Garage Interior Design

Create a Mudroom in Your Garage

October 18, 2016 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

As the weather cools we’ve traded shorts and sandals for coats and galoshes, creating a storage dilemma for all of our outerwear. Flooring takes a beating when children, pets and hurried adults track wet, muddy boots inside. This creates extra cleaning duties and can stain or damage carpeting, tile or hardwood floors.

Mudrooms were designed to remedy the issues outlined above, but not every home has a mudroom or adequate space to create one. If you have a serious case of mudroom envy, but lack space for one inside your home, don’t despair. Move your focus to your attached garage instead. Your garage just may be the perfect space for a “mudroom”.

Collect Design Ideas

Creating a mudroom in your garage can be as simple or elaborate a project as you wish. It’s an ideal project for DIYers that can be completed in an afternoon. However, if you’re looking for a lot of additional storage, want a more detailed mudroom or don’t know where to begin, a garage renovation expert can create a made-to-measure design tailored to fit your family’s specific needs.

Whether you choose to take on the project yourself or hire a garage renovation expert, it can be helpful to explore a variety of mudroom design ideas. Pinterest, Houzz and other sites offer a wealth of design ideas for inspiration.

Plan the Space

Consider what is most important in your mudroom. You’ll need a space to store shoes and coats, but what else do you plan to store there? Do you require space for umbrellas and other items? Would it be an ideal place to store reusable shopping bags? What type of seating will you incorporate into the space and where?

Consider the number of family members that will use the space and the volume of coats, shoes, etc. that will be stored there. Determine your aesthetic preference when it comes to storage. Do you prefer hooks, baskets and open shelves which allow everyone to store their items quickly and easily? Or do you prefer closed storage which tucks everything away neatly out of sight?

Once you know what you’ll be storing and how you want to store it, lay out exactly where you plan to install each element of the design. Take measurements to ensure any materials purchased will fit into the space.

Gather Needed Materials

Once you have a plan for your design, it’s time to gather your materials. Storage for coats and shoes is the most essential feature of a mudroom. Go for high-quality shelving that will endure the fluctuating temperature of the garage and stand up to daily use.

A garage wall organization system is perfect for open storage. Corresponding hooks, baskets and shelves make it easy to store coats, shoes, umbrellas, backpacks, dog leashes and more. Alternately, a wall organizer can be built from scratch or purchased.

Quality garage cabinets are available in a variety of configurations and are ideal for closed storage needs. Reclaimed items like repurposed dressers or wooden crates can be combined with fabric or wicker storage crates or drawers to create neat, simple closed storage. Seating can also be built, purchased or repurposed.

When acquiring your materials, don’t forget finishes, hardware, paint, tools and anything else necessary to complete the job.

Create Your Mudroom

If your garage walls are unfinished, you’ll want to install drywall first or hire a garage renovation expert to finish the walls. Another option is a garage wall storage system which can be installed directly on an unfinished wall while giving you a finished look.

If you choose to paint the walls, invest in quality paint that can withstand broiling summer heat and frigid winter temperatures without breaking a sweat. It should also be easy to clean and tough enough to survive bumps and scrapes.

Now it’s time to pull out your plans and install the elements of your mudroom. Install shelving and hooks. Build or install a bench to provide comfortable seating while removing footwear. Put baskets and other functional elements into the space to hold shoes, umbrellas and other items. Add finishing touches like a clock, artwork or wall stencils to give the space a special touch.

Once your mudroom is installed, it will transform the space in your garage and cut down clutter inside the house. Say goodbye to wet coats piled in the corner; muddy boots tracking salt onto your wood floors and soiling the carpets; and balancing on one foot to remove footwear.

If you want a more complex mudroom installation or DIY isn’t your idea of a good time, request a free, in-home consultation from a garage renovation expert.

Creating the Perfect Garage for a Car Enthusiast

July 13, 2016 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

Car and racing enthusiasts anxiously await the 30^th running of the Honda Indy Toronto on July 15-17^th. This exciting annual event is a summertime fan favorite. The roar of high performance vehicles on the track, combined with the rising temperatures of summer, spur automotive enthusiasts to turn their attention to the repair and maintenance of their own vehicles.

Whether you own an imported, high-end, performance vehicle, are restoring a classic automobile or simply want to maintain your family vehicle, garage organization is essential.

Why Garage Organization Matters

Performing your own vehicle maintenance can either be quick and easy or slow and painful. Think about the pit crews at the Honda Indy Toronto. They perform their tasks quickly because they are organized and have all of the necessary tools on hand. Likewise, the level of organization in your garage will impact your car maintenance experience.

One of the most time-consuming parts of vehicle repair and maintenance is often finding the right tool for each job. Perhaps you have every tool you need, but without a well-planned organization system, it’s difficult to locate them.

That means that the next time you need a specific wrench or screwdriver, you might spend more time looking for the tool than it will take to actually complete the job. When a simple oil change turns into an all-day, search-and-rescue affair, we’re likely to procrastinate, neglecting critical vehicle maintenance. This can cause a malfunction that could lead to a serious accident.

