Garage door openers are quite useful when they work, but the few times they do not cooperate, it can be frustrating. If yours doesn’t work, there could be many reasons for it. Learning the most common issues might help when it comes time to fix yours.

Doors that go halfway up or down and then stop could have a problem with the sensors. First of all, check to see that there is nothing in the way of the sensors, as even a small object can cause the door to refuse to close. If the area is clear, you might need to realign the sensors by loosening and tightening the screws as needed. Turn off the system before doing this, and check the owner’s manual to make sure you do it correctly for your particular opener.

If your door opens when you press the button in the garage, but not by the remote, your remote control could need new batteries. It’s a simple issue with an easy fix, but many people do not even realize it has batteries. Keeping track of when you last changed them can help you get an idea of how often you will need new ones.

If you recently changed the batteries and it still doesn’t work, you might have to reprogram your remote because it lost frequency. You can check your owner’s manual to find out how to do this, as some garage door openers work differently than others.

Another possibility is that you have accidently turned on the emergency release mechanism, which allows you to operate it by yourself in case the automatic system breaks. It might not need to be repaired at all, but simply double checked to ensure you didn’t pull the cord. You will need to disengage it before then it will open automatically again.

Some people with garage door openers have the odd problem of their system opening itself. This could be an issue when you are not home, so fixing it soon is important. Check the remote control to make sure the button is not stuck. You should also check your circuit board, or have a professional do so.

Most repairs having to do with garage doors are easily fixable. However, anything having to do with electricity, or simply anything that goes beyond your knowledge, should likely be looked at by a professional. This will eliminate the risk of you getting injured, worsening the problem, or voiding your warranty.

Planning is essential for a successful build. Skills with tools and woodworking are important, but you still need a plan now matter how skilled you are.

There are workbench blueprints you can buy, or you can design your own. Take a look at the blueprints even if you do design your own, because your bound to glean some new ideas just by viewing other designs that have been hashed out already. You can always modify someone else’s design to fit your needs.

A good starting point in planning your workbench is to measure the dimensions of your garage. Get a good idea of how much work space you’ll have available at any available location inside the garage. Any workbench you build should fit this minimum criteria.

1. Access to electrical outlets. Extension cords bringing power to a workbench is no a good idea, and could violate local codes. In case of fire, you could find yourself without insurance.

2. Don’t crowd out the floor space. You’re going to need plenty of floor space remaining for the hot-rod you’re planning to build – or the wife’s Volvo.

3. Consider distance from the garage door if you plan on hauling materials directly from your truck to the workspace.

For the DIY workbench designers out there, consider building it permanently to the exposed wall studs in your garage walls. This type of bench is, for all intensive purpose, permanent, but can easily be dismantled in needed. It gives work space far more sturdy than the types found for purchase in the hardware store, and can be customized as much as you want.

Once you have a good idea on the size and location of your workbench, it’s time to consider storage space for tools, supplies and raw materials that you tend to work with most. You can build shelving underneath the workbench to provide enormous amounts of storage space for hobby supplies or other garage relegated storage. Cabinets or shelves above the workbench provide additional storage, or you can always use pegboard to arrange tools for hanging storage.

Finally, with location, and storage options figured out, it’s time to calculate all the supplies, and tools you’ll need for building your new garage workbench. Try not to leave out anything. Accurately calculate the number of screws or nails you’ll need so you make sure to buy enough first time around. You’ll have a good idea of the cost of your project by accurately projecting these needs. You can save a lot of money buying these fasteners in bulk, and if you have some left over – that’s one less hardware store trip the time you need nails.

With these line items complete, you can being. It really doesn’t matter if you plan on buying plans for a workbench or going with your own design. Follow these handy helpful hints and build the last workbench you’ll ever need.

A straight line direct answer to the question, “Does having a garage increase the value of your house?” would be no. Having a garage doesn’t necessarily make your house worth any more money, because a garage isn’t technically part of your house. What having a garage does is make potential buyers much more likely to purchase your house because of all of the things that can be done with a garage.

Many house shoppers today have “garage” down as one of the things that they are looking for in a new home. A garage can be a very valuable portion of real estate even if it won’t necessarily up the current value of your home.

