Garage Sales

Kirsten Whittaker asked:


A steel garage is a perfect addition to any home. Steel garage doubles as a shelter for your vehicle, storage for tools and equipment, and can even serve as a working space for a do-it-yourselfer. Steel garages have become a favorite among savvy homeowners, as they are flexible, easy to build and very affordable. With a steel garage, you can store one vehicle or even a truck or a boat, even though you cannot accommodate a guest apartment or an office there. In any case, you can always choose a garage building plan that suits your needs without sacrificing space or look of your property.

When built according to garage building plans, a steel garage can cost you up to 40% less than conventional garages. With a steel garage, you can add a roof of your choice, install the doors and windows right where you want them, and of course, you can pick materials you can afford.

When picking a garage building plan, you must decide what your family needs. Would that be a two-car garage or a simple tool shed? With a clear idea in mind, take a look at your property and find a suitable space. You need to make sure that the garage has an accessible driveway and connection to the house for water and electricity. Avoid damp areas, if your property has them. To find the balance in form and function, you can add a steel garage to the side of your house. In fact, most garages today are attached to the house. Check your building permits and local building codes to make sure you don’t violate any of them.

Steel garages are fairly easy to assemble, but even with the simplest plan, you need to consider if you have enough time and expertise to build the garage by yourself, or maybe you need to hire a contractor to finish the job. As for the tools, most of them you might already have. If not, you can always rent them instead of buying. The garage building plan will list all the tools you need. Expert constructors recommend having all tools on site before beginning construction.

Steel garage building begins with precise marking of the excavation area. Most likely you will need a contractor to excavate the area and build the garage foundation with anchor bolts enclosed.

When the foundation is ready, you can raise walls. Before lifting the steel sheets into place, make sure the bottom is correctly positioned. At this stage ensure you have some help with lifting and holding the wall in place while fixing it in.

The roof must be built immediately after you have finished constructing the walls to avoid any weather damage inside the steel garage. Roof trusses will sustain loads only when they are vertical. Carefully lift the trusses and set them in place. Now you are ready to add roof sheathing. Polyurethane or particleboard is the most common material.

Steel garage building plans allow you to build exactly the garage you have in mind to fit in perfectly in whatever style home you have. Best of all, complete steel garage building plans are available for any project with blueprints and detailed walkthrough for every stage of the construction.



CHRISTIAN

Richard Dinae asked:


Garage areas are a big help to the house. It will serve as the storage for all stuffs outgrown by almost all members of the family, those that are not really in recent use by them. Usually, a garage site is detached from the main house. This may contain obsolete files, archaic furniture which is not too good for use but do not require throwing out because of its sentimental value. Furthermore, in some houses that have gigantic spaces in their homes, a garage area can be a decorative part of the house which can be obviously attached to it. All one needs is a purchase of a beautifully made garage door.

As years may pass, things may continue to accumulate which can be properly sealed in the garage area. As things get accumulated, memories are also embedded so that mere passing by in the stock room can lead to recollection of both happy and dull moments by a way of looking at things. Go back to those same old familiar memories in a well-arranged and well-organized garage room with a distinctive garage door simply attached to your homes.

In selecting a garage area, the choice for a color will matter. It is important to use a white color rather than dark ones. Dark colors absorb too much heat that will destroy some of the bits and pieces hidden in the room. Also included in the purchase of a garage door will comprise proper clear-cut decisions as to the location, type of materials used and time frame duration for the construction. It is not just important to put up a storage area but what is equally relevant is to consider how the garage room will look like by a representation of the garage door.

An idea of recycling certain available materials in the house which will be enough for putting up of a garage room will be an excellent idea. Recycling does not only enable us to save for the building costs but it will also give us a more initiative on how to maximize using the available resources at home creatively. In any way, a garage door will serve as its ultimate finish. An impressionistic door will naturally add magnificence to the stock room.

Some tips in the purchase of a garage door include one that is easy to maintain and operate; one that will give a refreshing look to the area as well. It is consist of a variety of door types from aluminum, steel, glass and wood doors. So far, the most favorite among its types are the steel and wood ones. For the wooden doors, a tilt up style is very easy to install and affordable. It has an almost long lasting durability. However, its maintenance will include repainting and refinishing for a cycle of years. Its frame and plywood can match the house by setting up a siding. Moreover, the aluminum doors will outlast other types in terms of durability. Modern technology has built it to last for a long time without the hassles of maintenance. It is a very strong type of garage door that will not fall apart due to weather.