Now that we understand why garage organization is crucial, let’s examine the question that will guide the transformation of your garage into a car enthusiast’s dream.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Garage?

The first step to creating a garage suited for a car aficionado is to determine exactly how you will use the space. Will the garage serve as a haven for winter vehicle repairs and maintenance? Then the renovation plan must provide adequate storage space, but allow room to park your vehicles inside the garage.

Will you need a workbench? If so, how much work space is required? What kind of tasks will you be doing? The type of work performed dictates which work surface is best. For instance, a stainless steel countertop may be more aesthetically pleasing, but a solid butcher block top will stand up better to heavy tool use. Also, task lighting must be incorporated into the design of a workspace. If the garage will be used for vehicle repairs and maintenance during winter, a heating source should also be integrated into the garage renovation.

If a workstation is needed, but there is limited space, a garage renovation specialist can create a custom workbench that folds flat against the wall when not in use.

Do you own a vintage or sports vehicle that is seldom driven, but requires space in the garage? If your garage has adequate height—a hydraulic car lift will provide a secure parking space for your cherished vehicle.

No matter how you plan to use your garage, organization must be a key component of the renovation in order to maximize the available space.

Organize Your Garage to Make Vehicle Maintenance a Breeze

Just as automobiles come with a variety of options and price points—so does garage organization. Organizing your garage can be as simple as creating task-related zones, installing pegboard for tool storage and repurposing or upcycling an old table for a workspace. For a more flexible option and a sophisticated look, a wall organization system is ideal.

A wall organization system stores items neatly along the garage perimeter, clearing space for parking. The system consists of durable, slotted wall panels that are secured to the studs. Corresponding baskets, hooks and shelves are strong enough to secure heavy items. The wall panels are water, mold and mildew-resistant and are available in several attractive colors.

A wall organization system provides functional, attractive, easy-to-access storage. However, some prefer concealed storage. Garage cabinets provide elegant, hidden storage. Quality garage cabinetry ranges from basic, budget-friendly cabinets to sleek, Canadian-made cabinets with an elegant European design.

Available in a variety of colors and configurations, garage cabinetry provides a clean look and customizable storage solutions. Lockable garage cabinets are the ideal place to store automotive fluids—like oil, antifreeze and windshield fluid—out of the reach of small children and pets. They also provide secure storage for valuable tools, specialty items and high-end accessories.

There are a variety of off-season tire storage options for the garage. One or two sets of seasonal tires can be suspended from the ceiling on a strong steel rack. A made-to-measure platform can store multiple sets of tires. If you prefer not to store your tires overhead, a wall-mounted tire rack is a good alternative.

Whether you’re an car connoisseur, a gung-ho gearhead or a daring do-it-yourselfer, a well-designed garage renovation can deliver maximum storage and suitable workspace for your automotive passion. Talk with a garage renovation specialist to discover how your garage can be transformed into a dream space any car enthusiast would envy.

Discover New Home and Garage Renovation Options at Avenue Décor Centre

May 7, 2016 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

You’re ready to give your home or garage a fresh look, but with so many options available it’s difficult to know where to begin. Magazines, websites and home improvement shows are filled with exciting products and ideas that pique your interest. However, seeing design elements in a glossy magazine or on a television screen doesn’t always provide an accurate perspective.

A particular style of carpeting, tile or countertop may look good in a magazine. However, seeing those home improvement materials in person can completely change your perception of them. Small samples of materials give you a feel for a particular design element. Still, it isn’t as effective as seeing it incorporated into a finished design. For a more accurate depiction of potential renovation options, visit a design centre.

A design centre houses full-size renovations incorporating a variety of design choices. Large samples of alternate design choices are also displayed. This makes it easier for homeowners to choose design elements that best fit their design aesthetic and lifestyle. However, most design centres are created by new home builders and accessible only to their clients.

Design centres open to the public are often limited in scope like kitchen and bath design centres. Conversely, Ontario’s newest design centre—Avenue Décor Centre—is a large, open space filled with renovation design ideas for every room of the house and countless possibilities for garage design and renovation. Open to consumers, designers and contractors, Avenue Décor Centre works with top product vendors and design and renovation experts to bring your home renovation ideas to life.

The Making of a Design Centre

Tony Torelli has been renovating homes in the Greater Toronto Area for nearly two decades. To create an aesthetic that suited his clients, he would send them to a handful of product showrooms. It was a great way to give customers hands-on experience with recommended design elements. However, trudging all over town was a time-consuming prospect for clients.

To achieve the best finished design results and simplify the process for his clients, Torelli curated a collection of newly renovated spaces under a single roof—Avenue Décor Centre. Each renovation incorporated only high-quality products from trusted vendors. The work was completed by Torelli’s team and a few, hand-selected local service providers well known for their outstanding work. This new design centre is fittingly located in Newmarket—a town in York that is experiencing a vibrant resurgence.

