Three Benefits to Building a Garage

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There are plenty of reasons to build a garage onto your property. Some of these reasons, such as a structure to protect your vehicle during harsh weather conditions might seem a bit obvious, but there are many other reasons that you may not have considered. The premier garageexperts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. have the top 3 benefits of building a new garage.

Added Property Value

Most homes today are built with the needs of the homebuyer in mind. A majority, but not all, of homes in suburban areas such as DuPage County are constructed with garages. Older homes or smaller homes may not have had a garage built onto the property. A garage is an important factor that buyers look at when considering purchasing a home. If you are looking to sell your current home in the future, a garage would make the home even more desirable to the buyer.

Additionally, it would also give you a reason to increase the selling price. If you were in a developed neighborhood where many of the homes had street parking and your home had a private garage, that increases the curb appeal that much more. It sets your home apart from the others and helps it stand out.

Additional Storage

No matter the size of a home, the available space for storage seems to disappear. Among some of the harder things to store are larger items that you don’t seem to need all of the time. A garage can provide the perfect spot to keep some of those odds and ends you just cannot seem to part with.

A garage can be a great storage spot for:

  • Holiday decorations
  • Baby clothes and strollers for future nieces, nephews, or grandchildren
  • Equipment such as a snowblower that is not needed all year
  • Camping equipment
  • Folding tables and chairs

The trick with using the garage for storage is keeping it organized and not letting the clutter get out of hand. As long as it is used efficiently, the garage is the perfect spot for your rarely used objects.

A Project Space

The average person would not need the outfitting of an auto-repair shop in their garage, but most homeowners do encounter the occasional need to work on aproject that requires some space. Whether sanding and staining a table, repairing a lawn mower, building a chest or learning how to solder, many jobs we undertake as homeowners are not suited to do inside the home. The garage naturally becomes a perfect spot to work on a project that may become a little messy or requires more space to accomplish.

The garage is important and versatile for any homeowner. If you find yourself low on storage space, or in need of a place to work on your child’s extensive science project, or you are looking to increase your property value, reach out to our experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. To learn more about building a custom garage on your property, contact ourDuPage County custom garage professionals today at 630-852-8485.

Unique Uses for Your Garage

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We all have preconceived notions of what a garage should be, but that should not limit us to what it could become. Our garages have the potential to be a number of things, including:

  • A workshop
  • Preferred hangout spot
  • An art or music studio
  • Designated storage

The obvious use for a garage is protecting your car from harsh weather but it can also fill many other roles depending on yourneeds. It can be so much more than four walls and a door.

Think Outside the Toolbox

Many of us utilize the garage as a workspace, or at very least to store our assorted tools. Homeownership often leads to even the most inexperienced to become a bit of a repair person or do-it-yourself fixer-upper. Obviously, it will not result in you becoming an electrician overnight, but you still will probably need a space in which you can re-screen windows, stain a salvaged end table, or test out the new soldering iron.

The garage naturally becomes a spot where you can get a little messy with a project, provided you have adequate space to do so.

No Patio? No Problem

Spring, summer, and autumn are often filled with days of gorgeous weather in the DuPage County region. Many of us desire to enjoy the good weather every chance possible; but what are you to do if you do not have a patio, porch, or screened-in sunroom? The answer is simple if your garage is set up correctly. Pull the cars back, set up some folding tables for the pitch-in food, and roll in a cooler full of drinks and you are ready to host.

This idea could be taken even further if you find yourself hosting get-togethers often. Perhaps installing a bar and getting some stools is not such a wild idea. A dart board or corn-hole boards do not take up much space at all and can easily be set up when your friends or relatives come over. Best of all, you do not have to worry if it starts raining unexpectedly.

Garage Rockers

The garage has become the space where many craftsmen practice their trade such as woodworking or auto repair. But the garage has also been a popular spot for artists over the years as well. In fact, since the 1960s, the space created its own genre of music. “Garage Rock” is the term used for the stereotypical small group of musicians trying to rock out and using the garage as their makeshift studio. Just make certain that you have enough power running to the garage when the guitarist decides to turn the amplifier up to eleven.

Keeping Away the Clutter

Certainly, almost every homeowner with a garage has found themselves using the garage as the space to store something that did not seem appropriate for any other room in the house. This can quickly lead to a messy, unorganized garage; but it does not have to end in overwhelming piles of who-knows-what. If your garage is adequately designed or set up for optimal storage, these worries can be laid to rest. Installing proper shelving or cabinets can make a world of difference. The sky, or in this case, the roof is the limit when it comes to designing the space to maximize storage.

