Garage Versus Carport: Which Structure Is Right for Your Home?

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If you compare garages to carports, there are noticeable differences. One is open; the other enclosed. One has a locking door; the other is less secure. One has a higher price tag; the other is budget-friendly. Both are a better option than having nothing at all to protect your belongings. Choosing which structure is right for your family depends on the purpose of the structure. Let us take a look at a few of the most noticeable features:

Option 1: Carport

A carport is a structure which offers limited protection to vehicles parked underneath. Typically, carports are open on at least two sides but provide shelter to vehicles from rain, snow, and extreme heat. A carport is also useful as a permanent canopy for entertaining visitors outside of the home. Due to the openness of the structure, homeowners need not worry about garage door openers or their associated hazards. However, carports fail to protect from potential thieves or vandals and risk catastrophic damage in high winds.

Option 2: Garage

A garage is a permanent, enclosed structure that can either be attached or adjacent to your home. Garages provide some of the same protection as carports; however, they also protect against hail, high winds, and harsher weather conditions due to the permanency of the building and the durability of the roof. The building does not need to only house a vehicle, but can also accommodate valuable items — such as expensive tools and equipment — due to the security of the locking door.

A garage also offers additional versatility by adding useful square footage to your home that also increases the market value of the house. Depending on your needs, your garage can become a:

  • Man cave
  • Yoga studio
  • Spare bedroom
  • Storage unit
  • Home office
  • Gym
  • Recreation center
  • Entertainment space

Design Your Garage

Another alluring benefit of a garage is the ability to design it to match your home and suit your needs. Imagine having a permanent structure that matches or complements your home, from rooftop to foundation. Homeowners can choose to have multiple stories, various garage doors, and windows for ventilation. The possibilities are endless.

Chicago families have relied on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. for nearly four decades to help them design the garages that will suit their needs. Let us create your dream garage. Contact our office today at 630-852-8485 to discover what we can do for you and your family. Please visit our gallery to view some of our previous projects.

Tips For Keeping Your Garage Dry During the Rainy Season

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Although we see steady rainfall throughout the year, the residents of the Chicago area typically receive more precipitation in August and September than the other months of the year. Aside from the inconvenience of muddy shoes and wet hair, rain can wreak havoc on a home. Rain damage costs homeowners across the United States millions of dollars each year.

The garage is often a prime target for water entry. Moisture from umbrellas, shoes, and cars lingers in the garage, along with any rain pouring in while the garage door is open. Keep your investments dry and your family safe with these helpful tips:

Seal Exterior Cracks

Buildings are subject to various stressors, ranging from the wear and tear of the elements to the settling of a foundation. These stressors can eventually damage the exterior of your home. Although seemingly minor, even hairline cracks allow for water seepage, which can not only make the gaps more substantial, but can also let moisture into the garage. Once water accumulates inside, toxic mold may begin to form, endangering the health of everyone in the home.

Keep Water Outside

Families parking in their garage bring the moisture gathered from rain or snow into to the home. Although this seems trivial, moisture and condensation in the air can rust objects in the garage, such as tools and appliances. One way to avoid water damage is to dry off your vehicle after parking. This easy adjustment can save you thousands of dollars in the future. Another good investment is a dehumidifier, which will help remove any excess moisture from your garage.

Insulate Windows

Your window is on a frame placed into the wall of your home. Over time, the seals surrounding these windows can break down, leaving cracks which allow water to come inside. While cleaning these windows, check that all of the seals create a watertight barrier.

Replace Weather Stripping

The weather strip at the bottom of the garage door prevents the entry of any bugs, precipitation, or water from overambitious sprinklers while the garage door is closed. This rubber seal eventually deteriorates, reducing its functionality. Check and replace this strip periodically.

If you have a new weather strip and still have water concerns or can see light streaming under the garage door, there may be a more significant concern. The door may be misaligned, the operational mechanisms may need replacing, or the door itself may have damage.

Contact Our Garage Experts

If you need to make repairs to your garage due to weather damage, or if you need to repair or replace your garage door, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help. For over 39 years, we have assisted families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs with their garage projects, and we have a reputation for providing reliable and honest service. Contact us online or by calling 630-852-8485. Please visit our gallery to explore some of our past projects.

