In prior articles we’ve addressed how broken the market is for buying and installing specialty garage cabinets and other garage storage solutions, but this article addresses a different problem: after-market support. Basically, once everything has been installed and is operational, what happens if there is a problem? What happens when simple maintenance is needed? How does that get addressed?
After-market support for specially garage storage cabinets does not really exist. “All warranties expire upon payment of the invoice” seems to be the mantra of the local retail outlets for the specialty manufacturers who make and distribute these cabinets. If the local agent does come out to fix or maintain something, their principal motivation seems to be to sell you something new and/or to charge fees that would make a Mercedes mechanic blush with envy.
Bottom line: All your fancy garage storage ideas might just end up costing you a fortune to repair or maintain.
garage storage ideas
If a garage cabinet has a clear defect — say a handle falls off — then the retailer may be willing to fix it for free. Far too often, however, justified consumer complaints such as this are met with a charge that you have subjected your garage cabinet to “abuse” or abnormal loads and therefore voided the warranty.
This is not a simple issue. Some garage storage cabinets have high-tech finishes, which, if scratched, dented or otherwise damaged, need to be fixed, lest the cabinets begin to rust (if metal) or warp (if wood-based). You can’t simply dab on some paint!
What’s needed is a third-party, after-market repair and maintenance network that can handle all garage systems –- sort of like Roto Rooter handles all plumbing systems in the house. They could sell contracts for preventative maintenance (and maybe handle garage door openers and other items commonly in garages at the same time) and could likely provided non-warranty repairs less expensively than the people from the specialty retail shops.
What do you think? Do you sense a need for this?
Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack
- Roof-mounted garage stock rack; pulley system raises and lowers for easy access
- Lifts and stores up to 250 pounds high above garage floor without using a ladder
- Heavy-duty steel support beams; assembly required
- Includes support beams, 4 by 4 platform, winding axle, vinyl coated steel cable, mounting hardware
- 4-square-foot storage platform; 76 pounds; 1-year limited warranty
Ceiling-mounted garage elevator lets you load and lift storage items overhead, out of the way, without a ladder. Simply load the 4ft. x 4ft. steel platform while you safely stand on the ground, then raise it to the ceiling by cranking the handle. Great for boxes, tires, large tools, snowblowers, ladders, lumber, third-row car seats, canoes, kayaks and more.The RacorPro PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift Storage Rack lets you load and lift heavy items to the ceiling for storage without the need for a ladder. It helps to free up valuable floor space in your garage or storage area and allows you to store heavier items, such as furniture, lawn mowers, tires, canoes, snow throwers, and more. The heavy-duty 4-by-4-foot platform is built to last and provides 16 square feet of additional storage space in your garage or storage area. .caption {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif;font-size: 10px;font-weight: bold;font-style: italic;}ul.indent {list-style: inside disc;text-indent: 20px;}table.ca
List Price: $ 210.00
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HyLoft 540 45-Inch by 45-Inch Overhead Storage System, White
- Overhead storage system
- Easy height adjustment from 16 to 28 inches; holds 250 pounds
- Powder-coated steel wire
- Includes shelf and all mounting equipment
- 45-by-45 inches; 34 pounds; lifetime warranty
HyLoft’s unique storage system attaches to the garage rafters even through the drywall ceiling over automobiles over the open garage door itself. It adjusts to fit any garage and manufactured from durable steel with an attractive scratch-resistant white powder-coated finish that will never rust. Approximately 4′ x 4′, has an adjustable height from 16″ to 28″ and holds 250 lb.The HyLoft 45-by-45-Inch Overhead Storage System is the ideal way to store those large, bulky items that are cluttering up your home. This durable and innovative ceiling storage system has a capacity of up to 250 pounds and includes all the hardware needed to mount in your garage, attic, or any other room in your house. Simple to set up, and designed for easy access, this system will free up valuable floor space while providing a convenient and safe place to store your stuff. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-st
List Price: $ 89.99
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Gladiator GarageWorks GAGPUB2PPY Geartrack Pack for Garages
- Gladiator garage works geartrack pack for garage organization
- The GearTrack Channels provide 8 linear feet of storage space and the assortment of hooks easily attach to the channels to give every foot a secure, yet repositionable place on the wall
- Mounts on bare wood studs or drywall over wood studs and can also be mounted directly to masonry walls
- Includes 2 4-Feet pieces of GearTrack channel, 1 scoop hook, 2 J hooks, 2 L hooks, 1 twin hook, 1 utility hook, 1 tool hook and 2 end caps, plus a selection of all-weather screws
- Backed by limited lifetime warranty
Gladiator, 10 Piece, Geartrack Pack Kit, Starter Kit For Geartrack Garage Organization, Kit Consists Of: Two 4′ Geartrack Channels, 1 Scoop Hook, 2 J -Hooks, 2 L-Hooks, 1 Twin Hook, 1 Utility Hook & 1 Tool Hook For The Geartrack Channels.
List Price: $ 54.99
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