"Anton was easy to work with. Sent email on a Sunday. He called in five minutes and came that afternoon to look at the job. Replaced baseboard in four bedrooms and repaired a hole in the ceiling. All work was completed in two days starting that Monday. The carpenter that did the baseboards (I think his name is John) was great, neat and did a wonderful job. I will definately call Anton again. Mary Pass 4 Alta Drive Wappingers Falls NY"
"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)"
"Matt and Caleb did a great job, they listened to what we needed and came up with a custom window well box to fit our needs, installed two windows, repaired our deck and made sure our basement joists were solid!"
"Isak is amazing. He helped us with a quartz window sill and fixed a door hinge and he is super creative with great attention to detail. Totally honest about the process and what to expect. Highly recommend him!"
Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are among the top building materials for a garage. Wood is highly customizable, naturally insulative, and durable in mild climates but can be expensive. Steel is lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it’s susceptible to rust. Fiberglass is low-maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand in changing temperatures, but it can become brittle and crack from prolonged high winds and sun exposure.
Unlike steel, aluminum isn’t susceptible to rust and is low-maintenance, but its ultra-light weight makes it less durable than some materials, and it’s susceptible to saltwater damage, making it a poor choice for coastal homes.
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.
On average, a garage door can last between 15 and 30 years. However, this lifespan is influenced by several factors, including the quality and material of the door, local climate conditions, and how frequently it is used and maintained.
Key factors affecting longevity include:
Material: Wooden doors can last 20 to 30 years or more, while steel doors typically last 15 to 20 years. More robust options, like triple-layer steel, can last 25 to 30 years with proper care. The number of layers in a door also contributes to its durability, with each additional layer potentially adding five years to its life.
Maintenance: Regular inspections, cleaning, and immediate repairs can significantly extend the life of your garage door.
Usage and Climate: Doors in harsh climates or those used very frequently may wear out faster.
Components: Individual parts have different lifespans. For example, automatic openers may fail sooner than the door itself without regular maintenance, and garage door springs typically need replacement every 7 to 12 years.
While the door panels are designed to last as long as the door, they should be replaced sooner if they become visibly damaged, impact the door's smooth operation, or create a security risk.
There are many signs that your garage door needs to be replaced, including: Visual signs of wear and tear Garage is slow to open and close or won’t open or close at all Jerky motions while operating Loose tracks or broken or worn rollers Uneven garage door when open or closed Sagging garage door Noisy operation even after lubricating the moving parts Broken or loose cords Higher energy bills, which could mean poor sealing or insulation
An insulated garage door is a great long-term investment if it’s within your budget. They save energy and give the door year-round usability. In other words, the door pays for itself after a few nasty winters. Most modern garage doors already have a fair amount of insulation, so look into those options if you don’t feel comfortable splurging.
The Modena, 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.
Weighing the options between an attached vs. detached garage? The choice is entirely personal, but we'll help you make the best decision for your property.
