Monthly Archives: March 2024

More Ways to Revamp Your Garage

6. Improve Flooring: Upgrade your garage floor with durable and easy-to-maintain flooring options such as epoxy coatings, interlocking tiles, or rubber mats. Choose a finish that complements your home’s aesthetic and enhances the overall look of the space.

7. Add Insulation: Increase comfort and energy efficiency by adding insulation to the garage walls and ceiling. Insulated garage doors and walls help regulate temperature, reduce noise transmission, and prevent moisture buildup.

8. Incorporate Design Elements: Inject personality and style into your garage space with decorative touches such as wall murals, custom signage, or themed decor. Choose colors, textures, and finishes that complement your home’s interior design for a cohesive look.

9. Upgrade Security Features: Enhance security measures in your garage with features like security cameras, motion-activated lights, and smart locks. Make sure that all entry points are properly secured to deter unauthorized access and protect valuable belongings.

10. Create Multi-Functional Space: Transform your garage into a versatile space that serves multiple purposes, such as a home gym, entertainment area, or additional living space. Flexibility in design and furniture arrangement lets you adapt the space to your evolving needs.

By implementing these garage repair and upgrade solutions, you can revitalize your space to be both functional and stylish, adding value and enjoyment to your home. If you’re ready to start on your garage improvement project, look no further than the experts at Custom Garage Works. Call us at 214-494-9068 to learn how we can help.

Can a garage car lift be installed in a residential garage?

If your residential garage has standard garage doors, they are typically designed to accommodate the majority of garage car lifts on the market today. You can choose a 2-post car lift or a 4-post lift,  however, it may require some modifications to be done on the garage doors for the garage car lift to fit easily.

The average height of a 2-post garage car lift is approximately 9 feet tall. This will fit inside a residential garage with a 9’ 6” ceiling height. The downside to this low of a garage car lift is there are often issues when it comes to opening the car doors of cars parked underneath or next to the garage car lift. 

What is the recommended height for a garage car lift?

While you can get a garage car lift installed in a garage with a maximum ceiling height of 9’6”, the recommended height to assure an easy fit and usability is between 11’ and 12’ height. Things that should be considered in the height restrictions when purchasing a garage car lift include any overhead objects like installed lighting, existing storage, and attic access. 

Also, consider the weight of the vehicles you’ll be storing in the garage car lift. Cars are heavy, and if you’re storing two cars, that weight can make a difference on the flooring. Many homes are built with an attached garage on a cement foundation. An engineering inspection may be recommended before purchasing a garage car lift. 

How thick does concrete need to be for a car lift?

Twelve-inch thick concrete slab is ideal, but not required for most garage car lifts for a home garage. A garage with a four-inch thick reinforced concrete is an acceptable standard. 

Are there any disadvantages of a garage car lift? 

There are several factors to consider when choosing a garage car lift. Here, we have listed three different styles with a brief explanation as well as the advantages and disadvantages: 

• A Commercial Grade 2-Post Garage Car Lift: 

The 2 most popular garage car lift in use today because of several benefits that include:

• Excellent usability for almost any vehicle with excellent access to the underbody of most modern and older cars. 
• Excellent reliability for multiple uses a day.

The disadvantages of a 2-post garage car lift include:

• Height and width may not fit a standard-sized residential garage. 
• Concrete slab requirement of no less than 4″ thick of 3,000 PSI concrete. 
• A Commercial Grade 4-Post Garage Car Lift

The advantages of a 4-post garage car lift include:

• Great storage space created by lifting your project car up and can park a second car underneath. 
• Great for a serious project allowing more underneath access. 
• Great low ground clearance required. 
• Safety and stable with the weight of the car supported by 4 posts. 
• Higher weight capacity with a 4 post garage car lift distributing the weight. 