Get the Most Out of Your Garage With These Home Renovation Trends

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The newest trend in home design is to make the garage a functional and inviting space to add value to the home. The days of the garage being nothing more than the attached storage unit for the home are long gone. Garage renovations currently rank among the top three areas where homeowners recuperate the most money with the right buyer. Increase the value and functionality of your home with these garage trends:

Organization Is King

If your garage is currently a collection area for tools, sports equipment, and seasonal decorations, there will likely be a transition period as you work to make it more useful. First, spend a weekend decluttering and getting rid of the items that you do not need. Next, spend some time planning organization. Trends currently working for many homeowners include:

  • Pegboard walls
  • Slatwall systems
  • Custom cabinets
  • Color coordinated storage bins
  • Utility carts for rolling storage
  • Designated areas

Use Floor Space for Entertaining or Work

Once storage is secure, you are free to utilize the rest of the space for something other than parking your vehicles. Here are a few creative ideas:

  • A “man cave” themed around sports
  • A functional, working office
  • A game room for video games or board games
  • A home gym that includes weights and other workout equipment

Move the Mudroom

If you are tired of muddy shoes and coats creating extra clean-up time, you likely have considered adding in a mud room. If you did not have the space inside your house, the garage might be the perfect location for storing your outerwear. Garages are often intended to be dirty, making them easier to clean up. Add in coat and shoe storage with some seating, and you have a designated location to store your muddy items outside of the central living area.

Make it Technologically Friendly

Your car, home, and office are becoming more technologically advanced; why not your garage as well? Consider upgrading your garage door opener to a model that can connect to your existing wifi signal in your house, enabling you to see when the door opens and closes, as well as access it remotely to make sure it is not accidentally left open.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

If you spend any time in your garage, you will quickly understand that the temperature fluctuates wildly with the weather outside. Adding insulation to your garage door can reduce this fluctuation by up to 30 degrees, making the area a more livable space. Other door upgrades include:

  • Steel doors
  • A bright color scheme
  • Weather resistant paint
  • Window additions

Contact Our Garage Experts

We hope these tips gave you some useful ideas on how to make better use of your garage space. If you need a garage overhaul, consider calling the garage professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. We have 39 years of experience building custom garages for local families. Let us help you make the most of your investment in your home. Contact us today at 630-852-8485 to find out how we can help you. Feel free to check out our gallery for inspiration.

Choosing Between Garage Expansion and Reorganization

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Are you losing the battle for the necessary space in your garage? You are not alone. Recently, in a survey of more than 1,000 participants, more than half admitted this area is by far the most disorganized space in their home, leaving many of them yearning for added room.

Multiple factors go into deciding whether you want to add square footage to your garage. The option requires a reasonable amount of time, patience, and planning, but has the potential to increase the overall value and enjoyability of your home. However, a reorganization solution eliminates any potential pitfalls associated with an expansion, such as pricing, complicated logistics, reduction of yard space, and noise complaints. Consider the following factors when determining if a garage expansion is an ideal choice for your family:

Increasing Property Value Versus the Cost of the Project

If cost is the main objection preventing you from a garage expansion, consider the added value to your home. In studies across the country, households with a garage consistently sell faster than their garageless counterparts, even in slow housing markets. Additionally, buyers typically choose a house with a bigger garage, if all other factors remain comparable.

Perhaps the future salability of your home is not a high consideration for you, and you only need the space to be more suitable for your current situation. A simple and relatively inexpensive reorganization may serve the right purpose. Useful organizational tools include:

  • Overhead storage
  • Car lift
  • Cabinetry

Every Penny Counts

More goes into the cost of a garage expansion than one might initially suspect. Garage renovations become as extravagant or minimal as you would like, which creates a dramatic price difference. The most influential factors in the expense include:

  • Permit prices
  • Labor rates
  • Cost of Materials
  • Additional features, such as plumbing or electrical

Do Not Attempt to Save Money By Doing it Yourself

The garage is a multi-purpose area. Sometimes, you need more space than a reorganization or decluttering project would offer. If expansion is the right option for you, do yourself a favor and do not attempt to do it yourself. According to Zillow.com, 40% of homeowners wind up regretting choosing to do a do-it-yourself project for their home. Especially in a garage renovation, inexperienced DIYers risk severe injuries, or worse. Additionally, without proper training and permits, there is an increased risk that the new structure or alterations will cost more in the future if they need to be modified or removed to comply with zoning laws.

Contact Our Experienced Chicagoland Garage Builders

At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our garage design experts have the necessary training and experience to not only make your dreams a reality, but we can also help brainstorm functional solutions that you may not have considered. If you are weighing your options between reorganization and garage expansion, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help. We have over 39 years of experience creating ideal results for unique garage needs. Please contact us at 630-852-8485. To check out our work, please visit our gallery.

Why Are Garage Gutters So Important?

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The family home is often one of the largest investments families make, commonly taking thirty years to repay the mortgage. While you perform preventative maintenance on your home to protect your investment, do not neglect to apply these same measures to your garage, as it is a considerable portion of the whole investment and endures as much usage and element exposure as the remainder of the home.

