motor-city-garages

Supplier Highlights: Organizers Direct

russ@motorcitygarages.com (Russ Parsons) — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 15:48:10 GMT

A look at the products within the NX Garage by Organizers Direct.

Our first supplier we would like to highlight is our customers most common selection for cabinets. Organizers Direct is also our first manufacturer that got us into the garage organization business and resulted in Motor City Garages. Org Direct was founded in 1995 by Neil Balter after he sold California Closets ® to Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Neil at the age of 17 started a new industry in custom home organization and we are happy to be apart of his vision for garage solutions. The NX Garage line offers a wide range of custom garage cabinets, wall storage, and overhead racks. They are always innovating solutions to the new and old problems to keep your garage clean.

The cabinets come in any combination of the four depths, six widths, nine heights, and nine colors. The sides and doors can be ordered in different colors also. Our products also come with full extension ball bearing drawer tracks, soft close door hinges, one inch thick selves, backing on all cabinets, and a lifetime warranty. There's also optional sliding doors, four styles of workbench tops, and multiple types of handles. The doors and sides are thermally fused laminate with the exception of our two door colors that are powder coat. These cabinets are moisture, stain, temperature, and chip resistant.

Our biggest seller for wall storage is our PVC Slatwall but we also sell Steel Gridwall. The slatwall comes in five different finishes; white, black, grey, taupe, and maple. Slatwall and gridwall both accept the same hooks that you can move around to where you would like. There are 28 different types of accessories we offer which range from hooks, baskets, tool racks, and sports racks. They have a ski, golf, bike, and fishing rack for sports and a paper towel holder, recycle bin, and hose holder for some of their miscellaneous options. Slatwall looks so well that we have had customers finish their walls in it instead of drywall .

The New and Improved Checkered Floor

russ@motorcitygarages.com (Russ Parsons) — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 14:02:39 GMT

A look inside a new garage with a touch of classic style.

We all know that white is back in style but I think we can safely say that Swisstrax brought back the black and white checkered floor. The white cabinets and walls also add to the crisp cleanliness to this garage. The key to keeping a garage clean and organized is to have a spot for everything. Motor City Garages measures not only the dimensions for your space but also the contents. This way we give you exactly what you need.

When space is limited in your garage, sliding doors make a huge difference. The main use for our NX Garage sliding doors is to give you access to your cabinet in tight places, especially when your cars paint is important to you. One inch thick shelves come standard in all our cabinets to ensure it doesn't bow and that it will be able to hold anything you need it to.

A black and white Ribtrax checkered floor that can hold over 3,120 PSI, UV stabilized, chemical resistant, heat resistant, and an incorporated self-channeling system defines the tile flooring industry. To put this in perspective the floor can support a fully loaded fire truck and a Boeing 747. The 19 colors are highly fade resistant, it's also resistant to oil, gas, acid or solvents including Skydrol and Alkalis. The hot and cold climate of Michigan won't get even close to the commercial grade temperature tolerances of +248°F to -22°F and a fire rating of HB (Horizontal Burn). Last but not least Ribtrax is vented letting the water and dirt to fall to the sub floor where it then travels the path of least resistant to a drain or out your garage. The end result means no more walking through puddles in your garage or tracking in dirt.

Sports that Drive the Motor City

russ@motorcitygarages.com (Russ Parsons) — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 15:34:37 GMT

Two instate rivalries and three wins for the Detroit teams.

Michigan Wins Paul Bunyan Trophy

The rivalry really starts to heat up after Devin Bush decided it was a good idea to rip his cleats into the Spartan logo at midfield. After warm ups Michigan wins the coin toss and Jim Harbaugh elects to receive in the first half knowing bad weather is on the way. Both teams punt once before the game gets delayed by lightening while Michigan was driving. After a delay of an hour and 15 minutes Michigan completes the drive for a touch down. MSU kept it close for most of the game but the defense couldn't keep it up falling to Michigan 21-7. Number six Michigan moves up a spot to five after Ohio State is upset by Purdue. Across the state in Mount Pleasant, Western Michigan rolls over Central Michigan in the lesser of the two cross state rivalries.

Red Wings Win, Finally

Is this the start of Dead Wings 2.0? The Red Wings won for the first time this year in their eighth game but the season is looking bleak. After a two nothing lead by the Florida Panthers the game was looking like it was already lost. Early in the second period Detroit drew two penalties and efficiently converted on both of them tying the game 2-2. Less than two minutes after the second goal by Detroit, Dylan Larkin scored on a back and forth pass by Darren Helm. With less than two minutes to play and the Panthers goalie pulled, Mike Hoffman scores off a deflection to tie the game with one minute and 16 seconds to play in the third period. Again with one minute and 16 seconds left in overtime Gustav Nyquist wins it with a stolen puck by Larkin. The season is going to be long and the wins will be sparse but I think the main thing to be watching this season will be the young core. As long as the young guys do well hopefully we won't be in the basement too long.