Who Wants Garages?

The simple answer to this question is, just about everybody. Mechanics want a place to store their tools and work on their vehicles. Car enthusiasts want a safe place to keep their prized possessions safe from the elements. Gardeners need a place for their mower, aerator, seeds and topsoil. Yard sellers need a place to set up all of their wares for the coming sale and a place to do business during bouts of torrid weather.

The uses for a good garage are almost as infinite as the imaginations of the home owners that have them, so a better question would be, “Who doesn’t want a garage?”

The Effect on Selling

How having a garage will potentially impact the sale of your home is a much more important question then what kind of dollar amount it may or may not have on your home’s value, especially considering the state of the real estate market today.

Potential buyers are looking for any advantage that one home may have over another in this day and age – the three most important things in real estate are no longer location, location and location.

If your home is located in the same neighborhood as another comparable home, with the same number of bedrooms and baths, with both houses in similar conditions and with similar square footages – if your home has a garage and the other home doesn’t, your garage will loom huge in the decision of the sale.

Garages don’t add square footage to the foot plan of the home in an actual sense, but in a potential buyer’s eye, they do. House hunters can see whatever they dream of in terms of your garage. They may want to turn it from a standard carport into a workshop or machine shop, they may have plans to turn it into a home office that has just enough separation from the living quarters to be truly functional, they may see it as an opportunity to create an extra bedroom down the road with some minor renovations or they may want to create their very own personalized sports bar right in their own backyard for entertaining.

Regardless of what it is they envision, having a garage when the other house under consideration doesn’t could be the point that finalizes the sale.

If your home doesn’t currently have a garage and you’re contemplating adding one, but you’re wondering whether or not the investment will pay off – consider the statements above. The cost of a steel garage building could be anywhere from two to five thousand dollars or more depending upon the size and though you probably won’t be able to add that money onto your asking price when you are ready to sell, the addition of the garage may get your house sold – and that’s the most important thing when looking to sell.

Whether you are building a new home or redesigning an existing one, having the right garage interior design is essential. Creating a garage should be carefully planned and detailed. It is important that it is planned well ahead so you don’t regret at a later time if you find out there have been missing particular details or flaws have been created.

You can create your own design, or have it professionally done by an interior designer or expert. Either way, it is important that you don’t miss out on anything along the course of planning and designing. If you are in this process now, there are some essential things that you must carefully consider before laying out a particular design. Taking note of the following will help you come up with the most viable design and plan for your garage. So give considerable amount of time to analyze needs of each of the following:

1. Garage size – this is primarily a factor that must be considered. Are you going to use the garage for the sole purpose of storing your vehicle? Or would you like to use it as your own workroom? What about the kids? Maybe you want to have a safe area for them to play and stay at? If this is the case, it is important to leave the garage room spacious enough and free of dangerous equipment and devices. Are you considering having it as a convenient storage room for future accumulation of personal belongings and essentials? All of these questions will help you create a design that will sufficiently solve all future household storage problems you are likely to encounter.

2. Garage design – this is not only about the interior of the structure. The exterior has to be considered as well. You can build a garage according to how you want it to look like. But you should not overlook the fact that it must compliment the exterior design of your house. A garage that looks incongruously out of place will not affect its functionality in any way, but you are after the best looking environment, right? So, focus on the aesthetic goodness of the entire garage to build one that does not distract appearance of your house, but rather accentuates it even more.

3. Garage permit – this is necessary if the location where you are staying at requires for any building or premise to be erected to have the right permission papers from the local council agency. If you don’t want a risk, consult these officials first before having your design materialized.

Planning carefully your garage interior design is the right thing to do so that you will have a functional room not only for today but for future uses as well. Designs can be acquired from various home improvement shops available in your location. Online shops offer them as well and lots of options are available. If you don’t have the medium to create one, you can turn to these sources to pick one up for your home.

Nothing lasts forever, even when you take excellent care of it. Your garage door can last for years and years, but sometimes there comes a point when it is time to get a new one. How do you know when it is time?

Here are some things to look for before you go out and invest in a new one.

