Posts Tagged ‘garage clean up’
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
You have heard it all before; garage conversions can be a great way to add additional living space to your home without having to build a new addition. It sounds great to you, but you just can’t decide what you want your new room to be – a gym, an apartment, a study, a man cave, or maybe even a playroom. The possibilities are endless. How can you choose?
Well first, consider your family’s wants and needs. Of course the needs always outweigh the wants, but if you have no pressing needs for more space then you can turn your garage into whatever you like.
This article from eHow.com provides several interesting garage loft conversion ideas to help you pick out the best option for your home.
Apartment
If you have the extra space and you have no need for an extra room, why not convert your garage into an apartment? As long as you do not mind someone else living in close proximity, this is a great way to add value to your home while also creating additional income.
You will want to ensure the garage loft apartment complies with the building codes of your state. Incorporate a kitchenette and bathroom into the apartment. Renters will want these types of amenities.
Office or Study
Maybe you need a quiet place of your own to complete work or pay bills. Well, why not convert your garage into a nice office/study? . Line the walls with bookshelves, files and a computer desk. This is especially beneficial if you run a business from home. This will make sure that your clients do not need to enter your main home in order to do business with you.
Playroom
As your family continues to grow, space becomes much more congested inside your home. One way to alleviate this and provide your children with a little more room to roam is to convert your garage into a playroom. Paint the walls a cheery color and decorate in a child’s theme. This will ensure that your children’s toys do not clutter your home. Include a small table and chair set, or picnic table in your playroom, as this will provide you place to feed your children lunch and snacks while playing.
Bedroom
If you have a new baby on the way and you have run out of bedrooms, consider turning your unused garage into a nursery or additional bedroom. This will not only give you more living space, but it is also a great way to add value to your home.
If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
With the U.S. economy and job market both in states of ruin, people are trying to stretch every dollar they own, more now than ever. Because of this penny-pinching trend, home gyms have become increasingly popular. Why spend $50 a month to be a member of a gym when you can own your own equipment and workout in the privacy of your own home?
And where are these people putting their new home gyms? In their garages.
This article from eHow.com explains how you can turn your dank garage into your own luxury workout space with just a few adjustments to the flooring, climate control and insulation (and gym equipment, of course).
Climate Control
Most garages aren’t climate controlled, making insulation, heating and air conditioning installation a must. After all, you want to be comfortable when you workout, right?
Flooring
The sturdy flooring in most garages make the room ideal for heavy exercise equipment. But in order to reduce noise and add a little cushion for activities like yoga or pilates, you may think about installing rubber sports matting. These interlocking cushions are easy to install and provide the perfect cost-effective flooring option for any garage-based home gym.
Equipment
Cheap exercise equipment is one thing you do not want to mess with. So fork out the extra few dollars to get the best equipment you can afford. It is better to have a few high-quality machines than a bunch of cheap machines that will break and wear down. Popular options include compact home gyms, which accommodate multiple exercise types in one apparatus. Other choices include cardio equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines; strength training equipment such as weight benches and fitness accessories such as stability balls and yoga mats.
Extras
Finally, no one likes to exercise in complete silence. Consider installing a music system or television/dvd player to help break up your monotonous workout. It is also nice to have a small refrigerator near by filled with healthy snacks, cold water and sports drinks.
But the final decisions are yours. Tailor your home gym to your specific needs/desires. If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
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Monday, June 13th, 2011
As we have said several times before, converting your garage into more living space is a great, cost-effective way to add more room to your home. The main challenge in doing this is making that cold, damp garage into a warm and inviting room of the house. One Critical aspect of this transformation is insulation.
Garages are not designed to be lived in. They have a singular purpose; they house your car. And you car doesn’t care if your garage is cold and damp, but you do.
This article from eHow.com explains how to insulate your garage – walls, ceiling and floor.
Before you even think about buying supplies, check your local building codes. There are probably standards that have to be met when converting a garage into a living space. Also, get the recommended R-value for the floor, ceiling and walls. The R-value refers to the ability of the insulation to resist heat loss.
Ceilings and Walls
Examine the ceiling and walls for any signs of cracks that may let moisture into your garage. You will need to repair these openings before any other steps are taken. This can be done with spray foam.