Homeowners commonly install gutters for the convenience they provide. Aside from allowing your family a dry route to the front door in a rainstorm, gutters perform many home-saving functions, including:

Mold Prevention

With each rainfall, water drenches your home, potentially wreaking havoc on your house and garage. Regardless of your home’s construction, the exterior is susceptible to unsightly and hazardous damage. With the addition of water, minor imperfections caused by settling and time become breeding grounds for mold, bacteria, and other health hazards. Even the tight seal at the bottom of your garage door can become an entrance for unwanted water. Gutters guide water away from your home and your garage, lessening its damaging effects.

Landscaping Preservation

If you take the time, effort, and money to improve the landscaping of your home, you will find that gutters will are the best way to keep the area around your house fresh and appealing. A garage and house without gutters allow the water to run off the roof directly onto whatever lies below (i.e., your freshly-planted garden). Preserve your work and prevent erosion by redirecting water to other useful areas. Consider collecting the rainwater from the gutters into a collection container and using it to gently water those plants instead.

Maintain Your Foundation

When water continually falls off of the roof into the same location, your home acquires what is known as a “trench line.” A trench line around the house worsens over time, pushing soil away from the garage and home and eventually seeping into the foundation of the structure. Water infiltration eats away at the foundation, weakening it, which ultimately will lead to expensive garage repairs. Gutters lessen the effects of this settling, preventing potentially catastrophic cracking in both the garage and the driveway.

Contact a Garage Specialist

It is important to take preventative measures to maintain your home, including your garage. Whether you use your garage as added storage or as an additional room, it is a significant portion of your investment that should be protected along with the central living area. If you need to repair or replace your garage’s gutters, or if you are interested in making other improvements, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. offers free garage estimates upon request. Contact us or call us at 630-852-8485. To see the types of garages we have built, please view our garage gallery.

The Surprising Benefits of a Two-Story Garage

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Garages have transformed throughout history from housing for horses and carriages to a structure to keep luxury investments out of the elements and secured. Presently, garages can be whatever a homeowner prefers. Sometimes, this preference changes throughout one’s ownership of a home. While some families choose to store their vehicles inside their garage, others use their garage space for convenient storage units, home gyms, man caves, and even as additional living space. Consider the possibilities of doubling that potential square footage. How could your family benefit from such an investment?

Imagine the Possibilities

Whether you are considering installing a new structure or increasing the capacity of an existing building, your family will benefit in a variety of ways by having a two-story garage. Imagine your home investment with an architecturally matching miniature version of the larger main home. The vision of a matching pair of structures creates a dominating and an attractive presence which adds to your home’s resale value. A garage is often in the top five priorities potential home buyers consider when making a purchase decision. To top it off, the curb appeal of a two-story garage unit is unparalleled.

While the increase to your home’s value provided by a two-story garage will impact your family in the long-term, you can immediately enjoy the functionality of the additional space. Uses of the second floor include:

  • Extra storage
  • Increased livable square footage
  • Added height for items such as a car lift

Building Up Versus Building Out

Chicago and its surrounding cities are densely populated, giving each home minimal opportunity for single-level additions without sacrificing essential yard space or encroaching on the neighbors’ property. Where zoning complications are a concern, building additions to the top of your home may be a viable solution. Although your contractor may need to make alterations to the foundation and lower level of the house to compensate for the added weight of the structure, the adjustments do not take away from the backyard entertainment space.

Hire an Experienced Garage Professional

Many homeowners have real construction abilities; however, we do not recommend testing them out on investments as substantial as a new garage. Our garage professionals will examine your existing structure to assess the feasibility of an addition. Additionally, our experienced builders will verify that your dream garage adheres to zoning laws. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has more than 39 years of experience building custom garages in Chicago and the surrounding areas. We take pride in our reputation for reliable and outstanding service. To find out how we can help you build your dream garage or make your existing garage better suited to your needs, call us today at 630-852-8485 or contact us online. Please visit our gallery to see some of our past garage projects.

Creating the Ultimate Garage Man Cave in Time for Football Season

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Football season is nearly upon us, and many of us are left unprepared. Our jerseys are cleaned and pressed, and we may have the schedule prepared, but what about the space to watch the games? If you are looking for the ultimate man cave to enjoy every week of the season, look no further than your very own garage. Frequently, people overlook this area as little more than a storage unit attached to their home; however, it gives you the perfect canvas that allows for the freedom of expression you desire. Whether you need a space to host a rowdy crowd or merely a quiet area to get away, your garage can be a perfect man cave. Here are some tips and tricks for making a space that is uniquely yours:

Start With a Blank Canvas

It is hard to get creative with a cluttered garage. Take a weekend to sort through the mess. Discard any unnecessary items. Consider selling items on eBay or in a garage sale to raise funds for redecorating your new space. Anything that remains should have a specific location in a cabinet, on a shelf, or otherwise out of the way.