CHADWICK

Emily Siliwon-Curb Appeal CSI Garage Doors asked:


There are an abundance of options as far as building materials and designs available in new garage doors, wood and steel being the most commonly installed. Each type of garage door will have options available for the exterior style/color, decorative windows, hardware, insulation, etc. Every garage door manufacturer will tell you theirs is best, and give you tons of reasons why you should agree. Just like any other product or service. That being said, you should keep in mind that the new garage door you are thinking of purchasing is going to be around for a long time. Garage doors usually last anywhere from 10-20 years, depending on usage and maintenance, and can possibly last longer.

Steel garage doors are the most commonly installed types. Their lower costs, maintenance, and a variety of available designs make them the obvious choice for most homeowners. No painting is required, although the doors can be painted, and most manufacturers offer different finish warranties on their garage doors. Styles include, but are not limited to, raised panel designs, flush panels, and various carriage house designs. Most have insulation options, as well. Considering the fact that most garages share an interior wall with the home, insulation inside your garage door can help conserve on heating and cooling costs.

While their not as common as they once were, wooden garage doors are still readily available in most places. They are available in the same standard styles as steel doors, and can be built to suit. Their costs are generally slightly higher than steel doors, and they will need to be painted or stained to prevent water damage. There are still benefits to having a wooden garage door. A standard model wood door can provide a better R-value than a basic non-insulated steel door. Wooden garage doors can also take a little bit more punishment than the steel types-something to consider if you have kids that play near the doors, or work in or around the garage yourself. Wood doors also have insulation options available. The versatility of wooden garage doors is probably their best point. Homeowners wanting custom garage doors for their home typically go with wooden garage doors.

Vinyl garage doors are beginning to make a larger impression on the market. These doors won’t rust, and are more resistant to dings and scratches than the steel doors. Prepare to pay substantially more for these types of garage doors. Many dealers don’t carry any in stock, so a lead time of 2-4 weeks can be expected. They usually look like a steel door as far as exterior styles are concerned. Vinyl garage doors also have similar insulation options as steel garage doors.

Composite garage doors are becoming more mainstream as consumer demand for environmentally-friendly products grows. These garage doors are typically made from recycled wood. They are insulated in most cases. Again, opting for insulation on a garage door can provide a higher R-value. Composite doors can be painted, or even stained.

Our website has links to many of the large garage door manufacturer sites. Some of these sites will have a “door designer” available where you can view different color and style options for their doors. You can usually find other information on warranties or other garage door specs. When you have your new garage door installed be sure to remember to keep the invoice/receipt in a safe place, and make sure you complete any required registrations in order to have a valid warranty.



AUSTIN

Emily Siliwon-Curb Appeal CSI Garage Doors asked:


Here in Buford, growth and change are a way of life. Many Atlanta residents who visit this area are mostly familiar with Mall of Georgia or Lake Lanier. We now have the new Gwinnett Stadium and the AAA Braves. But we’ve been here a long time. About half the homes here in Buford were built over 30 years ago.  Most homes built after 1980 will have a garage door and opener. Since about half the homes in Buford were built before that time, carports and other parking arrangements are widely found in our more mature neighborhoods.  Whatever category your home falls under, choosing to install, update, add to, or repair your existing set up can add convenience and value to any home.

For those lucky people that already have a garage door and opener it’s as simple as keeping them maintained. You may want to take a look our post on garage door maintenance. It offers 5 easy suggestions on how to keep everything in good shape. Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to already have something to maintain. For those of us who don’t, one can always be added, or repaired.

If you’ve decided its time to stop parking in the driveway under that sappy tree, you may want to simply call a local repair company. Many repairs are routine, and can usually be quoted by phone. A completely new single car garage door in the Buford area typically starts at around $400. Any repairs done should take into consideration the continued life expectancy of the mechanism versus the price of repair. Sometimes it’s best to remove the old one, and have a new one installed. You may want to take a look at our post on the different garage doors available today. It’s a good way to get your feet wet on that subject, and provides some manufacturer links to get you going. Get a few written estimates when considering a new install. As some products are a little better than others, make sure the estimates you’re provided include comparable ones. It’ll be an investment that’s around for a long time.

