with. If you are repairing or maintaining cars, motorcycles, or four-wheeler bikes you probably have items stored in the garage such as motor oil and brake fluid. As you know, these put off fumes and are flammable. The fumes can linger for a long time. If your air ducts in your attached garage are connected to the house air ducts, these fumes can travel into the house along with lung-damaging dust particles from other repairs such as rust removal. A detached garage keeps these fumes isolated from your residence.

Many people use their garages to store fuel for lawn mowers and snow blowers, paint, varnish, thinners, degreaser, weed killers, and insect repellents. Using the correct containers and storing these combustible items properly reduces the possibility of fire. A detached garage safeguards your home and family should a fire occur.

Noise is another factor that is eliminated with a detached garage. Persons working on vehicles should be wearing ear protection, but those in the house are not. Loud noises can cause irreversible hearing loss. A detached garage will keep the clamor isolated to the immediate area.

The health and safety of your family is your highest concern. Plus, getting your tools out of the living room will delight your wife. We can help you protect your family's safety and sanity with a detached garages specifically designed for your needs, so contact us for more information.