The disadvantages of a 4-post garage car lift are: 

• Height requirement of 12’ or higher. 
• Width of a typical 4-post garage car requires a minimum 10’ of width. 
• Tire and wheel work is more difficult because the 4 wheels are on the 4 posts. 
• Scissor-Style Hydraulic Garage Car Lift 

An entry-level hydraulic garage car lift will typically lift a car between the wheels. The advantages to this type of garage car lift are: 

• Ideal for light maintenance like rotating tires, replacing brakes, or changing the oil. 
• Ideal where the ceiling is the standard low in residential builds. 

The disadvantage of Scissor-Style Hydraulic Garage Car Lift include: 

• The hydraulic system is typically cheap for cost-cutting purposes. 
• Requires a minimal height. 
• Tendency to tip front to back. 
• Uneven raising and lower possibility due to the hydraulics. 
• Underbody access is restricted because this garage car lift works by picking the vehicle by the frame. , they restrict access to the underside of the vehicle.

In Closing

Is it worth having a garage car lift installed in your home garage?  Yes, if you are a car enthusiast, or even the average homeowner who prefers to do your own brake jobs and oil changes, a garage car lift is worthwhile!  

Or perhaps you have a soon-to-be-teen who will be driving, you can get to work on their future vehicle while keeping your garage open for a family vehicle and other activities in the garage. Keep the bicycles handy on one side of the garage and the garage car lift installed on the other side, you can keep that second vehicle at easy access to come and go when you’re not working on the lifted car. Now is the time to call us at 214-494-9068 if you want a garage car lift in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX. We are here to help!

What is a garage floor coating? 

Garage floor coatings are a protective layer that is durable and tough, holding up to heavy foot traffic and more. A floor coating makes the flooring corrosion-resistant, making it a popular choice for more than residential garages. You can also find floor coatings at: 

• Chemical plants
• Manufacturing plants
• Warehouses
• New Car Dealerships

…and more!

Though people don’t usually think about the importance of protecting their garage floors, there are many advantages to having a garage floor coating installed. Though this may sound like a luxury, there are several benefits to this process: 

1. Protection: Most driveways and garages have concrete, which is a durable and rigid material. However, it is porous and can harbor dirt, grease, oil, other fluids, and even bacteria. Not only will these stain the garage floor, but they can weaken the surface over time, starting with cracking and pitting. With a professionally installed epoxy garage floor coating over the concrete, it is easier to clean up drips and spills while repairing any cracking or pitting that has started. 

2. Easy Clean: Speaking of clean-up, epoxy, polyaspartic, and polyuria garage floor coatings make cleaning easy. A properly installed garage floor coating is non-absorptive and keeps fluids like gasoline, grease, oils, and other fluids from seeping in. Sweep or vacuum it and, if necessary, mop it with plain water to remove dirt or fluids.

3. Safe, Slip Resistant: Concrete floor coatings with a textured surface are anti-slip and safer, with a reduced chance of falls and slips.

4. Improved Appearance: If you plan on selling your home, a professionally installed garage floor coating will make your garage look cleaner and more attractive. They are also available in various colors and styles for greater customization! 

5. Value Add: While you won’t get a massive ROI from installing a garage floor coating, it can make your home stand out among prospective buyers. According to real estate experts, garage floor coating has become a ‘want’ on more home buyers’ lists, up to over 80%! That’s a big part of the market to disregard. 

Are there different types of garage floor coatings?

Yes, there are different types of garage floor coatings, including tiles. However, the three most popular options are: 

• Epoxy Garage Floor Coating is the most common choice for a concrete floor cover. It is the least expensive option and comes in many applications. Manufacturers install it by rolling it across the floor, allowing it to dry, and then applying another layer. This type of garage floor coating requires the original surface to be 100% clean of debris for the best bonding possible. It has a slippery surface when wet and may not be the best choice for some homeowners. 
• MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) Garage Floor Coating: This garage floor coating is made from a variety of plastics. It is ideal for commercial garage floors because of its extreme durability and high tolerance to cold and hot temperatures. It is a perfect floor coating if your garage has a lot of traffic, which is often the case for families. However, it is an expensive option, so it is less popular for residential homes.
• Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coating: Many homeowners will tell you this is the best of the first two floor coatings. It provides most of the benefits of epoxy minus the drawbacks. Like MMA garage floor coatings, it is a durable, rugged surface resistant to abrasion and chemical spills and UV stable. 