The sprawling, 6,000 square foot warehouse is brimming with renovated spaces ranging from high-tech kitchens and jaw-dropping baths to state-of-the-art garage organization solutions. This stunning array of renovated spaces gives home and garage renovation clients a truer sense of how various design elements will look in their homes. Best of all, it eliminates the need for customers to trek all over the Greater Toronto Area.

The Avenue Décor Centre Advantage

Why rely on two-dimensional glossy photos, tiny carpet swatches and small samples when you can explore a series of full-scale renovations? Examine various styles of cabinetry, countertops, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting and finishes. Discover innovative products for the home and garage.

Avenue Décor Centre is a customer-friendly renovation and design showroom staffed with knowledgeable experts on hand to answer your product questions. While it is open to the general public, Avenue Décor Centre welcomes design professionals and contractors to bring their clients to explore design options.

If you’re not working with your own designer, an Avenue Décor Centre designer can sit down with you and help you plan your renovation. Looking for a renovation contractor? Avenue Décor Centre can recommend trusted contractors who will assist you with every stage of your renovation, from planning and product selection to home consultation and renovation.

Avenue Décor Centre offers a wide range of high-quality design choices offered by exceptional vendors. The centre also serves as a retail space that sells all of the products displayed and connects consumers with exceptional local service providers.

Visit Avenue Décor Centre at 17035 Yonge Street in Newmarket and start planning your next home or garage renovation project. The centre is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5PM. Need more flexible options? Call Tony Torelli at 905-235-5548 to make an appointment for viewings outside of regular hours.

Do These Seven Things to Get the Best Results from Your Garage Renovation

March 22, 2016 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

Your garage should play an important role in the function of your home. A well-designed and organized garage provides storage space for your vehicles and items that are important to your lifestyle, like sporting goods and gardening tools.

In a previous article, we discussed five things to look for when hiring a garage renovation specialist. Now let’s look at seven things you can do to get the best results from your garage renovation.

Before You Hire a Garage Renovation Expert

The foundation for a successful renovation experience begins long before the workers show up on Day One of the project. Start your garage renovation off on the right foot by doing the following three things before you hire a garage renovation expert:

Honestly assess your needs and expectations. Look at how you currently use your garage. Now consider how you’d like to use it. Do you need space for specific sports equipment? Do you require a workbench? Are there items causing specific storage challenges, like a kayak or winter tires? Will an additional vehicle be parked in the garage in the near future? Discuss your needs with the garage organization or garage renovation expert. Any plan proposed should address your unique lifestyle needs.
Know your budget range. Before you meet with potential garage renovation specialists, decide how much you are willing to invest in your renovation. Come to the meeting with a low number (what you’d prefer to spend) and a high number (what you’re willing to spend to get your dream garage) in mind.
Purge. Your renovation should maximize the storage capabilities of your garage. However, even an organized garage will become cluttered again if you store too many items in it. Get rid of broken, outdated or useless items. Gift or donate duplicates, items the kids have outgrown or things you no longer use. The remaining items are those which merit space in your garage.

During the Renovation

Once you’ve engaged the services of an experienced, trusted garage renovation expert, here are three strategies to make the renovation go off without a hitch:

Find a new home for your stuff. During the renovation process, the garage must be cleared of all of your belongings. Items might need to be temporarily relocated to the basement or a storage container. Discuss the issue with your contractor beforehand. Be clear on who will move the items and when they must be moved.
Find alternate parking for vehicles. The garage and driveway will be off limits while the renovation is in progress. If street parking isn’t an option, a neighbor might allow you to park your car in their driveway during the renovation process.
Keep children and pets away from work areas. Kids are wonderfully curious about the world. The beehive of activity and the whirr of power tools are enough to draw the attention of any curious child. However, tools and other materials used during a renovation can pose a danger to children and animals. For the safety of everyone, be sure to keep children and small pets away from the work area, even if the crew is off-site.

After the Renovation

At the end of the project, the renovation crew walks away, leaving you to enjoy your clean, organized, renovated space with adequate storage for the things important to you and your family. Ideally, the credits roll, we fade to black and everyone lives happily ever after. On rare occasions there may be hiccups—small changes that need to be made. Don’t let this ruin your experience.

Continue honest communication with garage renovation expert. If something isn’t as expected, talk to your contractor about it. A good, reliable contractor will ensure that the job meets the expectations created from the outset. They use quality products, backed by a manufacturer’s warranty and they follow through on the project with outstanding service.

A well-organized garage serves as an extension to your home. Lay a solid foundation for the success of your garage renovation by honestly assessing your needs, knowing your budget and purging before you hire your renovation expert. During the renovation, relocate your belongings, keep the driveway clear of your vehicles and keep children and small pets away from the workspace. After the renovation, continue honest communication with your contractor about anything that doesn’t meet outlined expectations.

5 Things to Look for in a Garage Renovation Expert

March 8, 2016 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

During warmer months, we don’t mind parking the cars outside. It’s easy to overlook a cramped or cluttered garage. When temperatures drop, we’re prompted to squeeze our vehicles inside the garage to protect them from the harsh winter weather. This subjects them to scratches and dents as we try to maneuver in a crowded, overstuffed garage. Even worse, many find it impossible to make room for their vehicles amidst the tools, toys, old furniture and sporting goods that have taken over their garage.