Use fiberglass batt insulation and make sure it fits tightly between the wall framing and ceiling joists. Do not overstuff the cavity with insulation. If you used face insulation, the vapor barrier should be toward the heat side, or facing you. Staple the flanges to the studs about every 8 inches.
Floor
First, make sure the concrete floor is level and free of moisture.
There are a couple of options when it comes to insulating the garage floor: You can cover the floor with rigid foam insulation or install wood sleepers on the garage floor and install rigid foam panels between the sleepers.
Use a vapor barrier. Use six-millimeter polyethylene (plastic sheeting). Cover the entire slab and extend it up the side of the walls 4 to 6 inches. Overlap the seam about 8 inches and use insulation tape to seal the seams. If you not using sleepers, position the foam board over the plastic sheeting and leave a ¼-inch cracks around the borders. Use insulation tape to seal the joints.
Use insect- and decay-resistant 1-by-4 or 2-by-4 stock for the sleepers. Place sleepers around the perimeter of the garage. Leave a ¼-inch space between the sleepers and the walls. Fill out the remainder of the area; if you are using 1-by-4s, place the boards 12 inches on center. Place 2-by-4 sleeper stock 16 inches on center. Use a powder-actuated nailer to secure the sleepers to the concrete slab. If you use 2-by-4 sleepers, the result will be a much stronger floor.
The rigid foam insulation should be the same thickness of the sleepers. Fit the foam between the sleepers, but leave a ¼-inch space around the perimeter. Only use compression-grade rigid foam insulation panels.
Once you are done, you should have a much more comfortable garage. If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
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Monday, June 6th, 2011
Converting your garage into an extra room is by no means an easy task. Yes, your basic structure is in place (at least you don’t have to add a new addition onto your home, right?), but everything else needs to be built from scratch – interior walls/insulation, lighting, wiring, and, in some cases, plumbing.
This article from eHow.com provides you with a few useful tips to help you breeze through your garage conversion.
Design
Continuity is the key. You want your garage to be a new room, right? Well make sure it matches the rest of the house. Consider accessing the new room from a main hallway with no step-downs and use the same floor and ceiling height as the rest of the house. This will help to make your garage feel more like a cozy addition to the house and less like a dank garage with a few pieces of furniture thrown in.
Floor Issues
Garage floors are designed to slant toward the garage door. So when you are converting your garage into an extra room, you have to fix the slant. One way to accomplish this is to build a sub-floor above the concrete, which can bring the floor level to the rest of the house while leaving a space beneath to run plumbing lines.
Return on Investment
Consider getting work permits for major conversion work to help protect resale value. And try to change as little about the garage as possible. Leave all walls, plumbing and electrical outlets intact (if possible).
Upgrades
Most garages do not have insulation. So when you are making your improvements, be sure to address this situation. Also, do not forget to run ductwork to your garage, connecting it to your heating and cooling system. Failing to address these areas may hurt the resale value of your home. Approach the garage conversion like it is part of a home you plan to buy and live in, and plan the construction accordingly.
So if you plan on converting your garage into an additional room, make sure you go about it the right way. If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
A garage doesn’t have to be the traditional handyman’s workshop or a room to house your car. You can turn your garage into an extension of your house based on your needs, hobbies, occupation or interests. Be innovative, but think in realistic terms according to your budget. With some research and planning, you can own the garage of your dreams.
It is the forgotten room in most homes. It is where Christmas lights hide for 11 months out of the year and where old clothes are packed away in boxes, awaiting their fate. It is where all of your unwanted memories go when you no longer have any use for them. It is your garage.
But your garage can be so much more than a place to store all of your unwanted junk. With a little imagination and some elbow grease, you can transform your garage into almost anything. This article from eHow.com explains how.
1.   Clean out your garage. It’s hard to see all the possibilities in a space that is dirty or filled with unused equipment and boxes. Have a garage sale to get rid of unwanted objects and to help fund your project. Make all repairs, such as fixing cracked floors, broken windows or unresponsive garage doors.
