Experience the Garage Living Standard

From simple and basic to over the top, we have done it all. Since the majority of our clients have no idea where to start when it comes to cleaning/organizing their garage, we have setup a number of themes in our showroom gallery. Keep in mind that these templates are replicas of actual jobs we have worked on. We have received a lot of praise from our clients, as it allows them to see what we can really do. You can have the exact setup in your garage and/or customize any way you want. Since they are templates, our famous gallery themes (The Bright & Clean Garage, The Auto Enthusiast, The Active Gardener and The Sports Fan) help to pinpoint client interests. After all, you’re the only one who knows what you want. Thus, consider these themes a helpful starting point, but just remember that we literally have hundreds of accessories to choose from.

Accessories Worth Checking out

• Cabinetry; At Garage Living, we carry a full range of wall-mountable cabinets. Our GL Signature and GL Premium lines offer incredible storage space and are very stylish. The best part of all is that you can have your cabinets installed as an either free standing or fitted system.
• Flooring; our Rhino Floortex Coating is some of the best around. We guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with this product. It really is built to last and offers numerous benefits over concrete. If you want to experience the ultimate garage floor, this is the way to go.
• Overhead storage; by far the best bang for your buck, our overhead storage systems can be fully customized to meet your needs. With the ability to hold up to 600 pounds and with an adjustable height ranging to nearly four feet, you will have no problems placing even the largest items off the ground.
• Car Lifts; our four post lifts are great for maximizing the available space in your garage. They can be installed anywhere and cost far less than the price of a building remodel.

Relax and take a deep breath, and be prepared for hours of entertainment. With summer just around the corner, being able to grill out and watch your favorite shows is a must-have. Whether you are looking for a simple system or a complete garage makeover, here are some tips for helping you watch the game in style!

How to Install a TV in a Garage Without Fail

• Keep it wall-mounted; the trick to maximizing the available space in your garage is to keep as much stuff off the ground as possible. Unlike the living or family room in your house, a garage is not the best place for a grand entertainment center. By mounting the TV on the wall and keeping your accessory electronics up high, you will have plenty of room to move around. You can easily mount a 50” flat panel without having to worry about space restrictions.
• Make sure your garage is suitable for installation; electronics and extreme temperatures (hot or cold) don’t mix well, not to mention the damaging effects moisture can have. You will need to make sure your garage is insulated well before installing a television in it. Since Canadian winters tend to get pretty cold, a heated space is a must-have. The last thing you want is to be surprised when you go to turn on your TV, only to find that it won’t. Save the time, money and hassle by ensuring your garage is TV-ready. At Garage Living, we can help make this happen.
• Draw up a wiring diagram beforehand for surround sound; knowing how and where to run the wires for speakers will make the job go by much faster. Having a clear idea of where you want the TV area to be will keep you from running into any unexpected setbacks.
• Allocate room for seating; if you plan on having a designated seating space, don’t forget to take into account the space of the garage. Choosing smaller furniture options such as a loveseat and recliner vs. an oversized sectional is typically a better move, unless of course you have the available space.

How to store your winter gear

• Organize the right way; make sure you have enough boxes available and don’t forget to label them. There is nothing more frustrating than spending hours trying to find something (e.g. Christmas lights, winter coats, etc.). That being said, instead of stacking totes on top of one another, invest in an overhead storage system to free up space. This will give you plenty of room for entertaining in the summer vs. forcing you to wade through a mass of clutter and debris.
• Give mechanical devices a tune-up; just because you’re putting the snow blower away for the summer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t change the oil. The same logic goes for maintaining lawn mowers and other summer gear in the winter. Failing to perform this simple task can cause the engine to potentially seize up, which is not something you want to have happen. In addition, thoroughly washing and drying this equipment will prevent corrosion caused by rust.
• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and packing paper; to keep your decorative household items from breaking, never put them in a box or tote without first covering them up.
• Be safe; if you have to stack boxes, make sure to put the lighter items on top. Also, remember to clearly mark which direction the box should be facing.
• Keep your clothes clean with cedar or lavender; these chemicals are natural pest-deterrents and will keep your clothing fresh and keep rodents at bay.
• Get rid of what you don’t need; spring is the perfect opportunity to go through unused items or clothes that don’t fit. Why not make some money while you’re at it by having a garage sale? Most people don’t realize just how much junk they acquire over the years, and this is what gets them into trouble when it comes to organizing.

Just like that shiny kitchen and that sparkling bathroom, however, a dirty and dysfunctional garage can be a real turn-off for buyers. It is important to stress that a finished garage is one that is comfortable. A sealed floor, lighting and heating are all key features you will want to include. The goal is to make the space as warm and inviting as possible. Basically, you don’t want buyers to think of the garage as a “garage.” Think of it as an extension of your home. There are a number of things you can do finish off your garage, though, so here is a list to help you get started. Be sure to evaluate your budget and start with the priorities. You can always perform add-ons later, so start with the big-ticket items that will make an impact.

