With spring just around the corner-spring is just around the corner isn’t it?-it’s never too early to start thinking about how to spruce up the cluttered abyss that has become your garage. Sometime during those long, dark months of relentless cold your garage became buried, not just under the vast accumulation of snow but under your junk. And so it is time for a fresh start! It is time to clear away the salt stains and make way for those long anticipated gardening supplies and lawnmower. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Assess the Mess

Garages typically end up being that one place in the house where things go in, but never come out. But not today! It’s finally time to take inventory. Pull out everything-from those rusty garden sheers to that pile of mystery electrical wires. From there you can make piles: yard sale, Goodwill, garbage, and storage. This is a time to be honest with yourself, if you haven’t used it in the last 3 years chances are you won’t in the next 3 either.

2. Zone the Space

With the garage clear you can better visualize where exactly things can go. In order for this to be successful, you should first determine what you want to use the space for. Parking is normally high on the list, but what else? Storage for files, tools, holiday decorations? What about that workout space you’ve always wanted? (See Alternative Uses for Your Garage) Based on these categories you can then separate your garage into different zones. This is helpful because if everything has a designated spot then you can better limit the volume. That is to say, if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t stay.

3. Think Vertical

Once your garage has been appropriately zoned, its time to rethink the storage. It is recommended that all storage remain off the garage floor-this allows for easy sweeping and prevents the slow creep of access junk across the floor space. One option for vertical storage is to use a sheet of particleboard or medium-density fiberboard secured to the walls and rafters. This creates a useful loft for deep storage. As a rule of thumb: the less often a category of stuff is used, the higher up it should go. Frequently used items, like tools, can be attached to pegboard or hung from hooks. Also, convert all those old cardboard boxes (common nesting grounds for rodents) into plastic. Then use a marker to illustrate the contents that are not immediately apparent.

Those days of great sunshine and warmth are approaching! Don’t be stuck in the dark and clutter lurking in your garage. Clean things up today-so when spring finally arrives you have the time and space to kick back and relax!

Can you share any spring cleaning tips for the garage? Please let us know in the comment box below!

Anyone can buy a fleet of Porsches or caravan of Ferraris-okay well maybe not anyone-but its takes a real “big time” celebrity to construct a garage more expensive and fancier than most people’s houses. Check out some of these mind-blowing garages of celebrities with a serious need for speed and style. Try to guess which celeb owns each automotive palace-the answers are at the end but no cheating!

Garage #1

Where: Ocala, FL

Highlights: This actor not only has garage space big enough for his 16+ cars but also two separate ports and private runways for his 2 private jets. Some celebs may claim to use their jets like automobiles but this actor, who is licensed to fly planes as large as 747s, really does.

Hint: From singing in old greasy garages to dancing his way through the disco fever of the 70’s, this celebrity’s skills extend well beyond simple acting.

Garage #2

Where: Long Island, NY

Highlights: This actor organizes his 70 sports cars by both brand and color. Within this extensive garage space is a full functioning gas station. All 70 machines are kept in running condition at all times, ready for him to drive them to various events and private drives.

Hint: Fashion, not automobiles, is where his original expertise lies.

Garage #3

Where: Southern California

Highlights: With 200+ cars, 90+ motorcycles, a full mechanic tool setup and team, and enough antique posters to cover the entire interior and exterior twice-this complex is said to better resemble a museum than a garage. In fact, this garage is so famous it even has its own website and Facebook page.

Hint: He has turned a few heads not only with his Late Night jokes but also his overly prominent chin.

Garage #4

Where: Manhattan, NY

Highlights: Looks can be deceiving, and the exterior of this actor’s 46-car Porsche collection is just that. Beyond those walls lies a 3-story subterranean compound featuring 4 separate garage spaces, an elevator, a clubroom with a pool table, a kitchenette and bathroom, and a sizable office.

Hint: He developed and starred in his own self-titled sitcom.

With these elaborate setups housing some of the rarest cars in the world, these garages should come with a warning: “Will Cause Jaws to Drop”. Big cars, small cars, fast cars, old cars-there’s no question these impressive car collections are bound to cause a little garage envy.

Answers: 1) John Travolta, 2) Ralph Lauren, 3) Jay Leno, 4) Jerry Seinfeld

Everything that is not wanted in the house but too heavy to put in the attic is banished to the stockpile accumulating in the garage. Before you know it, every inch of space in your garage has been consumed by items that will be needed “one day”. But until that day all potential usage of the garage is eliminated-even the car has been pushed out onto the driveway. For some households, the family car relocating outside the house may be inevitable, but that does not justify the conversion of potential living space into an ever-growing dumping ground. Even if you are one of the few not feeling cramped in your home, this extra space can make life easier and add a new depth to the value of your home.