It’s no wonder homeowners begin making plans for home and garage renovations this time of year. If garage organization and renovation has risen to the top of your spring to-do list, here are five things to look for when searching for a garage interior renovation expert.

Experience

The profusion of renovation shows have empowered us to take on our own décor and renovation projects, with varying results. However, when it comes to hiring a garage renovation specialist, don’t be fooled by the flashy DIY websites of newbies and weekend hobbyists who have limited knowledge and experience.

Anyone with a knack for organizing can throw up a website and declare themselves a garage renovation or garage organization expert. Even if the finished product looks beautiful, the work may not be sound or endure the test of time. Additionally, if the project doesn’t meet local building codes, it could cause problems down the road, if you ever decide to sell your home.

If you can’t get a referral from a friend or neighbor that has had a similar project done, search a reputable contractor database, like HomeStars, for a garage renovation expert.

Check to see how long the contractor has been in business. Review photos of completed projects, either on the database or on the contractor’s website. Have they completed a wide variety of projects or just a handful? Is the quality of their work and their design aesthetic compatible with your needs?

When meeting with a potential garage renovation contractor, don’t hesitate to ask direct questions about his or her past experience. Ask for photos of other projects, then ask about customer reviews and testimonials.

Customer Reviews

It’s easy for potential contractors to overstate their level of talent and experience. However, hearing from current and former customers provides a stronger gauge of how happy you will be with the contractor’s work.

A reputable company with a wide range of experience should gladly supply customer testimonials. Better yet, a well-regarded garage renovation expert with a long list of happy clients is likely inclined to provide the names of a few customers who are willing to speak with you about their experience with the company.

When talking to past customers, ask not only about the quality of the contractor’s work, but his or her reliability and work style. Did the project come in on deadline and on budget? What is their work ethic? Were workers on the project when they said they would be?

Highly-rated garage organization and renovation experts have dozens of reviews from satisfied customers. Such details are often included in those reviews and testimonials.

Customized Solutions

Every garage is different. Primarily because each homeowner has specific lifestyle needs which impact how the garage is used.

Active sports enthusiasts require extensive sports equipment storage. Green thumbs and gearheads require adequate storage and workspace for their pursuits. A family with young children needs storage for toys and sporting goods that is easily accessible to little ones. They also need a way to store dangerous household chemicals out of their reach.

Off-the-shelf organization solutions aren’t designed to fit specific storage needs. To ensure you’ll be happy with your garage renovation now and down the road, find a garage renovation specialist who will tailor a solution to your specific needs.

An innovative garage renovation expert will tailor a solution to your specific storage needs, not coerce you to accept a one-size-fits-all solution that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

No Surprises

Nothing is more frustrating to homeowners than a renovation project that doesn’t meet their expectation or far exceeds their budget. Prevent unpleasant surprises by ensuring that any potential garage renovation contractor provide you with a complete proposal of the work to be done.

The proposal should spell out all of the plans for the renovation in clear detail. The types of materials that will be used and the projected cost and timeline of the project should be clearly enumerated. Don’t leave important details to chance.

Quality Assurance

Good contractors do excellent work. They provide great service and stand behind the products they install. Before hiring a contractor, talk to him or her about what assurances they provide in the event something goes wrong. Will they stand behind their work?

Quality products usually come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. Find out what products the garage renovation expert proposes installing and what kind of warranty is offered on each product. Ask specific questions about how the contractor will handle any problems that arise during the project or after it’s completed. Make sure the contractor is willing to put such assurances in writing.

Whether you’re planning a major interior garage renovation or a smaller garage organization project, you want to work with a solid, reputable expert. Search for a garage organization and renovation expert with experience and dozens of customer reviews and testimonials to back it up. Look for an expert who offers customized solutions with no unpleasant surprises. Then make sure he or she is willing to stand behind their work and the products they use.

Envision Your Garage Renovation at Avenue Décor Centre

February 9, 2016 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

A cramped, overflowing garage is easy to ignore during warm weather, when vehicles are often parked outside. During cold winter months, a disorganized garage with limited storage space is more than just a minor inconvenience.

It may impossible to fit one or both vehicles inside the garage. If you manage to squeeze the car in, it must compete with the snow blower, shovels and winter sports equipment, making it more likely to get scratched or dented.

Perhaps you’re determined to organize your garage this spring, to avoid the same headaches next winter. You want an organized space that reflects your lifestyle, works seamlessly with the rest of your home and provides adequate space to store the things you own. Yet, you’re not quite sure where to begin.

Whether you plan to make small changes or a do complete garage renovation, it can be difficult to visualize how new components will look in your space. However, a brand new showroom in Newmarket makes it easy to envision your dream garage and select elements that suit your unique needs.

