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If your home doesn’t have a garage or perhaps one that is not large enough, you may have thought about adding one to your property. However, having a garage built by a contractor can be quite expensive. And even if you’re handy enough to tackle the project yourself, doing all the plans and getting all the construction materials together can be a daunting task. That is why more and more people are looking at garage kit packages.

What is a garage kit package? It’s a package that includes everything you need to build the garage of your dreams. A standard kit consists of the framing lumber, wood trusses, siding and shingles, the garage door, windows, and whatever else is needed to build a freestanding garage on your lot. It also comes with detailed drawings, including elevations, floor plans, truss, plywood layout, cut lists, and various details.

The question that instantly comes to mind, of course, is: Can I do this myself? Can I build my own garage? If you are handy with tools and have a few experienced helpers, you probably can (don’t forget that you need a concrete slab or concrete footers). However, you can also get a garage kit through a builder or buy a kit and have a contractor do the work, and the total cost will probably still be less than having one custom-designed.

In terms of costs, the kits are amazingly affordable. One-car garage kits in NJ can be as little as just over $3,000, two-car garage kits are usually between $4,000 and $5,000, and three-car garage kits are generally in the $7,000 range. As long as they build a garage, many people want to add some storage space as well. This is where gambrel “barn style” garages come in. The gambrel style roof makes room for an attic above the garage. Gambrel garage kits usually accommodate two cars and cost as little as $6,000.

What if you have something special in mind? Most garage kit manufacturers give you all sorts of upgrade options. You can pick special siding, larger garage doors, skylights, cupolas, additional insulation, a metal roof, pull down attic stairs, and more. And you can always apply your own touch to your garage project.

While most people add a garage to park their cars, garages can also be used in many other ways. For example, a garage kit can be modified to accommodate a small business office, a playhouse for the children, a home gym, a general recreation room, a guest apartment, or just some flex space. The possibilities are endless and having a separate, detached structure generally costs less to insure, and noisy activities in the garage do not affect the home.

Where can you get garage kit packages? There are very reputable mills and building materials companies that make and ship them. They use brand name products and make sure that all components meet industry standards. Kits are fairly large, of course, and it usually takes three or four weeks for one to ship, so plan. Garage kit builders usually ship within about a 300-mile radius, so if you live in the Mid Atlantic region, a centrally located garage kit company may ship to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and other Mid-Atlantic states.

The new generation of garage doors is reasonably priced, safe, and easy to install, and they are no longer a convenience for only a select few. You should consider changing your garage door if it is too old or if it has an old motor or pulley system.

The garage doors can be selected by the type of chain System they use: screw-drive system, chain drive system, or computer-controlled system. The screw drive system has a mechanism that moves the length of a steel rod; it is a lifting mechanism mounted in your garage ceiling.
The chain drive system is made of a chain that moves the door along a pair of tracks; this is the most common and affordable system and has the disadvantage of being extremely noisy. The computer drive mechanism doesn’t use any screws or chains; the system’s body is mounted above the door.

The speed and the type of power are other factors used in selecting a new garage door. A faster door means a more expensive one, but this feature reduces the waiting time on your driveway. Even though it opens quickly, a door usually closes pretty slow for safety. The motor’s power is important in choosing a door because it has to have enough power to raise the door; a large motor is likely to last longer. Also, the quietness of the motor should be another deciding factor.

Enhanced security features can be found in a newer generation door that uses random codes. A new random code is generated each time the remote control is used to open the garage door. This security code prevents you from opening another garage and vice versa. The remote
control may be found in several models with a different number of buttons. A multiple buttons remote control is the best choice for someone who has several garages. The fixed controller is mounted on the wall, either inside or outside, near the garage door, and it allows the garage
door to open without a remote controller. The keypad allows us to close the door for a specific period of time, and it provides enough time to exit the garage without running.

Safety features are present on every garage door. These features prevent the door from crushing objects or people by reversing the direction if it hits something. An electronic beam triggers this safety feature, and it is mandated by law. A computer-controlled mechanism can
For example, the detector compensates for varying conditions if the door is coming in contact with an obstruction or is closing too fast.

Automatic garage doors are no longer a convenience for only a few. The new generation of garage door is reasonably priced, safe, and simple to install.

Here are several factors to consider when choosing a garage door.