Physical condition

If you can see the outside between the door and the wall, that’s a sign that either you need weather stripping, which is an easy fix, or that the warping has occurred. If it has warped, you can adjust the rollers and track to see if that fixes it, but otherwise, you should just replace it altogether. Also, if the molding around the garage door is sagging, the structural integrity is compromised.

Another tell-tale sign is severely rusted and worn tracks and rollers. These can be dangerous if left unchecked, especially if the rust completely eats through the metal. But, if nothing else, it prevents it from opening and closing properly. Check for this when you do your annual maintenance. If it has become too severe to repair, a new garage door is the only option.

Water damage, especially for a wooden one, can cause a lot of problems. It softens the door and the dry wall supporting it. To avoid mold and mildew issues, replace it as soon as possible. Also for wooden types, if it has become brittle and cracked or seriously warped, a replacement is necessary.

Aesthetically

If you run into an aluminum one, the dent can be hard to repair completely. Some of it can be knocked out, but there may still be creases. These creases can lead to rust and water damage. Wood types that have been stained and painted so many times may be ragged and peeling. Or, you may simply want a different style.

Advances in Products

If you have a really old piece, even if it is still in great shape, there have been many advances in materials that you should take advantage of. Wood, steel, fiberglass and aluminum are all materials used. There are so many decorative styles to choose from too. But, the most important advancement are the energy-efficient types that can also earn you a tax credit if you swap your old one for a government approved one before December 31, 2010.

If you aren’t sure if it really needs to be replaced, find a reputable dealer to come out and take a look and give you a free estimate for replacing it with a newer product.

An ugly garage door that is in serious disrepair or is showing its age can really affect the curb appeal of your home. Replacing it is a great investment.

Finding just the right type of treatment for your garage floors can be a task in itself. Garage floor coverings have changed from simple paint, tiles and mats that worked well enough for a little while but eventually needed replaced or reapplied over time. Today’s garage flooring treatments are designed to last much longer and they come in decorative colors and textures which enable homeowners to make garages just as appealing as other spaces in their home. Some products are very easy to install such as tiles and mats while others like paint and epoxy take a little more labor and accuracy to get right. Peel and stick tiles are by far the easiest treatment to install and they are fairly durable depending on which brand and quality you choose.

Garage flooring tiles come in various sizes, colors, and prices. Most tiles are peel and stick but you should always double check because a few require special adhesives which will add to your overall cost for the product. Tiles come in quantities of 10, 20, 40 or more tiles. You can choose from various colors and textures to create a more unique appearance. Before you begin any floor covering project, always be sure to clear everything out of your garage. The floors need to be clean and degreased prior to any application and never install anything onto damp or moist floors. Dry weather conditions are best. Some products cannot be installed during cold conditions while others are highly affected by humid temperatures.

Vinyl garage floor covers come in various sizes including 12×12″, 24×24″, and just about everything in between. The larger the tile size, the fewer seams you will have to deal with during installation but large tiles are not recommended for uneven surfaces. Larger tiles cause problem areas to be more noticeable and they could crack or peel up with wear over time. Most tiles are resistant to typical garage corrosives like antifreeze, motor oil, salt, and water. Some professional recommend that you add a little bit of silicone sealant to the edges of each tile prior to installing. The silicone forms a barrier that will help the tile adhere better and it will also keep moisture from seeping down under the tile.

When installing peel and stick vinyl tiles you should always begin in the center of the area. Work your way to the edges from there. This method prevents any imperfections from ending up in the most noticeable areas of the floor. The edges are typically covered by other things so the uneven seams will not be as noticeable. A huge benefit to using tiles versus any other garage flooring system is they are easily switched out if needed. If one or more tiles become damages, they can be replaced without disrupting the rest of the flooring. When you purchase cases of tiles, you should also account for a few replacements so you have the same color or pattern available. When it comes to garage floors, there is nothing easier than tile garage floor coverings and they are just as durable as most of the other flooring products available.

Nowadays even the most technologically challenged folks on your street have an automatic garage door opener. Do you ever see anybody getting out of their car and lifting their garage doors? No way… but you do sometimes see somebody up on a ladder, swearing and attacking the thing with screwdrivers. The downside of technology is that sometimes it breaks.