2.   List your needs for the garage. Think about what you want to do in your garage. The space could be used as an office, study, library, entertainment den, craft room or ultimate handyman workshop. Prepare a budget for the project. If you live in a hot or cold climate, think about the weather in the summer and winter. Make sure you have enough money to install an air conditioner or heater.
3.   Draw your garage on a piece of paper. Take measurements of every wall and door, plus the height. Indicate on your outline all immovable objects and electrical outlets.
4.   Call a real estate agent. By redesigning a garage and making it into another room, you could be depreciating your home. Find a real estate agent from a reputable company. (See Resources). The agent will know about the other houses in the area and will be able to tell you whether there would be any difference in the price of your home. You would be surprised to find that a garage in some areas can add on between $2,000 and $4,000 to the value of a home.
5.   Shop around and get the best price for remodeling and construction services. Ask friends and family members for referrals. Make a comprehensive list of all equipment, organizational furniture and appliances your garage is going to need. Many times the ultimate garage doesn’t have the top-of-the-line amenities, but offers the homeowner the very best in functionality.
If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
Tags: 5 Tips on Making the Most Out of Your Garage, Additional room, Air conditioner, ambitious, Bedroom, Beer, Big Screen TV, Budget, building codes, building permit, cabinets, Cards, Clean up, Clean your garage, Clear out the garage, Clutter, Cluttered, Cluttered garage, comfortable living space, Comfy, Comfy Couch, completely satisfied, consulting a professiona, Contractor, Couch, Dc, Do it Yourself Garage, electrical, Electrician, electricians, Entertainment, Entertainment room, Entertainment System, Entertainment Unit, extra living space, Extra Room, final design, Friends, Game, game room, Gameing, Games, garage, garage cabinets, garage clean out, garage clean up, garage cleaning, garage conversion, Garage DC, Garage design Maryland, garage door, garage doors, garage floor, garage floor cleaning, garage floors, garage gym, Garage lighting, garage makeover, garage makeovers, garage Maryland, Garage materials, garage organization, garage organization system, garage professionals, garage reorganization, Garage shelving, garage storage, Garage temperature, Garage Virginia, Garage Washington DC, garage winterization, Garage work Maryland, Garage Works Maryland, garage workshop, garages, Garages Maryland, Garages Virginia, Garages Washington DC, Garagses Washington DC, gym, heating systems, Hints, Home, House, How to, How to Design the Ultimate Garage, How to Renovate a Garage, Ideas for Transforming Your Garage, Install new windows, Insulation, La-Z-Boy, Lighting, Living room, local authorities, Man Cave, Manly, Maryland, Materials, organize, organize garage, Planning, Plumber, plumbers, plumbing, Poker, Poker Table, qualified, Re-claim your garage, rebuilding, rebuilding garage, Recliner, reorganization, reorganizing, reorganizing garage, Residence, restrictions, shed, Shelving, Simple, Space, Sports, spring cleaning, Storage, Storage Space, System, Temerature, Tips, TLC, TLC Garage Works, TLC Grage Works, TLC Incorporated, Transform, Transform your garage, TV, Unit, Video, Video games, Virginia, Washington DC
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Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Garages have always had many uses – like storing your car, storing your junk, a second living room, a man cave, a place for your band to practice or a workshop – but until recently, garage decorating and lighting was basically the same. Most garages had metal shelves, wooden ceilings and that one light bulb dangling in the middle of the room.
But as this article from AOL Real Estate explains, garage makeovers have come a long way in the last few years.
People are beginning to look at their garages with a newfound appreciation. What was often seen as a glorified closet has become the latest remodeling project for a lot of homeowners who need a little extra space. With garage renovations costing less than constructing an addition onto homes, people have finally began realized the potential of their garages.
So what have people come up with?
- The New York Times tells the story of a performance artist named Michelle de la Vega who transformed her 250-square foot garage in back of her Seattle home into a cozy dream space, complete with a sleeping loft and wood-burning stove, all for $32,000.
- Sunset magazine details a classy garage conversion by an architect in San Francisco. A two-car garage was repurposed into a guest room, office and bathroom under a new gabled roof – and surprisingly, there was room left to squeeze in one car.
The possibilities are endless.