Discover Avenue Décor Centre in Newmarket

The brainchild of builder Tony Torelli, Avenue Décor Centre is a 6,000 square foot showroom of renovated spaces ranging from stunning kitchens and baths to innovative garage organization solutions. Open to consumers, designers and contractors, Avenue Décor Centre works with top local contractors and designers to bring your home renovation ideas to life.

You’ll discover an endless array of fixtures and finishes for your home and garage that fit your needs and reflect your individual style. Walk through renovated spaces that integrate the latest, most innovative products for the home and garage. The fully-staffed space is open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday; 9 AM to 5PM on Saturday; and Sunday by appointment.

The licensed, experienced experts who designed and renovated these elegant spaces are available for help with every stage of renovation, from planning and product selection to home consultation and renovation. Not sure what to expect from a garage renovation? Visit the Nuvo Garage display at Avenue Décor Centre.

Garage Renovation in Action

Our single-car garage display boasts plenty of organized storage space. Striking Contur cabinets in Carbon immediately demand your attention. This highly-flexible system provides a high-end look at an affordable price. Manufactured in Montreal, Canada, these durable cabinets are the perfect marriage of quality, form and function, wrapped in a sleek, European design.

These handsome cabinets are loaded with innovative engineering features. Expanded foam core in the door panels minimizes inadvertent dents. EZ-open finger pulls and spring-assisted door stays in upper cabinet doors and push-to-open/close feature on lower doors make the cabinets easily accessible. Most doors and drawers are lockable for added safety and security. Heavy-duty shelves and drawers provide ample storage for heavier items.

Overhead is a sturdy, U-shaped, custom-built platform. Overhead platforms provide the perfect place to store seasonal items, like holiday decorations or off-season sporting goods. The overhead shelf on display was made-to-measure. We also offer a range of prefabricated, steel platforms for overhead or back wall storage.

Need a place to store garden tools, bicycles, automotive goods and sporting equipment? A wall organization system, like SlatWall, is ideal. Displayed in gray, black and white, these prefabricated panels can be configured to any size. The slots in the panels accommodate corresponding accessories, including baskets, bins, shelves and hooks. Together they create a highly-configurable storage solution to fit your family’s unique lifestyle.

Even the floor gets an eye-catching finish. Our one-day polyspartic flooring system was applied, giving the garage floor a tough-as-nails coating similar in appearance to granite. Black, green and gray paint chips combine with silver sparkle to create this colour while also providing ample grip that makes the floor skid-free.

Polyaspartic flooring is available in a range of attractive colours and comes with the peace of mind of a ten-year warranty. For a finished look and to protect the walls around the perimeter of the floor, we installed a six-inch punched aluminum base.

Each Nuvo Garage renovation is specifically tailored to the space and the customer’s individual needs. Still, seeing cabinets, shelving, wall storage systems and garage flooring installed in a physical space makes it easier to visualize your dream garage renovation.

Visit the Avenue Décor Centre Nuvo Garage display at 17035 Yonge Street in Newmarket today and start planning your spring garage renovation project.

Create Workshop Space in Your Garage

December 10, 2015 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

The gift-giving season is upon us. If you’re a parent or grandparent, you may find yourself in need of a workspace where you can create or assemble toys and other gifts away from prying eyes. Or perhaps you simply want a workshop where you can work on crafts and hobbies. Your garage can provide the needed workspace and solitude.

Create Workable Space

If your garage is the family dumping ground for old toys, furniture and sports equipment, you might find it difficult to make room in your garage for your vehicle(s). Finding space for a safe, comfortable workspace in your garage probably seems like an impossible dream. However, integrating a slatwall organization system, like slatwall, into your garage reserves much-needed floor space.

Wall organization panels utilize movable shelves, hooks and baskets to store toys, tools, sporting goods and other items along vertical wall space. With most items stored neatly along the walls, you can carve out a back corner or sidewall to create workspace or a makeshift Santa’s Workshop.

Locate your new workspace near an existing electrical outlet. If your garage lacks sufficient outlets or enough power to accommodate your work, have additional outlets installed by a professional electrician. The use of extension cords should be minimized. If an extension cord is required, make sure it’s approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Standard incandescent overhead lighting is adequate if you do little more than park your vehicle in your garage. To create a functional workshop in the garage you’ll require directed task lighting. Ceiling-mounted spotlights and track lighting can flood a particular area with much-needed lighting. Tabletop or desk-mounting lightings provide focused lighting on your work surface. If you’ll be working beneath an overhead cabinet, under cabinet fluorescent lighting is a good option for creating directed task lighting.

You’ll also want to stay warm and cozy while you’re working. A fan-forced electric garage heater is a relatively inexpensive way to safely warm the space. There is no messy fuel to deal with and no open flame, so electric heaters are maintenance-free and easy to operate. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s directions and don’t place the heater too close to anything combustible.

Now that you have a warm, well-lit corner of the garage, it’s time to find the perfect workspace.

Explore Workspace Options

The most essential component in your garage workshop will be the flat workspace. There are a variety of options for your work surface:

Custom cabinets.

