By Christine Miller Uncategorized • • • • • • 0 Comments

Items You Should Avoid Storing in Your Garage During the Summer

Blue Sky BuildersFor many families, a garage serves as a catch-all space to store miscellaneous items. Rather than cluttering up a home’s living space with items that are not used frequently, it makes sense to place them in an area where they can be out of the way, yet still easily accessible when needed. However, it is also important to be aware that certain types of items may be damaged when stored in a garage, or they could even create risks that affect the safety of a family. Read more

By Christine Miller Garage Maintenance • • • • • • 0 Comments

When Should I Repair or Replace My Garage’s Roof?

Downers Grove Roof Repair or Replace ProfessionalsSince you probably do not spend as much time in your garage as you do in the rest of your home, you may not notice when there are issues that need to be addressed. The garage roof is one area that can sometimes be overlooked. However, if the roof is in disrepair, this could cause additional issues, since leaks could lead to damage in other parts of your garage and home. By catching problems with your roof as soon as possible, you can determine whether roof repair or replacement is necessary. Read more

By Christine Miller Electric Garage Door Opener • Garage • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How Worried Should I Be About Someone Breaking into My Garage?

Downers Grove Garage Door SpecialistThis summer, home burglaries and car robberies are on the rise in the Western suburbs. While many of these thefts are the result of homeowners and car owners simply being negligent or careless, leaving doors unlocked or keys in doors, there are some instances when the instigators are actually quite clever. Here are some ways these thieves might try to use your electric garage door opener and its related equipment to gain entry to your garage.

4 Common Types of Garage Break-ins to Safeguard Against

Even if you are cautious about locking up, there are still ways criminals can break into your garage these days. Some of the more increasingly common ways that burglars are breaking into garages include:

  1. Gaining Access to the Emergency Release Rope—With enough dexterity and ingenuity, a burglar can use a hanger or some other tool to reach over your garage and get access to the emergency release rope. From there, a simple yank will make that door easy to open. To prevent this, consider repositioning or removing the release rope so that it is out of reach.
  2. Bypassing the “Fixed Code”—Some garage door openers, especially older ones, were built on “fixed-code systems.” These systems are particularly susceptible to manipulation; in fact, one security expert once rigged a children’s toy to break that “fixed code” and open a garage with the opener’s transmitter frequency—and no actual opener. To safeguard against this, consider either investing in a newer opener that relies on a “rolling code,” which is much more difficult to crack. Also, if you plan on being away from home for an extended period of time, consider turning off the power to your garage.
  3. Keypad Code-Breaking—Keypads are a great convenience, giving you, your spouse, and your kids easy access to the garage door without needing a transmitter, keys, or any other devices. However, police have seen time and time again that keypad codes are actually quite easy to break if the criminal is perceptive and observant enough. The buttons with the numbers you press regularly to unlock the garage door from the outside with a keypad will have oils from human skin on them while the buttons that are not used will simply have dirt or dust on them. Once the crook discovers the most common numbers by way of oils from the skin, finding the right combination of numbers to crack the code of your keypad is much easier. If you do not want this to happen, think about regularly wiping the buttons clean; routinely changing the combination of numbers; or removing the keypad.
  4. Hacking into “Smart” Garages—Smart garage door openers and controllers can be hacked into just like any other Internet of Things (IoT) smart-home device, computer, or smartphone. If it can connect to the Internet, it can be hacked. And if it is in the “cloud” somewhere to enable notifications and other remote access by you from afar, it could be even more vulnerable to hacking. In that sense, strictly Bluetooth-only garage door devices might help. Or you could just avoid smart garage devices entirely.

Contact a Downers Grove Garage Door Opener Expert

If you are concerned about how safe your garage is from burglaries, consider customizing your garage or remodeling your garage to make it safer. Call a Chicago-area garage specialist at 630-852-8485 for ideas about safety measures you can take. With more than 40 years of garage building experience, Blue Sky Builders can develop garage construction plans that will make your garage much safer.

Sources:
https://www.wisebread.com/are-you-giving-burglars-the-key-to-your-home
https://climaterwc.com/2018/05/14/redwood-city-police-warn-about-hackers-who-break-into-garage-doors/
https://lifehacker.com/test-if-your-garage-is-vulnerable-to-a-hack-that-opens-1710108565

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Building Tips • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

When Should I Consider Building a New Garage?

Blue Sky Builders garage rebuild project expertsDepending on the current state of your garage and your family’s overall needs, you might be thinking of renovating your garage or even a complete garage rebuild. Before beginning a garage construction project, you will want to consider your goals for your home and the options available to you. Although building a new garage may seem overwhelming, a trained professional can walk you through the process and help create a plan that will meet your needs. If you are in the market for a new garage, you will want to do the following: Read more

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

Is a Detached Garage Right for Your Home?