Visualize Your Space

What do you want your man cave to become? Will it primarily be a hangout spot for poker games and football parties, or will it be more of an office and relaxation location? Visualize a realistic look for your area while also taking into consideration the available space.

Insulation Matters

If you are going to spend any amount of time in your space, you do not want it to be too hot or too cold. If the temperature is not right, you will limit the usage of your man cave to fair-weather days. Soon, your space will become used as a storage shed once more. Take the time to insulate the floors, walls, ceiling, and garage door to maintain a comfortable climate.

Use What You Have

Do you have a pool table, a jukebox, or a television that you enjoy? Use it as your inspiration and focal point for the room.

Personalize the Space

Now that you have your blank space prepared, paint the walls in an inviting tone and coat the floor in an easy-to-clean material. Add in sofas and chairs for ample comfort. Consider incorporating a bar area with a fridge to reduce trips in and out of the main home. Finally, add in the details such as decorative lighting, signage, and memorabilia.

Contact Our Custom Garage Experts

If you would like to use your garage space as a man cave but do not have the square footage or the storage solutions to make it happen, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can design a garage to bring your vision to life. We have over 39 years of experience building ideal garage and providing unique storage solutions in Chicago and DuPage County. Contact us today or call 630-852-8485 to find out how we can help you get the most use out of your space.

Preparing for Winter: Tips for Keeping Wildlife Out of Your Garage

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As we near the end of summer, it is the perfect time to begin considering winter preparations. Some animals look for places to hibernate in the winter, especially in climates that drop to freezing temperatures. Other critters are simply looking for a respite from the cold, as well as a constant food supply. A garage can be an enticing option that offers animals shelter from the elements and potential dangers, and occasionally food and water sources as well. Snakes, raccoons, squirrels, and other unwelcome wildlife may find their way into your garage if you are unprepared, potentially having a negative effect on the investment you have made in your home.

Keeping Raccoons Away

Raccoons do not hibernate, although their body functions do slow, and they become less active during the winter. Raccoons take naps that can last up to several weeks. However, their state of torpor breaks periodically, and the critters leave their den in search of food. It is common to find raccoons in attics, garages, pools, and garbage cans. Although they may appear cute, it is ill-advised to feed them, as they can carry a wide variety of diseases and often cause severe damage to homes.

Raccoons are notorious for leaving droppings, chewing wires and insulation, and ruining home structures. Keep trees trimmed and away from your house, because raccoons like to stay close to their typical home environment when creating a new den. Check your garage for signs of ripping or tearing, especially in places where the eaves meet up with the roof of your home. Also, watch for entry through soffit vents, gable vents, and other roof vents. Raccoons are strong enough to rip through shingles and siding if they want in badly enough. Remove food and water sources by keeping pet food in sealed containers or inside your home, and be sure to secure trash can lids firmly.

Deterring Squirrels

Squirrels do not hibernate either, but they do slow down during extreme cold. The main agenda of the squirrel is to find food for today and to store it for later, regardless of what stands in their way, including your garage. Make your home less tempting by removing the food incentive. If you have fruit or nut trees in your yard, clean up any fruits that have dropped on the ground. Keep all food inside your garage in an airtight container to reduce scented attractants. Deter these pests by sprinkling entryways with strongly scented spices, such as cayenne pepper or chili powder. Squirrels also avoid the scent of peppermint, so diffusing peppermint essential oils can reduce their interest as well.

Preventing Snake Entry

Snakes do hibernate in the winter due to their cold-blooded nature. These reptiles particularly enjoy cool, damp, and protected places, so your garage or the walls of your house make an ideal home. Snakes are attracted to water, so if you have a pool, live near a lake or stream, or water your lawn often, snakes will find your home even more inviting. Reducing the number of times you water may help keep the snake population from residing in your vicinity. Other tactics include reducing the food supply, repairing any holes or openings where snakes may enter your garage, and keeping your garage clutter-free to reduce the number of hiding spots.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

We hope these tips and tricks help you keep wildlife out of your garage. If you are looking to improve your garage, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. offers free garage estimates upon request. We have 39 years of experience assisting clients in and around Chicago and DuPage County. Contact us online or call us at 630-852-8485. To see some examples of the garages we have built, please view our garage gallery.