A sleek, highly-flexible modular cabinet system like Contur Cabinets offers timeless design and highly-functional cabinets and workspace at an affordable price. Sturdy, adjustable shelves and spacious, lockable drawers provide ample space to store tools and materials.

Box store workbench.

A typical wooden or stainless steel workbench, available at any home improvement store, can provide a flat work surface, if additional storage isn’t needed. Carefully measure the space in your garage to make sure the workbench will fit. A bench with adjustable height is preferable, particularly if more than one person will be using the space. Opt for a model that has a footrest; this will help alleviate strain on the legs and back.

Reclaimed furniture.

For a quick fix, repurpose an old desk, table or dresser into a work surface for your garage. This is a great way to make use of that damaged piece of furniture you just can’t seem to let go of. If you don’t have a table or desk that’s the appropriate size or height, try garage sales or resale shops. Repurposing furniture and other items reduces your carbon footprint and gives new life to a treasured old piece. Just be sure that any standing workbench has an appropriate height, so as not to cause back or neck strain.

Made-to-measure workbench.

Creating workspace in your garage may seem hopeless if you have very limited space or an odd configuration. However, an innovative garage renovation specialist can create a custom or made-to-measure workbench to accommodate your space. Even in a small, one-car garage a fold-away workbench can provide the workspace you need.

For more tips on how to set up an ergonomic standing workspace, refer to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Plan for Next Year

A reclaimed desk or box store workbench can be an ideal short-term solution for assembling toys and other items in preparation for holiday gift-giving. However, if you’re looking for a year-round workshop for gardening, auto or bicycle maintenance or crafts and hobbies, these solutions might not provide the storage and space you require. Begin planning your garage renovation now.

A garage renovation specialist can maximize storage and workspace in your garage, creating a custom or made-to-measure workbench, if needed. Check out some of amazing garage transformations Nuvo Garage has done in the Greater Toronto area. Then begin thinking about how you’d like to use your garage in the year ahead. Whether your goal is to store all of your bikes, tools and lawn care equipment and still have room to park your vehicles or to create a bona fide workshop in your garage, we can help.

Four Ways to Reduce Costs by Winterizing Your Garage

November 24, 2015 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

Frigid winter temperatures can wreak havoc in and around your garage. More than a mere inconvenience, freezing temperatures can drain the energy efficiency of your home, putting a sizable dent in your wallet. Preventive maintenance in your garage will save you time and heating energy while preventing expensive repairs. Consider four ways you can reduce costs by winterizing your garage.

Organize Your Garage

Avoid the frustration of rummaging through the garage to locate the window washer fluid or a shovel when it’s icy outside. Organize your garage for the most efficient use during winter (and throughout the year). A complete garage renovation during a bitter cold Toronto winter isn’t feasible. However, the following steps will help you organize your garage for winter:

Group items into task-related zones. Create zones for winter sports, automotive care, winter yard care, tools, household items and the garbage and recycling. You can quickly locate the item you need when it’s stored in the same place every time.
Store chemicals, household products and other items in garage storage cabinets. Tall, locked, vertical cabinets keep dangerous chemicals beyond the reach of pets and small children. Horizontal cabinets create hidden, accessible storage. Countertops double as project workspace. Relocate paint and fuel gels, which can freeze, inside during winter.
Reclaim floor space with a garage slatwall organization system. Lockable hooks, shelves and baskets provide flexible storage for ice skates, sleds and hockey sticks. Shelves, hooks and baskets can be quickly and easily moved. High hooks and shelves keep items out of little hands. Low baskets enable small children to store and retrieve their own winter toys and gear.
Store out-of-season items or those infrequently used on overhead garage storage Overhead storage racks are ideal for storing outdoor furniture cushions, holiday decorations and bulky items that take up too much space.

Garage organization doesn’t have to be daunting. Keep it simple until you’re prepared for a more ambitious garage renovation.

Weatherproof Your Garage

The harsh Canadian winter is tough on garages. Heat loss during cold weather wastes energy and significantly increases heating costs. Take an hour or so to care for the tasks below. You’ll reduce energy costs and prevent costly repairs.

Seal garage door and trim. Reduce drafts in your garage by applying weatherstripping around the sides and bottom of the garage door. Caulk the leading edge of the newly-installed weatherstripping. Fill gaps in garage door trim using foam or caulk backer rod (for larger gaps). Finish up with a quality indoor/outdoor caulk.
Insulate the garage door. Heat loss via your garage door can lower the temperature inside your garage (and the vehicles stored there) considerably. A single or double layer of foam board installed between the garage door frames reduces heat loss.
Fix or replace weather stripping around doors and windows. A tight seal is the key to keeping warm air inside and cold air out. Weatherstripping around windows and doors compresses over time and deteriorates due to age, exposure to the elements and other damage. Do a visual inspection of weatherstripping around windows and doors. Look for obvious damage. Close the door and check for gaps. Repair or replace weatherstripping as needed.
Insulate older, less efficient water heaters. Newer water heaters are insulated for cost-effective operation during brutally cold winters. Older tanks with an R-value rating of less than 24 must work harder to heat water and keep it warm, especially when located in an unheated space. Reduce heat loss by up to 45% and cut your heating costs by as much as 9% by draping the water heater with a water heater insulation blanket.
Insulate outside wall light switches and electrical outlets. As much as 5% of outside air that seeps inside your home each year enters via exterior wall light switches and electrical outlets. Reduce drafts and heat loss with inexpensive foam insulation designed for electrical covers.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing

