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The time may come when you look at your existing garage building and decide it needs to be repaired or replace. But how do you know when it’s time to invest in a new garage or simply repair your existing garage? The decision rests on the parts of your garage that are failing and the investment it would take to repair those components in relation to the cost of building a new garage. With a number of new garages and garage accessories on the market, you may choose to invest in a new garage to increase your home value and avoid fixing something that will only need to be repaired again in a few years.

Cosmetic or Foundational

The first thing you need to look at is if your problems are cosmetic or foundational. Do you dislike the look of your garage? Is your door bent, discolored, or out of date? These are cosmetic repairs that are simple and fairly inexpensive to fix. Many garage contractors can reface your current garage and give it a whole new look.

However, if you notice that the walls of your garage are sagging or cracked, and you have standing water or other issues within the garage, it may be time to rebuild. Garages with foundation problems are often past the point of repair, especially if the foundation isn’t anything more than a flat concrete slab. It wouldn’t be advisable or economical to fix a garage situated on a bad foundation.

Roofing Problems

Many garages have shingle roofs, and just like home roofs these roofs need regular maintenance. A bad roof is not a reason to replace your entire garage. A roofer can easily fix leaks or missing shingles and even update your current roof to something more modern. However, you would need to compare the cost of a new roof to the cost of a new garage to determine the more worthwhile investment.

Unless your garage has serious foundation or structural problems, you can probably get by with refacing of your current garage. Any garage contractor can help you with new windows, a garage door, and entrance doors. Speak with a reliable contractor to help you decide if you need a replacement or just some repairs.

Garages began their life as the Carriage House.  They were located behind the main house and were developed to house the automobile.  With advancing technology in automotive design to remove the smelly oil and gas fumes, people wanted the “car house” moved closer to the home and even attached to the side of the house for easy access.

Decide on Detached or Attached Garage?
A new garage can be a separate building behind the house; a separate building close to the house and attached by a breezeway; or attached to the home.  There are options to suit any homeowner desiring modern designs to complement their home.

Consider a New Structure Built to Specifications
Local building and homeowners ordinances specify if the lot can accommodate a new structure.  The lot has to be deep enough to locate the building with proper easements between the new building and the property line. You may want the building design for the new garage to accommodate several cars with storage units.

Options Galore!
Design options include gable and hip roofs, flat roofs, and barn roofs.  It all depends on what will complement your home.  There are many options for doors that will beautify any building. You can even use a “red barn” design that is very attractive. There are numerous exterior facing options such as siding, shingles, brick and the like.

Add a Second Floor to Dramatically Increase Space
Adding dormers for a second floor to your new unit increases the utility function.  It can be designed to be used as a storage unit, a home office, or even a “mother-in=law apartment.” The apartment option can be converted into a rental unit if local ordinances allow it.  If so, let the renters pay for the building!

Attach an Expanded Garage to an Existing House  
This option is more expensive but should be considered if the lot is shallow or local ordinances prohibit a second detached unit.  If space permits, expanding the one car garage to a new two or three car garage (or golf cart garage) will add value to your home.  If you have a two-story house, add a second floor to add storage space, home office, man cave, craft room or family room.

The roofing should match the existing roof design of the home.  The exterior facing can match the existing home facing.  New garage doors will enhance and beautify any home.  Also, there are reface options for attached garages and for detached units to spruce up existing structures.

Storage space is rare in homes built without basements.  The garage is the obvious place to build new storage units.  The options range from installing shelving, building closets, and using garage utility designs available from a number of suppliers.  Any redesign of the garage unit should consider storage space.

The professionals at Georges Garages & Doors, Inc. can help you design and build a new garage to suit your needs.  We have the expertise to design a unit and offer options to make your new garage an attractive addition to your property.

Today’s garages are a lot more than the little boxes that house your vehicles.  They take on many different shapes and sizes and purposes.  They can be attached, detached, 1-story, 1-1/2-story, 2-story, sized for 1, 2, 3, or more vehicles.  They can even convert from garage to workshop, boat or RV protection, apartment, recreation room, or carport.  Who knew this??

Specialty Garage Builders Make It Happen
Custom garage builders knew this all along.  We do not have to settle for just garages.  Through the wonder of today’s designers and builders, we can now add a pool house, an in-law suite, or a family room where once we had only a garage.  It may or may not house a vehicle.  Whatever the customer can dream, the builder can construct. Builders that specialize in building garages will have the expertise and experience to fulfill your design concept and preferences accurately and with high standards of workmanship.

Adding a New Garage Can Have Many Advantages
Although this sounds like an expensive addition, but an additional room to your home will have many advantages when built by custom garage builders.  They use materials that are strong, flexible, and long-lasting.  They can build to standard or custom specifications, or a combination of the two.

Standard Features:

• Budget-friendly
• Ample sized square footage for both storage and parking
• Long-lasting and attractive roof coverings
• Turn-key operation includes all permits, inspections, and designs
• Match colors on existing home

Custom Features:

• New structure that complements existing structures
• Newest polymer floor coatings, custom cabinets, shelving, storage units
• Built to customer’s tastes and budget
• Different roof designs and shingles, special sidings including cedar, vinyl, brick
• Can add heated square footage to your home when attached

We May Need Help Selecting this New Garage
That is the beauty of hiring custom garage builders.  They have done it all before. They are professional and experienced and will give you that additional suggestion you may be looking for.  They have many plans to choose from and photos and options to get your creative juices flowing.  Need to add a home office so that you are able to work from home?  No problem.  Would an additional carport give you added protection for your boat or motor home?  Just ask about these unique ideas.

