Four Ways A Two-Story Double Garage Will Enhance Your Home

Garages used to be a place that people stored and worked on their cars and not much else. But, that's not the case anymore, these days, garages are an extension of the home. A two-story double garage has so many uses beyond parking your car that it might just surprise you. The second floor could be converted into a video game room for the kids, a workshop, office or even a living space, and the list goes on.

Create Your Own Work Space

In most homes, it's hard to find the space to work on crafts, art or other projects from start to finish. If you're lucky, you'll be able to carve out a place in the basement where it's dark and cold. But the reality is you're not going to be inspired to get started and you certainly won't want to stay for long. You'll be much more creative and productive if you have your own private studio to work in. Plus, when you're finished for the day, you can leave everything right where it is so you can pick up where you left off.

A Quiet, Private Home Office

Whether you just need a place to balance your checkbook and pay your bills, or you work at home, you need a quiet place. It's nearly impossible to keep facts and figures straight with the television blaring, the kids hollering and the dog running around. Besides that, it's incredibly easy to lose an important document in all the chaos. With a private office that's separate from the rest of the home, you can rest assured that all your paperwork stays in order and that you'll stay focused.

Create Extra Living Space

In today's economic climate, it's common for adult children and their spouses to move in with mom and dad. Moving into their old bedroom might seem like a great idea, but, it's not quite the same as when they were a kid. Back then, you wanted to hear everything that was going on so you could assure their safety. As an adult though, privacy is incredibly important for them and you. Converting the second floor of your garage into an efficiency apartment is a great way to help them out without giving up any of your own space.

A Recreation Room for the Kids

Kids love to play air hockey or video games, but when they are with their friends things can get rowdy. And listening to all those noises can drive a parent crazy, after a while. Unless you've got sound proof walls, or they're wearing headphones, there's no way to avoid it. Or is there? The room above your new garage can be used for just that. There they can get as loud as they want and you will always know where to find them!

These are just a few of the ways that a two-story double garage can be used to enhance your home. We're quite sure you've got some fantastic ideas yourself. However, if you would like some more ideas, or if you have any questions, contact us . We'll be more than happy to help you.

The Dangers of Burning Wet Wood and Why You Need A Firewood Shed

Burning wood can be a cheap and efficient way to heat your home if done correctly, but burning wood that has not been properly dried and stored can be dangerous to your home, your family's health, and you wallet. There are numerous dangers involved in burning wet wood, listed below are a few of the top issues.

Burning Wet Wood Contributes to Chimney Fires

When wood is burned it releases hydrocarbon gases. Once heated to around 1100 degrees F, the gases mix with air and catch fire. When the fire in your fireplace smolders, unburned gases condense and deposit in the flue where they harden and turn to creosote. A cold flue and wet wood encourage this condensation. If this creosote catches fire, it can burn with so much intensity that the mortar will crumble and balls of flaming creosote will shoot out of the top of the chimney. In severe cases, the masonry in the chimney can expand with such force that sections of the chimney will blow out and explode into the home. 

Burning Wet Wood Can Create Health Problems

Burning wet wood creates far more smoke than burning wood that has been properly dried. Fine particles in the smoke enter your lungs and can cause heart and breathing problems. Children and older adults are most at risk. In fact, studies have shown that people who heat their homes with wood have more breathing problems than people who do not. Children in wood burning homes are also more likely to exhibit lung and breathing problems. 

Burning Wet Wood Actually Costs More Than Properly Dried Wood

When you add a wet piece of wood to your fire, the water in the wood turns to steam as it heats up. This steam mixes with the exhaust gas and extinguishes the secondary burn. This effect will actually cut your heat output by up to 50%. The result is you are forced to use more wood in an attempt to heat your home comfortably.

Burning wet wood is dangerous to your health and home. Wood should be stored for at least six months or ideally a year to be dry enough to burn properly. Dry wood creates a hotter fire with less work and less wood. The best way to properly dry wood is to use a firewood shed. A shed allows you to keep your wood dry and allows a large enough place to store cut firewood for at least six months. 

To find a firewood shed that is both useful and attractive, contact us. Our friendly staff will help you choose a shed that will keep your firewood dry and allow for maximum fireplace efficiency.

Attached vs. Detached Garages: The Great Debate

Short and sweet: here are six ways detached garages are a better idea. 

• Burglars beware: detached garages are less of a security threat. Not that we are hoping this happens, but if a burglar breaks into your garage They can't, necessarily, break into your home as well. If your garage is attached to the house, that left over thanksgiving turkey is looking pretty temping. 

• We all know it, exhaust gas and oil fumes aren't good for you. Keep those smells away from the house. If not, you may be dreaming of oil cans instead of sugar plums. 

• Privacy is a good thing. With a detached garage you can keep your man cave/workshop away from the house. Your wife will appreciate not hearing the game while she's cooking. 

• Trying to add an apartment? It's easier to add it over a detached garage. Plus, if it's not attached to the house it will be easier to rent it out when you're not using it. 

• The last and sweetest part of the deal: usually it is easier to obtain a permit for a detached structure. This can vary by state, but we have lots of resources to make getting your permits easier. 

Depending on the size of your lot, you could be limited as to how big an attached garage can be. For this reason, a detached garage on the back of your property might make better sense. In many cases, you also can build a larger structure, without compromising the look of your house. 

These are only a few solid reasons. We could go on for days why detached garages are far superior to attached garages, but if you want to hear more of them, give us a call. Contact us..