Undefeated Pistons

As Little Caesars Arena starts to replace all the red seats with black ones to hide the empty arena, the Pistons are undefeated. Will the Pistons be able to keep this up and fill the arena after last season? The team is confidant that they can make the playoffs but the fans aren't on board. This will be Blake Griffins first full year with the Pistons after last years blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. So as long as the team stays healthy they might have a shot. But with Blake's big cap hit, the Pistons are locked in for the time being. Lets go Pistons for now but what does the future hold?

Lions Reel You Back In

The Lions ran all over the Miami Dolphins, no pun intended. Kerryon Johnson lead the team in rushing with 158 yards and resulted in the highest total yards (248 yd.) on the ground in 21 years. Matt Stafford and the Lions offense was on fire Sunday, only punting once and not a single turn over in the game. Stafford was 18 for 22 for 217 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Lions to a 32-21 win. Can we buy into the Lions again only to be let down? The division isn't looking super strong so the path to the playoffs might only be possible by winning the division. We need to see how the team performs in the division and against winning teams. But it's still too early to count them out. Lets try not to get our hopes up.

MLS in Detroit?

Quicken Loans Inc. Chairman Dan Gilbert, Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores, and Detroit Lions Martha Firestone Ford are leading Detroit's bid for an MLS club. Gilbert and Gores originally were planning on using the old fail jail site for a mix use development that included a soccer specific stadium. As that plan didn't come to fruition they switched the stadium to Ford Field and as a result lost the bid for teams number 25 and 26. MLS prefers that their clubs play in a soccer stadium and if not that it at least has the ability to open the roof. This is a problem for Detroit's bid even with one of the best markets left in the country that is untapped. The group conducted a feasibility study to see if Ford Field could to retrofitted with a retractable roof and came up empty handed. Now a few days ago they proposed another $95 million to the bid. Out of the $95 million, $50 million would be put into the soccer academy at Palmer Park, $20 million would be invested into 100 youth soccer fields throughout the Detroit area, and the last $25 million would be to renovate Ford Field even further. Most of that $25 million from my understanding would be put into screens covering the upper bowl. There's two more cities that will be awarded with expansion teams by 2022 and hopefully we're one of them.

I hope you enjoyed my sport summaries from the weekend and if you have any questions or comments I would be happy to read them.

Leaves, they are a Changin

russ@motorcitygarages.com (Russ Parsons) — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 18:16:44 GMT

Fall is here so it's time to pick up your leaves.

Fall is in the air. Football season is underway, cider mills are as busy as can be, and the fall foliage is a beautiful sight that shouldn't be missed. Hoards of people travel north to find that picturesque landscape that you can only spot for a couple weeks out of the year. From thousands of miles of great scenic views from the road, there's also tours on the water and by rail. Now that the colors have faded the work has just began. It's time to grab those yard tools from your Motor City Garage and put them to work; but first I'd like to give you some helpful tips with a small budget in mind. I'd like to highlight some tips that are not always obvious. Before I start, I'd like to confirm the statement that leaves will become fertilizer if left alone. Fertilizer is great for lawns, but it isn't if the leaves kill your lawn in the process. A few leaves here and there won't hurt, but when leaves are covering most of your grass it's not going to get the light it needs to make the recovery in the spring.

1. Mulch your Leaves as Much as Possible

As long as you have a lawn mower you will be able to mulch. There's three main ways to go about it. You can bag, use a side discharge, or mulch. Most mowers can do all of them, if not usually one or two ways. Bagging is most effective when the leaves are dry and you have a place to easily get rid of them. By attaching the side discharge as you cut the chopped up leaves it will be expelled out the side so that when you make another pass it can be mulched even further. The last method would be mulching with the side discharge closed. It's similar to cutting with the side discharge, but instead you'll want to make another pass perpendicular to your first lines. Mulching is the most efficient and the best way to give your lawn fertilizer. When you're done mulching just make sure your grass still isn't fully covered.

2. Know the Weather

Use the weather to determine when and how you should rake the leaves. A windy wet day will be a miserable day. Try and watch the weather to pick a day in which it is dry and calm. The dryer the leaves the easier it will be. They're lighter making the raking quicker and the bags more manageable. If you can't seem to get a calm day use the wind to your advantage by raking downwind.

3. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Don't bother raking every leaf when you know more are going to fall. Spend your time wisely on the high traffic areas until the trees are bare. You'll end up spending more way time working on the lawn when the quantity isn't there. When it is time to pick the leaves up sort them into small piles rather than larger ones. This way you're not using too much energy pushing them all around the lawn. Using a tarp makes this even easier. Blow or rake the leaves onto a small tarp then drag it to the main pile.