Frozen water pipes and spigots can cause costly damage to your home. To prevent damage:

Drain, remove and store garden hoses. If left connected, ice can form and create pressure in interior water lines. This could lead to an expensive water line break. Instead, remove the hose, drain it and store it.
Turn off outside water sources during the frigid winter months. If there is an interior shut-off valve, cut off the water to exterior water spigots. Allow water to drain from faucet to prevent freezing.
Insulate pipes. An insulated faucet jacket will protect your exterior water spigot and connected interior pipes from frigid temperatures.

In addition to preventing damage and costly repairs, you’ll prevent accidents that could occur when dripping water freezes, creating a slippery surface.

Seal Garage Floors

A polyaspartic flooring system is a tough, durable floor coating with the look of granite. It seals floors, keeps moisture out, reduces dust, provides non-slip grip and is easy to clean. This professionally-installed flooring system includes a ten-year warranty and is available in a wide range of colours.

This winter, your garage will take a beating from cold temperatures, ice and snow. Lessen the impact of harsh winter weather by organizing your space with a garage wall storage system and garage cabinets; weatherproofing your water heater, windows, doors and electrical outlets; turning off exterior water sources; and sealing garage floors.

Ready to improve the look and function of your garage? Nuvo Garage specializes in custom garage renovations designed to maximize storage and make your garage the envy of the neighborhood. Request a consultation and reserve your space today on our spring garage renovation schedule.

Improving Our Golf Score

August 24, 2015 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

August is National Golf Month; it’s a good time to look at some of the best practices and equipment every duffer needs for a great golf game. Since the game of golf originated in the 15th century in Scotland, golfers have been trying to improve their scores by employing any number of resources. We thought we might look into a few of them, and the advice of specialists in the field.

Tip #1: Golf Apps for Smart Phones

Can you believe all the things our phones do for us these days? Using apps to improve one’s golf game is gaining popularity. Some offer GPS, other keep score for you, while some will show you the layout of the hole, and offer trajectory and velocity pointers. Some even offer social media interaction for those times you shot a bogie on a par 3 hole. There are special apps just for putting, too.

Our phones are always with us anyway, we might as well put them to use on the golf course.

Tip #2: Choose the Right Tee

It seems that many golfers get confused about the right tee, and with good reason. There are so many from which to choose. How can you tell which one will work best for you? The experts at Martini Tees in Canada helped explain the mystery. Club heads come in so many sizes and variations, there has to be a tee designed to work with the club.

Shorter tees work best for shallow faced drivers and fairway wood clubs, where as deep faced clubs need a significantly longer tee. Martini Tees suggest 2 3/4″, or longer, for the deeper faced clubs. As with most golf equipment, it is a good idea to store your tees properly when not in use.

Tip #3: Care for Your Clubs

Truth be told, golf clubs are expensive. They deserve to be looked after if you want them to perform perfectly. Your golf clubs are an investment that will serve you for years to come, if you know how to look after them.

After 18 holes of relaxing and rejuvenating golf, you may just toss your clubs in the trunk of your car, or toss them in the garage when you get home. Experts warn that storing your golf clubs in your trunk can have disastrous ramifications.

Clunking around in the trunk, even for a few days, can mean dents, scratches, and bent shafts, for your clubs. The extreme heat in a car trunk can warp clubs more readily than you might have thought.

Cold and damp also ruin clubs quickly. As with all sporting goods, like everything else, the key is to store belongings off the floor of the garage. Golf clubs are bulky and may seem to be always in the way. A good storage system design eliminates clutter, and the obstacle course in your garage. As with any sporting equipment, a system will provide easy access and safety for all of your golf equipment off the floor and away from damp walls.

It does not need to cost a fortune. Our garage renovation specialists can work with you to devise a system that is unique to your family’s needs. For example, open storage uses slatwall shelves with Camlok^TM brackets and baskets that make it easy to see what you need. We can offer a full garage interior design, or a partial renovation based upon your needs.

Garage cabinets is what we call closed storage allowing you to store your golf clubs out of sight, when not in use. Closed spaces can also be organized to provide a space for each and every golf related item, such as tees, extra balls, etc.

Think outside the box with overhead garage storage. If you stand in your garage and look up, you might be surprised at how much room goes unused just over our heads. Overhead storage means you can still park the car(s) in the garage overnight. Even heavy items, such as golf clubs can be safely stored, and easily retrieved with a number of storage ideas.

Tip #4: A Good Golf Brush

Even the pros end up in the mud and brush sometimes. Keep your clubs and ball clean and dry with a good quality golf brush. Some people favoru towels, which serve the same purpose, but a brush can get the divots of grass out of the grooves like no other.