Get In Touch with a DuPage County Garage Specialist

Whether you imagine your dream garage as a social space or an organized studio for a hobby or craft, our experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you achieve your vision. If you want to know how to build thecustom garage of your dreams, contact ourDuPage County custom garage professionals today at 630-852-8485 to receive a free estimate.

Garage or Shed, What Goes Where?

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One of the many joys of home ownership can be deciding on designated storage areas for your belongings. Whether you are renting or you own your own house, it is a wise idea to invest in some tools for any sort of minor repair. Unfortunately, many apartments do not have a good space for these sorts of tools. When the time comes for you to own your own home, however, the garage and a tool shed quickly become two wonderful spots for all of like items. The question remains, what should go in the garage and what should go in the shed?

Lay of the Land

Deciding what to keep in the garage or a tool shed will likely be dependent on how your property is arranged. Typically, a tool shed sits in a backyard further away from the home and a garage will be attached to the home or as a separate structure close to the home. In this traditional arrangement, the tool shed becomes a natural space for yard equipment:

  • Mowers
  • Weed hackers
  • Shovels
  • Potting soil and gardening tools
  • Fertilizer

Most of the gardening tools wouldn’t be needed daily or all year round, making it more sensible to keep further from the house. It is also beneficial to keep equipment that may run on gas such as the mower or hedge trimmer outside in case of spillage.

Close to Home

In regards to what to keep in the garage, you may want to consider if you will need the items year-round. You don’t want to find yourself having to plow through the snow just to retrieve a screwdriver. The garage can be a great space for:

  • Hand tools
  • Car washing supplies
  • Ladders
  • Snow shovel
  • Power saws
  • Seasonal decorations
  • And of course, your car

Some of the items may be dependent on your needs. The ladder, for instance, may not be necessary all year round, but if you have many trees on your property, the gutters could need to be cleaned out multiple times in a year. Similarly, a power saw could see a lot of use if you do a lot of self-maintenance on your home. Keeping the snow shovel or snow blower as near to your driveway as possible will be the best move you could make come winter when the lake-effect weather starts bearing down.

Call Our Downers Grove Custom Garage Specialists Today

The location of where to keep your tools and supplies may seem obvious on the surface, but it is an important factor in keeping your spaces functional and welcoming. Ask yourself “when and how often will I need this item?”. If the answer is often or year-round, consider keeping it in your garage. Our experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help keep your garage at its peak functionality and looking great as well! If you want to know more about building yourcustom garage, contact ourDuPage County custom garage professionals today at 630-852-8485 and receive a free estimate.

Your Garage Through the Seasons

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Every year we cycle through all four seasons, and each one presents unique challenges. The differences in the weather over the course of the year can also be especially drastic in the midwest. The question then arises, “How can I keep my garage in its best condition through the entire year?” With a bit of preparation and organization, you can ensure your garage remains in tip-top shape all year long.

Spring Cleaning

Though labeled as a chore, spring cleaning can be an excellent chance for you to revisit the items and projects you may have sent to the garage over winter. This is a good time to evaluate what should stay and what should go. Perhaps the dozen or so boxes you held onto in hopes of using for Christmas or birthday presents did not come in handy after all? Northern Illinois is no stranger to snowstorms, but are three snow shovels really necessary?

Take some time to look over what you may have been storing for months and ask yourself if is worth keeping at the expense of valuable space.

Dog Days

Summer is when the average homeowner will spend more time in their garage. You can take a handful of steps to maintain a clean and efficient workspace in your garage such as:

  • Designating “zones” for specific tasks
  • Clean up any messes made
  • Returning tools to the same spot every time

These things may seem obvious on the surface, but in our day-to-day life, it is easy to forget to keep up with the little things. The more these good habits are established, the more inviting the space will become. Maintaining good habits of keeping things organized and clean will motivate you and help sustain the garage as a productive space.

Cooler Days Ahead

As milder temperatures approach, autumn can be the perfect time to prepare your garage for winter. Even though the outdoors may become a harsher from month to month, that does not necessarily mean your garage is unusable. A few simple steps will help keep your garage comfortable year-round and protected from the freezing temperatures.

