The 21^st century garage sale is a bit different than your mother’s garage sale (there’s even an app for that!) but the idea is still the same: get rid of some stuff, make a little money, and have some fun.

Garage sales are a great way to clean house and make some money!

We’ve put together a few tips that will help you have a successful garage sale and you might even be able to put your car back inside when it’s over!

1. First, check with your city for any permits that may or may not be required. Then, well before the sale decide what you are going to sell. Start collecting items in one place in your basement or garage. You’ll be amazed how stuff adds up.  Also create a stash of plastic grocery bags, wire hangers and newspaper to wrap breakables.
2. Advertise! Online resources such as Craigslist and PennySaverUSA are free. Don’t forget your local newspaper as well. The tried and true method of posting signs around the neighborhood and on local bulletin boards still gets results. Make them big and make them colorful.  Some cities are cracking down on posted signs so this is another good reason to check on your local rules
3. Don’t go it alone. Always have at least one or two adult helpers. When things get busy you’ll be grateful for the extra hands.
4. Play music at a low volume to make the event seem festive. This is a great time for a sunny, happy playlist from your iPod.
5. No matter how much you advertise and how many people stop by if your items aren’t presented well you’re just wasting your time. Don’t expect buyers to pick through ratty boxes of stuff. Separate everything into categories, appliances, books, tools, DVDs, etc.
6. Hang clothes to make it easier for buyers to look through. Children’s clothes sell much better than adults.
7. Keep most of your best items in the back so customers have to walk through your entire stash.  Keep a few up front so the drive-by browser will stop. Adding tools will entice any husbands roaming the area.
8. Have containers with categories of smaller things will keep them organized and not rolling around the table. Did we mention you should have tables?
9. Speaking of small items-bundle them with other similar items. CDs, books, even jewelry can be sold together. Bag toys together and mix the more desirable ones with the Happy Meal toys that might not sell alone.
10. If you’re selling electronics, appliances or anything that needs batteries have power sources like extension cords nearby. You don’t have to use new batteries, keep a box of older batteries that can at least power something for a few minutes.
11. Price items clearly so you’re not constantly being asked, “how much is this?. Be ready to negotiate but having prices visible means less confusion. Haggling can be fun so tag pricier items a bit above (a tiny bit) what you’d settle for to leave some room.
12. Make sure you have plenty of change. There will always be someone who shows up early, buys a book for 25 cents, and hands you a twenty. A good start is between $80 or $100 mixing denominations with plenty of loose change. Wear a fanny pack and keep the change on you at all times.

Having a garage sale can be a fun way to meet people, make a little money and maybe even some space in your garage. And while Raynor Garage Doors of Kansas City doesn’t do garage sales we do garage doors so come and see us for the top quality selection that can make you want to have a garage sale just to show them off.

Protect your home from high winds and tornados.

Your home has numerous openings and entrances that should be secured to prevent loss or damage. If you ever needed a reason for a home upgrade keeping your home and property safe is a good one.

The foundation of your home may be on a concrete pad and if so, is probably only partially attached. High winds can pull the walls right out of the foundation. Bolts can be set deep into concrete foundations that will firmly secure your home to the pad.

If you live in an area that’s frequently visited by tornadoes or severe storms it may be wise to invest in home additions made to withstand high winds and windborne debris. Storm shutters, impact resistant windows and doors or mesh and screen systems that can be added in case of dangerous impending weather are all good preventative measures. 

Your roof is sometimes the first victim of high winds and damage. Roofs may be lifted only to collapse back onto homes so for new home construction and retrofitting the connections between roof and walls should be made for this possibility.

You may not be aware of it but your garage door is especially vulnerable to the effects of severe storms. High-speed winds can pressurize your home and blow the garage roof off. If the door is hinged it can also pull off part of the house with it.  Raynor Garage Doors offer garage doors specifically designed to withstand high winds.

Whether you have a basement or your home is on a concrete pad, a reinforced room made especially for tornadoes or high winds may be something to consider as well as a family disaster plan. At the very least safety supplies such as a weather radio, first-aid kit, water and blankets should always be kept in the basement or inner room.

