"I would wager it's pretty rare that your relationship with a contractor is so smooth, so collaborative and so easy that they become a legitimate friend... but that's what happened with Dave Nessel and me. He came recommended by our architect, and we hired Dave to build our custom 3br, 3ba modern home in the woods of Woodstock, NY. He was head and shoulders above the other contractors we interviewed in terms of thoroughness, communication, availability and ease of collaboration. The home he built was within 5% of our agreed-upon budget (and that 5% wasn't even his fault — it was unknowable site complications) and we did it 3-months faster than anyone else quoted us was possible. Dave navigated massive supply chain issues without a single delay to the project through his organization and foresight. But more importantly, our home is beautiful and Dave was an absolute pleasure to work with. I simply cannot sing his praises any higher (and have recommended him to 3 different friends since)"
"Brian took on my project personally and passionately. The house was a 90% demo. He hit the job running. Working nights and weekends to get it done quickly and correctly. People would stop by the property to compliment the work and get his information. Place went from a dump to a beautiful home. Brian is extremely conscientious and keeps you involved the whole way through. He's a builder with vision. I personally recommend him and would stand by his work all day long."
"It could not have gone any better. I wish we would have met Steve 20 years ago. He is knowledgeable, professional and his work shows his years of experience."
"I had received several quotes for this project and I chose remodeling concepts because contracter Derek was the most organized, prepared, and professional of all the candidates. Additionally, he had the most realistic understanding of the job and its potential challenges. His price was also very fair and competitive. As the project moved forward, my initial impression was continuously validated. He persevered through a challenging permit process, never failing to communicate throughout the duration of the project. He showed up days after the permit was obtained and completed the project within a week. His crew was extremely professional and respectful of our property. Derek was on-site throughout the entire process to ensure the job exceeded our expectations, which it did. The completed project was absolutely incredible, down to the last detail. He not only has a talent for construction but he truly has an eye for design as well. The price never changed regardless of some unforeseen challenges and the communication from Derek and his partner Valerie was consistent and informative throughout the entire process. I could not imagine working with anyone else but Derek and his crew. have already asked him to work on two other projects in my home! Highly recommended A++++"
"I met with Mark once to review what I wanted in my new garage, doors/windows/electric, etc. The second meeting he had my plans with a virtual rendition. I made one or two minor changes and got my plans on my third visit. After I selected my contractor and the Town needed an additional calculation Mark turned it around in 24 hours and I was on my way to getting my building permit. The contractor didn't have any problems reviewing the plans. He felt everything was in order. I don't anticipate any problems with construction related to the plans. Mark was easy to work, he was thorough, he made suggestions. Mark turned all this around for me very quickly both times. Back in Jan/Feb when we first met and I got the plans, and then again in May when the Town required some additional information. No extra charge. Thanks, Mark!"
"Tom and Matt came by to side my house (and garage), put in new windows, and rip off the old roof and put a new one on. Attention to detail was impeccable. All of our neighbors were impressed with the work, and would often stop by to see the guys work their magic. They got here early every day, busted their butts, and always made sure to clean up before they left. Bonus, if there was pizza and a beer as the light at the end of the tunnel, they would always put in a few extra hours. Great guys. I will be using All Phases again for my next project."
Garage doors are heavy and close under power, so ensuring they're safe should be one of the priorities of a homeowner. Installing at least one sensor is a good start, but it doesn't hurt to have two, especially considering you can install a secondary system for less than $100. Remember that sensors require calibration and simple but regular maintenance checks— installing them is only the first step.
Garage door sensors work by using infrared beams to detect objects in the door’s path. One sensor sends a beam while the other receives it. When the beam is broken—say, by your car or anything else—the sensors signal the door to stop or reverse. It’s all about safety and making sure nothing gets trapped under the door. If they’re misaligned, the beam doesn’t connect, and the garage door might stay open or close regardless of obstructions.
The most affordable way to insulate a garage involves choosing cost-effective materials like fiberglass, which comes in batts or rolls and is relatively easy to install. You can often install this type of insulation without needing to add drywall, which helps reduce costs. While a DIY approach might seem cheapest, hiring a professional installer can be highly cost-effective. Experts can accurately determine your garage's specific insulation needs and ensure the best results for your investment, often using batt insulation for the bulk of the project.
If you open your garage manually, you don’t need sensors. If you have an automatic garage door opener, sensors are required by law. The federal law UL 325 mandates that all residential garage door openers in the U.S. must include sensors. Designed to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of entrapment, the sensors should be able to reverse the motion of the garage door within two seconds of detecting an obstruction. The sensors are there to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe from a door that might otherwise come down too hard or too fast.
Garage door insulation can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years depending on the type of insulation. Cellulose has the shortest lifespan coming in at between 20 and 30 years, while spray foam, mineral wool, and fiberglass can last between 80 and 100 years with proper maintenance.
Humidity plays a role in how long more susceptible insulation materials—like fiberglass—last. Once fiberglass batts reach the 15-year mark, you'll need to routinely inspect your insulation to ensure that it is in mint order.
The Maybrook, NY homeowners’ guide to garage services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Want to add value and living space to your home? Use this guide to figure out the cost to convert your garage into living space to see if it’s worth it.
For most homeowners, a garage needs to be big enough for more than parking a car. Use this guide to figure out the average garage size and how to build from there.