How to Finish Your Garage

• Take care of that concrete floor; this is by far one of the most important components of finishing a garage. An Rhino Floortex Coating will make the space cleaner and safer. Cracks and an uneven surface are unsightly safety hazards.
• Drywall, insulate and paint the walls; this will make your garage warmer and more inviting. Think about it; buyers will be thrilled at the thought of coming home to a heated garage in the dead of winter. It is important to think about why a finished garage is important to understand where the value comes into play.
• Create a designated work area; build or install a work bench and hang pegboards and shelving that can be used to hold tools and equipment. For most people, the garage doubles as a shop, so don’t neglect to add this feature.
• Make room for ample storage; installing floating shelves and overhead storage can make a big difference. More room in the garage means less room inside the house.

It cannot be overstated. If you want to make your home stand out on the market and land the sale, you will need to spend a little money on your unfinished garage. The great thing about finishing a garage is that the return on investment is always high.

We know what conditions to look out for when it comes to installing flooring, for example. We also know when and where to place cabinetry to maximize the usability of a space. Simply put, if you hire someone who hasn’t had experience working in a number of environments, you run the risk of making a bad investment. You have to ask yourself if it is really worth your time to skimp on price. At Garage Living, we strive to provide an affordable service that guarantees quality, both with respect to our products and our customer service. Our designers, installers, and service staff are all highly trained with an extensive background in the field of garage organization. They know what it takes to get the job done and what products are right for every customer they work with.

Many of our competitors, especially those that are unlicensed individuals, fail to get to know their clients before beginning a project. Paying for something you don’t want or need is pointless, so why not get it right the first time? Although numbers can certainly have an impression, they are not what sell people. It is a fact that we have helped over 3,000 customers, and that we have received positive feedback from every one of them; however, it is our genuine passion and interest for what we do that makes us stand out. You can trust that our experience is foolproof; our brand and reputation for being the top garage installation company in Ontario is something we work very hard to protect.

For instance, customers can get a good view of what our car lifts look like in action by checking out our Auto Enthusiast theme. In addition, the wealth of storage products that we sell (racks, bins, overhead units, etc.) is sure to impress anyone simply looking for a way to clean up their existing space. We like to remind our clients that our templates are just in place to demonstrate what we can do. You can certainly get an exact replica for your garage, but you can also have a fully customized room that is unlike any other. This is what our design consultants encourage. Here is a breakdown of our services to help you get a better understanding of the Garage Living difference!

Garage Living Specialized Services

• A free consultation by one of our trained staff
• A custom-designed theme that is tailored to meet your specific wants and needs
• Hassle-free installation by trained technicians
• Many options for wall organization; when it comes to organizing a garage, the end goals are to maximize space and make all your tools and equipment easily accessible. At Garage Living, we know this means installing utilizing unused wall space to its full potential. From wall racks to storage containers to a range of hooks made to hold virtually any garage accessory, there is bound to be something for you.
• Our specialized cabinetry options are very popular sellers; you can select from modular, tread plate, steel and aluminum cabinets that are wall-secured or free-standing. Our consultant will recommend an option that will work best with the given space.
• There is no better way to get extra storage space than by installing an overhead storage system. Our custom systems are designed to hold over 600 lbs. and can dramatically increase your garage’s storage space. Overhead storage is ideal when you are working with limited space on the ground, or if you need to more room for vehicles and a workspace.
• Our Rhino Floortex Coating and Interlocking Garage Floor Tiles are extremely durable and will last the life of your garage. These options are far cleaner and safer than concrete.
• Need a lift for an automobile? No problem; we carry three types of machines that can support anything you need them to.

Just writing you a note of appreciation on a job well done! I would like to express to you and your staff what a overwhelming experience it was to work with Garage Living in the transformation of our garage makeover. Your courteous and professional service that you provided from the moment of our contact initial to the beginning house call, to design and then finally to installation in less than a week was amazing.

The experience began with a phone call to your business in which I was inquiring if Garage Living offered its services to the East Kingston area as I wanted to surprise my husband with a garage renovation for his 50th birthday as he has been talking about the idea for years. I thought it was a shot in the dark given the distance away from your Vaughan showroom which was a total shock when you said you could be out there the next day.

The in home consultation, which I must say was a good five hour drive through a snowstorm was a very detailed and well explained from the start of the project to the finished product, which would included your Rhino Floortex coating, Garage Living Premium Cabinetry and the PVC wall organizing panels. The final design was emailed to myself within 24 hours of the consultation and the project was in place to begin the following week. I was also e-mailed a very detailed time table schedule of exactly what time the Garage Living installation team would arrive each day and what task would be handled on that day.

This was very important to me as this entire project was planned to be a total surprise for my husband while we were both away on business during the week of the installation in which my 21 year old daughter was left to oversee the work. Being a surprise, Daniel ensured that every detail was handled on his end to ensure it was a true turn-key experience which gave me the comfort to have the project done in my absence. Everything was handled, even removing and storing all my belongings during the process and re-organizing everything onto the slatwall once complete. The extra detail and efficient service was maintained throughout the whole process.

The makeover was completed and I must say we were absolutely overwhelmed with happiness when both my husband and I arrived home to a newly renovated garage. My husband was thrilled! Garage Living definitely delivered the WOW factor that I was looking for in this type of spontaneous purchase for my husband. I again want to express my appreciation for a wonderful job, and I thank you!