The Type of Drive System

1. Screw-drive System

The screw-drive system has a lifting apparatus that moves the length of a steel rod. The system requires little maintenance due to the very few moving parts. The system body is mounted in the garage ceiling. The cost for a screw-drive system is generally more than $150 and less than $200.

2. Chain-drive system

The chain-drive system has a metal chain lifting the garage door up or down along a set of tracks. The chain-drive system is the most common and usually the most affordable. The chain-drive is priced in the range of $100 to $170.

On the downside, the chain drive system makes more noise than the screw-drive system. The chain drive system is mounted in the garage ceiling.

Chain drive mechanism: By far the most popular and affordable opening device.

3. Computer-controlled system

The computer-controlled drive system uses no screws or chain. The body of the system is mounted directly above the door. Having the system mounted above the door helps in garages that have low headroom. Also, it provides more ceiling space, which can be used for storage.

The type of power

Select a motor with enough power to raise your door. Have at least a motor with ½ hp if you have a double door. A large motor is likely to last longer. Try to find a motor with a “soft” start and stop. It operates more quietly and minimizes wear and tear.

The speed

The more expensive garage door opens much faster, cutting down the waiting time on your driveway. The quicker opening model still closes at a slower speed for safety. Consider how much you are willing to spend for the quicker models.

Safety concerns

All garage doors have a safety feature that prevents the door from pinning objects. The door reverses in direction if they hit something. The safety feature is mandated by federal law. An electronic beam triggers the safety feature.

The computer-controlled mechanism measures the optimal operating time and speed of the door. It can detect and compensate for varying conditions – like if the door is coming in to contact an obstruction or closing too fast.

Security features

The newer generation of garage doors uses random codes for enhancing security. Each time the remote is used to open the garage door, a new random code is generated. The security feature prevents you from opening your neighbor’s garage door and vice versa. The random code prevents code theft.

If the power is out, all garage doors have a manual that will open the door. A few high-end models have a function that allows the door to open just a little bit so that your dog or cat can get out.

The remote control

Several models use a single-button remote control, while others use a remote with multiple buttons to open multiple garage doors. The multiple buttons remote control is the best choice for people with several garages, each with its own door.

The fixed controller

The fixed controller is mounted to the wall either inside or outside near the garage door. The fixed controller allows the door to be opened without a remote controller. The fixed controller usually does not come with the standard kit. It is usually an accessory.

The keypad provides you a means to lock the door for a specified amount of time, like when you are away on a trip. Another function is delayed closing, a brief pause between pushing the button and closing the door. The keypad provides a lot of time to exit on foot without running, dodging the electronic beam and the garage door.

Lighting

Many garage doors have a security light that turns on as you turn on the system. The light stays on just long enough for you to step out of your vehicle and get into the house. Most remotes have buttons that turn on the light without opening the door.

Mosquitoes are not exactly intelligent insects, but they know when they are left with other options to go inside the house. If you have set up screens on your doors and windows, make sure you don’t leave your garage. You might have wondered how mosquitoes manage to get inside the car that you always make sure to close. Well, mosquitoes may be smart creatures, after all. If they can’t get inside the house, they enter the car through the air vents, waiting for the right moment to get a bite out of you.

Garage door mosquito netting is a good way to keep mosquitoes out of your car. Of course, if you’re thinking of setting up a garage door mosquito netting, this would mean that you have installed mosquito screens or curtains on other entrances to the house as well. Otherwise, the garage door mosquito netting wouldn’t serve much of its purpose.

There are garage door mosquito nettings readily available in the market. Standard sizes include 16’x7’ and 9’x7’. However, if you need a different garage door mosquito netting size, you may visit www.skeeterdefeater.com to order a custom-made one. They actually call their product garage door screens, but they are not the permanent screens we know of. Using their garage door mosquito netting will enable you to stay do other things in the garage and stay longer without the fear of being swarmed by mosquitoes and other insects. Aside from keeping away pests, the net or screen keeps out leaves and lessens dust as well.

Another site www.garagedoorscreens.com sells screens for your garage. However, the screens work basically the same way the nets do. They also sell standard sizes that are very easy to install. Like the garage door mosquito netting, their screens can also be rolled up when not in use. These products can also let you convert your garage into a laundry, exercise, or playroom.

www.mosquitocontrol.com also offers their own line of garage door mosquito netting, among other things. They have a wide range of fashionable netting products that are not only intended for garage doors.