It’s nice when spring finally makes it way back and temperatures begin to rise. Unfortunately it also brings the kind of weather than can pose real danger to your home and family. If your garage doors have seen better days let Raynor Garage Door of Kansas City fit your home with an attractive and sturdy new door that fits your style.

Use Paint To Color Your Garage Floor

A relatively quick and inexpensive option to protect and beautify your garage floor. It does require extensive cleaning and degreasing but any project worth doing is worth doing right. Right? For the best results rent a power washer and products made for cleaning grease and oil. There are many options from latex and sealer to epoxy kits that come with complementary color flakes to add a bit of interest.

Mats For Garage Floors

If you’re looking for good and immediate protection from everyday wear garage floor mats are a simple and labor free way to go. Simply roll them out to cover just the area under your car or go further and purchase one that covers an entire bay. Many are ribbed to channel water away from your garage and toward the driveway.

Use Tiles To Design Garage Floors

Offer good protection as well as the option of creating attractive designs or patterns. The come in a variety of colors and surfaces and can be both peel and stick or interlocking. Peel and stick are less expensive in most cases but special care must be taken to clean and dry the floor before application otherwise you’re just sticking them to grease and oil. Interlocking tiles are the simpler although more expensive option but can be laid down over the existing floor without any prep. Tiles can vary in thickness, material and color so do your homework as price can vary as well.

Protecting your garage floor isn’t just an aesthetic decision. All the gunk and junk you roll and track in can damage the floor so you may end up doing more repair work than you’d like. Even new homes typically don’t have sealed or protected garage floors so before it gets completely cluttered protect it!

And if you’re looking for another reason to beautify your garage floor just add a spectacular garage door from Raynor Garage Doors. The garage door has become another element of design for new and existing homes and the options are endless. Raynor can fit your home with a door that complements your color and home style or we can also work with you to do design a custom door that’s just the right fit.

More and more people (read men) are turning their garages into their own retreats and some are taking it all the way. From a Florida Gators themed big screen garage to the ultimate Garage Mahal we’ve gathered the dreams of the man who is the Cave Man:

How about a Harley Davidson themed re-do that would make Easy Rider sit for a while?

If you’d like to buy the world a Coke you could all drink it here.

Jack Daniels and a full bar mean Man Cave goodness.

Got a ’57 Chevy? Then you need a 2000 sq. foot garage/man cave with 14 foot tall garage doors and three story ceilings.

A true sports fan/audiophile haven, this Florida Gators fan has created a man cave with a dream sound system as well.

And finally, the man cave so big it didn’t even need a house attached. Located on a racetrack this 6,000 square foot Garage Mahal is the dream of two amateur car racers in Illinois.

So if you feel like your manliness needs a space just to be manly, if you’re tired of watching Masterpiece Theater (or you want to watch it alone) think about making some space of your own in your own garage. Your collection of Star Wars memorabilia needs air to breathe, right?

Of course a garage isn’t a garage without doors. That just makes it a carport and watching “Happy Gilmore” with your pals in a carport just isn’t right. So get the garage door that will complement that man cave. Raynor Garage Doors of Kansas City can help you find that perfect door to show off (or hide) that den of Cheetos and pork rinds and maybe even your car!

But more and more homeowners and builders are incorporating garage doors into living spaces. Picture a lovely glass and steel wall that will open up onto a patio or even onto a street in more urban areas. It makes a definite statement, brings a lovely evening into the home or just makes for more room to roam.

Installation can be in either new or existing homes and can be motorized or manually operated.  And the trend just keeps growing; the American Institute of Architects reported a huge increase in requests to fit living spaces with garage doors.

The doors can even be incorporated into second floor spaces to increase airflow or just to give a unique view from an upper room. It’s good for more urban areas as it adds privacy and security.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of opening up your home with a new garage door contact Raynor Garage Doors and we’d be happy to discuss the possibilities. We’ve fitted homes right here in Kansas City with living space garage-type doors. So we can custom build a door, fit your home with an existing selection or work together to design a unique solution for your unique needs.

For more great examples of garage door living spaces we found a great site.