That’s why it’s good to know how it all works. You sometimes have to replace parts, and if you don’t know what does what, this can be a real challenge. Let’s dissect your garage door opener and get it all sorted out.

The Power Head

This is the main brain of the whole operation. It’s a metal or plastic box that is installed usually on the ceiling in the center of the garage. It’s attached to the main track on openers where the track runs down the middle.

It’s called the “power head” because it has the motor and the receiver. It operates the whole system. When you hit that remote control button, it’s the power head that knows what to do. Most power heads have a light installed underneath.

When there is trouble with the motor, it can usually be fixed by removing the box and having a look inside. It will have a quick release switch that will disconnect the whole system and allow you to get in there.

The Track And Carriage

You’ve probably seen how this works. After you hit the button, a carriage makes its way down the tracks. The motor sends the carriage down a steel track along a set or rollers. As the carriage goes down, it releases the tension on the mechanism. When this tension is released, the whole thing comes up.

Sometimes there is trouble with the alignment of the carriage, the rollers on the track wearing out, or the track getting nudged out of place. These are by far the easiest door opener problems to fix.

The Springs

Most models use springs, although there are some that are belt driven or use other devices. These babies are some seriously heavy springs. Think about it; if they can lift a garage door, they must have some real muscle to them.

There are two kinds: Extension springs and tension springs. Extension springs are used in models where two tracks run along the walls of the garage. These are used in single car garages, and they’re not as common as tension springs.

Tension springs models are used in two car garages. With these, one track runs down the middle of the garage, from the power head to the door. These coils are much heavier than extension springs, and they are very dangerous, so don’t mess with them. They are under lots and lots of pressure and coiled tightly. The tension coils are the one part that you don’t want to deal with yourself. If you have trouble there, call a professional.

Limit Switch

The limit switch stops the doors when they’ve reached the end. All door openers are now equipped with infra red sensors that detect when an object is in the way, and the doors automatically stop, allowing you to play Indiana Jones by sliding under it with no risk of injury.

That’s how it all works. Most minor problems can be fixed by you, and you can find replacement parts at your local hardware store. If it’s anything serious, call a professional.

Many moons ago, few were fortunate enough to actually have a garage. The ability to have your cars inside the footprint of your residence deemed you as successful. As time went on, the garage becoming a dumping ground (and still is to some.) Things that weren’t meant for the living areas of the home were stored deep in the confines of the garage.

In this day and age, the garage space serves multiple purposes ranging from work areas, storage and necessary parking spaces. But for the certified car nut, the garage is truly the center of the residence!

Dissecting the areas within the garage space, pics and posters adorn the walls. Many people add additional lights, cabinets and electrical outlets – all functional add-ons. But for those wanting to make this area a topic of discussion, many look to the biggest space this room has to offer – the floor!

Everyone who has a garage has one. A floor. Most often it is one of the more neglected parts of the room, but offers the biggest “WOW” factor when it has been upgraded in some way. For those that decide to do the task themselves – it can seem monumental. This article will explain some of the choices you’ll have when considering garage flooring. No matter which you choose, you’ll have a garage that will be the envy of your neighborhood!

Paint

Painting is one of the simplest ways to beautify the floor. Before choosing the paint, keep in mind that your garage floor is always under assault from things like chemicals, vehicle weight and heat. Pedestrian traffic, abrasions, and moisture also add to attack. The paint you choose must be for this specific job. Standard concrete paint will peel and break down under consistent use. The paint must be resistant to scratching, bond flawlessly to the concrete, as well as making the surface look fantastic. Makers of this specific paint are everywhere. Decide carefully in making the choice, as prepping and painting is a labor intensive operation. Do it once, and do it right.

Carpet and Mats

Choosing carpet or mats as flooring is a less labors option. The only work involved here is sizing the carpet for the floor. In choosing, keep in mind that you’ll need materials that offer resistance to moisture and chemicals. Many garage mats and carpet can be groomed by sweeping, washing or vacuuming. The great thing about using carpet is that it is easier to beautify an older garage floor that may have been cracked or stained over years of use. The other choices will require a level, crack and stain-free concrete flooring surface.