If you want to purchase a garage door mosquito netting that you can use in your gazebo, deck, or balcony, you can find one by visiting www.travelhealthhelp.com. They have readily-available mosquito nettings that you can use to cover oddly-shaped structures. These products are also very portable and can be taken anywhere to protect you from areas that will greatly expose you to insects.

Using garage door mosquito netting will ensure us a more mosquito-free environment. Keep in mind that mosquitoes thrive in warm and humid places, and most garages make for a great mosquito haven.

If you own a warehouse, storage facility, or industrial business, you probably realize the importance of safety, productivity, and energy conservation. Old doors to divide your plant sections or warehouse storage areas can be a hazard in more ways than one. That’s why it’s a good idea to replace your old doors with new, energy-efficient roll-up doors. Here are some benefits and key features of roll-up doors.

Easy to Use

One issue that’s often overlooked in manufacturing facilities is the ease of use for the doors. Doors can be a hassle, especially those that swing outward or upward when opened. They must be held open or “held up” by some type of device, or they could fall or close suddenly on a worker or your equipment. This can pose a threat to workers on the job every day without their realizing it. For instance, someone operating moving equipment such as a forklift could easily crash into an open door and get hurt or damage the products they are carrying.

With commercial rollup doors, workers can easily and quickly open and close the doors for a fast entrance or exit. This helps to improve productivity and prevent door hazards. When you replace your doors with rollup doors, you can choose the opening and closing methods, such as manual push-up, chain, or motor operated doors.

Heavy-Duty for Protection

Rollup doors come in heavy-duty materials for protection against burglary, weathering, and on-the-job accidents. The doors usually come in steel, wood, or concrete materials to provide safety and insulation against cold and heat. Many roll-up doors protect against dust or contaminants in the air for food processing plants or chemical plants. If you live in an area where there are frequent hurricanes or high winds, there are rollup doors that can withstand high winds and heavy rains.

Customized for Your Needs

Industrial roll-up doors can be customized to meet your needs. A rollup door specialist can measure your door openings and create rollup doors to fit your building perfectly. They come in many colors that are bright and easily recognized by workers, day or night.

Save Money with Commercial Roll Up Doors

You can save money on energy costs by installing insulated rollup doors. These can keep cold air in and hot air out during the hot months, and vice versa during the winter months. Another way to save money is by reducing the number of safety hazards for workers. This helps reduce injuries on the job, workers’ compensation, and insurance premiums. Rollup doors provide a safe alternative to other types of doors or sectional barriers.

Other Rollup Door Products

Even if you don’t manage a factory or warehouse, there are still many other uses for rollup doors. There are mini storage doors, roll garage doors, and self-storage doors to provide you with safe, convenient storage or garage doors.

With rollup doors, you can make life easier for your workers and enjoy a safer, more productive environment at your plant or warehouse. Check out the rollup door advantages and features online to see how they can benefit you.

When designing your new house, you will need to decide what type of garage door will be suitable.
The garage door will have to follow the whole house’s style, and this can also determine the materials that your door will be constructed with.

Various garage doors can be constructed from wood, aluminum, steel, glass, and other materials.

The materials can also determine what type of door you will be buying.

There are overhead doors, bi-folding doors, and doors that roll back against empty wall space.
Obviously, the roll back doors will take up quite a lot of room in the garage where you won’t use the wall space.

If space is limited, then an overhead door might be a better alternative.

If you live in a particularly wet climate, then the overhead door can create problems as the water runs off the door when it rests up against the ceiling of your garage.

A roller door doesn’t create quite so much of a problem as the water is limited to the roll area at the entrance of the garage.

Overhead doors generally need to be constructed with lighter-weight materials. However, there are many overhead wooden doors due to the advanced track and roller construction that has been designed in modern doors.

Garage doors can cost a lot of money, but they can also make or break the whole visual effect of your finished house, so cost alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor when buying your door.

Several excellent websites on the internet offer information and price comparisons for garage doors. Still, you will probably need a door professional to give you specialist advice at your property to ensure you make the right decision.

Buying the right garage door can add thousands of dollars to the value of your house.

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Doors are almost like an address and identity to a home. A door, unique in style, design, and finish, makes a statement about its owner’s taste. So, while on a Home Remodeling process, care should be taken in selecting doors.