If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
Tags: 5 Tips on Making the Most Out of Your Garage, Additional room, Air conditioner, ambitious, Bedroom, Beer, Big Screen TV, Budget, building codes, building permit, cabinets, Cards, Clean up, Clean your garage, Clear out the garage, Clutter, Cluttered, Cluttered garage, comfortable living space, Comfy, Comfy Couch, completely satisfied, consulting a professiona, Contractor, Couch, Dc, Do it Yourself Garage, electrical, Electrician, electricians, Entertainment, Entertainment room, Entertainment System, Entertainment Unit, extra living space, Extra Room, final design, Friends, Game, game room, Gameing, Games, garage, garage cabinets, garage clean out, garage clean up, garage cleaning, garage conversion, Garage DC, Garage design Maryland, garage door, garage doors, garage floor, garage floor cleaning, garage floors, garage gym, Garage lighting, garage makeover, garage makeovers, garage Maryland, Garage materials, garage organization, garage organization system, garage professionals, garage reorganization, Garage shelving, garage storage, Garage temperature, Garage Virginia, Garage Washington DC, garage winterization, Garage work Maryland, Garage Works Maryland, garage workshop, garages, Garages Maryland, Garages Virginia, Garages Washington DC, Garagses Washington DC, gym, heating systems, Hints, Home, House, How to, How to Renovate a Garage, Ideas for Transforming Your Garage, Install new windows, Insulation, La-Z-Boy, Lighting, Living room, local authorities, Man Cave, Manly, Maryland, Materials, organize, organize garage, Planning, Plumber, plumbers, plumbing, Poker, Poker Table, qualified, Re-claim your garage, rebuilding, rebuilding garage, Recliner, reorganization, reorganizing, reorganizing garage, Residence, restrictions, shed, Shelving, Simple, Space, Sports, spring cleaning, Storage, Storage Space, System, Temerature, Tips, TLC, TLC Garage Works, TLC Grage Works, TLC Incorporated, Transform, Transform your garage, TV, Unit, Video, Video games, Virginia, Washington DC
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
If your garage is like most garages in the United States, it probably holds just about everything except a car. Our garages have become glorified closets and with the amount of clutter we accumulate over the years, there seems to be little hope of a return to the glory days of the American garage. But if you have the time, patience, and energy, you may be able to reverse the effects of garage clutter.
This article from NetWorx.com provides 5 helpful tips to get you on your way to the garage you never thought you would have again.
1. Divide and Conquer
The first part of the organizing that is a must-do is also going to be the most mentally taxing. You will need to fight the packrat demons and actually go through all of the stuff in your garage. Divide everything into five categories: Used Regularly, Used Seasonally, Storage, Not Used, and Trash. Concentrate your “keeper” items into themed groups based on use and store them in this way once you’ve cleared or built space for them. For example, put everything you use for auto repair in one area and all of your sports gear in another area. Then, toss anything that’s garbage and have a garage sale to get rid of anything you simply don’t use anymore. Anything that is in good condition but doesn’t get sold in the garage sale should be donated to charity.
2. Make Use of Your Walls
Add shelves, cabinets or closets to your garage walls for organized storage that is cleanly hidden from view. You can purchase prefabricated shelving from your local hardware store or you can build them yourself with a little lumber and some nails. Next, take a look at your remaining wall space and invest in hooks galore! You can and should hang almost anything with a relatively flat side to it. Ladders, rakes, brooms, shovels, folding lawn chairs, and repair tools are just a few of the items in your garage that will save space and look better in an organized fashion on your walls. Arrange your wall hanging according to object category and size and make sure to return items back to their spot on the wall when you’re done using them.
3. Don’t Forget About the Ceiling
You will be happily surprised by how much more space your garage will have in it when you transform your previously barren ceiling into useable storage space. Start by looking up and deciding what objects can simply be hung out of the way. Bikes and kayaks will free up tons of floor space when hung on hooks from your ceiling. You can build in even more space saving techniques by attaching shelves or cabinets high up on your walls so that the tops meet the ceiling. Remember to check out the structure of your garage before attempting to install ceiling shelving. Exposed beams are the easiest spots to attach brackets and other installation gear, but you can still work with drywall or false ceilings as long as you take the time to locate studs and structural beams. Then make sure to use strong mounting materials, such as galvanized lag bolts instead of screws to attach your new shelving. You can then use these out-of-the-way storage spaces for items that you do not use regularly. (Be careful with weight though – you should store heavier items closer to the floor.)