4. Don't Break Your Back

The best way to save your back is to clean the yard in multiple days so you're not on overload on the last good day. Using tools that give you a better posture and are designed for the task, won't use unnecessary energy. If you are looking for new yard equipment, there are a lot of new options out there to make your job easier. I think the smallest improvement to the rake has made the biggest difference. They now make a rake that is anti-clog that prevents leaves accumulating on the rake. The other improvement has been a handle that is curved so you don't have to lean over as far preventing your back from getting tweaked. Last but not least don't forget to drink lots of water and take breaks as needed. They're just leaves, right?

A Look Inside Motor City Garages

russ@motorcitygarages.com (Russ Parsons) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 21:59:50 GMT

Motor City Garages not only designs and installs state of the art garage interiors, but we are always looking for new innovations to make your lives more manageable while creating your own unique space. Our blog will feature topics regarding DIY garage tips and tricks, automotive news and happenings in and around the Motor City. We will also feature a garage of the week created by us. MCG would also like to share with you photos, designs, and details of all our recent jobs big or small. Here at Motor City Garages we are always looking to bring you the best in custom garage interiors by representing the top companies in the industry. We are a proud retailer of Organizers Direct, Cabinets by Hayley, Contur Cabinets, Swisstrax, and BendPak. We are always keeping our eyes out for new companies offering unique solutions that cater to your needs. Thank you for your interest in Motor City Garages. We would now like to introduce you to the companies that help define Motor City Garages.

Offers cabinets, epoxy flooring, overhead racks, PVC slatwall and much more.

Heavy duty 16-gauge steel cabinets with unique options.

European inspired 18-gauge steel cabinets with push to open drawers and doors.

Hands down the best modular flooring in the business.

Offers a variety of car lifts to fit your needs.

If you have any topics or ideas for future posts, please let us know.

Why Does it Matter What My Garage Looks Like?

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:48 GMT

You put a lot of time and energy into making your home an attractive and relaxing haven. From choosing wall colors and carpet, to making sure that your furniture reflects your sense of style, you probably take pride in keeping your house nice and letting it represent what’s important to you. You may also spend time and money on your yard and garden, mowing, planting and weeding in order to keep it looking neat and tidy. Oftentimes, however, people don’t put such energy into their garages. Instead of being seen as an extension of the living area, the garage is usually hidden behind closed doors. When you have a custom garage installed, however, all of that changes: Suddenly, your garage begins to reflect who you are, just like your lawn and home do. Here are a few reasons why it does matter what your garage looks like:

Pulling into a messy garage doesn’t feel good at the end of the day
After a long day at work, it can be demoralizing to pull the car into an ugly, unkempt garage. When you come home in the evening, you want to feel as though you’re entering a haven for relaxation, not feel weighed down by the piles of clutter stacked precariously around your car!
It’s embarrassing to have the garage door open when the inside is a mess
Particularly during the spring and summer months, when you may have the garage open for a garage sale, because the kids are riding their bicycles in the driveway or because you’re working on a project, your neighbors will be peering over with curiosity about how you organize your garage. When it’s completely unorganized, the natural reaction is to have some embarrassment.
An unattractive garage is likely to be neglected
There’s no joy in decluttering or organizing a garage that just doesn’t appeal to your sense of style or even to your standard of cleanliness.

The good news is that when you have a custom garage installed, your cabinetry, workbench, shelving and flooring is all designed with your style in mind. Whether you have a traditional, contemporary, or eclectic preference when it comes to decor, your custom garage company will be able to design a garage that will appeal to you, keep your belongings well-organized, and make you proud to show the neighbors and visitors alike your new storage area.

Spring Car Safety Tips

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:46 GMT

Spring is here, and before May’s flowers can make their appearance, we need to first deal with April’s showers. While you’re getting your home and garage ready for spring, don’t forget to have your car taken care of, too, for safety’s sake!

Here’s a short article that you might find helpful when it comes to making sure that you’re safe while traveling through the downpours and showers of spring. In the meantime, make sure your car is protected from the elements by parking it in the garage if possible; if it’s not possible, a custom garage organization system might be just what you need in order to find the room to park your car. Give us a call for a free in-home consultation.

Rubber Flooring: Not Just For Your Garage

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:44 GMT

You may be familiar with our non-slip, non-staining rubber garage flooring. Its qualities make it ideal for a garage, where liquids may get spilled or leak. It’s easy to clean, virtually stain-free, and slip-resistant, making it a safe option for any garage.

Have you thought about other ways to use this popular flooring, though? Do you have a pool deck? Particularly if you have children who may run near the pool despite repeated warnings not to, falls in the pool area are a dangerous, and common, occurrence. Rubber garage flooring on your pool deck can prevent costly and painful slips and falls.

Another place to have our flooring installed is in a playroom. It’s comfortable enough for little feet, and attractive enough for any living area in the home.

If you would like to find out more about installing garage flooring in your garage or in other areas of your home, contact us for a free consultation.

Used Cars On Sale Soon!

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:43 GMT

Did you know that the prime buying season for used cars is coming up? That’s right; car dealerships want to start clearing out what has been sitting on their lots all winter in anticipation for the car-shopping season. Similar to house-buying season, many people go car-shopping in the spring. This can add up to big savings for you if you’re hoping to trade in your current vehicle for a “new-to-you” car, or if you hoping to score a used car at a low price for a child who will be driving age this spring or summer.

