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.

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.

The Pros And Cons Of Prefabricated Garages

Your property is glorious. Landscaped down to the T, and you love it. But you could love it more. You stand there, gazing out at the vast rolling neatly trimmed grass and think to yourself, "I need a garage."

Many people think this, and then they find that they don't exactly have the time to build one. If this is the case, why not consider purchasing a prefabricated garage? As with anything, there are benefits and drawbacks unique to the process.

Pros:

• Large Variety - Readymade garages and sheds come in a host a different sizes, styles, and patterns. You can find almost anything that will suit you as well as match your home and property.

• Cost - As you can imagine, readymade garages are less costly than those built from scratch. Because you have the power over the design, material, and the finish, you can make decisions based on your budget.

• Ease Of Construction - Prefab garages arrive to your property in a kit. With a little help from a good friend you can easily follow the instructions and assemble your garage in a few hours.

Cons:

• Customization Options - While the option is there, choosing customization options will begin to raise the price of the basic pre-fabricated kit. If cost is your main reason for going prefab, this will be something to consider.

• Appearance - Finally, while prefab garages come in many different styles and appearances, they won't be quite as customizable as one that is stick-built.

Can you tell which one is prefab and which one is stick built?!

Always keep these things in mind when considering adding a prefabricated garage to your property. If you would like to know more about this topic, feel free to visit our website. Additionally, if you want to ask us a question directly we welcome you to 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.

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.

Protect Your Investments: Add a New Garage

Investments come in very different forms. Money and time are the two major forms of commitment to something that would make it an investment. Your home is one of your biggest investments, and is a primarily financial investment, although a great deal of time goes into it as well. Looking at it this way may change how you manage your home and property, both in its existing structure and in any additions that you may choose to add.

Many people look to improve on the value of their home, but are unsure of where to begin. Many times, we will look to finish a basement, add a room, or expand on what is already there. While that doesn’t hurt the value of your home, there are other things that you can choose to do that will also add to not only the overall value of your home, but also to your overall convenience and enjoyment. One thing that is increasing in popularity, and is an overall affordable option, is to add a single or double garage.

This might be a surprising suggestion, especially since many homes already have a garage, but most people find that their garage space is not sufficient. Garages turn out to be excellent storage space for things other than your car. Yard tools and equipment, bikes, extra furniture, extra sports equipment, and tools all take up residence in your only garage, leaving your car in the cold. Here are some ways you would benefit from an additional single or double-wide garage:

1. Add additional storage space. If you already have garage space attached to your home, then you will want to use that for parking your vehicles. You will want to be closer to home in the winter and when it rains, so the additional garage or two that you opt to add would be excellent storage space for all of those extra things you have accumulated over the years. Additional garage space is also ideal for all of those bicycles, toys, and equipment that is currently taking up space in your current garage.

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2. Turn it into a work area. Many people enjoy hobbies such as working on and collecting classic cars. This is a hobby that requires additional work space and storage space. Classic cars are an investment themselves, and you want to protect them as much as possible. If you drive them only in nice weather, then you know that you can’t just leave them outside in the elements. Having a double-wide garage is ideal for both storage and creating the perfect work area. Roomy enough for all of your tools and car, you will enjoy your time out in your new garage, relaxing and enjoying your hobby.

3. Select the size that is right for you. For some, a one car garage is plenty of space for their needs. It still offers sufficient room for one cat and some storage. A two-car garage is bonus space that you can grow into. If you have a motorcycle or two, yard equipment, or an extra vehicle, a double-wide garage is the best solution for you. You will have much more room to work with, and as you begin to use it, you will find that the more room the better. Ideally, you will build once and enjoy it for many years.

4. Choose the perfect style to compliment your home. In addition to selecting the size, you can further select the colors, levels, and style that best compliments the design of your home. If you are adding a garage, consider it an addition. With an addition, you would never choose a color and design that is the opposite of your home; why would you do that with a garage? Work with a company that offers a large selection of designs, colors, and styles. Do you want a second level of storage? Do you want to add windows, ramps, and shutters? You can add whatever it will take to make it the perfect add-on to your property.

If you have found that your current garage space is nowhere near enough to meet your needs, then your only solution is to add a single or double-wide garage. You will find yourself significantly more organized, and the longer life of your cars will be an indicator enough that you made the right decision.

When is a Garage Not Just a Garage?

Your garage is, ostensibly, there to house your car and protect it from the elements. Mother nature can be unkind in all seasons, after all, and if you want to preserve the paint job – not to mention the general health of your vehicle – it helps to give it some shelter. Plus, by housing it in the garage, you help it to stay warm in colder seasons, meaning that you spend less time warming the vehicle up before driving off into the snowy roads.

Beyond driving, you probably use your garage to store things that you will never see again. Junk is the most common occupant of a garage, to the point that some garages never even have vehicles in them – just stuff, and then more stuff. As common as this is, garage owners are denying themselves the many different uses of a garage. In fact, your garage can be transformed into a private space that can be used for just about any hobby or activity you can think of – if only you can see your way to clearing it out and adding the furniture and other details needed to turn your garage into your own private paradise.

Here We Are Now, Entertain Us 

First, it’s important to consider just how private your garage is. If you’re living in a full household with your family, it can be hard to find a space that is just for you, but like everyone else on the planet, you need a little privacy. Having some space to relax and forget your troubles, not to mention pursue hobbies and interests that you could easily be distracted from by your family, is a great idea for the modern man. Thus, the birth of the “man cave” – a space you make your own.