 What is the life expectancy of a garage floor coating?

Several factors will determine the lifespan of a garage floor coating, including the installation, maintenance, and upkeep. Other factors include additives used in the floor coating, the amount of foot traffic it receives, and drops and vehicle wear. The average lifespan of an epoxy garage floor coating can be as short as two years and up to 10 years. 

To Summarize

A garage floor coating is an excellent investment for the homeowner who is a car, craft, or hobby enthusiast. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time, it is worth the investment, and if you are considering selling it in the not-too-distant future, a garage floor coating could be what puts your home up over the competition. If you’re interested in a garage floor coating in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX or any nearby cities, we can be there to help. Call us at 214-494-9068 today to learn more.

Why are garage storage solutions so important?

Go to your garage now and assess it as if you’ve never been in it before. Do you know where to find garden hand tools or automotive supplies like grease and oil? Are there bicycles in the way of getting the lawn mower out? Can you park your car in the garage, safely? 

Garage storage solutions have cabinets, drawers, and shelves, and when they are installed correctly, they can provide an excellent way to create more space and keep your various items in order. 

Bikes and vehicles can co-habitat when you have garage storage solutions in place. And most garage storage solution systems can be expanded as your tool collection grows! 

Are there other benefits of garage storage solutions? 

1. Clutter Eliminator

Garage storage solutions are excellent clutter eliminators! They free up floor space and maximize the space you have on the walls and ceilings. A garage storage system will have zones and any family member can find what they need or want. 

2. Appearance Booster

Customized garage storage solutions allow you to create and design garage storage to fit your needs, making it more functional for you.

3. Safety First

When you leave your tools leaning or stacked in a corner, they can easily be knocked over, on top of you or your car!  With garage storage solutions, this 

4. Value Add

Here is the answer to your initial question, “Just what do these houses have that that mine doesn’t?”. With everything in its place using garage storage solutions, your garage will look clean and open, even larger to a prospective buyer

5. Secured Valuables

Automotive and yard tools can be expensive.  When they are left on the floor, it’s too easy for them to be taken if the garage door is open.  With garage storage systems, you can have cabinets that lock to store expensive items like air compressors, a power generator, and power hand tools. 

6. Create a Workshop

Whether you’re a gearhead or a hobbyist, garage storage solutions can benefit you by making everything easily accessible and providing you with counter space to work on. 

How can I organize my garage without spending money? 

Yes, garage storage solutions can be expensive, but there are ways to get your garage organized without spending a lot of money. Start by prepping the garage by completely emptying it, and sorting everything in piles. This will allow you to see what you need to store, and what kind of storage you need to get the most out of your garage space. Sort the items you’re taking out in three piles: 

• Keep
• Donate
• Trash

Within the keep pile, break the items down into “like stuff”, meaning a hammer and screwdriver are
“like stuff” while a hoe and shovel are “like stuff” that will go together in one area of the garage.

• A PLAN: Now that you know what is going back in the garage in groups, create a plan for how you’re going to store them in the garage. When money is tight, you can get creative with garage storage solutions. 

• CANVAS BAG: Those bulky holiday decorations can be stored in canvas bags that will keep the dust off. Adding a dryer sheet in the bag will critters and insects out. 

• IN PLACE: At this point, you should have a place to put everything in the keep pile. Start bringing those things in and put them away where they will be kept going forward. Tools go in the toolbox or drawers, gardening tools are hung on the wall, and cleaning supplies and liquids go in cabinets or on shelves, high up to keep small children and pets out of them. 
• RACK ‘EM: Vertical storage racks for bikes makes great garage storage solutions and the hooks are relatively inexpensive. 
• WALL SPACE: Don’t let those empty walls go to waste! This is a great place to create garage storage solutions using three-quarter-inch plywood attached to the bare studs or drywall. Then you can purchase inexpensive hardware that can work for storing items. 

