Are you considering a summer garage sale? Late summer is a great time to clean house and sell off any unused or unwanted items and earn some extra cash. Many people are out and about enjoying the sunshine, meaning you have a prime market of potential shoppers. Additionally, if you have children, hosting a late summer garage will help you purge any unwanted items like old clothes and sporting gear, all while allowing you to take inventory of what you have for the coming year. Follow our tips below to make the most out of your summertime garage sale.

Advertise

Garage sales do not require a ton of marketing, but a little advance notice will help draw in a larger crowd. Start by placing signs around your neighborhood. Depending on the size of your community, simple signs may be enough. If you do not have many neighbors nearby, consider putting an ad in a local newspaper or on an online community calendar. Do not forget to include the dates and times of your event, as well as a general overview of the types of items you will be selling. Consider drawing arrows on some of your signs to direct shoppers to your event.

Find Some Help

A busy garage sale can be hard to handle alone, so it is best to find help ahead of time. Try asking any neighbors to attend the sale – let them sell their unwanted items as well, and just ask that they help you manage the event. Children are also great salespeople, and you can entice them with a little share of the profit.

Presentation Matters

If you want your garage sale to stand out against all the others this summer, you have to put some thought into presentation. Shoppers should be able to easily browse through all your goods. A box with crumpled clothes, for example, is unapproachable and will likely get passed over. Instead, consider hanging, stacking, or otherwise displaying your items in a way that makes them easy to shop through. Lots of books? Consider a couple of bookshelves.

Also remember to place your bigger, more popular items up front, so they are the first things your customers notice. Many people drive by garage sales first to decide if they should stop or not. Catch their eye with your best items up front.

Create a Vibe

Think about the ambiance of your sale. Will your shoppers be digging through boxes in the heat? That is no fun. Consider playing music and creating a fun vibe. Maybe offer food or drinks – who can say no to a cold cup of lemonade on a hot summer day? If you are hosting the sale into the evening, string up some lights to illuminate your sale as it gets darker out.

Avoid Overpricing

We are all attached to our own possessions. We may consider an item valuable simply because we are emotionally attached to it. Remember that your shoppers are just seeing your items for the first time. Your child’s old stuffed animal may bring up many memories for you, but a stranger will only see a beat up old toy. A general rule of thumb is to price all of your items at one-half or one-third of their original price. Yes, the goal is to make money, but you do not want to overprice your items and scare away customers.

Help from Garage Specialists

After you host your successful garage sale, consider using a bit of that extra cash to show some love to your garage. If you need repairs, upgrades, or remodels done, the team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is here to help. We are passionate about all things garage related and have been building quality garages in Illinois for over 30 years. Call 630-852-8485 or visit Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online to learn more.

A flooded garage can be a major problem. While everyone uses their garage for different purposes, it is safe to say that most people would be sad to see the things stored in the garage damaged by invasive water. Furthermore, flooding can damage the entire structure of your garage. The heavier the flooding, the more serious the damage can become. Your garage walls and flooring can easily be damaged by water, and extensive flooding can even break or damage your garage door. Many homeowners believe that they do not need to worry about flooding because they do not live in an area with a major risk of flooding, but water can easily make its way into any garage in any location. Therefore, it is important that all garage owners take extra care to ensure their garage is protected from flooding. Below, check out a few ways to flood proof your garage, and a step by step guide for cleaning up an already flooded garage.

Flood Prevention

If you are hoping to protect your garage from flood damage, start by inspecting the space. Pull everything out of your garage so you have a full view of the floor, the walls, the ceiling, and your garage door. Removing everything you have in your garage may seem a bit extensive, but the alternative could be overlooking a leak that could lead to major damage. Look for cracks in the flooring and walls that water could run through. Seal anything you think looks risky. Fix any holes in your roofing as well to ensure water is not dripping down from above. Most repairs should be fairly easy, but a contractor may be needed if extensive repairs are necessary.

Once you have inspected the flooring, check out your garage door. Garage doors are the most common point of entry for water, so be sure your door does not have any cracks or holes. Additionally, inspect the rubber strip at the bottom of your garage door and make sure it is sealing tightly with the floor when closed. If the rubber strip is damaged, make any needed repairs or consult a garage specialist. Those living in areas with high flood risk may want to consider additional sealing to ensure their garage door is keeping water out. Some older garage doors may be too far past their prime to offer protection from water. If you have an older garage door, it may be time for an upgrade to ensure you garage’s structure and contents remain safe.

Finally, inspect your gutter and garage drainage systems. Gutters help divert water away from your garage, but they can get clogged easily with fallen leaves and debris. If you are having water troubles, check your gutters to make sure they are working efficiently and effectively.