If you’ve got a carport, you’re halfway there already. Depending on the circumstances present, you can expect some extra costs associated with enclosing a carport before installing a garage door and opener. How much additional cost largely depends upon how many open sides there are in the carport, as well as the types of materials being used for the remodeling. Depending upon the scope of work being performed, some jobs of this nature can be completed in as little as one day. Some may be more time consuming, and can take a few extra days. Buford homeowners interested in enclosing the carport should get a few written estimates. Again, talk to the company representative, making sure that when its time to compare estimates, you’ll be comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges. Not all models are created equal. Some are of better quality than others. Blending the remodeled portion with the rest of the exterior of the home is also very important. Make sure your cost estimates include the finishing touches, such as painting or siding. You may also think about asking for references from each company. Speaking with a previous customer, or taking a look at how their house looks after a similar job, can help paint a clear picture of what to expect.

Adding a secure, weatherproofed space to your home can be advantageous in many ways. Here in Buford, it gets plenty hot during the summer. The winters provide for some uncomfortably cold mornings. Installing or repairing a garage door can provide a dry, insulated space for the car and the extra freezer, and a secure place for your mower and tools.  Hopefully we’ve helped get you started on your way to parking the car out of the freezing cold, or heat, or rain, and on your way to having an aesthetically pleasing, safely functioning garage door.

For more information, including links to manufacturer sites, please visit our website CurbAppealCSI.com



TRENTON

Cliff James asked:


A detached garage with an apartment makes a great guesthouse. Garage apartments plans provide space for storage and add value to your home. You can also generate extra income from your garage apartment! Making a living space over your apartment is a great idea for extra income, or you can use it for a home office. In certain areas you must prove that your home office is separate from your home to qualify for tax purposes. Having the office over your garage with keep your home office completely away from the home. Suddenly your new garage apartment has become a tax write off.

Garage apartments also provide a new sense of independence for your college aged child, if they plan to stay home. Students are always on the lookout for housing that is affordable and garage apartments fit he bill perfectly. Other new members of the workforce may be interested in your garage apartment as well. The potential for this extra income can add value to your home if and when you decide to sell. Some older folks who have retired often decide to live in their garage apartment while renting out their older home that may now be too large for their needs.

For parents who need extra room

Garage apartments can add a new master bedroom for parents of large families who need an extra room. If your garage is attached to your house, a garage apartment can serve as a very large and airy extra bedroom for privacy starved parents. For this type of apartment plan, the extra kitchen may be left off or appliances not added until children have moved away and the parents decide to rent the garage apartment.

Before you start building your garage apartment or purchase new garage apartments plans, check your local building permits and requirements. If you plan on using the apartment as a rental unit, you might need to supply an extra parking space for the renter. You may also need to think of adding stairs to the exterior of the building for security reasons. Be sure to check the insurance requirements as well.

Where to find garage apartment plans

Two sources I like for garage apartment plans are a site called coolhouseplans and one titled archwaypress.

As an example of pricing, coolhouseplans offers plans for a 448 sq. ft. garage and garage apartment at 400 that range in price from a low of $375 for one set of blueprints to a high of $650 for a reproducible set of plans or CAD (Computer Aided Drawing) files on CD-ROM.

Coolhouseplans also has lower-priced plans for a garage and garage apartment that range in price from $220 to $550.

In comparison, Archwaypress offers a single set of plans for a garage and loft $115 or $215 for reproducible masters. It also sells a three-set package of plans for a garage and garage apartment at a cost of $165 for $265 for reproducible masters.

Whichever you choose, a garage apartment can make a lot of sense as either extra room or as extra income.



MARQUIS

Jim Kesel asked:


Garage doors are a critical part of every home. The garage door opening is certainly the weakest point of your home. It is wise to take careful consideration when selecting a garage door to secure this part of your home. Clopay garage doors have several great products that will help you protect your home while providing a great design accent to your home. When it comes to garage door pricing it is important that you find the best garage doors and not the cheapest.

Clopay garage doors are marketed in two distinct levels, Portfolio and Classic. The Portfolio line consists of three premium products that are considered top of the line when it comes to garage doors. In terms of strength security and durability the Coachman series or collection has it all. Coachman garage doors are constructed with four layers that sandwich insulation between two layers of galvanized steel providing great energy efficiency. Clopay garage doors use styrene insulation that while not as efficient as polyurethane foam will still provide great thermal protection and noise reduction. These doors have simulated wood finish that is of fairly good quality.