Other suggestions for garage storage solutions is to use old desks, dressers, and file cabinets for storage and work surfaces with peg boards behind them for hanging small hand tools. Corner cabinets and storage shelves can be used in a garage to get things off the floor, and don’t forget to label bins and boxes! 

In Closing 

Whether you’re planning on living in your home for the unforeseen future, or you’re considering placing it on the market, finding garage storage solutions to unclutter your garage will be a big attention grabber. Do you need garage storage solutions in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX? If so, give our team a call at 214-494-9068!

The following are common materials used for garage storage cabinets:

• Aluminum Garage Storage Cabinets

Aluminum is lightweight, making DIY installation easier. Yet, it is a durable, sturdy material that is corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant. And to keep your garage looking good, they are available in a wide choice of colors. 

• Plastic Garage Storage Cabinets

Another option to go with is plastic garage storage cabinets. They are lightweight also, making DIY installation easier, rustproof, and a less expensive option than aluminum or other types of materials.  A downside to plastic is that its lifespan is shorter and it can’t hold as much weight as other material types. 

• Metal Garage Storage Cabinets

Another option of durable and lightweight garage storage cabinets. Metal cabinets made with military-grade aluminum will maintain their durability with heavy-duty items without bending or breaking. Metal is corrosion and rust-resistant and can withstand the swing in humidity and temperatures in the garage. These are available in various design options, including colors and powder-coated finishes. 

• Stainless Steel Garage Storage Cabinets

Stainless steel garage storage cabinets are a great long-term material for the garage. However, it is a heavier material, a DIY installation may be challenging, and they are more expensive than the other options we’ve listed. Stainless steel cabinetry offers a stylish appeal and a robust structure that will give you a long lifespan.

• Wooden Garage Storage Cabinets

Using wood for garage storage cabinets will provide aesthetics that are cozy and timeless with the many different options you can choose in colors and styles. But they aren’t going to be as long-lasting with durability and strength as the other materials we’ve mentioned. While engineered woods are more resilient than solid timber, they are easy to warp in humid weather.

Is it cheaper to build your garage cabinets instead of ready-to-use?

Yes, it can be cheaper, but you need to consider the logistics, starting with these questions: 

• Do you have the tools needed to build your garage storage cabinets? 
• Do you have the skill set it takes to build aesthetically pleasing, durable, and sturdy cabinetry?  
• Do you have the space to build them? 
• Do you have the space to let the project sit during downtimes? 

If you need garage storage cabinets and worksurfaces now, as well as non-cabinet storage items, you probably don’t have the work and storage space for the interim of construction. 

Should garage storage cabinets be off the floor?

Depending on what you’re storing in your garage storage cabinets can be the determining factor to answer this question. If you’ll be storing any of the following, it is recommended to install the storage cabinets a minimum of 4-1/2 inches off the floor. This will protect things like boxes, documents, photos, and metal tools from getting damaged or destroyed. Other reasons you should install your garage storage cabinets off the floor include: 

• Frees floor space which can save you from tripping over stuff. 
• Saves the back and knees not having to bend over to pick up things.
• Keeps the garage clean and organized.
• Makes cleaning easier.
• Avoids possible water damage.

Why are garage storage cabinets so expensive?

You want your garage storage cabinets for the long run, not a temporary setup.  This requires using durable materials that will last, such as metal or plastic. These materials are more expensive than using cardboard boxes. Garage storage cabinets are an investment. 

What is the best depth for garage storage cabinets?

The industry standard depth for garage storage cabinets base unit is 24” deep and for the upper cabinets, the standard depth is 12”. This prevents banging your head on the cabinet while standing at the counter or work surface. Most garage storage cabinets are 48” wide to maintain stability.

Closing Notes

Okay, not everyone has a budget to purchase new metal or plastic garage storage cabinets.  So, can any type of cabinets be used for garage storage cabinets? That would be the least expensive way to set up a garage storage cabinet system, but you need to make sure they are durable. 

This would be using cabinets that are made of the same types of materials we’ve covered in this article such as metal or heavy-duty plastic. Again, you want a material that is resistant to corrosion or rust and can be secured with a locking system.