The Bottom Line
Look for experienced, dependable builders who are dedicated to customer service.  They will provide a premium quality garage for you at the right price.  They know how to manage a project efficiently.  They also know how to give you a garage that reflects your exact requirements. Ask for references and talk to their former clients.  You will know immediately if they are the right fit for your job.

If you are in the Chicago/NW Indiana area and searching for a custom garage builder, Contact Georges Garages for information about a knowledgeable, caring builder. We will be happy to help you with your next project.

A garage contractors manages new garage construction or garage remodeling projects in the most efficient and cost effective manner for clients.  This contractor is involved in all aspects of a customer’s project from conception to completion.  The structure itself may be attached or detached.  The garage may be pre-fabricated or stick built.  These contractors are trained professionals who are experts in garage installation, construction, conversion, remodeling, or repair.

Do I Need a Garage Contractor?
From the beginning of the process, the contractor will listen to your concerns, explain the options of building or remodeling, and discuss your expectations are for the project. The contractor will communicate this information to the employees who will be doing the actual construction. Your contractor will be available to answer questions or help alleviate any concerns you may have during the planning or construction of your project.

Will the Contractor Handle the Permits and Technical Issues?
Garage contractors will obtain the necessary permits, handle schedules, manage any subcontractors, monitor construction quality, determine material usage, and, of course, pay everyone involved in the job.  Knowing that all aspects of construction are being taken care of in a timely manner greatly reduces the stress on the customer.

I Want to Build a New Garage With an Extra Bedroom—Do I Need a Contractor?
This will not only give you an extra room for when company arrives, it will also give you additional storage space, privacy, and add value to your home.  Garage contractors will discuss both standard and custom-designed plans for this type of an upgrade.  They may suggest a 1-1/2 story garage with the bedroom upstairs, either attached or detached.  The contractor will work with you to plan a structure that complements your existing home and is aesthetically pleasing with matching siding or brick.

How Do I Find a Garage Contractor in My Area That is Right for Me?
On-the-job training with more experienced contractors is how most contractors learn the trade, so find a builder who has been in the profession and has accumulated experience working on many different types of garage construction jobs.  Prepare a list of questions about your particular job and discuss with your contractor the type of structure you prefer as well as your budget and time limitations.

There may be some concessions to make during the construction process, but most of it will be outdoors as opposed to say a bathroom remodeling project.  By keeping communication lines open during construction, your requirements and budget limits can be relayed to the contractors.  You will be pleased that the assistance your garage contractor offers during the project will allow your life to continue with as much “normalcy” as possible.

Georges Garages is your best option when looking for a premier garage contractor in the Chicagoland area.

Do you have plans to sell your home and want to know the best way to best increase its overall value? Have you been considering building a new garage but worry that it’s too large of an investment? The good news is that you can invest in a new garage and get a return on your money when you sell your home because a new garage will increase the value of your home. A garage, either attached or detached, is one aspect of a home that buyers look for when shopping the market. Carports are nice and provide a level of protection and enclosed carports give a home more space, but a garage is the most desirable when it comes to parking and storage for your home.

Provide A Safe Place to Park

Garages increase the value of your home because they provide a safe place to park your vehicles. Many homeowners worry about leaving their car exposed to the elements, while some homebuyers want a place to store a show or antique car. An enclosed garage also provides an increased level of security from theft of or damage to a vehicle. You could have a beautiful home with a newly remodeled kitchen, but the fact that you don’t have a garage could be the deciding factor for a buyer.

Additional Storage Space

If your home is smaller, building a new garage will provide additional storage space. This can be a big draw for buyers when you go to sell your home. A detached garage can be built with additional space in the back designated for storage. Some people will prefer not to have to store items in a hot attic, and if you use a professional garage builder the garage should be secure enough that it won’t leak or pool water, ensuring that stored items won’t be damaged.

If you’ve been considering the construction of a new garage, don’t hesitate to get estimates and begin planning. You can recoup the cost of a new garage in the asking price of your home when you sell, so consider it an investment with a return. Just make sure to build a garage that will last longer than your home so that you don’t have to worry about repairs or renovations, which can decrease the value you get from the investment.

When you hire a home garage builder to construct a detached garage on your property, you should collaborate closely to ensure you get the result you want. But how do you collaborate with a contractor without being in the way? Are there certain questions you should ask before the project starts? Remember that ultimately you have to be excited about the finished product, which means that you need to build a good working relationship with your contractor from the beginning. Here are some tips to help you out.

Interview Contractors and Get Estimates

Before you hire a home garage builder, speak with at least three different contractors. You not only want to get an estimate of the work, including how long it will take to complete the project, but you want to get a feel for the contractor and determine if he seems open to your suggestions and questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with your builder during the interview, you won’t feel comfortable addressing questions or concerns during the project. You also need to feel comfortable with how your contractor prices the project. Make sure the rates you get are competitive, and ask how the cost will change based on issues that may come up during the building process.

Explain What You Want

A home garage builder should be able to work with you to create the perfect new garage. Even if you don’t know the technical terms for what you want, show your contractor photos of garages you like and ask how feasible it is for that style to work on your property. A good builder will consider your wants and compare those with your needs and recommend the perfect style garage. Make sure your builder knows that you’re willing to consider their ideas for changes, and then collaborate to ensure you get the perfect garage.

Communicate Well

The best way to collaborate with your contractor is to communicate effectively before and during the project. If you notice that something looks different from what you discussed, don’t be afraid to ask the builder if changes needed to be made. In most cases, your builder will come to you about any changes but when under a time crunch, you may have to ask questions to make sure you’re kept informed during the building process.