Home Improvement News Bureau

The Ultimate Garage Rehab

Take Your Garage from Drab to Fab

MONEY PIT NEWSBUREAU – August 1, 2004: The lowly garage – a catchall for sports equipment, toys, tools, and yes, the family car or truck.  It’s the space most often overlooked when organizing but it’s never out of sight – or use.  If your garage needs help, you’re not alone.  According to a Harris Interactive survey (April 2003), 50 percent of homeowners rate the garage as the most disorganized place in the home – and one that the whole family uses regularly.

Home improvement expert Debby Robinson, host of the nationally syndicated Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show, says that a little thought and planning can make your garage much more comfortable and useful.

“Finding an order for your bikes, golf clubs, basketballs, tools and lawn equipment can increase your productivity,” she explains.  “And it creates a better atmosphere for activities – just like any other space in your home.”

The long-neglected garage, often a veritable dumping ground for just about anything and everything you and your family don’t know what to do with, can be conquered.

“The key,” says Tom Kraeutler, Robinson’s co-host on the program, “is taking stock of all your belongings.  Group items by type and then shape.  Next, throw out items that are unusable or old, or dispose of appropriately if they are hazardous paints and chemicals.  If some items are in good shape and usable but too small, such as sports equipment, find a neighbor who could use it, have a garage sale or turn it over to a resale shop.”
 
Kraeutler then recommends taking a good look at what you’re storing in the garage, such as sports equipment, lawn and garden equipment, vehicles, bikes and tools, and how you can best make use of space along and on the walls.  Also be sure to consider how your garage is used. Is it simply for storage of gear and tools or is it a workshop or space for hobbies, too? 

Many products are on the market to make shaping up your garage an easier task.  Robinson suggests looking at versatile modular systems.

“Modular systems allow you to do everything at once or to add a piece at a time,” says Robinson, “The different components within the system also allow for a variety of storage options so that you can customize it according to your needs.”

One such line is Craftsman Garage Storage Solutions.  While their tool chests and roll-always carts have been staples in quality workshops for years, Craftsman has expanded their line to help homeowners get organized.  The modules are designed to fill a 5ft., 8ft., or 16ft. wall with a dedicated workstation, freestanding cabinets and wall and mobile cabinets.

 “The Craftsman modules offer many special features, like zero clearance radius doors, so cabinets can be flush against a wall or next to another unit without interference,” explains Kraeutler.  “The mobile roll-away cabinets have reversible worktops, and the workbenches feature optional backwalls of steel pegboard panels to store frequently used tools.   Cabinet doors also have compartments on the inside -- much like refrigerators.  Though designed for the garage, these units are versatile enough to use in the basement and laundry room, too. Craftsman is available at Sears retailers or online at craftsman.com.

A new modular option on the other end of the spectrum is the first soft-sided modular storage products from Case Logic. 

“The Space Logic line offers soft-sided modular pocket units that are see-through, durable and easy to use,” says Robinson.  “The products can mount virtually anywhere on a wall using just a regular and Phillips head screwdriver.   Since there are no sharp edges or hard surfaces the products are very kid-friendly.” 

The line includes a Garage Tool Organizer with seven multi-use pockets and 13 tool-specific slots; the Tall Two-Pocket Storage bin is perfect for skis, hockey sticks, rakes and long-handled tools, and the Four-Pocket Stud Organizer is made to mount between 16-inch studs.  For more information visit www.caselogic.com

Another product to improve the functionality of your garage is Craftsman’s new garage door opener with a 12-volt battery back-up, allowing you to raise and lower the garage door in the event of a power outage. 

“It adds to the convenience, your personal safety and the security of your home,” says Robinson.  The battery also allows functions such as automatic safety reverse and photo beam sensors, as well as the keyless entry pad to work even if the power goes out.

The most important rule of thumb in garage rehab:  throw out what you don’t need, organize what you do want, and make the best possible use of the space you have. 

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