Clopay garage doors Portfolio line also includes the Reserve Collection of wood garage doors. These great looking doors are constructed of cedar, redwood or hemlock of various grades. These doors are not cheap but they are much less expensive than custom made wood garage doors. Clopay has a number of great designs including the popular carriage garage doors design. Just like any wood garage door they all will require a continued degree of maintenance that includes stain, painting or sealing.

The Classic line of Clopay garage doors are the standard contractor door that are used to build most homes. These are good quality garage doors that are on the lower end of garage door pricing. The Premium Series features a three layer design with insulation molded in between two layers of galvanized steel. These are great garage doors for the money and will give you strength and durability for many years with little or no maintenance. For the money it is hard to beat these garage doors.

One of the best ways to get information on Clopay garage doors is to visit your local Home Depot. They sell the complete line of both Portfolio and Classic Clopay models. If you are handy with improvement projects then the people at Home Depot can provide you with a lot of very critical help that will make your installation a lot easier. They also frequently have a list of installers for people that do not have the time or know how to self install.

Clopay garage doors are of good quality and have a fairly good reputation. Again spending time at one of the large big box home improvement stores will provide you with lots information on what doors are best for you. Remember it is best to purchase the best garage door you can afford. Garage doors are not good places to cut corners when it comes to the safety and security of your home.



HAROLD

Emily Siliwon-Curb Appeal CSI Garage Doors asked:


Even the smallest and lightest of steel garage doors weigh in at about 100 pounds. Others are heavier, depending on the size, type of material used, different types of glass, etc. In order to make it operable by hand, or by an opener, it needs a counter balance system. That’s where the springs come in. They provide the force necessary to make such a heavy object functional. There are two types commonly used in residential settings: torsion and extension.

Torsion springs are usually installed on larger or heavier garage doors. Most models wide enough for two cars will commonly have this type. They’re found on the wall above the opening, and look like a long metal coil. Most people barely notice them until one breaks, and everything becomes too heavy to lift. When it has broken, you’ll see the separation in the coils. You’ll need professional service for this kind of repair. The counter balance system is under extreme tension, and for that reason, homeowners should never attempt to adjust or repair any of it’s components. Additionally, forcing the opener to pull too much weight can damage the opener, and the top panel where it’s attached.

Extension springs are usually found on garage doors that are wide enough for only one car. These can be found nearly parallel to the tracks near the ceiling, one on each side. Many times, the extension type will relax to the point that they need replacement, instead of actually breaking. When this happens you can usually see repeated gaps in the coils, and you may consider having them serviced or replaced. Extension systems, while more inexpensive to install and maintain than torsion, are not suitable for installation on models wide enough for two cars due to the lack of balance. Torsion systems use the shaft, along with the drums and cables, to provide equal amounts of lift on each side. Extension springs are independent of each other, and require proper tension to ensure level operation. One advantage of having extension, is the ease of replacement. Local hardware stores typically carry them, and a do it yourself job is possible for those who are mechanically inclined. Don’t forget to use caution, as the extension counter balance system is also under extreme pressure, and can cause injury or death.

For more information on garage doors, openers, and repairs, or for links to manufacturer sites, please visit us at CurbAppealCSI.com



LAZARO

Jim Kesel asked:


If you are searching for a quality garage door for your home you might want to consider CHI garage doors. CHI is known for its quality and durability. In terms of garage door pricing the company’s products are considered to be in the mid to upper price range. When it comes to garage doors it really is not smart to cut corners. In almost every case the garage door opening is potentially the weakest part of your homes structure. This is especially true if you live in areas that have severe thunderstorms, hurricanes or other high wind events. Experience has shown that once you lose your garage door the next thing you frequently lose is your roof.

CHI garage doors are featured as standard, medium, premium and carriage house lines. In recent years carriage garage doors have become very popular in new home construction. CHI garage doors have several designs that provide garage door that will accent many homes. The doors have a number of exterior facings that include wood, fiberglass or steel. Steel doors are probably the best door that you can purchase. They have a galvanized steel front and back with polyurethane foam insulation that gives a high insulating factor. Joints on all the CHI garage doors have either a tongue and groove or shiplap panel joints that will keep the outside elements out of your garage.

When building and designing your home make sure that your contractor and architect know that you want a good quality garage door included in the construction. CHI garage doors makes and sells a good number of standard and medium doors. While these doors are of good quality they are frequently called contractor doors by the building community. Again considering the risk of a failed garage door during a storm and/or lack of strength to deter illegal entry, cutting corners on your garage door just does not make senses.

