What You Didn't Know About Detached Garages and Your Homeowner's Insurance

Today's detached garages are often beautifully, carefully crafted structures that families use for extra storage space, a home office, or even just extra room for the kids to play. With endless options including a single car garden A frame garage, 2 story single car garages, doublewide garages, and mega garages there is a perfect garage for whatever your needs. Many people meticulously plan their new garage, choosing the correct siding, selecting windows, and dreaming of intricately designed carriage style garage doors. However, there is one vital detail that is often over looked. Consumers often make the devastating mistake of assuming their new structure is automatically covered under their homeowner's insurance policy. 

Your homeowner's insurance policy will most often divide your property coverage into two categories, the dwelling and other structures. Coverage for the dwelling cover's one's home and attached structures. Generally, if a structure on the property shares a foundation with the main home, then it is covered under this portion of the policy. 

Homeowner's insurance companies define other structures as all other buildings on a property that do not share a foundation with the main home. This would include detached garages and storage sheds. The most important note to remember about this type of coverage is that standard policies generally only provide 10% of the dwelling insurance coverage. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000, then your other structures coverage could be as little at $15,000. 

When designing your ideal detached garage, it is important to discuss possible replacement costs with your builder. They are experts in the field that can help guide you in the amount of insurance that would adequately cover any possible damage and replacement of your detached garage. A thorough review with your insurance agent can help determine your coverage and assist you in adding the necessary coverage as needed. 

Contact us for assistance in selecting the perfect detached garage for your needs. Our friendly and helpful staff is proud to offer the best selection of hand-made garages by the best Amish craftsmen. They understand the importance of selecting a functional, aesthetically pleasing detached garage as well as ensuring your structure is protected for the future. 

Five Questions To Ask About Storage Garages For Sale

There are a lot of things to consider when adding a storage garage to your property. Chances are, you are not an expert in storage garages and you need a little guidance. When looking at storage garages for sale, here are five things that you should ask the seller.

1. Are You The Manufacturer? Very often, companies that sell storage garages are not the actual manufacturer, they are simply a vendor. Purchasing from an authorized dealer can cost you a substantial amount more. Dealers add a premium to everything that they sell in order to cover their expenses for employees, insurance, transportation and a myriad of other expenses. When you buy from the manufacturer directly, you eliminate the middle-man, and that means saving big money. With fewer additional expenses, they can afford to offer you a better price without having to “put it on sale” to do so.
2. What Options Are Available? In order to assure that your new storage garage compliments rather than detracts from your home, you want to have options. Although the size and basic shape of the garage may suit your needs, there are other important things to consider. The style of the building, type of exterior finish, door styles and sizes, number, size and style of windows, loft space and insulation are just some of the things to consider.
3. Is Site Preparation Included? A flat, level area that has been properly prepared is extremely important for the longevity of your garage. Most times, this is not included in the price or service that is offered.If you are responsible for preparing the site, including pouring the concrete pad for the structure, you'll have to plan well in advance. As this is a very important part of the process, you may want to consider hiring a professional to do the prep work for you to assure the site is ready on time.
4. How Will It Be Delivered/Installed? Some companies will only deliver a pre-made structure to your location once you've prepared the site. This can put you in a slightly sticky position if there is not enough clearance for the truck and trailer to get in because of neighboring structures, trees or other obstacles. If this is the case for your property, a company that is able and willing to build the garage for you on-site is a better option. Often, the price will be higher due to the additional employees and work that is required.
5. Is There A Guarantee Of Quality? Good workmanship is the hallmark of a trustworthy and long-lived organization. The types of materials that are used along with the construction practices should come with a guarantee that covers defects or other issues. Carefully consider the guarantee and what it covers before making any decisions. The last thing that you want is to run into a situation where a faulty roof or inadequate framing job results in damage to your property. Get the guarantee in writing and hold them to it should you encounter a problem.
   
   

A storage garage is a major investment for your home and property and you should never settle for less than what you want and need. By asking the questions above, you'll be a step closer to finding the ultimate solution to your storage problems. If you want to learn more, contact us. We're always happy to help homeowners find the best storage garage solutions for their specific needs.

5 Double Garage Trends Coming in 2015 You Should Consider

Many of today's home designs feature street-facing double garages, which means that a high percentage of the curb appeal comes from whatever is covering that space. The latest trend is to upgrade garage doors from the typical white raised panel with ones that feature unique patterns, colors, and windows. The trends coming next year might just surprise you.

1. Bigger is better. Face it, garages are getting built bigger, wider, and taller all the time. Whether you are building or renovating, a big door makes a statement and also has the ability to accommodate whatever vehicle you wish to contain behind it. 

2. Garage doors as statement pieces. As we mentioned above, a bigger door makes it own statement, but so can smaller doors. They can actually make quite a bold statement about your house just by changing the type of door you have, choosing arched windows, or adding a coat of paint other than a standard color. Consider a door with bronzed aluminum and glass or flush steel doors in get-your-attention colors. You could upgrade your vintage look with a custom design that sets your house apart from the others.

3. Let the colors shine in 2015. Why should front doors have all the fun? They stopped being white years ago. Most color palettes are offered as a no-cost option on many different designs so why not let your garage reflect your style-- whether that be traditional sandstone, bold black, or every color in between.

4. Go with the grain. Did you know that you can get woodgrain paint in a variety of tones? Make the most of a resilient steel door by adding the beauty and strength that looks like real wood. 

5. Let technology open doors. You are aware that most doors can be opened and closed straight from your cellphone or laptop with an app? No more worrying over giving out a code or sharing keys. Most garage doors can be checked from anywhere in the world, regardless of how far from home you are. New garage door openers now include battery backup, quiet belt drives, door monitors, and side-belt installation,  guaranteeing you quick and quiet access to your garage is only a button press away.

As you can see, what 2015 will show us in garage door trends is turning what used to be an eyesore into a work of art, increasing the value of your home while making a statement of its own, and quite possibly giving you the edge on your neighborhood competition. To discuss your specific needs or to connect with a qualified agent, feel free to contact us anytime.