Of course, you’ll need room in your garage to keep your car. If you’re having trouble finding space to park your vehicle, give us a call and ask about how we can design a custom garage that will make room for not only your tools and lawn equipment, but your car, too.

Springtime Car Care Tips

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:42 GMT

Now that spring is just a few weeks away, you’re probably getting your house ready for the warmer months. It’s important not to neglect getting your car ready for spring! Here are a few tips:

Check the brakes
The winter’s salt and sand might have corroded your brakes, particularly the anti-lock braking system. Take the car in for a brake check-up, especially if you notice squeaking, squealing, or any “sponginess” when pushing on the brake pedal.
Check the tires
Again, slipping around on salty and sandy roads can wreak havoc on your tires. Make sure that there’s enough tread and check the air pressure as the temperature warms up.
Test the air conditioning
You haven’t used it in a while, so it might need a top-off or other service. The best time to find this out is now, and not in the middle of July! Turn the dial to “cold” and make sure it’s working.

A car check and tune-up will ensure that you’ll get through the spring and summer months safely and with your car in good condition.

Of course, being able to keep your car inside of your garage can add to its overall lifespan. If you’re ready to invest in a custom garage, give us a call!

Famous Garage Home Businesses

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:37 GMT

Did you know that some very prominent companies started in garages? Among them are Apple, Google, Harley Davidson and Amazon. You can read an article about the top 10 world famous garage businesses on retire@21.

What about you? Have you ever considered starting a business out of your garage? Having a custom garage built can help; if you don't currently have room for any type of business venture, a custom garage can give you the space that you desire.

Our specialty is designing and building dream garages. If your dream includes a home business, give us a call! We can take a look at what you would like to do and come up with a workable solution... for the garage, that is. The rest is up to you!

The Choice Is Yours!

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:36 GMT

Does your garage look like the one on the left but you would like it to look like the one on the right? Garage cabinets and Motor City Garage floor tiles can transform your space into a clutter free zone!

The finished garage features Silver cabinets with full extruded handles, Pearl Grey Motor City Garage tiles with walkway flooring in Reclaimed Pine. Countertops are custom laminate.

Now That the Woodward Ave. Dream Cruise Is Over…

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:33 GMT

Your car deserves to be surrounded in elegance!

Doesn't your precious vintage car or even your commuter car deserve to be surrounded in elegance??? Red sliding doors, slatwall for added tool storage and so organized!

Transform Your Garage

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:32 GMT

As you can see in the BEFORE photo this was your typical, unfinished garage. After adding insulation covered by slatwall, cabinets and flooring this space has been transformed!

Before:

After:

Reasons Why You Should Get Interlocking Garage Floor Tiles

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:31 GMT

Your garage probably came equipped with a utilitarian cement floor. Cement is a popular standard option for garage flooring because it’s sturdy and tough, allowing you to subject it to the hard conditions that are typical for a garage. If you are having a custom garage installed, however, you might want to give some thought to your flooring. Interlocking floor tiles are not only more attractive than cement, but they’re extremely hardworking. If you'd like to know about alternative Garage Flooring, Prestige Garage from Long Island shares the Benefits of Epoxy Garage Flooring in this article .

Here are some reasons why you might consider having interlocking garage floor tiles installed in your custom garage:

Interlocking floor tiles look great
Let’s face it; your traditional cement garage floor is not terribly attractive. When you have floor tiles put in, however, you get that showroom appeal. Garage floor tiles are available in a wide variety of colors. You don’t have to pick just one color, either; feel free to mix it up and have a pattern installed. Do you like checkerboard look? Or perhaps you’d like stripes or a diamond pattern? All of that, and more, is possible.
Interlocking floor tiles can cover imperfections
If your garage floor is cracked or stained, it’s no problem to install floor tiles right over it. Your custom garage professional has the experience needed to make any garage floor look and function well, even if it is currently in bad condition.
Interlocking floor tiles can stand up to whatever you throw at them
Parking a hot car, spilling oil and other fluids, and having rain and snow tracked in are things that typically happen in a garage. You won’t need to worry about the sturdiness and hardiness of your garage tile flooring. The tiles are slip-resistant, stain-resistant and heat-resistant. Dropping tools on them won’t have any effect on the tiles. The flooring is easier on your feet and legs, too, than cement. If you’ve ever spent any extended time working in your garage, you know how hard cement really is. While these tiles are sturdy, they’re gentler overall.
Interlocking floor tiles can add value to your home
You already know that any improvement that you put into your home can raise its value. In today’s real estate market, every little bit can help! Not only might you recoup the cost of your garage flooring when you do finally decide to sell, but you might even sell the home more quickly with a custom garage floor than you would otherwise. An attractive, sturdy garage floor will pique the interest of potential buyers and just might tip the scales in your favor when it comes to getting a bid.