  • Checking seals around doors and windows
  • Take a look at any chemicals or liquids you have stored in the garage and double check that none of them are temperature sensitive
  • If you have a water heater in the garage, consider wrapping it in a blanket to conserve energy
  • Installing insulation to retain heat
  • Prepare any appliances or lawn equipment

The Long Winter

Winter can seem endless at times with grey skies, freezing winds, and snowy roads. Many of us begin to think that spring and summer are ages away. When it comes to your garage, this type of thinking can be a slippery slope. Though it may seem easy to begin to use the garage as a “catch-all” for boxes, random furniture, or clothes you intend to one day donate, letting the clutter grow is a disservice to yourself and your space. Before you know it, spring has come around and you find yourself disheartened to utilize the garage if over the winter it has become a messy storage unit.

Keeping up with organization and cleaning are imperative to maintaining your garage as a productive and positive space.

Contact our Chicago Garage Builders Today

If you are looking to ensure your garage is in the best shape it can possibly be all year round, call our DuPage Countyrenovation experts at 630-852-8485. No matter what your needs, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. will see you through every season.

Top 3 Things to Consider Before Building Your New Garage

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After many months of deliberation, you have finally set your mind to begin construction on the dream garage you have always wanted. Perhaps when you bought your home, the garage was the only missing part on your checklist and you agreed with your partner that you would one day change that. After a couple of cold Illinois winters and the apparent disappearing amount of storage space available, you cannot wait any longer.

Before the concrete begins to pour for the foundation, there are a few key items to consider:

  • Zoning laws and neighborhood rules
  • What type of garage is best for you?
  • How big should it be?

Zoning Laws and Rules

If you are considering building a new structure on your property, it is a wise idea to check into the local zoning laws. The DuPage County Government website has the proper zoning laws available to review. Another important factor to consider before you begin building is checking the rules of your Homeowners Association (HOA) if your neighborhood has one.

A new garage increases a property’s value and few HOAs would dismiss construction that gives a home more curb appeal, but there may be specifications within the rules that a homeowner may need to work with to ensure there are no issues such as size or proximity to the road.

Type of Garage

There are a vast number of choices involved in the customization of your garage, but only you can say what is best for your needs. A good reason for a garage is to protect your vehicle from the harsh elements of winter, so you could choose to get an attached garage to avoid braving the harsh midwest winters.

You could choose a detached garage if you plan to use the space for projects that may disrupt anyone else in the home. Do you feel just a little tight on space in your home? If so, perhaps looking into a double-story garage is a good idea.

Large and In Charge

Possibly the largest decision you must make regarding your new garage is the size. What will the needs of the household be? If multiple residents in the home drive, you may need a 2 or 3-car garage. If you plan to use the garage as a workspace, be sure to account for the extra space. A final point to keep in mind is that every garage always seems to collect random odds and ends that have no other place. It is best to be prepared with ample space for all the bits and pieces that find their way into the garage.

Contact a DuPage County Garage Expert Today

All of these are important factors to consider before you begin building your new garage, but the most important question to yourself is “when should I contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.?” The answer is simple: Today! Just let our custom garage experts for DuPage County know what you are wanting and make your dream garage a reality. Call the team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. by calling 630-852-8485.

Garage Decluttering Tips from Our Garage Builders

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Keeping agarage organized and clutter free is a responsibility that most people struggle with. If your garage looks more like a storage unit than a garage, you probably know this struggle well. Sports equipment, tools, auto equipment, children’s toys, holiday decorations, and countless other items fill up garages across the country. For many people struggling with garage chaos, the prospect of organizing the garage is overwhelming to even consider. If you are taking on the challenge of garage decluttering this summer, keep the following tips in mind.

How To Organize Your Garage This Summer

Organizing your garage can seem daunting, but it is possible. Depending on the current state of your garage, decluttering and cleaning may take a few hours to a few days. Clear some room in your schedule, put on some gloves, grab an ice cold lemonade, and get ready to transform your garage using the following three steps:

  • Categorize – The first step when organizing your garage is to separate the items into three categories: keep, trash, and donate. You will want to keep items of significant personal or financial value as well as items you frequently use. Items that you no longer need but may be useful to others can be donated to charity organizations or thrift stores. Broken items and random bits of garbage should go in the trash car or recycling bin.
  • Group – The next step in organizing your garage is grouping items according to their function. Wrenches and screwdrivers should be placed with other tools. Basketballs, baseball mitts, and football helmets should be grouped along with other sports equipment. Car supplies like anti-freeze or windshield wiper fluid should be stored in the same area. Once you have grouped the items according to their function, you can start looking for ways to store them.
  • Store – Clear plastic totes are a favorite among professional organizers because they allow you to see what is inside of the boxes without opening them. Place smaller items into boxes and place larger items on shelves or hang them on the wall. Make use of vertical space as much as possible so you have fewer items taking up valuable floor space.