Door models and makes differ for each room and needs. Broadly speaking, doors can be classified as Antique Doors, Fiberglass Doors, Garage Doors, Patio Doors, Sliding Doors, French Doors, Interior Doors, Swinging Entry Doors, and Front Doors.

Entry Doors in antique style can be suitable if one has a palace for a home. Doors made with solid Indian Teak together with original hand-forged accessories, French doors salvaged from buildings in France, doors made of thick solid oak salvaged from the early 1900s home, and other such doors from various ancient and historic homes and places can give a real royal look to the home.

Fiberglass doors are available for both entry and indoor purposes. Fiberglass doors made to look like mahogany or oak, with stiles made from engineered wood with PUF cores for energy efficiency and rot-resistant bottom rail, make a good choice as entry doors. Fiberglass doors made to look like traditional hardwood doors, ready to install doors in 14 pre finished colors, besides doors of fiberglass panels in solid colors to conceal scratches and abrasions make a good selection.

Interior doors may be styled as swinging doors. Louvered doors in custom sizes with a choice of mahogany, cedar, poplar, cherry, maple, or others may look ideal in a room where the doorway is arched. A full-length book-case as a secret passageway is available. The doors come with deeper shelving, with options to make it in ash, basswood, maple, and more.

Sliding doors come in handy where space is a problem. But they make a style statement in places where space is plenty. Sliding patio doors, moving on steel-wheel rollers, with a fiberglass mesh and extruded aluminum frame for heavy use with options of red oak, pine, or black walnut make is one of the many styles available in the market.

Patio doors are available in such a style that it’s difficult to tell where the indoor ends and outdoor begins. Patio doors are treated for water and insect resistance, with opening styles including sliding, out swing, in swing, hinged, and bi-parting. Patio doors offer protection against winds, debris, and break-ins.

Doors are often the first ring of protection against break-ins. Care should be taken while choosing a door. The door may be for the entrance or the backdoor. But, for each purpose, a specific kind of door made up of specific material is available. Choice of doors should not be made based on friends and relatives’ suggestions or the basis of an attractive advertisement in a magazine. One should not place a teak wood door for the bathroom just because he can afford it to. It would only make the owner seem to be a fool to others. A right door at the right place will not only mean a good decision but also value-added to a beautiful home.

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One of the most rewarding home improvements I made to my house was to build a garage addition. For years I contemplated building a garage addition while I scraped the ice and snow from my cars and waited for them to warm up during the winter months. About 5 years ago, I finally decided to build a garage onto my home.
The first big decision I had to make after deciding to build the garage addition was to determine how large to make it. I wanted a large enough garage to comfortably fit two cars, which would be of proper proportion with the rest of the house. I also wanted space to include a workbench and to allow room for the lawnmowers or snow blowers. I decided on a 26 foot wide, by a 24-foot deep garage. Since my house was 36 feet in width, this gave me a garage that was about 2/5ths of the entire home frontage.
I also needed to make sure that the roof pitch and the garage’s elevation would be consistent with the rest of the home.
After taking these issues into account, I created some garage drawings, including the foundation size, the location of the garage doors, the maintenance door and windows, and the height profile of the roof. From these drawings, I discussed with some general contractors my garage, and home plans.
After selecting my general contractor, I generated some additional drawings that provided all of the framing details necessary to pull a building permit. Because of my property’s specific contour, my garage plans also included a bonus room that would reside above the garage. Thus, I needed to include additional drawings of the bonus room, e.g., interior walls, doors, windows, closet, entranceway, and stairwell to/from the main house.
After excavating and installing the foundation, the framing crew had the garage frame up in about a week. Three weeks later, I had a completely enclosed garage, with all the outside doors and windows installed and the shingles installed on the roof.
I took over the electrical and insulation work after filing for these specific permits from this point forward.
Once the insulation was installed and approved, I called in the drywall contractor to install the drywall and tape and mud. I also had them apply a coat of primer and one coat of builders grade paint. It is well worth the money to have them do this.
I then finished the electricity, installed the stair railing, interior doors, and baseboard trim, and the garage was nearly ready to move in.
The finishing touch was installing two garage door openers and a final application of paint in the bonus room.
The total cost of my garage addition was about $30,000. I had been quoted as high as $50,000, however with a little negotiation and sweat equity, and I could get a lot of garage for a reasonable price.
A few years have gone by since I completed my garage addition, and every winter, when I see people standing by their cars in the driveways scraping, I am reminded of one of the best decisions I ever made.