When you’re having your garage customized, you want to think about all of the space in the area, from the ceiling to the floor. Having tile garage flooring installed at the same time that you get the rest of your garage customized will allow you to have everything done at once, minimizing downtime and cost. If you are interested in custom garage flooring, tell your custom garage professional during your free consultation so that he can go over all of the options with you.

Child Safety in the Garage

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:26 GMT

Now that the weather is warming up and you’re more likely to start spending more time in your garage, it’s important to remember to keep a close eye on your children in order to keep them safe while in the garage.

Make sure that the garage door’s sensor is working; place a roll of paper towels under the open garage door, and try to shut it. It should immediately open back up before causing any damage to the paper towels.
Keep chemicals locked up out of the reach of children and pets. Some liquids, like antifreeze, can be deadly but taste sweet. Give yourself peace of mind by locking them up in a cabinet or storing them up high.
Make sure that your child can’t knock over precariously placed piles of clutter. Not only can these damage your car, but they can injure your child!
Look into non-skid flooring. Oils and fluids spilled on the garage floor can make things very slippery. Our skid-resistant flooring options can help keep everyone safer.

Give us a call today to talk about how we can help you make your garage more safe for your little ones this spring!

Keeping Your Bike in Good Condition

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:24 GMT

May is National Bike Month, and it’s a great time of year to give your bike the care it deserves. A well-cared-for bicycle can last for years, giving you an inexpensive and reliable transportation option. Riding a bicycle to work, school or on errands can save you gas money, help you get more fit and reduce your carbon footprint. Not taking care of your bicycle, however, puts you at risk of injury and can lead to expensive repairs for your bike. Check over the list this month to be sure that your bicycle is up to the task of carrying you to wherever you need to be!

Here are some tips on keeping your bicycle in good shape:

Store your bike properly. During the months that it’s not in use, overhead storage in your garage can keep it out of harm’s way. When you are using it regularly, a bicycle rack will allow you to access it easily without leaving it propped against a wall, just waiting to topple. Good bike storage will make it less likely that your bike will get dinged and dented, and it can keep your car, which is also stored in the garage, from getting scratched as well. Call your custom garage company to discuss having a good bicycle storage system installed.
Keep your bike clean. Don’t just hose your bike down, though; leaving water on the bicycle can cause rusting and other damage. Instead, periodically wipe down all of the parts with a damp rag and bike wash cleaner. You could also use watered-down dishwashing liquid (the kind you use for hand-washing, not dishwasher detergent). Use a brush of some sort to get into the nooks and crannies. You might need a mild solvent on the chain if it seems sticky. Dry the bike well after washing. You should do this a minimum of once per month, or more often if you ride the bike daily or in dirty conditions.
Keep your bike tightened and lubricated. Check all bolts occasionally, and tighten them as needed. You could also bring your bike into a bicycle repair shop to have this service done by someone trained to look for and fix issues, which might be helpful, especially the first time that you do it. You’ll also want to lubricate the various moving parts with bicycle oils and greases. This is another job that is good to have a bike repair professional show you how to do.

Every time you ride, do a quick once-over to make sure that the tires are properly inflated and that nothing seems loose or out of the ordinary. Following these tips will keep your bicycle in good working condition over the long haul.

Preparing For Your Spring Garage Sale

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:22 GMT

While you’re cleaning out your garage as part of your spring cleaning, you’re likely to find a lot of items that you no longer want. Whether you currently have a custom garage installed or are still in the thinking-about-it phase, cleaning out your garage at least yearly makes good sense. First of all, you’ll be purging items that you rarely, if ever, use, and secondly, you can make some money, either directly by selling the unused items, or indirectly by donating them and writing their value off of your taxes next year.

If you have opted to have a garage sale, here are some great tips to keep in mind:

As you put items aside to include in your sale, make sure that they’re in clean, working condition.
Clothes should be recently laundered and either folded or hung during the sale; try washing them over the course of the week before the sale if they’ve been in storage for a while, then folding and stacking or hanging in your garage. Have batteries on hand to test any battery-operated electronics. Dust off books, knickknacks and other small items. In short, get them in the condition that you’d want them in if you were the one buying.
Make sure that you have the materials that you need before the big day.
Borrow folding tables if you don’t already have enough. Have a lot of small bills and coins on hand for making change. Buy price stickers and apply them as you put the items in the “to sell” pile; if you haven’t been doing this, do it a day or two ahead of time instead of waiting until the morning of the sale.
Advertise!
It’s up to you if you want to take out an ad in the newspaper. You could advertise on Craigslist for free, and you can also put up signs on telephone poles the morning of your sale. Be sure to go back and gather them all up at the end of the day!
Clearly delineate which things are for sale and which are not.
If you are having the sale in your garage, cover the items that you’re not selling with tarps or sheets. Another option is to put all of the items that you are selling toward the front of the garage, or even in the driveway if the weather is clear. If you aren’t the only person handling the sale of items, make sure that everyone is aware of which items aren’t for sale. This will greatly reduce the possibility that a bin of needed items will get sold for a few dollars!
Have a plan for the items that don’t sell.
Decide whether you’re going to be throwing them away or donating them to charity. Don’t make the mistake of saving your unwanted items; remember that you wanted to get rid of them in the first place! Putting them back in your home or garage is a surefire way to start building up more clutter that you don’t want hanging around your living and storage areas. Either call your local thrift shop or charity, or stick the items in front of the house marked “free,” knowing that they’ll be carted away on the next garbage day.