Instantly improve curb appeal, and get a good ROI, through replacing your garage door

Garage Door is First Impression of your Home

Unless you live in an older home with a detached garage, or a home where the garage is around back, more than likely your garage is in the front of your home. Many homes around Kansas City were constructed to have easy-accessible garages in the front. The nice thing about this is that the garages are attached, making entry and exit very easy. Plus, many times they are also insulated. The downside is that the garage door can steal from your focal point – the front door area. And if your garage door is simply utilitarian, you may be losing out on curb appeal opportunities.

Replacing Garage Door Will Result In Good ROI

Remodeling Magazine generates a list each year of the projects that produce a high return on investment. In 2010-2011, a garage door replacement ranked high – from 69% ROI for an upscale garage door and 83% ROI on a mid-range garage door. Part of why a garage door replacement ranked so high was because they are often the first thing people see on a home, and upon their improvement, they instantly improve curb appeal. Plus, garage doors are affordable and easy to change, so the payoffs are big.

Options for Garage Door Replacement

If you’re looking into replacing your garage door, you have several options. You don’t have to use a simple, basic door – you can have it match your home and your style and amp up the appeal of your place. When you focus on incorporating the design of your garage door into your curb appeal, you’ll see a big boost in attractiveness. And luckily, a big payoff in home value, too.

If you’re one of those homeowners that cannot park in your garage, we have some news for you:  you need to park in your garage. Not only will it save you from many inconveniences, but it will also protect one of your biggest assets: your car.

Protect Your Car in the Garage

Think about the money you pour into having a vehicle (or two … or three!) each month. Car payments alone can run you $200-500. Then you have gas and car maintenance like oil changes and flushes. Not to mention the cost of insurance. All of that to say:  a car is a huge budget item for most of us in the Midwest. And so if you have a home with a garage, it only makes sense to use it to protect your car. Here are a handful of advantages to keeping your car in the garage:

Cars in Garages Stay Cleaner

Keeping your car in the garage will help keep it cleaner. While sitting outside throughout the day and night, you run the risk of your car collecting dirt and pollen traveling through the air. In fall, leaves will collect in your windshield wipers and under your hood, creating safety hazards. You can also be “bird bombed,” which is quite unpleasant – especially if you have a profession where clients meet or travel with you. Sand, dust and gravel can be a threat if your car sits outside constantly. You run the risk of more unexplained scratches and dents. And overtime, if you don’t consistently wash your car from dirt and grime, you’ll notice areas of rust and paint chipping off.

Cars in Garages Run Better

Keep your car in the garage to help them warm up better!

A new law states that you can no longer start your car and run back in the house as it heats up. So if you don’t have remote start, you’re out of luck. However, warming up your vehicle on a cold morning before you take off will keep your car running better. You don’t have to put as much strain on the transmission and engine as they work to run your car AND heat up. In the summers, the car stays cooler. And overall, a car runs better if it’s been protected.

Cars in Garages Avoid Hail Damage (or Basketball Damage)

Well, this is obvious but it’s worth mentioning. Kansas City sees hail at least once a year (most years.) And if you’re at home, you can save your car from a hail attack by pulling it into the garage. Sure, insurance might cover the damage, but clearing out your garage and making room to keep your car safe can eliminate the hassle of having it estimated and then fixed. Or, if hail’s not in the forecast, a neighbor’s new basketball goal might run the same risk. If your neighborhood is populated with many children, it’s amazing how those baseballs, basketballs and soccer balls can make their way right into your car door. Avoid unwanted dents (and troubles with the neighbors) by keeping your car safe and in the garage.

Cars in Garages Stay Safer

If your car is locked in your garage, you have less risk of theft. Many cars that park on the street are open targets for those looking to break in and steal some treasures. CD players, GPS devices, and cell phone chargers are just some of the target items.  A thief might also go for your garage door opener, which puts your entire home at risk. Clear out your garage and pull in each night to have optimal safety around your home.

It might seem like a hassle at first, but we guarantee that it will be worth clearing out your garage and making room for your vehicles. Try to look into creative new ways of storage if you have items you must keep. Or, you might find as you go, the cost of storing those extra items doesn’t add up to the value of protecting your car. And it’s time to go ahead and toss it out anyway.

A new garage door can increase curb appeal.

