I don't know how many times I get this question as a garage storage designer..."Where do we put the bikes??" Although this is a common question, it is not an easy one to answer.  Unfortunately fitting bikes in an average 2 Car Garage (20x20) is tough especially if you want to fit those 2 cars in as well!! We at Garage Envy have several solutions you can choose!  Whether you decide on floor, wall or ceiling bike storage! http://www.garageenvy.com/shop/garage/slatwall-accessories/bicycle-racks.html Continue Reading

Charlotte Today -WCNC-TV (NBC affiliate) – Jaime Dietenhofer, co-owner of Garage Envy was a guest on Charlotte Today aired 11/21/11.  As you can see, speaking to the greater garage story helped position Jaime as a true garage expert and his tips include Chamberlain Garage Door Openers with MyQ Technology.

1. Will your new Cabinets withstand a harsher Garage Environment? Using heavy duty cabinet material is a must when considering storage units in your garage. Garage cabinets are subject to heavy, wet, and harsh items that can beat up your investment over time. Using thin pressboard material will only result in the homeowner having to reinvest in the garage again and again. To survive, your cabinets must use 1”–1.5” materials, never a lesser grade ¼”, ½”, 5/8” or ¾” material. Continue Reading

Congrats!! You’ve finally decided to tackle that garage!

I've got to tell you, as a garage designer, I've seen it all! Over the years your garage has become the receptacle for all those empty boxes, half filled cans of paint, holiday decorations, bikes, toys and old tools you just can’t let go of because maybe some day, you’ll do that project you’ve been planning on before the kids came. Wouldn’t it be great to park your car again??

So where do you start? Her's what I tell all my clients...

First you need to ask yourself, “What do I want to do in the garage?” Then we figure out what we need to achieve that goal. Continue Reading

Ok…you’ve decided on the scope of work. You want garage cabinets, flooring, walls and accessories. But which ones? Is there a difference? Of course there is!!

When choosing what products to install remember that we’re talking about YOUR GARAGE! Super hot in the summer, freezing in the winter, wind blowing leaves and damp when rainy! Then there’s creepy crawlies and tiny furry creatures making your garage their permanent home. Dusty, dirty, cobwebby…you get my point.

First, before we think about any products, do you need construction services? Is your walls open to the studs? Do you have an actual ceiling or is it just a few 2×4 beams crisscrossed overhead? Do you have enough electrical outlets for your tools? tv? stereo? If you work a lot in the garage you may want to add insulation and drywall. Maybe even create a window. Now of course all these things are not necessary to install cabinets and wall systems, they are attached directly to the studs. But you will need a ceiling if you want to attach drywall or put up ceiling lofts.

For garage cabinets, consider what you will be using them for. Will you be storing heavy tools, files, paint cans, 5 years of tax receipts? If so, you will need sturdier cabinets then if you were just storing luggage, decorations and art supplies. You may want a workbench, but for crafts or mechanics? And then there is the look of the garage cabinets to consider as well.

For garage flooring, how often do you park your cars in at night? Does the oil leak? Does it get wet often? Or is it more of a hang out place for you and your kids? Do you have a work area in the garage? Is there already paint on the floor? Is the garage floor cracked or damaged?

For a garage wall system and accessories, what do you want to store on your garage walls? Bikes, tools, baskets, shelving, hooks, surfboards, car tires, garden tools? Do you want a seamless look or will the peg board or metal grids work for you? Are you walls concrete or wooden studs?

Follow the links for specific details on the quality of each garage product with info on measurements, brands, materials, cost comparisons, warranties and installation.

Hi, I'm Jenn and I've been designing garages and kitchens for years now.

Here's some advice I have given my clients before I go to visit their homes. I hope this is helpful!

Ok, you’ve figured out what you want to do with your garage and decided to hire a garage renovation company.

You’ve done the research and checked out:

• Better Business Bureau (Rates Businesses from an A+ to F)
• Angie’s List (Personal reviews by homeowners in your area)
  
• Contractor’s State License Board
• Make sure company is licensed, bonded and insured and avoid a world of headaches later! Protect yourself!

Now you’ve called a few companies and set your appointment for a FREE ESTIMATE.

Here's a few things you can do in preparation:

• The more the designer can see in your garage, the less chance for redesign or mistakes during installation. So clear out what you can or expect possible changes in design and/or pricing once production starts.

• Make sure there's room to walk and properly measure the areas you want to create more storage.

• Have an idea what you want the end result to be. (Don't be afraid to be specific!!)
  • I need garage cabinets for suitcases, tools, cleaning supplies and camping gear
  • I want ceiling storage for old files, holiday decorations
  • More electrical outlets for electric tools and a 2nd refrigerator
  • I want to make the garage a play area for my kids
  • I want to create cabinet storage and park both cars in the garage.
  • I need a workbench to do my arts and crafts and fold laundry
  • I need to hang my surfboards

• Have a reasonable idea of what your budget is and add 10% cushion just in case. Your designer should be able to help you design within your budget.

• Best to make sure all homeowners have a clear idea of what is needed!

• For best results, all decision makers should be present during the appointment so all questions can be answered at once.

Here are some things you should expect during your design session:

• The company should confirm your appointment the day before
• Your designer should arrive promptly or call if late or lost
• The Design Session takes up to an hour depending on how many questions you have.
• A professional designer should ask you what you want and what you need in order to create an appropriate design. You're a team!
• Ask them as many questions as you like. They ought to be knowledgeable on product, installation process, company, pricing, timing and competition.
• If they're really good, they'll offer up that info whether you ask or not!
• You should see samples of all the products.
• A design and an estimate are often available during the appointment. Don’t panic! But don’t be surprised if they ask for the sale that day!
• And if not the same day make sure you find out when it will be delivered to you and see if they're good on their word!
• These are all good indications of whether the company is trustworthy or not!

When making your decision consider the following 3 questions:

1. Do you trust the designer / company?
2. Do you like the product and design that you've worked out?
3. Is it affordable?

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

Good Luck!

Let me know how it goes! :)

All things considered, some of the best ways to organize any garage is with a simple, easily installed slatwall system. It beautifies the garage with a "finished" look, and can add a bit of color to the garage walls without painting (for instance, Garage Envy's Wallscape offers a variety of colors such as Deluxe White, Fog Grey and Hardrock Maple). The result is a great looking slatwall system! Via the unique but universal tongue-and-groove design, you'll find that storing items in your garage can be neat and practical! Continue Reading

Remember Jay Leno's garage makeover? Did you see that awesome ultimate Sports Fan Garage renovation? Well the third season of DIY Network's Garage Mahal is even cooler than the second and Garage Envy has worked really hard to out do ourselves! So rewatch the second season or watch the  new third season! Continue Reading

Hi, I'm Jenn and I've been designing garages and kitchens for years now.

In these difficult economic times most people are staying put. No more buying new houses to get that much needed room. Folks are fixing up what they have and searching for the most economical way of achieving that. Needless to say most homeowners will try to do it themselves and save some money. But when does DIY become more costly than going pro?

Here's some advice I have given my friends and clients when they are debating on whether to DIY or hire a professional. Continue Reading

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