Holding a garage sale is a great way to declutter and make a few dollars in the process. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all!

Take Control of Your Closets This Spring

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:21 GMT

Have you been spring cleaning? If you're like many of us, you have been taking advantage of the warmer weather by opening the windows and taking care of the dust and grime that has accumulated this winter. Another task that tends to take place in the spring is that of packing away the winter clothing and taking out the lighter summer clothes.

This time of year is a great one for knocking out those organization projects that you've been putting off.

If you are overwhelmed by this task, it might be a sign that you would benefit from having custom closets installed in your walk-in closets, kids' closets and hall closets. At Clever Closets, we also can transform your kitchen pantry into a well-organized storage area, and can even help you take control of your home office.

This time of year is a great one for knocking out those organization projects that you've been putting off. Call us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We can show you how custom closets can make a difference in the way that your home functions.

Is Your Shed Organized?

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:20 GMT

You’ve no doubt heard of custom garages, but what about your shed? If you have a small garage or no garage at all, you probably keep all of your lawn equipment in a shed of some type. Because a shed tends to be filled with relatively dirty lawn tools, it can turn into a dirty and disorganized place of chaos quickly. It’s usually not a place that you make a point to show off to visitors, in any case.

It’s always good to have ideas in mind for keeping all parts of your home, inside and out, organized!

Take a look at this organized shed, though. The owner used pegboard, which she painted red, to hold a variety of tools like shovels, rakes and clippers. Flowerpots are stored on a shelf at the top, and the backs of the doors were put to good use, too, holding trowels, an extension cord and other small gardening tools.

It’s always good to have ideas in mind for keeping all parts of your home, inside and out, organized! Give us a call to talk about how we can help you get your garage (or shed) in good working order.

Are You Parking Your Car in Your Garage?

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:15 GMT

A large number of homeowners park their cars in their driveways and on the road. This, of course, puts these valuable belongings at risk of damage and even theft. One of the main reasons for not parking in the garage is that the garage is too cluttered, and there's not enough room for the vehicles!

It doesn't make a lot of sense to store excess clutter in your garage, while leaving your car, which is worth thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars, out in the elements. If you are one of these homeowners, consider having a custom garage installed!

A custom garage will give you enough space to store the belongings that you need or want to keep in your garage, while still allowing enough room for your car. Give us a call to find out about having a free consultation. We can evaluate your needs, make suggestions and design a custom garage that will open up a lot of space that you never even knew you had. Call us today!

Things to Store in Your Garage

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:14 GMT

There are some things that most people store in their garages. These common items include bicycles, gardening equipment, the lawnmower, certain sports equipment, tools and, of course, the car. Once you have a custom garage built, though, you’re likely to find that you have a lot of extra space.

What to do with it all? Here are some ideas:

Store outgrown toys
Whether you’re hanging onto them until you have grandchildren or just until the next garage sale, toys that your kids aren’t using anymore could easily be stored in your new garage cabinets.
Craft materials
Is your home office or dining room table piled high with beads, scrapbook paper and other types of arts and crafts? How about moving them out to the storage area in your garage?
Your luggage
Suitcases often get stowed in closets, but if closet space is at a premium, why not keep it in your garage? You might only use it a few times per year, so if this is the case, go ahead and put it on the higher shelves.

These are just a few examples of the items that can go in your new custom garage. Call us for your free consultation, and we’ll be able to give you garage organization advice along with an excellent product and great customer service.

A Trellis Above the Garage Door

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:13 GMT

When you pull up to your home, does your garage stand out? It might, if you have painted it a color in contrast to the rest of your home, but for most of us, our garages blend in to the rest of the architecture of the home.

Have you considered dressing up your garage by placing a trellis or arbor over it? It can be done in a variety of ways; here are some photos on Houzz.com to serve as inspiration. Plant your favorite type of climbing plants nearby, and watch them decorate the outside of your home with very little effort on your part, once the trellis is established. This could be a good look for any type of home, from colonials to capes to more modern designs.

Don't forget about your garage as you work on home renovations this summer! If you are in the market for a custom garage organization system, give us a call to schedule your free consultation!

What About Your Garage Doors?