These handy tools can be used on the wheels of your golf cart, too. Use it to knock off a dust or dirt before you put your clubs in your car, and off the bottom of your shoes.

Tip #5: Choose the Correct Ball

Golf balls have changed drastically in the past decade and a half. Some fly further while some fly straighter. Some golf balls provide spin or help to eliminate it. Some are soft, while others are hard. Experts suggest finding a ball that works well for your swing and style.

Costs vary greatly. Buy the best you can afford, in order to lower your scores. Check in with a golf pro or other specialist to determine the one that is best for you.

Once you have found the right match, use the same ball for every round. Soon you will learn how to use it with different clubs and conditions. Consistently using the same brand or model of ball will improve your game. Each ball is slightly different, but if by sticking with one manufacturer and type, you will be a more consistent golfer with much more ability to chip away at that golf score.

The Year of Soil – 4 Ways to Improve Our Own Backyards

August 17, 2015 by Rick Scully Leave a Comment

The year 2015 is the International Year of Soils according to the United Nations. Worldwide recognition of the need to promote sustainable soil resources has prompted scientists and researchers around the globe to come up with a variety of ways we can help keep the planet green. Green thumbs among us understand that good soil is critical to any backyard garden or landscaping endeavor. With a few of the right garden tools and a composter, gardeners naturally return to the soil what it needs to be a rich source of organic carbons. These organic carbons are an important towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

Likewise, non-gardeners can make a difference in the world by recycling reusable and organic wastes with the sorting of garbage, recycle and green bin storage solutions. Experience tells us that a system must be convenient and easy to use so our families will utilize them. By properly sorting green waste, recyclables, and trash, everyone can promote less use of landfills and better soil worldwide. The number of options available might surprise you. This list will help you achieve sustainable soil in your own yard, as well as maintaining a workable solution for your recycling and green waste.

Tip #1: Choose water conscious plants and landscaping.

The effects of global warming and other environmental changes have inspired the trend for landscaping that requires little to no water. Those not affected by drought can still benefit from these water conscious choices.

Planning a landscape includes finding plants that will work well in your soil. Many drought resistant plants are ideal for poor soil and full sun. Proper placement and planting is the secret to creating a beautiful garden able to sustain itself, and thrive, even in harsher conditions. Hardscaping is a technique that augments landscaping by adding tiles, stones, walls or patios. Consult an expert to determine the best plan for your needs.

Determine the best way to care for your soil, and your soil will care for you.

Tip #2: Smart Composting

Composting is a sound way to eliminate organic waste / composting. It is the ultimate form of recycling. Any waste products that come from plants can be tossed together, including leaves, banana peels, apple cores, or even the bedding from small animals. Many items you currently place in your green bin can be put to use as mulch in your own garden as compost. Kitchen waste is acceptable such as vegetable peels, fading lettuce or coffee grounds.

Meats, fats, and non-plant based byproducts should never be included in the compost pile. Keep a trash receptacle close and handy at all time. If you are worried about the smells that might occur from the garage, or under your kitchen sink, consider an outdoor bin storage solution. These also work well for people that do not have much storage space in their garage.

Despite what some experts will tell you about “layering” compost, you should feel comfortable tossing in green and brown waste as you produce it. Most gardens produce more green than brown waste, so layering is not easy to accomplish. Just stir the mix from time to time to ensure the green and brown waste mixes properly together.

Composting creates a lot of heat and must be done outside. If you have a large yard, you can compost directly on the ground, but if your garden is small purchase a good compost bin or tumbler. Never store compost in plastic containers. The heat will melt the plastic and could create a hazard. Only use approved composting equipment.

Regular turning, with a shovel or in a bin will help keep the compost moist enough and aid in the decomposition, creating a marvelous fertilizer for your yard.

Tip #3: Recycling made easy.

Keeping reusable products out of the landfills will help promote healthier soil content, and a better environment. Recycling can be inconvenient, but a garage renovation specialist can help design a recycle centre that will work for the whole family.

It is important to have recycle bins easily accessible and conveniently placed to encourage consistent use. Stackable bins offer maximum storage space, while large bins provide more room for trash or recyclables. Recycle centers can be set up in your garage, or outside, depending on your preferences. Outdoor storage has specific challenges, such as protection from raccoons or other scavengers looking for food. A professional garage renovation specialist will help plan an easily accessible recycle centre for your household safe from curious paws.

Tip #4: Use organizational systems to cut down on your carbon footprint.

Do you have piles of stuff hanging out in your garage? Have you ever replaced an item you know you owned but could not locate? Have you ever discovered a lost article, only to find it broken or unusable? Everyone has these experiences, unless they are organized.

Getting everything off the floor is the first step. You have more space than you realize, and several garage storage options to fit any lifestyle. Many people overlook the use of valuable overhead and wall space available to them.

There is no need to remain caught up in a disposable society. Reuse, reduce, and recycle with a good system inside your garage or outdoors in a bin solution. It is good for the planet.