4. Flash Your Floors and Surfaces
Aim to keep your garage floor and countertops free from anything that is not used regularly. Suitcases, seasonal sports gear, building and painting materials, etc. should always be returned to their assigned space and never left out to unnecessarily clutter the floor for weeks or months at a time after you’ve finished using them. Additionally, you should not let any regularly used items that are small and easily lost in a crowd (such as gardening tools) float around your floor or counter space. Make sure to put all tools back in a toolbox, on hooks, or in whatever specially assigned space you’ve given to them so that you always know where they are and you don’t end up tripping over them when navigating your garage. Utilize the floor and surface areas of your garage as workspace or walking space and clean up after yourself when you’re done with projects so that your garage maintains its clean, organized look.
5. Create More Space with an Outdoor Shed
If you have a yard and a set of appliances or tools used specifically for the yard, it’s a good idea to consider building yourself an outdoor shed to house these items. Lawnmowers, hoses, buckets, shovels, etc. can all take up a lot of valuable space in a small garage. You’ll find your space more useable if it is assigned based on function. An outdoor storage system like this Suncast Horizontal Utility Shed will help you stay organized with outdoor chores and it won’t break the bank either, at only $99.84 from Walmart. Check out Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and online discount stores for more price comparisons and outdoor storage ideas.
So do not wait. Go out and re-claim your garage. If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
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Thursday, August 26th, 2010
Garages come in all shapes and sizes, and homeowners use them in many different ways. The one thing they all seem to have in common is unsightly stains on the floors. A lot of time and money goes into cleaning and organizing the garage, the floors should look just as nice as the rest of it.
As this TLC article points out the reason why garage floors are so easily stained, is because they’re subjected to so many damaging elements such as oil, grease, and heat from cars, and because concrete is porous – readily accepting these stains. The solution for this situation, outlined in this Popular Mechanics article, is using a concrete stain or paints specially formulated to seal concrete and resist the damaging effects of heat and moisture vapor common in garages.
However, these methods require your starting out with a clean floor, which few people have unless the garage is new. Kitty litter is useful in absorbing oil and grease, although it will be less useful the older the stain is. The TLC article provides the formula for a heavy-duty cleaner, but going through the cleaning process it outlines involves mixing noxious chemicals, using gloves, keeping the garage ventilated, and messing with multiple brooms and mops.
Another solution is to contact us for our cleaning services. We have the tools and experience to thoroughly remove stains from your garage floors and seal your floors to prevent further stains. Your floor should look just as clean as the rest of your garage.
Tags: cleaning concrete floors, cleaning garage floors, concrete floor paints, concrete floor sealing, concrete floor stains, concrete stains, garage clean out, garage clean up, garage cleaning, garage organization, TLC Garage Works
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Friday, August 13th, 2010
If you’re tired of a cluttered garage preventing you from parking cars there and finding things quickly despite your best efforts to keep it orderly, it may be time to call a professional organizer. Finding and selecting an organizer can be a task in and of itself, though. Fortunately, as with most industries, professional organizing has its own … well … professional organization – The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). The association has a great site you can use for finding the right organizer for you.
Your first visit should be to NAPO’s Professional Organizer Directory. Here you can search for organizers in your area and by specialty. This last criterion is especially important as there are almost as many specialties for organizers as there are for doctors. Just as you wouldn’t go to a podiatrist when you have a toothache, a organizer that handles events won’t be much help getting your garage in order.
Once your have a list of organizer candidates, contact them to make sure they can do your job and that you’re comfortable working with them. NAPO provides a handy guide on how to hire an organizer. It includes questions you should ask when interviewing the candidates.
Make sure our name and contact information is on your list. We’re confident we’ll have the right answers to the questions on NAPO’s list. Our staff is easy to work with and is well-versed in handling any messy garage or area in your home.
Tags: garage clean up, garage makeover, garage organization, Inc., NAPO, National Association of Professional Organizers, TLC GarageWorks
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