Flood Clean Up

If flooding has already occurred, it is important to tackle the issue as soon as possible. The longer water sits in your garage, the higher the chance of damage. First, look for and address any damage. Pay attention to any electrical components which can be easily damaged in flooding. Take pictures and make a list of any damage you find, so you can report that to your insurance agent. Make sure that all of the water is removed from your garage first, then remove any damaged items. Once everything has dried, disinfect anywhere that got wet with household bleach. This will prevent mildew and mold from popping up in your garage. When you are home, leave the garage doors and windows open for as long as you can to help the space dry out. Any major structural damage you find will need to be addressed by a qualified garage specialist.

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Can Help

Garage troubles? The team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has got you covered. Whether you need tips and advice from our garage specialists or hands on help with a project, we are ready to serve you. Call 630-852-8485 today or visit Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online to learn more about the variety of garage services we offer.

Have you noticed excess moisture and humidity in your garage? People often face humidity problems in their bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, but garages are also easily susceptible to invasive water and the troubles it can bring with it. Excess humidity and condensation can damage your garage’s structure, its flooring and finishes, and can potentially harm anything stored within your garage as well. The moisture and heat stored in your garage can potentially seep into your home, causing increased temperatures and humidity within your house.

Moisture problems can also lead to mildew and mold, putting your family’s health in jeopardy. Additionally, wet areas are ideal for dust mites, tiny creatures who multiply in humid areas and are a common cause of allergies. While garages are easily susceptible to water, there are fortunately many different methods of removing any excess condensation and humidity you notice in your garage. Below, we list some of the most commonly used ways you can reduce excess moisture from your garage.

Focus on Ventilation

Increasing ventilation is one of the best ways to reduce moisture and humidity in your garage, and it is also one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods. Start by keeping your garage doors and windows open whenever you can. This will help allow moisture trapped in the space to leave whenever possible. If your garage has exhaust fans, keep those running whenever possible as well. If extra air circulation is needed, consider bringing in a portable fan to blow some of that excess moisture outside.

Remember to keep the floors of your garage clear to allow for good airflow, and utilize storage options like shelves and hanging racks to keep the air circulating. If opening your garage doors and windows is too much of a hassle, even keeping the blinds open and allowing sunlight into the space can help evaporate excess condensation.

Check Your Drainage

Check out your garage and make sure that all of your drains and gutters are working properly. Floor drains should remain unobstructed so they can move water out of your garage as quickly as possible. Make sure your rain gutters are working properly, and check for any leaks from your roof, walls, or under your garage door. Plugging any leaks you find will help keep excess moisture out of your garage.

Use an Air Conditioner or Dehumidifier

If you have an air conditioning unit in your garage, turning it on can help either evaporate or remove any excess moisture you may be dealing with. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider using a dehumidifier. A household one will do the trick, just make sure it is capable of handling a space the size of your garage. Be sure to empty the water it collects to keep the dehumidifier working its best.

Use a Floor Coating

Applying a garage floor coating to your flooring can help significantly cut condensation levels within your garage. If moisture on the floor of your garage is a problem, consider using a coating made for a wet environment.

Wipe Off Your Vehicle

Humidity and condensation are easily created when you pull a wet or snowy car into your garage. To avoid bringing in this extra moisture, pull up right outside of your garage and wipe off any rain, snow, or ice you find.

We are Here to Help

The knowledgeable garage specialists at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. are here to help with whatever your next garage project may be. Call 630-852-8485 or visit Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online to learn more today.

At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we pride ourselves on delivering high quality work and service on every project. Our knowledge of construction and use of quality building materials means that with just a little upkeep, your garage will be fully functional, safe, and efficient for years to come. That said, accidents do happen. The garage is one of the most common sites for household accidents. From slips to burns to crushed fingers, garages can be hot spots for accidents and injuries. It is important that garage owners are aware of the many potential accidents that could occur in their garage, and that preventative measures are taken to ensure safety for everyone. For this week’s blog, we are taking a look at a few common garage accidents and the steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

Accidents within the Garage

It is no surprise that accidents happen often in garages. In addition to vehicle storage, most people use their garages to store items like sharp tools, chemical products, and household clutter. To keep your garage from becoming dangerous, be aware of these common accidents within the garage:

Slips – The floor underneath where you park your vehicle can easily become slippery, thanks to slippery substances like vehicle grease or ice melt that can drip down from your car. To avoid slips and falls, routinely hose down your garage flooring. Use soap to help remove any tough to clean substances. Remind everyone who uses the garage to avoid running or moving too quickly.

Fires – Garages are great for storage. Items like wood, paint, paper, and oils, as well as other flammable materials are all potential fire hazards. To keep your garage at its safest, seek out another, safer storage location for flammable materials. If the garage is the only place you have to store these items, be sure nobody smokes within the garage. Even a tiny spark can lead to a major fire.