Contact Our Chicago, Illinois Custom Garage Builders

If your garage is beyond hope, it may be time to renovate or replace the garage entirely. Our DuPage County garage experts offer a range of services including garage door installation, siding and roofing remodel, garage demolition, and custom garage building. Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. at 630-852-8485 to learn more.

Top 5 Garage Problems Plaguing Homeowners

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Owning your own home has both advantages and disadvantages. While owning your own home has numerous financial and practical benefits, there are certainly downsides. For many homeowners, home maintenance and upkeep is among the top concerns. Garages can be especially problematic – especially if the garage is old and has not been renovated in many years.

If your garage is not meeting your needs, consider working with ourcustom garage builders to refurbish your current garage or design a brand-new custom garage.

Common Garage Concerns

Garages are where we store everything from automobiles to gardening supplies. For many, our garages are also where we host friends and neighbors for casual get-togethers or barbeques. Whatever you use your garage for, one thing is certain: Garage problems can be frustrating and costly.

Some of the most common garage problems facing homeowners include:

  • Garage door malfunctions – Automatic garage door openers make opening and closing the garage a breeze. However, garage doors are also subject to wear and tear over time. Garage door sensors can become dirty or damaged. The door itself can become warped due to weather or accidental collisions.
  • Poor garage lighting – Is there anything more annoying than entering your garage and being unable to see anything? Inadequate lighting is a top complaint of many garage owners. For most garages, a small 60 watt bulb is not sufficient, and the garage will need a much better lighting set up.
  • Not enough space – Perhaps the most common issue people have with their garages is lack of space. Bicycles, tools, old Christmas decorations, and other miscellaneous items clutter the garage and leave little room. Large trucks and SUVs may be taller and wider than the garage.
  • Damaged garage floors – Garage floors can break down over time, leading to cracks and holes. Not only are broken garage floors unattractive, they can also be dangerous. If your garage floor has become an unappealing tripping hazard, it is time to think about restoring it.
  • Inadequate insulation – The entire purpose of a garage is to keep important items out of the rain, snow, and heat. When a garage is poorly insulated, the automobiles and other items inside can become damaged.

Contact Our Chicago Garage Builders

If your garage has seen better days, it may be time to renovate the garage or build a new one. Our DuPage County garage renovation experts can help you design and build a garage that meets your unique needs. Contact our team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. by calling 630-852-8485.

Tips For Hosting a Summer Garage Party

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Whether it is to escape a summer thunderstorm or to simply find refuge from the sun, your garage can be a great place to set up for a summer party. Pull the cars out, set up some tables and chairs, turn up the music, and have a great time. To get the most out of your garage space and keep your guests safe and entertained, here are some tips for turning your garage into a party room:

  • Remove large or dangerous items – It is best to remove items that could be harmful to guests or could be tripping hazards, especially for any children who may be present. Lawnmowers, sharp garden tools, gasoline cans, and other hazardous products should be removed or safely stored away from your guests. If you can’t move it or have nowhere else to store it, hide the items behind a hanging sheet or place a barrier between the objects and the entertaining space.
  • Clean that floor – Dirt, grease, oil, and other fluids from your car can leave your floor dirty and potentially dangerous. Beyond being unsightly, they can be slipping hazards or become harmful if accidentally ingested. Commercial grease and oil removers can be used for heavy-duty stains and spills. Detergents can be used to clean the dirt from your floor and kitty litter can be used for smaller oil stains.
  • Never set up a grill or fire pit in the garage – While this may seem obvious, the carbon monoxide given off by a charcoal, wood, or propane grill or fire pit can collect in the garage or under the eaves if it is too close and potentially be fatal. Make sure you keep these objects a safe distance from your garage.
  • Liven up the space – Bringing in some decorative hanging lights from your deck or pulling out your Christmas lights can help add to the atmosphere. Decorations like balloons, as well as tables or other furniture can also be used to hide items or keep guests separated from those garage objects that you cannot move.