Blue Sky Builders detached garage benefitsIf you are a soon-to-be or current homeowner, you may need to make decisions about how you will use your garage or whether you will need to make any renovations. Depending on your personal preferences and your family’s needs, you may need to determine the style of garage that you plan to have on your property. While some people may choose to have a garage attached to their home, others may make their garage a free-standing structure. Before embarking on a garage construction project, it is important to discuss your plans and goals with a trained professional.  Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Construction • Renavation • • • • • 0 Comments

3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Renovating Your Garage

Blue Sky Builders garage renovation preparationAs a homeowner, you might be considering a garage renovation project that will allow you to increase your overall space, customize a specific area, or upgrade a part of the structure. However, before embarking on this type of project, you will want to be sure to understand how much work will be needed. Depending on the extent of the renovations, the overall process could be longer and more in-depth than what you originally anticipated. While it is always advised to get the opinion of a qualified contractor before undertaking a construction project, you can begin preparing for a renovation by considering the following: Read more

By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • Construction • Garages • Renavation • • • • • • 0 Comments

How Can a Garage Construction Project Benefit My Home?

Blue Sky Builders custom garage benefitsThe everyday garage is often overlooked and underutilized, and it is typically viewed as a cold, uninhabited storage location for vehicles and appliances. Depending on your needs and preferences, a garage renovation project could provide significant benefits for your home. There are many options available that can help fulfill your specific needs, ranging from a size increase to an interior makeover. In the current housing market, a custom garage may be the perfect option if you are looking to make a change and increase the value of your home. A new garage can offer many positive changes, including: Read more

By Christine Miller Uncategorized • • • • • • 0 Comments

What Are the Benefits of a Custom Garage?

Blue Sky Builders custom garagesA garage is a structure utilized by homeowners to park vehicles, store miscellaneous items, or for a variety of other purposes. Whether your garage is a standalone unit or attached to your house, this extra room can significantly increase the value of your property. Garages are functional year-round and provide homeowners with many advantages throughout each season. In addition, many improvements or upgrades can be made to make sure your garage fits your specific needs. If you are looking to build, customize, or renovate your garage, you should speak to our garage experts today. 

Room for Your Car

Most commonly, garages are used for storing parked cars. Since a vehicle is a significant investment, it makes sense that you will want to protect your property. Using a garage as a place to park your automobile provides many advantages, such as:

  • Adding an extra level of security against theft or vandalism.
  • Protecting your vehicle from inclement weather conditions.
  • Increasing your comfort and convenience.
  • Decreasing clutter in your driveway.

A new or expanded garage can allow you to park multiple vehicles, and it may include room for appliances, tools, or other items. If additional storage is required, adding a loft to your garage may allow you to utilize ceiling space without getting in the way of a parked car.
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By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How Can a Garage Renovation Help With Winter Tool Storage?

Blue Sky Builders garage tool storageAs the weather starts to get colder and colder in the Chicago area, homeowners are beginning to pack up their summertime equipment. Lawn and gardening appliances are swapping places with shovels, salt, and snow blowers. As you are moving these items around, you may notice that your garage is in need of proper tool storage. Before attempting to cram items unsafely into the space you have or allowing frustration to set in, you may want to consult a garage building professional to determine whether you can add some new storage solutions. A garage renovation may allow you safely store tools and appliances and make the best use of your space.  

Prepare Your Walls and Ceilings

Since tools can be rather expensive, you will want to take extra precautions to ensure that they will last a long time. To avoid external damage, tool racks and wall brackets can be installed. Bigger items such as shovels, weed whackers, chain saws, and lawnmowers can hang from the rafters or be placed on the walls. In addition, smaller tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches can be organized on a mounted tool wall.

Considering the bitter cold that comes with an Illinois winter, your garage’s temperature may need to be addressed. Wet weather and poor air conditions can cause damage to power tools and lead to rust forming on metal appliances. Although a portable heating device can be purchased, it is not safe to leave one constantly running in your garage. Adding insulation to your garage walls, door, and ceiling can help maintain the proper temperature.     
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By Christine Miller Blue Sky Builders • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Can I Remodel My Garage During the Winter?

Blue Sky Builders winter garage renovationIf you are looking to improve or redevelop your garage, it is important to consider what time of year the project should begin. Although winter may seem like a less than ideal time to start a garage makeover, completing renovations during the colder season will ensure that the finished product will be ready when the warmer months roll around. If you want to enjoy your garage when the weather is nice, a winter remodel may be ideal for you. Before jumping into a garage renovation, it is important to discuss your wants and needs with an experienced garage building expert.    

Why Are Colder Months Good for Renovation?

Depending on what type of remodel you are looking to do, the colder temperature of wintertime can make construction easier. If the ground is frozen, and the air is dry, it will be more ideal to dig a foundation. In addition, it is practical to avoid a muddy ground if you are pouring concrete. One final thought to consider if you start a project in the winter months is that you can avoid the unpredictable weather of the spring and summer months. 

Benefits of a Wintertime Renovation

Garages are often used more frequently in the spring and summer than during the months of November through February. When the weather gets frightful, many people like to stay inside their home rather than utilize tools or other equipment that may be stored in a garage. If your renovation project is completed out of season, your garage can be the ideal summertime location for:
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