We recommend that you consider double sided doors constructed of at least 26 gauge steel. The premium CHI garage doors achieve this bare minimum by using a combination of 27 and 25 gauge panels. However CHI garage doors do not meet the high wind codes of South Florida and other jurisdictions. CHI doors do feather polyurethane foam insulation that is sandwiched between two layers of steel that will provide some degree additional strength. Never the less if you live in an area with high wind risk it would be best to look to other manufactures.

If you are going to install a workshop in your garage or live in areas with extreme cold temperatures you should look for a garage door with a high R-rating. If the garage is going to be heated or air conditioned then you will want an R-value of at least 14. Unfortunately most of CHI garage doors do not meet this minimum standard. Many of CHI garage doors do provide R-values that range from 6 to 9 which is adequate for unheated garages.

In general CHI garage doors provide the quality you need to protect your home and provide the style and look to accent it beautifully.



WALTER

Bruce Lipski asked:


If you are lucky, you have a big garage and have lots of extra room. Or maybe you have a two or three car garage but only one car to put in it. All that extra garage space can be put to good use for more things than just extra storage. Listed below are some great ideas of what you can do with that extra garage space:

1) The cool garage game room - Every guy would like to have his own space where he can get away and hang out. Depending how much you are into games and game machines, the garage is a perfect place if you have the space. There is no better area to put a real pinball machine or old arcade game or games. If you have the space and the money, you can really do it up right and turn part of your garage into a themed game room. You can put in carpet or some other surface underneath and put the appropriate memorabilia on the walls. Just remember to heat it properly in the winter if you live in a cold area.

2) The garage gym / workout area - Your garage is a great place to assemble a gym. One reason is that you can open the garage up any time to let fresh air in. You also might be able to worry less about the heavy gym equipment doing damage to the floors or walls. In the colder months the temperature might be just about right in the garage for a workout but the summer might be a bit hot. Make sure you have your garage heated or cooled correctly for the desired temperature.

3) The garage play room - This can only be done if you live in an environment where there are no big temperature swings. Turning the garage into a play area for the kids is something you might think of if you lack the extra room in your house. You would need to have that garage area carpeted and make sure it is safe just like you would for any other room. On nice days, the garage doors can be open or partially open if you like and if you have a system to make sure the kids don’t go in the street.

4) The garage workshop - This is a common one of course with the guys who traditionally have their tools stored in the garage. This is where many guys get away to build things or repair things or just to get away.

5) The sports themed garage - Some guys are into sports big time and need a place where they can go to watch sports, be with their sports equipment, work on their sports equipment, and just hang out. Turning your garage or part of it into a “shrine” for that favorite sports team is a way to make the guy happy and it keeps that stuff out of the house to make the wife happy. You can even put in a couch and a flat screen TV on the wall to make your sports garage complete.



CHASE

Build WriteWell asked:


Plan Your New Garage Design and Garage Building Size

Local Building Regulations Regulate Your Decisions

When building a new garage or adding on a garage addition, it is important to begin by consulting your local planning department for information about building permits, zoning regulations and set back requirements. Set back requirements regulate how close you can build to the road as well as bordering property. If you do not comply with these building regulations and obtain proper building permits where necessary, you may have to tear down the new building or relocate the garage. It sure costs less to do the work right the first time! To build your garage you will need building plans or construction plans and a plot plan, which indicates the garage building location on your land.

Building Inspectors Offer Great Advise Your local building inspector may be your best resource for free advise when planning the construction of a new garage. It is a good idea to consult with your local city building inspector before you start your new project. This may make all the difference in developing a great relationship for future projects. Their building inspectors advice is free, and they can help ensure your garage project is up to code.

Plan Your New Garage on Graph Paper

After you have made a list of every item to be placed in your new garage with the item sizes, Purchase graph paper to lay out the items and plan the total size you will need for your new garage.

What Size Garage Should I Build?

What size should you build your new garage building? A single car garage should be at least 12′ wide by 22′ deep. The minimum width for a 2 car garage building should be 20 feet, but you will need additional room if you’re planning on putting in a workbench or if you’ll need to store your kids bicycles, lawn mowers, tools or your work shop equipment. A 22′X24′ wide garage is a more optimal garage size. Whatever size you choose to build, 2009 pricing for a new garage has a cost from $26 - $38 dollars per square foot. If you own a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle (SUV), your garage needs to be at least 22′x22′ feet. Your ceiling height should be at least 8 feet high.



ANTON