Two Car Garages for the One Car Family

It can be hard to thin about a 2 car garage when you are a one car family, but the investment may be worth more than you think.

Adding a free-standing garage to your property can help increase the property value when you get ready to sell your family home, but even while you live there adding a two-car garage instead of a single car garage can be a good investment.

With a growing family at home and a home to care for, chances are you have a lot of stuff that needs to have a place to call its own. If you opt for a single car garage, before you know it, bicycles, the lawnmower, the snow blower and the patio furniture may well displace the car from its rightful place in the garage.

After a few months, it's easy to argue that the car was built to be outside in all kinds of weather, but the grill and lawnmower were meant for sunny days. Even if you just decide to put your tools around the edge of the garage, they'll soon make a single car garage an obstacle course for those walking to the car and for the driver trying to pull in or out.

One of the reasons many people consider getting a garage is to prevent the elements from having an impact on their vehicle. After all, no one likes hail damage.  But if you trade hail damage for scrapes from your children's toys, your garage is probably not doing its job.

Opting for a two car garage gives you extra space to store your lawn equipment, outdoor toys, sports equipment and more. And, when you decide you need a second car for your spouse or one of the children, the space is already available.

Contact us for help designing a two-car garage that offers you the storage space you need and still leaves room for the car.

Practical Considerations before Homeowners Add 2 Story Garages

Garages are usually an afterthought tacked onto a house, because they're a necessity. They don't often receive the same respect and enthusiasm the inside of the house gets. They are rather plain and boringly functional. Garages are handy for a lot of things: getting out of the car dry when it’s stormy outside, storing the lawn furniture in winter and the snow tires in summer, chucking the half-used cans of paint into a corner, storing the camping equipment, sports equipment and extra Girl Scout cookies you got stuck with after the sale ended. However, there are many homes not possessing such a great storage area. These homeowners have a couple tough choices to make, but first they need to know a few things before they think about adding 2 story garages to their homes.

How They Could Use the Garages

People see a gable or a small deck on a two story garage and think what a great place to rent to college students, singles or family members in need of digs. On the other hand, there are other just as great uses for such an apartment:

• Live in the apartment yourself while you save up to build your own home
• Use it as a vacation property if you own the land
• If you live in the snowbelt and own property in warmer climes, use the two story garage as a snowbird retreat
• Rent it out when you return home in the spring or summer
• Place your quilting frames, sewing apparatus and display cases in it
• Securely lock away your gun collection there when you’re not hunting
• Home offices, workshops, man-caves and she-sheds could use a place as well

Now that homeowners’ imaginations have been whetted, we’ll go a little farther and sketch a picture for them. Imagine a detached two story garage erected directly behind or a little kitty-cornered to the house. Now imagine a covered walkway between the garage and the house. Not only does it look a little Gone With the Wind-ish, but it will keep you dry as you leave the car for the house. Beside the house where the attached garage would have been had you chosen that option, picture an outdoor room. A stone fireplace holds a barbecue rack, while homemade bread rises on the hearth. The bar is next to it, while your choice of outdoor furniture holds friends whose mouths are drooling at the amazing aroma of the barbecue or the steaks. Next to the outdoor room, the kids, who are awaiting their burgers, are splashing in the pool.

Practical Considerations

Of course, to bring all these lovely pictures of two story garages off, homeowners will need to check with their county building offices. Permits, property restrictions and zoning rules might apply. Homeowners should also check with their Homeowners Associations to discover their rules and restrictions, too. Other things to check out include:

• Some towns and communities have height restrictions
• In historical districts, especially, there could be restrictions governing the appearance of the garage (it should look “colonial”, “southern plantation”, you get the idea)
• There is usually a rule concerning the percentage of a property covered with concrete patios, for instance, or asphalt driveways

When you contact us for more information, we can discuss designing the garage to look like the homeowners’ home or perhaps a style to complement the house. We think you’ll be impressed.

An Organized Garage: 3 Simple Steps

Your garage gets cluttered sometimes. With the warm weather coming, here's an easy guide for a quick clean to increase the space and decrease the clutter!

First things, first...set aside 2 hours (this may take more or less time depending on how much clutter you have). It generally won't take any longer than that, but in case you are a slow mover we didn't want you to be disappointed! Second: back your car/cars out, so we can get started!

1. Get Seasonal Items Outside

If you store any large seasonal items like a grill, deck furniture, umbrellas or lawn gnomes, etc. in your garage get them out where they belong. It is getting warm and you're going to want to have easy access when you're wife wants you to fire up the grill! 

*PRO-TIP: Be sure to take a hose and clean these items off before you use them. They can gather up a good deal of dirt over the winter months. 