Need help brainstorming? Check out these great ideas!

The “Man Cave”

The conversion from garage to “man cave” is actually rather simple. Since elaborate decorations are usually low on the priority list, the amenities needed to complete this room are pretty straightforward. All a “man cave” needs is some comfortable armchairs, a couch or two, a home entertainment system, a plethora of videogames, a refrigerator to keep the beer, and a table to lay out the pizzas, chips, sandwiches, and so on. With these in place, your garage has now been converted into a well-equipped certified, “man cave”.

Home Gym

End that expensive gym membership and ditch the crowds! Be the family that wants to get in shape and stay in shape with your new in-home gym. Odds are at one point or another you have purchased and then forgotten about some gym equipment, why not consider investing in a cardio machine, few dumbbells, and a couple mirrors? Then just add a few speakers and you’ll be sure to keep that New Year’s resolution with your very own 24hr fitness center.

Home Office

Ask anyone who works from home what one of their top problems is-a set workplace free from the distractions of their home-life. The answer really is as simple as converting the garage into your personal office. Just paint the walls, lay some carpet, and maybe even add a skylight for additional light. You will be secluded from distractions yet still able to benefit from the conveniences of working from home.

In most homes, the garage is significantly underutilized space. Even on a limited budget, this space can be transformed into your family’s most used room. Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today to find out how you can successfully convert your garage into your dream room.

Painting your garage door can seem like a daunting task that many homeowners fear. So many things that have potential to go wrong: Bubbling, warping, running paint are all things that can cause homeowner headaches. However, by following these 7 Easy Steps to Paint Your Garage Door, you can bring beauty and durability to your garage door’s appearance.

1. Testing the Weather before Painting

Before grabbing that bucket of paint, you need to think of the appropriate time to paint that door. You need to complete this project when temperatures aren’t too hot or cold. You’ll also want to avoid rainy or cloudy days. Be sure that you start early on the day you do choose so you’ll have enough time to complete the project.

2. Preparing Garage Doors for Painting

This is probably the toughest part of the job, but also the most important. You have to prepare the surface if you want that new paint job to last. Start by sanding down the peeling paint. If you have metal garage doors, you’ll need to sand down any rust. You’ll also want to paint metal doors with primer to prevent further rusting.

3. Cleaning Your Garage Door

Be sure to clean the garage door thoroughly before you start painting. Wash down with a sponge or use a power washer set on low. Pay attention to the lower part of the door since this is where the most dirt accumulates.

4. Tape the Areas You Don’t Want to Paint

Prepping the door may take time and it may seem unnecessary, but if you do take the time to tape off the areas you don’t want to get paint on, you’ll save time later on. Lay down plastic under the door to keep the wet paint from sticking to the ground underneath the door.

5. Priming Your Garage Door

If you are changing colors, or if there are dark or rust spots on the door, you’ll want to paint a coat of primer first. Be sure you use a primer that is made for outdoor use and one suited to the surface you are painting.

6. Paint

Now, you are finally ready to start painting, but don’t rush the job. You want to make sure you have everything you need; paint, brushes, and everything else you need. Use a latex based paint and add one layer of thin paint at a time. Allow each coat to dry before you start painting the next. Use a paint roller for the larger areas and a brush for the edges and corners. Add three to five coats of paint, but be sure to allow each coat dry for a few hours before you add the next. Review your work as you go, making sure you’ve covered all areas of the door in each layer.

7. Clean Up

Once you finish painting the garage doors, be sure you clean up and remove any open paint containers. Thoroughly wash paint brushes and remove paint rags from the area. Keep the tape and plastic down for 24 hours before removing. This will ensure the paint doesn’t come off on any other surfaces.

Your Garage is Important, Keep it in Top Shape

We understand that painting garage door can assist in not only the beauty of a home, but also the value. Understanding the task at hand and knowing where to begin can ensure that you will have a safe, easy, and mishap-free garage painting experience. Spring is coming, and we hope to help you with all the needs of your garage building, maintaining, or remodeling experience. Check out our Garage Door Maintenance Check List to ensure safety to you and your family.

For 35 Years, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has provided service to consumers and businesses in Chicago and its surrounding areas by building high quality garages and offering unmatched customer service. We thank you for your continued patronage and look forward to helping people for years to come.