By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Custom Garage • Garage Remodeling • Garages • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Turn Your Garage into a Gaming Hideaway This Winter

Blue Sky Builders garage renovation video gamingGarages do not need to be just for cars and tools. So many people have learned to enjoy spending more time at home with family and neighbor friends this past year. If you are limited on space in your home, you may want to consider utilizing your garage space for regular activities. After a bit of reorganizing and renovation, why not turn your garage into a game room? It can also double as a quiet homework or reading spot when the games are unplugged. Whether your kids enjoy playing video games, you consider yourself a pool shark, or you like throwing darts, your garage can be an ideal place to house all of your favorite games so you can take a break from it all.  Read more

By Christine Miller Garage Maintenance • Garage Roofing • Tips and Tricks • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Tips for Removing Snow and Ice From Your Garage Roof

Blue Sky Builders garage roof snow damage preventionThose who grew up in Illinois or the Midwest are accustomed to winter weather and all of the snow and ice it can bring during this time of year. Frigid temperatures can cause a variety of problems, such as burst pipes in homes, office buildings, or warehouses. Whether you are a homeowner or another type of property owner, trying to mitigate the negative impact of Mother Nature can be challenging. Proper drainage can limit the chance of any damage, but it is also important to remove snow and ice from your house or garage roof before it becomes a problem. In some cases, water damage can result in expensive repairs, such as replacing a ceiling or drywall or even a vehicle that was in the garage.  Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Custom Garages • Garages • Tips and Tricks • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Making the Most of Overhead Storage in Your Garage

Blue Sky Builders garage overhead storageStorage space is often a very desirable option when it comes to buying or building a home. Whether it is a bedroom closet, kitchen pantry, basement, or garage, people need places to put all of their “stuff.” There are many items that you may like to keep in your garage or shed, such as gardening tools, lawnmowers, snowblowers, outdoor patio furniture, bicycles, scooters, holiday decorations, sports equipment, and more. Along with all of these items, you may be struggling to find space for your vehicles in your garage. One option is to create additional storage space by installing overhead shelving units. Determining how large these can be often depends on the structure and size of your garage, including the roof line. Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Building Tips • Custom Garages • Garage Renovation • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Options for Adding a Breezeway to Your Detached Garage

Blue Sky Builders garage breezeway constructionMany older homes have “detached” garages, which means they are separate structures from the main house. Newer, more modern residential architecture typically has the garage “attached” to the house. This makes it convenient for homeowners to exit their vehicles and enter their mud room, entryway, or kitchen without having to go outside. Illinois residents may particularly like this option, since it means that they do not have to brave the elements, especially during inclement weather or when it is dark. A connected breezeway that goes between your home and garage provides a covered space to improve traffic flow into your home. As with any type of house renovation or addition, you will want to be sure to explore your options and consider your needs, as well as how these changes will complement your existing garage and house.   Read more

By Christine Miller Custom Garage • Garage Remodeling • Garage Renovation • Garage Workout Facility • Tips and Tricks • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Transforming Your Garage into a Workout Facility for the Winter

DuPage County garage workout facility tipsThe Chicago-area winters can be especially cold and long. Temperatures can hover at or below freezing from November all the way to March. Although some natives of Illinois may venture outside to get some exercise, many prefer to work out indoors during these months. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place throughout the state, it may be awhile before individuals will feel safe going to a public gym or rec center. As such, now might be the perfect time to consider renovating your garage into a workout area. Whether you want to utilize the entire garage space or just a section of it, there are ways to accomplish your goal of staying fit and healthy.   Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Custom Garages • Garage Renovation • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Renovate Your Garage to Include a Wine Cellar

Blue Sky Builders garage wine cellar renovationsAfter the challenges of 2020, everyone is hoping for a return to some sort of normalcy in 2021. However, with COVID-19 vaccines just starting to be administered, it may be months before the country is opened up again. In Illinois, many restaurants are still closed, or if they are open, they are operating at reduced occupancy. In response to these restrictions and social distancing guidelines, a lot of people have spent more time at home than ever before. This may include entertaining at home, either outside in their yard, on their patio, deck, or even in the garage. Wine lovers may want to consider utilizing their garage space by converting part of it into a wine cellar.  Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Garage Maintenance • Garage Safety • Garages • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Tips for Preventing Ice Damage In, On, and Around Your Garage

Blue Sky Builders garage snow ice damage preventionWinters in the Midwest can be brutal, with blizzard-like conditions. This can include snow, ice, sleet, slush, and wind. Anything that is outside can take a beating, including your house and garage. When any type of precipitation cannot drain properly, and the temperature drops to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water can freeze and turn to ice. Besides creating a slipping hazard for homeowners or guests if ice accumulates on walkways or stairs, this can also affect a structure’s roof, siding, and flooring. If there is nowhere for the ice to go once it melts, it can cause serious structural problems. That is why it is important to take steps to prevent ice from forming near or in your garage during the winter months in order to protect your property.     Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Garage • Garage Safety • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Host a Safe New Year’s Eve Party in Your Garage

Blue Sky Builders garage New Year’s Eve party COVID-19As a result of the COVID-19 health crisis, people have spent more time at home this past year. This is partly due to federal, state, and local guidelines such as stay-at-home orders. In addition, a lot of employees have been working from home instead of going into an office building. With many area restaurants and bars closed in attempts to combat the virus, people have gotten creative with their get-togethers. In some cases, the garage has become the go-to place for studying, working out, crafting, or playing games. The driveway can also be an extension of this often under-utilized space. For those who want to ring in the New Year, the garage may be the best space to have a New Year’s Eve party. Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Custom Garage • Design • Garage Renovation • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Turn Your Garage Into a Dream Space for a Chicago Sports Fanatic

Blue Sky Builders garage updates for watching sportsWith people spending more and more time at home these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have utilized their garage space like never before. From turning your garage into a home office or gym to using it as a rec room, it can provide a practical and inviting area for your friends and family to gather. There is no time like the present to show your love for your favorite Chicago sports team. Whether it is the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Fire, or Sky, you can share your pride in a fun and festive way. If you are more of a college sports fan, don your garage walls with items showing your support of schools like Northwestern, Loyola, DePaul, or the University of Illinois. Not only can this improve the aesthetics of your garage, but it may also increase your home’s overall value.  Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Garage • Garage Safety • Tips and Tricks • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Turning Your Garage Into a Winter Wonderland This Holiday Season

Blue Sky Builders decorating your garage for the holidaysThis holiday season, more and more people will be spending time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With non-essential businesses closed to prevent further spread of the virus, many Illinois residents are entertaining at home more often, and they may be making use of their garage to do so. In some cases, individuals might be utilizing their garage space like never before, turning it into a home office. Decorating your house and garage for the holidays can lift everyone’s spirits, from young to old. This may include putting up a Christmas tree or hanging lights from your roof or siding, or even placing inflatable Santas or snowmen in your yard or driveway. Below are some tips for creating a magical holiday scene on the inside or outside of your garage.   Read more