2. Shape Up or Ship Out

Once you have the seasonal stuff out of the way, take a look to see if there are any other items you have that may have seen better days. For instance, get rid of rusty yard tools that don't work, sports gear that hasn't been used in years or even broken pots. The long and short of it: clean out junk!  If it's still useful place it in the back for your truck for donation and if not... you know what to do!

3. Clean House... Or Garage

Now that everything is out of the way we can get to the easy part. If you're in colder climates salt from the winter gathers along with pine needles and other various kinds of floor debris. So, take a broom and sweep up that floor! You are going to be amazed at how much of a difference a clean garage floor makes. Plus, you have so much more space to work with! 

Warning: Only do this once a year. Your wife might get the wrong impression!

Don't have a garage to clean out? We can help you with that and you can skip these three steps. Check out our latest garages!

28x24 2 Story Carriage Style Garage

Dream Big: Why Adding A Double Garage Improves Your Life

Brand new homes are built with storage in mind. They are equipped with incredible closets, shelves and storage areas.  Unfortunately older homes just weren't designed with storing "stuff" in mind. This means that when you are thinking of selling your older home you may have to make a few adjustments in terms of available storage space in order to stay competitive with the newer homes on the market.

While it's pretty hard to add-on a closet to a home, adding on a double garage is not nearly as complicated or as expensive as you think, and it really adds value to your home when it comes time to sell it.

Of course, why wait to make your home better until you won't actually be living in it anymore? Functional upgrades like adding a garage are the kind of renovation you can enjoy now and still profit from years down the road.

To make your new garage appealing to buyers and maximize its usefulness now, build in storage accessories. Simple items like shelves, hooks, cupboards and bins make your garage instantly useful and help you stay organized while keeping the clutter out of your home.

According to the Realty Times article "How Much Resale Value For A Garage" by PJ Wade, you can dream pretty big when it comes to uses for a new garage,

"If your municipality allows accommodation to be added to a garage, the additional space and any related income may be the deciding factor for some buyers. If an occupancy permit is out of the question, the garage can still double as an art studio, workshop, or man cave, and differentiate your property from the neighbors. Will your zoning allow the space to be used for a home-based business?"

When you're ready to expand your home with a beautiful garage that can add new storage options or be used for recreational hobbies, please contact us to learn more about how we can customize a garage just for your family.

Battle of Garage Doors: Single vs .Double

Whether you have a double garage or ever thought about adding one, you've inevitably faced the question. Is it better to have two single doors or one large door on a double garage? There are a few practical advantages to choosing two smaller doors. 

First, what are your options if the door breaks? If you are relying on one large 16-18 foot garage door and it experiences mechanical failure, your options are limited. It's entirely possible and quite likely that both of your vehicles are stuck inside the garage. It's almost impossible for this problem to occur with two single doors. In the case of mechanical failure, you will at least have the ability to open one garage door to access a vehicle. 

Second, if you live where in an area where the temperatures drop in the wintertime, opening a large double door immediately lets in a huge blast of cold air. Pure size and common sense tell you that a single door will reduce the amount of cold air that invades your garage.

Finally, many people simply appreciate the look of two single doors. They provide a nice balance between garage door and the rest of the structure. A large single door attracts a vast amount of attention and overtakes the design of a structure. Many people dislike the look of a plain oversized door believing it to be an eyesore. 

If you're considering building a double wide garage, contact us. Our experienced staff can discuss your specific needs and style preference to find a garage that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Visit our photo gallery to see and abundance of options for double wide garages. 

Would A Double Garage Make Your House More Livable?

In your day-to-day life, it is important to be able to use and enjoy the space in your home. Even small homes can be very comfortable to live in if the space is organized well and clutter is minimized.

Sometimes, making small adjustments to the space you have can make a big difference. Unconventional uses for common spaces can really help you make the most out of your space. For instance, you can convert an unused bedroom to a craft room, homework study, or a playroom. You can turn a kitchen drawer into a kids toy spot so little ones have something fun to do while you're busy cooking or cleaning. 

If you find you are using living space in your home for storage, you can consider adding a double garage for extra storage so you can reclaim the room you have in your house for space to play, read, sew or study.

According to the NewsOK article "Designing Your Home With Storage In Mind" by Annie Schwemmer and Ann Robinson, the Renovation Design Group said,

"Lack of storage is one of the most common complaints we hear in our architectural firm. The homeowners that come to us know their house isn’t working for them anymore. For one reason or another, they have decided it is time to remodel. Almost always, regardless of the motivations behind the remodel, clients explain to us that as part of the new design they want added storage."

It's never too late to analyze ways to make your home work better for you. Each home is different and each person's priorities are unique, so the solutions that will work for you may be different from anyone else, but never give up finding ways to enjoy the space you have in your home. For more ideas on how to make a new garage work for you, please contact us.

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.

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..

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.

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 .

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.