Most realtors agree that a garage door influences the curb appeal of a home if it’s visible from the street. Some even argue that a new garage door can increase the asking price of your home. In newer homes the garage doors can take up as much as 30 percent or more of the home’s visible exterior so it should be taken into consideration.
Options have increased steadily in recent years and what was once just a utilitarian piece of hardware can now beautify your home and increase its appeal. Materials now range from steel to aluminum to wood and can be fashioned in any color or style. Doors made with recycled nylon products overlaid over a steel insulated garage door have been introduced recently as a new material that can look very much like wood.
When choosing a new garage door keep in mind your home’s architectural style. The garage door should match or complement the shape and size of windows and entry doors as well as any exterior design details. With so many style options this is much easier then it once was and today’s doors can truly be beautiful.
For over 20 years Raynor Garage Doors has been serving Kansas City homeowners with superior quality garage doors and garage door openers. We can help you choose a new garage door that will wow your neighbors, attract new home buyers or just plain make your car happy to be home. Call us anytime and we’ll be glad to assist you!

Garage Doors for Home Sellers

Remember the role a garage door can play when selling your home!

Home sellers realize that a garage door is one of the best ways to increase your curb appeal. If you’re looking for a great way to get a great investment – consider replacing your garage doors. You’ll get your money back in the end. Replacement garage doors can make your home look nice. Plus, newer technologies also offer safety and convenience benefits (you can even open your garage door with an iPhone app now.) While most may not buy a home strictly on the garage door, having these updates to appearance, technology and safety are sure to attract future buyers.

Garage Doors for Buyers

Did you know that a home inspector will be reviewing the garage doors of a home? You probably expect for the foundation, roof and exterior to be checked, but did you know that the garage doors are all part of that process, too? And you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a home with good garage doors before you move in.

A home inspector will inspect the garage door for any visual damage – this is everything from scratches to needed repairs. In addition, some home inspectors even offer a RecallChek service where they will log each appliance in your home – garage door opener included. That way you can receive notice in the event any part of your garage door opener system is recalled and needs replaced.

While your inspector won’t take a lot of time reviewing your garage door, be prepared that it will be checked and ensured that it’s up-to-date. In the event a replacement garage door or garage door opener is needed, you can ask for an inspection contingency on your contract and ask the seller to replace or negotiate replacement costs.

Home Buying and Garage Doors

Garage doors may not be the first thing on your home buyer checklist, but make smart choices when purchasing a home and check out each part of the house – including the garage doors. A home is the largest investment you’ll ever make, and so make sure you’ve checked each area of the house before you buy.

Think of this not as finding a place for everything you have but a chance to simplify and shed the things you don’t need or want.

Drag all the big stuff outside and prioritize. Do you really need five sleds for three kids? Is the old weed trimmer you swore you’d fix just a lost cause? This is a great opportunity to give away the things you don’t need anymore.

Sweep and wash the floors and walls. If you’re so inclined a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to freshen the space. Garage floors can also be protected with specialty paint from the hardware store. It prevents oil and gas stains and extends the life of the floor.

Consider your storage needs. You may be able to get away with simple shelving lining the outside walls. Don’t scrimp and get lightweight units. If you plan to put storage bins on them they’ll need to be able to hold the weight. Measure the units and measure your storage bins to make sure you use the space wisely. Don’t forget to label!

Overhead storage may also be an option. Install racks for things you don’t always use, holiday decorations, skis or luggage. You can also store bikes in the winter.

Get your tools in order. Hang pegboard and hooks and when all your tools are in place draw around them with a marker so you’ll know how they go back. You can also buy small containers that fit the boards for nails, screws and all that little stuff. Take a hard look at what you have and donate the excess screwdrivers and hammers. Because you know you bought them when you couldn’t find the other four you had, right?

Organizing your garage is not a small task. Large spaces take a long time to get messy and cluttered so it’s going to take a lot of effort to get things under control. But the reward of a garage with an actual car in it will be worth the time, sweat and arguing. Especially when the first hailstorm comes to town.

If you finally get your garage clean and organized you may realize you need a new garage door to complement your showplace. Or at least to reward all that work! Call Raynor Garage Doors and speak with one of our experts. We can help you with the garage door of your dreams! You can visit us at www.raynorkc.com and or call us at (913) 933-6115.