A man cave is a “guy’s area,” the tree fort for the discerning adult. Comfortable armchairs, a leather couch, a big screen television, surround sound multimedia, a refrigerator for beer and completely unhealthy but criminally delicious food, and more are all a part of the man cave. These tend to be customized to suit your particular interests; if you’re a car guy, some equipment for working on automobiles – or even just automobile paraphernalia – may be around. If you’re more of a music guy, instruments and records may be meticulously cared for and organized, ready for play.

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A game room is another option for the more entertainment-minded man. The den of the last few generations was all about machines and workshops, but today’s modern man grew up with video games as a primary source of entertainment, and just because you grew up doesn’t mean you grew out of gaming! Massive monitors, powerful consoles and computer rigs, seating that is ideal for gaming alone and with friends, and lighting that complements your gaming experience is all a great idea for the game room garage.

Self-Improvement 

Of course, your newly outfitted garage doesn’t have to be all about sitting on your butt, swilling beers (or whatever your beverage of choice may be!), and generally being fat and happy. You could also convert your garage into a home gym; in fact, this is a great way to save space in your garage so that it can be used for parking cars and other general garage-type activities while still making it your own space, as workout equipment is easy to pack up and store when not in use. A home gym is affordable and can be quite safe so long as you make sure to build and equip it correctly, and always work out with a friend or a family member. When your gym is just ten steps away, you won’t have an excuse not to exercise!

A home office is another great use for your garage. With adequate insulation and the right furniture, you can create a business-like atmosphere that makes working from home or being self-employed all the more affordable and comfortable, while giving you the peace, quiet, and privacy you need to get the job done.

Ultimately, the only limit on what your garage can be is your imagination – and your needs! Whether you’re looking for a space in which to have a good time or a space where you can focus on improving yourself and your life, your garage is a surprisingly great place to get it done!

Reclaiming Your Garage

When you bought – or even built! – your home, you had plans. You were going to keep your entire home clutter free, with everything having a place and all other unnecessary junk tossed, donated, sold, or given to friends and family. Better yet, you weren’t going to let your garage become just another storage shed, one where you can’t park your car or do much more than walk inside, consider cleaning and organizing everything, and then give up because the job has simply gone beyond you.

Yet inevitably, your garage has become exactly that. The thought of trying to find something in that mess fills you with dread, but you aren’t quite willing to let anyone else clean it for you. After all, your garage is your man cave, your private space, and you don’t like anyone messing with your stuff – even if it could use some messing-with. As such, the job of clearing out your garage to make it suitable for leisure and privacy is up to you. Fortunately, it isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think – so long as you take the time to plan ahead, and set goals for yourself!

A Plan of Attack 

First, plan to set aside a whole weekend for the project. Tell your friends you aren’t available, make sure you don’t make any engagements with your partner, and if you have kids, get them out of the house! If you have a television show you like to watch, set up the DVR, because this weekend is all about you and your garage. Yes, trying to do everything at once can be intimidating, but the truth is that you aren’t going to spend the next 48 hours on the garage; it’s really only a few hours, spaced out over two days. You’ll take frequent breaks, and in the end you’ll be happier for it.

Next, purchase some solid-shelving units. Whatever you decide to keep from your garage, you will want to be able to organize and store it quickly and easily. No more piles! Get plastic containers for the shelving unit so that things can easily be stored there.

Finally, you’ll need three large containers for the actual cleaning process. One container is for trash – anything that can be thrown away. The next container is for donating; everything that ends up in that container goes to a charitable organization, and everyone will be better off for it. Finally, the last container is for “action items.” Action items are things you borrowed and need to return, things that need repairing, and things that should go elsewhere in your home beyond your garage.

The Real Work Begins 

Now it’s time to actually clean the garage. The first thing you have to do is empty the garage – entirely. Everything from the tiniest nail to the largest equipment should be taken out of the garage and put onto the driveway. (Obviously, you want to do this on a weekend when good weather is forecasted.) Sort your belongings into their designated containers; it is important to stay as organized as possible at this stage of the garage cleaning.

With your garage emptied out, you can begin to clean the garage itself. You may be surprised at just how dirty the garage has gotten over the years; grim, dust, dirt, and other detritus can build up under all of your stuff, making it an allergenic nightmare. Use a broom, then use a vacuum, then use a mop, then let it dry and start the process all over again! The floors, the windows, the walls, the ceiling – everything needs a good workover.

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With the garage hygienically clean, you can make it organizationally neat and tidy by installing your storage units. Shelves, drawers, whatever you may need. This is a good time to make changes to your garage to make it more amenable to your purposes; maybe you want a man cave for yourself, or a workshop. At this point, you’re free to do as you please to the garage’s layout and design.

Once you’ve rearranged your garage, you can begin filtering everything back inside. Whatever didn’t end up in a donation/trash/actionable item container can go back to the garage. Make certain, however, that you were very strict in what actually goes back in and what doesn’t need to be donated, moved elsewhere, or thrown away! Weakness now will only lead to more garage-cleaning later, which means more lost weekends. With your garage clean and organized, you can start to use it as the haven and private space you always meant it to be!