Consult a DuPage County Garage Renovation Expert

No matter how you choose to use your garage this summer, the Downers Grove garage specialists at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you make it a valuable part of your home. To improve or renovate an existing garage, our crews can install new garage doors, windows, roofs, siding, entry doors, and more. For a new start, we offer custom-built garages that can be designed with all your needs in mind. Call us today at 630-852-8485 to schedule your no-obligation estimate.

Simplify Your Life with a Custom Garage

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As our lives are busier and our time for interests and hobbies becomes more important than ever, more people are using the space in their garage as an extension or a complement to their living space. There are many different functions that a garage can play beyond just providing shelter for your vehicles. Some of our most popular custom garages can provide space for your hobby, extra storage space, or give you more room to store the items that you just cannot live without. If you are ready to see how a custom garage can provide added functionality, contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Some uses for the space in a custom garage include:

  • Indulge your hobbies – Whether it is providing more room for your bicycles, your motorcycle, space for a home gym, or building your dream workbench, a custom garage can give you the room to store the things that make you happy.
  • Extra storage space – To free up closet or basement space in your house, a custom garage can provide you with more shelving or even attic space. If you don’t have room for a mudroom in your house, or just want a convenient alternative for your outdoor gear, a custom garage can provide the extra space you need to hold those dirty boots, coats, and more.
  • Home office – With ever-increasing people working from home, a new custom garage may be the perfect place to create a space for business.
  • Entertaining space – Whether it serves as a casual space for a get-together with neighbors or a much-needed seating area for a graduation party, your new garage can be the perfect place to do some entertaining.

Whatever you need out of a custom garage, let Blue Sky Builders, Inc. provide a solution. Our crew can demolish your old garage, install a new concrete slab if necessary, and construct your brand-new custom garage. Check out our garage gallery for examples of custom garages we have built. We can provide you with a free estimate, offer financing, take care of all your permitting needs, and offer a one-year warranty that covers labor and materials.

Contact a DuPage County Custom Garage Specialist

When you are ready to build the custom garage you have been dreaming of, contact the Downers Grove garage professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. With over 36 years of experience building garages in the Chicago area, we can custom-build the right garage for you. Call 630-852-8485 to schedule your free no-obligation estimate today.

Is It Time to Replace Your Garage Entry Door?

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Garage entry doors, whether on an attached garage or a free-standing garage, play a valuable role in the appearance and performance of your garage space. You should ensure that your door is maintained well and permits easy access while keeping out extreme weather and unwanted pests. A well-constructed and well-maintained entry door can provide protection against break-ins and improve the look of your garage. Here are some signs that it may be time to look at a replacement garage entry door:

  • Difficult to open – If you find that your entry door is sticking when it opens or closes, it is time to look for a replacement. The hinges, frame, or door itself may have become damaged or warped. This makes it a security risk and also means it may not be providing weather protection.
  • Exterior damage – When a garage entry door has dents, scratches, or frame damage, it can be more than just an eyesore. The door may be weakened and not able to perform well.
  • Cracks on the frame or door – Like other exterior damage, cracks on your door or frame can indicate that it is time to be replaced. The door is no longer acting as a barrier to heat, cold, and moisture and could be vulnerable to a break-in.
  • Signs of rust are appearing – When a steel entry door ages, the metal begins to corrode. Exterior doors are vulnerable to rust over time, especially those on a garage, which often have no overhang or awnings above. The rust is a sign that the door is no longer sound and should be replaced.

At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we can offer secure steel entry door systems. We can improve the look of your house or garage with many different styles of panel and door colors. To further enhance the look, we can add glass designs, matching sidelights, and decorative door lights. Our steel garage entry doors have a steel frame, adjustable threshold, and magnetic weather stripping. They feature a reinforced lock bore for extra security with dual locks keyed alike.

Contact a Downers Grove Garage Entry Door Expert

If it is time to replace your garage entry door or make any other upgrade to your garage, contact the DuPage County garage professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. We provide a full range of garage services, from new custom garage construction to siding and roof replacement to door upgrades. We are proud to have been providing quality garage projects to the Chicago area since 1979. To schedule your free estimate, call us at 630-852-8485 today.

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Located in Downers Grove, the skilled garage building professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. work with clients throughout the Chicago suburbs, including Aurora, Batavia, Berwyn, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lockport, Lombard, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest, Riverside, Schiller Park, Villa Park, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, and Woodridge.

Services listed are not a guarantee or indication of future work.