Create More Storage Space

The Attic Once those dark spaces where items from homeowners' pasts were relegated, attics are being seen in a new light. Besides the usual storage products such as racks, hooks, baskets and shelving, there are attic-specific choices to consider. Versa Lift. Image courtesy of JNK Products. Justin S. Krauss, operations manager for JNK Products LLC in Grand Junction, Colo., says his company carries such unique products as the Attic Dek flooring system, special attic ladders and stairs, or the Versa Lift, an electric lift that allows for attic storage of boxes. The Garage Increasingly, the garage is an extension of the home, particularly in warmer climates where a door screen can turn the space into a screened room. Also, the downturn in the housing market has prompted other homeowners to take a second look at the space. And they are liking what they see, especially with what the marketplace now offers them as help in the transformation. "Ten years ago, garage storage was taking the old cabinets out of your kitchen and placing them in your garage," says Krauss. "Garage storage has come a long way since then. We now have Hercke stainless steel cabinets, MonsterRax overhead storage and PVC slatwall and accessories that are all designed for the do-it-yourselfer." Garage storage has become an entire sub-industry, and there are complete lines of garage storage cabinets, overhead storage racks, no-prep floor coverings, hooks, baskets, racks, slatwall and shelves. Garage materials are being chosen to handle the extreme heat, cold and humidity that can be part of a garage environment and not rust, crack, split or peel. Storage components with adjustable legs accommodate sloped garage floors. Safety-lock mechanisms on garage cabinets keep children and pets away from chemicals or dangerous tools. And with stuff off the garage floor, there's room for the family vehicles. Make a Plan With the household's stuff in mind, map out options with pencil, paper and ruler, visit online design resources such as those at www.closetmaid.com or www.easyclosets.com or leave the beauty and functionality of storage areas to professionals. After selecting storage types, choose finishes and materials. Empty-nesters or two-adult households, for examples, may prefer more upscale looks that match the home's. For households with children, pets or active lifestyles, durability and the ability to keep clean may lead the wish list with materials and finishes that stand up to scratches, stains and impact. Installation Options In deciding whether to tackle the projects or to hire professionals, consider free time available, project experience, tools available, budget and even desire. Many systems available today require some assembly but are often set up to be homeowner friendly. Slide-Lok's modular storage system, for example, comes with the hardware needed and detailed assembly and installation instructions, says Jason Jantzen, Slide-Lok's marketing director. All components slide together without force or effort and are arranged in the boxes in the order in which they are put together. Those who don't want to tackle even that level of assembly may prefer to have the system professionally installed through the authorized dealer. That would add about 10 percent to the bill, says Jantzen.

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