Ask the Expert: Karl Champley for Gladiator Garage Works

Expert: Karl Champley

Karl Champley is an award winning Master Builder, environmental home inspector and building consultant for commercial and residential construction in the both the USA and Australia. Karl is a familiar face on the DIY Network and HGTV and has hosted over 200 episodes viewed in over 95 million homes in the United States.

Q: We just moved into our first house with a garage and want to set up a workplace for small projects. What are some of your suggestions for setting up this area from scratch?
A: To set up a workspace in the garage, the biggest tip to get started is to organize your items into three categories: keep, donate and throw away. Once, you have completed this step, you can now survey how many items you will use in your workspace and identify the type of space needed in your garage to complete your projects. Once organized, consider adding a bamboo work bench and lining the walls with panels to maximize storage capacity. This will be the perfect starting point for your new work place.

Q:  Other than shelving, what are other creative ways to organize tools and instruments that makes them easily accessible?
A:  I recommend taking advantage of a wall hook system.  If your walls are lined with panels simply latch on the number of hooks you need.  These products are great for helping you keep your tools and instruments within easy reach when needed.

Q:  What type of products do you recommend to get started?
A:  As someone starting off with garage organization, I would recommend trying an organizational starter kit. You can find kits which include both the appropriate panels and hooks, and allow you to get a feel for the product before plunging for an entire garage organization system. Before you know it, you will be able to reclaim the space in your home, once and for all.