Tile – Plastic Modular or Ceramic

Plastic modular flooring is easier to walk on, resists gas and oil, and is very inexpensive. The notched, plastic units snap together like a puzzle and can be replaced individually if they become damaged. Plastic tiling is available in a wide assortment of colors and can be purchased through many different retailers. No gluing or prepping is necessary. Simply snap together using a rubber mallet.

Ceramic tile is the pinnacle of garage floor protection. Laying the tile is a job best left to a pro, but if you are looking for the ultimate – this is it! Use a commercial grade thickness tile when using this option. Tile that is made for use within the living areas of a home will not stand up to vehicle weights and abrasion. Ceramic tile requires almost no maintenance and is highly resistant to chemicals. Additional items like grout, thinset, spacers and tools will be necessary for the do-it-yourselfer. If you have no cap on the price, this choice will make your garage stand head and shoulders above the rest!

The door cable acts as a safety net between your door tracks and the springs. The cables help the springs to lift and close the door to help put less tension on the springs. This helps your garage system to last longer. Repairing broken cables is quite easy.

You can buy replacement parts for your door at warehouse stores like Home Depot or Lowes. These cables usually run anywhere from $25-$50 dollars. Once you have the repair parts, simply replace the existing cables with the new ones. Make sure to have the garage closed when making repairs. Once the cables have been replaced, stand at least 15 feet away and open the garage door. Staying far enough away is important in case you installed the cables wrong and a spring breaks. If the door opens and closes, make sure the check the repair work you have accomplished every six months. Cables stretch and cause slack which can continue to put too much stress on the overhead motor and the springs. If the cables become loose, simply cut the end of the cable and shorten it to bring up any slack.

If you are too nervous to be around the springs to do the repair, simply call your local garage repairman service.

Many a homeowner who chooses design a garage floor plan often forgets the vital bit: water supply and drainage. Plumbing remains the most significant part of your floor plan from garage. Here are few plumbing tips that will help you in long run.

oHow do I get cold water to the garage?

The cold water supply will come directly from you house’s installations. The cold-water piping can easily be run in the same trench as the electric conduit from the home to the garage.

oType of piping

You can use almost any type of piping copper or PVC. Copper is however preferable, while it is a bit more expensive than PVC. Remember that PVC is not suitable inside a home but can be used to run water to it.

oThe diameter of the pipe

This depends on the water flow you need. Naturally, you are limited in terms of the maximum flow you are already getting for your home. If for instance your main house receives a 3/4″ supply, you get the same maximum flow even if you choose a larger piping for the garage apartment. My opinion is that it is reasonable to use the same diameter as the use you already have for the house.

oHow do I bring up the pipe inside the garage?

You will have to dig under the foundation and cut the concrete floor in the garage in order to bring up the pipe. If your apartment will be directly on top of the garage, you can run the water conduit on the outside wall without having to dig.

oHow deep should I dig?

This depends a lot on the climate in your region. It is reasonable however to dig at least 18″ below the frost line. For cold regions, this would be around 4-5 feet.

oThe Drain specifications

Regarding the drain, a 1/2″ to 1″ plastic water pipe is an excellent option in order to run water outside the garage. It is important that you install a proper drainage system to avoid bad odours created by a poor hygiene system.

oShould I also incorporate a bathroom and toilets?

Many people considering converting their garage often wonder if they should incorporate a bathroom in their garage floor plan. Designing a garage apartment is effectively creating a new living space and many local authorities will require you install a fully functional bathroom, with a shower, and even sometimes a kitchen. In many cities, there are also prohibitions regarding the leasing out of the garage apartment space to paying tenants.

Putting up a bathroom obviously requires quite a bit of work, depending on whether you plan to incorporate a sink, a toilet, a tub or a shower. I do not think it is necessarily a bad idea. I have seen many bathrooms beautifully incorporated in apartment garages. You will however need to remember checking out your city zoning requirements.

As far as sewage lines are concerned, I would not advise you to even try doing the work yourself. This part tends to be rather messy and involves quite a lot digging. You’d better leave that part of you garage floor plan to a professional plumber!