Bumps, Cuts, and Bruises – Keeping your garage free from excess clutter can help prevent accidents. Imagine tripping over a box of junk and falling face first onto the tip of a shovel. To keep your garage at its safest, keep dangerous tools out of reach, and ensure your garage is easily navigable without a risk of tripping or falling.

Poisoning – Poisonous substances like car fluids and pesticides should all be kept on high shelves and out of reach, especially if children are around. If ingested, these solutions can cause major health problems and potential death.

Garage Door Accidents

Garage door accidents do happen, and it is important to regularly inspect your garage to ensure it is functioning safely. The most common garage door accident is a trapped finger under a closing door or in between a door panel, followed by a trapped body under a closing door. It is important to not only inspect your garage door, but to also teach your children and other family members about the dangers of automatic garage doors. Even garage doors with safety features can still malfunction.

Accidents with garage doors and vehicles are also common. All too often garage owners hit their door with their car, or swipe the side of their garage as they are pulling in and out. To avoid hitting your door, ensure you wait until the door is fully lifted before pulling in. If pulling in at night is causing problems, consider installing some automatic lighting that will help illuminate the space as you pull your car in. For trouble with backing out or hitting the side of your garage, various mirrors are available which can help drivers to see better while operating their vehicle.

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Can Help

The specialized team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is here to help when you need us. A safe garage is one that is updated, inspected, and cleaned often. We can answer all of your garage safety questions, and offer a variety of other garage related services to fit your needs. Call 630-852-8485 to get started, or visit Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online to learn more today.

Are you ready for a new garage? At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we have years of experience helping Illinois residents build the garage of their dreams. Our team of garage specialists offers garages in a variety of sizes and designs depending on your needs, and we offer a wide variety of custom garage features to help you build the perfect garage for your property. This week we are filling you in on three of our very popular garage features – aluminum trim, specialty siding, and gutters. Custom garage features like these can improve the aesthetic and functionality of your garage.

Specialty Siding

Our customers are constantly looking for ways to improve the look and durability of their garage. In response, we offer a wide variety of siding options, from common choices like lap siding and metal, to specialty choices like vinyl fish scale siding and cedar shakes. Both cedar shake and vinyl fish scale siding can be used as accents in addition to your primary garage siding, or they can be installed as the primary siding of your garage.

Cedar shakes can add charm and character to your garage, and with cedar shakes available in fake wood that looks truly authentic, they avoid the potential of rotting and requiring maintenance. Cedar shake siding is also easy to install and typically comes pre-primed, ready to paint, and easily maintained.

Vinyl fish scale siding is another great choice. Vinyl fish scale siding comes in a variety of colors, is easy to install, and its subtle dimension and soft curves add an attractive touch to the architectural style of your garage. Both of these specialty siding options can be a nice addition to your garage, either as your structure’s primary siding or as an added visual touch such as accenting a gable. 


Aluminum Trim

Another custom garage feature that we offer is aluminum trim. Wrapping the exterior trim of your garage in aluminum can be beneficial for many reasons. This type of trim is completely weather-proof, meaning you will not have to worry about your wooden trim being exposed to any harsh weather and potentially rotting.

Aluminum trim comes in a variety of colors, and holds onto its color well, so you will not need to do any future painting or touch ups to keep it looking it’s best. Keep in mind however, that aluminum trim is best suited for new woodwork. If the wooden trim of your garage already contains moisture, the moisture could be trapped in by the aluminum, potentially causing more harm than good. It is always beneficial to consult one of our garage specialists before making any major changes to your garage to ensure you are making the right choice.

Gutters

In many climates, gutters are more of a necessity than a specialty feature. If you want your garage to remain in good working order and hold up against the Illinois elements, gutters are likely needed. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not have gutters that are installed properly, and in some cases, gutters can do cause damage if the water is not routed far enough away from the structure.

When installed and functioning properly, gutters can help keep water away from your garage and its foundation, prevent erosion, stop water damage to your garage’s siding, keep your driveway from cracking, and protect your garage door. A good gutter system should reroute all water away from your structure. While gutters do require maintenance to ensure they remain in proper working condition, the team at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. ensures that each gutter we install is in ideal condition and installed properly as to best protect your garage.

Why Blue Sky Builders, Inc.?

At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our customers are our number one priority. We have been building dream garages for Illinois residents since 1979 and are here when you are ready to get started on yours. Call 630-852-8485 today or visit Blue Sky Builders, Inc. online to learn more about the wide variety of services we have available. Also be sure to check out our custom garage feature online gallery to review the many specialty features we offer.