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:10 GMT

Most of us stick with the garage door that comes standard with our house; the most common type is the kind that rolls up and is made of metal, usually aluminum or steel. It’s often painted to complement the rest of the house; it might match the color of the front door, or it might contrast with the house color. Many garage doors are white or beige. Have you considered getting a garage door that’s a bit off the beaten path?

The possibilities are diverse; you could get a garage that swings out to the side, or that opens in the center into two doors, reminiscent of horse stables. You could also get the type that swings up. You might also replace your double garage door with two separate doors. Here’s an article on House Logic that explains some of your options.

Once you have your custom garage designed and put together, consider investing in an interesting or upgraded garage door. Since your garage is one of the first things that visitors and people driving by your home will see, it makes sense to take the time to make sure it looks good.

DIY vs. Custom Garage: Which Is Better?

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:09 GMT

As you probably already know, there are many benefits to having a custom garage installed in your home. From having a place to park the car, to having enough storage room to hold everything from soup to nuts (maybe even literally!), a custom garage will allow you to get and stay organized. It can also add value to your home and reduce your stress level: Who feels good about pulling into or walking through a garage piled with miscellaneous items tossed haphazardly in boxes? While there are companies that specialize in designing and installing custom garages, it can be tempting to try to replicate the process at home. Here are some reasons why professionally customized garages are usually better than the DIY versions:

Professional custom garages are made for your specific garage and your specific lifestyle.
You don’t use your garage in exactly the same way as your neighbor or your cousin, so there is no reason why your custom garages should look and function the same. Buying a garage organizer off of the shelf at your local home improvement store might give you a place to stash your stuff, but it may or may not actually fit the space that you have available. Custom garages should be installed tightly, and you should have a lot of choices as far as exactly what products and what type of organizers you have incorporated into your design. This is extremely hard to do with a DIY system, but a professional garage company has the experience necessary to build you a customized system.
The quality of the materials will usually be better with a custom garage company.
Because they work on many garages, they buy their materials wholesale. This allows garage companies to pass along the savings on these higher-quality products to you, the consumer. You want garage cabinets that can stand the test of time, as well as the test of inclement weather, humidity and insects that are likely to be factors. Professional-grade products can usually withstand higher weight limits, so you can stack your stuff with confidence. Because everything is measured precisely by professionals, your cabinets and shelves will fit together perfectly.
Custom garages are about more than just cabinets and shelves.
When you have your garage customized, you’ll have seemingly endless choices when it comes to wall racks, slatwall, gridwall and overhead storage options. Many homeowners elect to have epoxy garage flooring laid down at the same time. These services are best handled by experts in the industry to ensure that your products last for a long time, making the most of your investment.

Before you have a custom garage installed in your home, you will have a free consultation. Your garage professional will be able to show you exactly what your garage will look like with special industry-specific software. When you see the 3D rendition, you’ll be able to make changes with your professional, so you can be sure that you will receive exactly the system that you want. Before deciding between professionally designed and off-the-shelf DIY custom garage products, ask your garage company for a free consultation to have your questions answered.

Custom Garage Inspiration

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:04 GMT

Do you have a dream garage in mind? Many of us look at photographs and websites in order to find home decorating ideas, but since garages are often seen as utilitarian and not beautiful, we probably don’t spend as much time hunting down the perfect shades of paint for the walls or material for the floors.

Forbes.com put together this photo sequence of totally outrageous garages, though! They’re certainly inspirational, if you’re hoping to have a custom garage that provides you with a place to work, a place to play, a place to store equipment of all types and even a place to park your car or motorcycle. These garage-owners went all out: Included is a garage with a diner restaurant, car elevators and more.

While the owners of these garages spent millions of dollars on many of them, you don’t have to spend that much on a customized garage. Give us a call to talk about how we can make your dreams for a custom garage come true.

Does Color Make a Difference in Your Custom Garage?

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:02 GMT

If you bought your car new, you probably got to choose what color you wanted. Even if you bought your car used, color may have played a part in the final decision that you made. Color also makes a difference in the type of home decor items that you buy and place in the various rooms within your house, as well as in the clothing that you buy. We tend to have favorite colors, and we also may have colors that we avoid.

Don’t forget about this when you have your custom garage cabinets installed! Our professionals will ask you what type of cabinetry you’d like. You can choose from traditional wood or from one of our powder-coated finishes, which come in several colors. Choose the type that appeals to you, that complements your car, or that makes you feel at home! If you’re having tile or rubber flooring placed in your custom garage, you’ll be able to choose your colors for that as well.

Call us today to schedule your consultation, and we’ll show you all of your choices. Don’t neglect to choose a great color for your custom garage, as you’ll want to spend a lot of time out there once your garage organization system is in place!

Top Five Ways Custom Garages Are Worth the Money

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:01 GMT

You may see photos of custom garages and wonder if it’s worth it to spend money on improving a relatively unseen area of your home. Much of the time, home improvement dollars are spent on places that you spend more time: the bathrooms, the kitchen, the bedrooms, a back deck, the front porch. What are the benefits of paying for a professionally designed and installed custom garage? Here are the top five ways a custom garage is worth the money.