How Professional Floor Coating Can Enhance Your Garage

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If you have ever attempted to complete a project in a garage on the standard garage flooring, you understand what a nightmare it can be. Between oil stains, paint spills, and cracks, your flooring quickly becomes a visual nightmare. One way to protect your custom garage investment is to upgrade the traditional concrete slab to a stylish and durable coated garage floor. If this is a feature you think you could benefit from, you are probably right, and here is why:

Give Your Garage a Facelift

Most garage floors have the same appearance: a piece of concrete slab covered in mystery stains and cracks. Your garage investment should stand out just like the rest of your house. Although you could always stain or paint the existing floor, these options do not always last as long as we would like, and cracks will still show. Consider applying a polyaspartic coating to give your garage a shine not found in most houses. This option comes in a variety of colors, enabling you to discover the best palette to match not only the rest of your home, but also the colors of your garage door, panels, and cabinetry.

Avoid Hot Tire Pickup

Most Americans today prefer to complete a job themselves to save the cost of labor. Although this is noble and cost-effective in the short-term, ultimately it saves you money in the long-run to hire a professional. Pros know how to prepare the floor to give it a smooth, clean, and professional look not found in most DIY flooring projects. Additionally, the durability found in the at-home project kits do not match the quality of a professional job.

Typically, two to five years later, DIY floors need touch-ups, repairs, or a refinish. Even with an epoxy flooring option, homeowners experience what is known as “hot tire pickup.” Vehicle tires become extremely hot when traveling at high speeds on the road, which causes them to expand slightly. When you park your car in the garage, the tires then begin to cool and contract once more. However, this reaction can cause the flooring to pull up, effectively ruining the look of a freshly painted or epoxied floor.

Easy Care and Maintenance

Professional floor coatings not only last longer, but they are much easier to maintain. The protective layer also waterproofs the floor and is chemical resistant, thereby making spills from items such as oil or paint easier to clean up. Cleaning the entire floor is also a breeze. Just sweep the floor of loose debris and hose the floor off, then use a squeegee to remove any excess water or soil.

Ask How We Can Help

At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we specialize in creating custom garages to suit your needs. From the roofing to the floor and everything in between, we have Chicago and its surrounding areas covered. For nearly four decades, we have helped families create, maintain, and repair their ideal garages. Ask us how we can help you today by calling 630-852-8485 or contacting us online. If you are in need of a little inspiration, please feel free to check out our garage gallery of some of our past projects.

Signs That Your Garage Door Needs Attention or Replacement

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Garage doors tend to fall pretty low on the list of home repairs for most homeowners. However, as the largest and perhaps most used entrance to your domicile, it is essential that your garage door is safe as well as functional. Additionally, the garage door makes up a significant amount of your home’s curbside view, making its appearance a contributing factor to your home’s overall market value. The timelines for maintenance, repair, and replacement vary considerably depending on the amount of use a garage door endures, and factors such as severe weather, damage, and a variety of other elements can also affect the need for replacement. Here are a few tips to help you know when it is time to replace your door:

Broken Pieces

Splintered wood and bent metal are clear visual cues that your garage door needs attention. Occasionally, individual sections are replaceable in newer models. For obsolete models and doors with extensive damage, replacing the whole door becomes necessary to protect your home against unwanted intruders, such as insects, rodents, or even criminals. Other signs to look for include:

  • Loose, crooked, or missing panels
  • Rotten wood
  • Malfunctioning hinges
  • A door that sits unevenly with the floor

Noise Complaints

A properly functioning door should open and close reliably and quietly. If your door becomes more difficult to open or is noisier than usual when opening and closing, repair or maintenance may be in order. Noisy doors can signify:

  • Rusty rollers
  • Broken springs or cables
  • Loose hinges
  • Uneven door tension
  • Worn shaft bearings

Your Home Needs an Update

They say that everything comes back in style again. Although the vintage look has returned for many other items, the garage door is typically not one of them. Outdated garage doors not only reduce curb appeal by presenting an appearance of potential neglect, but they can also malfunction frequently and put your family and possessions at unnecessary risk. New garage doors provide an instant facelift for your home. New entries also have additional safety mechanisms which add an extra layer of protection for your family and your possessions.

How We Can Help

Knowing when to repair or replace your door is tricky. If you notice any of these signs, or if you do not know the last time maintenance was performed on your garage door, it is a good idea to have your door inspected to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can design a garage door that suits your needs. We also perform installations, maintenance, repairs, and other service work for your garage door, opener, and other aspects of your garage. Contact us at 630-852-8485 to have your garage questions answered today. Many of our past projects are available to look at in our gallery.

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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 the counties of DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane, and Lake County. View our garages in 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.

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