Regards,
Kathy S.

We don’t just come in and tidy up a space; we transform garages into fully functional work spaces that are designed with all our customers’ needs in mind. This requires a comprehensive effort that begins with a thorough assessment and analysis. The first thing you will notice when stepping foot into our facility is our massive showroom. Here you will find a number of custom-designed templates that have been used in real-world applications. We have found that our customers really enjoy getting a hands on experience with our products and services. After we show you the potential your garage has, one of our staff consultants will sit down and thoroughly discuss your wants and needs. We take the time to get to know you on a personal level, because ultimately that is how we will be re-designing your garage.

After the initial consultation has been completed, our team of designers will take over and begin putting the plan into action. Bear in mind that our customers are tuned into the details throughout the life of the project. All questions, comments, concerns and input will be received positively. Remember, we want you to be completely satisfied with the end result, and the only way for that to happen is by hearing exactly what you have to say. Once the design phase is complete, our trained installers will initiate the transformation process. You can stand by and watch it all happen before your eyes; our team will come in and clean up your garage to make it a clean slate. After this is complete, they will install our top of the line products exactly by the design blueprint guidelines. The key benefit to Garage Living’s design and installation process is that we don’t hire any subcontractors. All of the work is performed by us, period. Lastly, every one of our customers is given a hand signed warranty that guarantees satisfaction.

Many people opt to store their car during the winter months as a way to avoid potential damage that can be caused during this season. Whatever your reason for winter storage, there are is a certain process that takes place to ensure that your car is completely prepared for being stored for several months.

Before you place your car in storage, it is important that you clean it entirely. This will help to prevent mold and mildew. While things such as the engine and batter are important, just as important is the interior and exterior. A clean car has a much better chance of coming out of storage undamaged than a dirty one.

If you are keeping your car inside your garage you probably do not have to worry about rodents, however, if you have a pet door that leads from your garage you may want to include some repellent to avoid the possibility of damage by rodents.

If possible, you should make sure the basics are covered on the car before putting it in storage. You should double check things like the tires, oil, and gas are all filled properly. You may want consider putting your car on blocks to help protect your tires. It is important that your car have fresh fluids like brake and steering fluid. You should also change out your filters. You should do these no more than two weeks prior to storage to make sure that the fluids are as fresh as possible.

It is important that the location that if you are storing your car in your garage that the area is dry and dark. This will protect the car from erosion, rust, and sun damage. Yes, the sun does appear sporadically even during the harshest winters!

You should close off the vents to the air conditioner. This protects your car from insects and moist air that could damage your car. If your car is constantly in contact with insects and damp air, this could greatly affect erosion and even damage to the interior of your car. If at all possible, you should put a cover over your car. This will go a step further in protecting your car from bugs, air, or even accident scratching.

There are other things to remember like insurance and registration. The guidelines for these vary from state to state so it is important to know your state’s policy on these things when putting your car in storage.

While you may have heard that cars in storage can have problems because of being inactive for a period of time, this can be avoided if you take a few precautions to make sure that your car is completely prepared to not be driven for a few months. If you take the time to make sure that your car is in good shape before storage, you will have nothing to worry about when you are ready to drive it again.

As the season is changing, many people are dreading the annual summer storage that may seem like a never ending event. While storing your summer items is certainly a task, it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. There are some things you can do to make the process more effective and enjoyable. Here are a few tips that will make this process so simple that you will be done before you know it!

Pack It Right

Packing is a critical part of storing summer items. It is important to put items that are similar together to avoid confusion when searching for them later. For instance, you won’t want to pack away summer clothes with outdoor toys. It is also helpful to label your packed items for easy location. Packing it right the first time will make for a much easier unpack later.

Stack it Right

Just as important as packing your items, is stacking the storage units correctly. Whether you are using boxes, bins, or totes, you should stack your items in a manner that is safe and space saving. It is important to make sure that your labels are readable so you are certain of what is what. It is also important to properly seal the lids of the containers so nothing is damaged once it is stacked.

Use your Storage

It is critical that you are utilizing all of your storage space. Many people have overhead storage, wall storage, and cabinetry. You will want to make sure you are putting items in places that are best suited for their size and weight. For example, you will want to store larger items in overhead storage securely rather than attempting to hang it from wall storage.

Eliminate Clutter

The great thing about moving your stuff to summer storage is that now is a great time for you to go through your things before storing them. Perhaps your children have grown out of the summer clothes or have large play equipment that they are too old to play with.  This is a great time to donate some things to save you some much needed space.

Get Into It

One of the best things you can during the process of summer storage is really get into it. You can even have fun with making creative labels, going through your belongings, and enjoying a clutter-free home. This is a great activity for families to get involved in because everybody can participate. While moving things to summer storage may not be the most thrilling thing in the world, you can make it a fun process by lightening the mood.

These tips will make moving your stuff to summer storage a little easier and maybe even a little more fun. The great thing to remember is that you are taking the right steps to save yourself time when you look for these things next summer. You will be patting yourself on the back later for doing things the right way the first time.