A custom garage gives you more space to store your stuff, opening up room in your home.
When you spend the money on a garage organization system, it actually can impact the rest of your living space as well. Think about how much more space you could gain in your house if you were to move some of your seldom-used belongings to the garage.
A custom garage gives you peace of mind when you get home at the end of a busy day.
Think about it: Pulling the car into a messy, disorganized garage doesn’t feel good after you’ve worked for eight or ten long hours, or after you’ve spent the day corralling kids, playing chauffeur, going grocery shopping and doing everything else that you need to fit into your day. Opening the garage and seeing quality, well-made garage cabinets holding your items feels great. Of course, that’s assuming you can park in the garage. If you currently can’t...
A custom garage gives you a place to park your car.
If you have a garage stacked high with boxes, bins, yard tools and other assorted clutter, you may not even have a place to put your vehicle! Cross that frustration off your list, as your custom garage will make room for your cars as well as your stored items.
A custom garage keeps your belongings safe.
When you have items on the floor of the garage or stacked precariously, they can get damaged. A bump from a running child or from opening the car door can bring piled items crashing down. If inclement weather causes some water buildup on the floor of your garage or if the water heater springs a leak, those items on your floor can get damaged from the moisture. Having your belongings safely stowed in drawers, cabinets and overhead storage bins eliminates those concerns.
A custom garage adds value to your home.
When would-be buyers first walk into a home for sale, one of the first things they check is the home’s storage space. Having a custom garage can cause those offers to come in a bit higher than they would otherwise, and they also can encourage buyers to make a bid; they won’t want to miss out on having a custom garage of their own!

Contact your garage professional to talk about how a custom garage can change the way you live. Your first consultation should be free, so you’ll have nothing to lose, other than unwanted garage clutter and chaos!

Other Uses For Your Custom Garage

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:13:00 GMT

Once your custom garage is built, don’t forget that it can function as a large extra room. Far from being an eyesore filled to the brim with clutter, your garage will be well-organized and will include attractive features like wood or powder-coated cabinets, a workbench, stain-resistant and non-slip flooring, and neat and tidy overhead storage. When a special event comes up, simply move your cars out of the garage, hose down and squeegee the floors, move in some furniture, and you’ll be ready to go.

Here are a few examples of ways you could use your customized and organized garage:

Summertime parties
No need to cancel in case of rain, and your garage provides excellent shade from the sun, too. Move in tables and chairs, set up a grill outside in the driveway, invite over the extended family, and you’re ready to roll! The great part about using your garage instead of your house is that you can combine comfort with ease in party-planning; you’ll need to make sure your guests have access to the bathroom, but you won’t need to go crazy getting the entire house party-ready.
Temporary man cave
Do you want to have the guys over to watch a big game while scarfing down wings and throwing back a few beers? Let your wife and her friends hang out inside while you take over the garage for your very own man cave. Set up some futons and bean bag chairs, drag out the flat screen, stock a big cooler and enjoy the night with the boys. Your wife won’t be bothered by (or complaining about) the volume of the television (or of your voice when your team scores!), making this a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Teenager hang out
It’s nice to be the house where the teens hang around, because you can keep half an eye on what’s going on. On the other hand, having a bunch of rowdy guys and gals in your house can give you a headache. Have your kids set up an extra television and a video game console in the garage and let them use one of your garage cabinets for bags of chips and bottles of soda. If your teens enjoy making music, you could store the drum set and speakers out there, too. This allows them to have their fun without making too much noise in the living areas of the house.

Once your guests leave, it’s not too much work to bring in the equipment, give the floor another quick hose-down if it’s gotten dirty, and pull the car back into the garage.

If this sounds like a great plan for your garage, call your local custom garage company to schedule a free consultation. He can show you all of the ways that your garage can be organized and updated, making it easy to host an event at your house, even if you have a small living area or the weather isn’t great.

Why Put Bikes in Overhead Racks?

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:03:54 GMT

If you’ve been looking through photos of custom garages, you may notice that many homeowners choose to store their bicycles in overhead storage. Aside from the obvious benefit of keeping them out of the way, why do people do that? Here are a few reasons:

It prevents damage to the bike.
You’ve probably had the experience at some point of a kickstand not being set just right, or of an eager pet or child running through the garage, knocking your bicycle over. Your bike wasn’t cheap, and you want to keep it looking nice and functioning well for as long as possible; overhead racks can help.
It prevents damage to your car.
It’s bad enough if a bicycle falls to the ground, but even worse if it damages your car on its way down! Scratches, dents and dings can be avoided by keeping the bike out of reach of your vehicle.
It might prevent theft.
If the worst should happen and a thief breaks into your garage, chances are he won’t bother pulling your bike down. Overhead bike racks have helped at least one homeowner avoid bicycle theft.

When we design your custom garage, we can plan to install bicycle racks for every bike in your household. Give us a call to set up your free consultation today.