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When Brian and Colleen Trainor moved their family of nine, they knew they wanted to simplify after their harried life in California. Their daughter Delaney loved animals and told them about zebu, the only naturally miniature breed of cattle. After visiting a farm with about 60 zebus, the Trainors liked the mini cows and decided to start their own herd. They bought a bull named Jacob and his two wives, Leah and Rachel. The size of the animals works well for the amount of land at Ranch Kildare. As well as being a good fit for even their younger children to help with chores and training of the cattle. The Trainors used a makeshift building to house the cattle. But the barn flooded in September of 2018. They knew they needed a stronger barn, relocated to higher ground. Brian and Colleen checked various barn businesses online but got nowhere. When they heard about Ulrich Barn Builders from a neighbor, things changed. The Ulrich 20×30 Two Story Carriage House garage design gave the Trainors the space they needed.  It matched their house, and they could have a custom barn. Ulrich Barn Builders built stalls for the cattle and future animals, adding a cement floor and Dutch doors. There’s space for the Trainors’ son to pursue his interest in woodworking. They added a hayloft with a hay door. The second story is light and bright, with lots of windows. The Ulrich crew showed up on time, were polite and professional, and built the barn quickly. Ulrich’s construction supervisor added details in the custom barn to make it easier for the children to do their chores. “They took extra care to make sure it’s working for us,” Colleen said. Brian Trainor is very happy with the new barn, saying, “Working with Ulrich has been painless. They’ve done everything they said they would do.”

Lynn Schoenberg enjoys working with potted plants, so when she and her husband Ted built a new home, they poured a slab for her future potting shed when the home’s foundation was poured. After the couple moved into their new home, it was time to start looking for a shed. There was only about 14 ft between the Schoenberg’s house and their neighbor’s home. Their shed slab was directly adjacent to their home, leaving just enough space to allow for a large shed door to swing open. After some careful shopping, the Schoenbergs settled on an 8×10 Ulrich Heritage Shed. Rather than using the standard double doors, they settled on a single four foot wide door. The shed had to be built slightly off the slab in order to have enough room to work behind it. After it was finished, the Ulrich crew moved the structure into position adjacent to Ted and Lynn’s home. Inside, Ted lined the ceiling and west wall with radiant barrier to reduce summertime temps. He installed lights, plugs, and a ceiling fan. With her potting bench directly under the window, Lynn’s shed is fun and easy to use. While she didn’t really think of it as more than a storage and potting shed at first, as they continued planning, she began to envision it as a little getaway as well. It turns out that even when you have a nice new home, a little shed of your own can be a fun and peaceful place to relax.

Buy a Shed with Confidence If you can no longer fit the car in the garage, or worry about the weight of stuff in your attic, it might be time to buy a shed for your backyard. A quality Shed comes in all shapes and sizes, with a myriad of options that entice the most discriminate buyer. Unfortunately, not all backyards are created equal and accommodating some sizes or options might not work for your property. Considering the delivery of your storage building, and what might prohibit the delivery rig access, is also important. So, before you go shopping, take a walk around your backyard and ask yourself the following questions. Check your Zoning before you buy a shed. Before considering the backyard, check out the local zoning ordinances and homeowners association requirements. Some HOA regulations do not even allow outdoor storage sheds, or they want them of a certain size and color. For neighborhoods which value scenic views, the HOA may have shed height restrictions in place. Your HOA and the local government may also have regulations about the placement of the building in relationship to property lines, fences, and other structures. You might also ask yourself, “Do I need a permit for a shed?” How is my access? If you have a gate on your driveway or in a fence, does it open wide enough to allow entry to a large truck and trailer with a building on top? Consider the grade of your driveway, too. Is it too steep for this rig to climb? If you have a tree-lined lane, there needs to be enough clearance for the rig to get through without breaking your branches. What is overhead? When your building is delivered, it will come on a trailer which elevates its height considerably. Look for power lines, tree branches, building overhangs, or anything else in the air that might prevent the installation of your building. Also, check the space where you want the building to sit to make sure the overhead tolerance is high enough. Are there underground utilities? You will have trouble if you find out a year after setting your building that it is covering your septic tank or drain field. If you live in a subdivision, where is the sewer cleanout? Do you have an underground gas tank? Even if you are not burying electric lines to your storage building, you don’t want to cover utility lines that may need repair in the future. Call 811 to verify the location of utility lines on your property. Is the location I’ve chosen clear of trees? Trees overhanging your outdoor storage shed drop leaves on the roof and into the guttering if you have it. Branches could scratch the siding on a vinyl shed or damage the paint on a painted shed. A young tree too close to the building could, over time, grow roots that damage the shed foundation. What is the climate in my yard? Your shed needs a balance of both light and shade—enough sun to dispel dampness and enough shade to protect your valuables from heat. How is the terrain? So, your driveway is flat enough for the big rig to get through, but what about the yard? If you’re afraid that if your toddler falls he will roll downhill for miles, chances are your yard might be too steep for a delivery rig to navigate. You need a place flat enough to set the shed that will be secure. If you don’t have a flat space, you look at creating one before you buy a shed. Do I have water that drains through my yard? Obviously, you don’t want to place your shed where water pools. If you are experiencing a dry season when taking this inventory, think back to a rainy season and remember where the water went. When it storms, where does the water run? Under your shed’s foundation is not an ideal location. How firm is my ground? This question also depends on current weather conditions. Spring soil tends to be soft or muddy after snow melts and rain begins. And yet spring is the time of year most folks think about home improvement projects like installing an outdoor storage building. Your ground must be firm enough to hold the weight of the delivery rig without it getting stuck. It may be a good Idea to discuss this with your sales rep when you go to buy a shed. Will I lose my view? Of all things to consider, the view is often overlooked. If you cherish sitting in your easy chair gazing through the picture window at the mountains on the horizon, don’t put your building outside the picture window. However, if the items in your outdoor shed are valuable, and you want to keep a watchful eye on them, consider how well you can see your shed from all the windows of your home. Buy a shed with confidence. Once you’ve taken this inventory of things to check in your yard, make a list to take with you shopping. Having all the details handy will make your shopping experience an enjoyable one. Now that you have checked each of these things about your yard you can buy a shed with confidence!

Bobby and Rosemarie wanted to retire in the country — without spending a fortune. Simple, right? Just get a mobile home. But the Proctors didn’t want a mobile home. Rosemarie had very specific ideas about the design and layout of their home. A generic mobile home was not going to cut it. When the Proctors saw an Ulrich cabin shell on the internet, they were immediately interested. One of our internet sales consultants, gave the Proctors a tour at our corporate headquarters in Cleburne. The Proctors were impressed by our Premier Gable Cabin Shell. Not only was it incredibly sturdy, but it had an attractive roof pitch that would lend itself perfectly to a cathedral ceiling. The Proctors sold their suburban home and bought a property in rural Godley. After delivery, Bobby quickly set to work finishing out the interior. He tackled most of the finish out work himself, outsourcing the electrical and plumbing. The 16 x 52 ft cabin has a bedroom and bathroom at each end. The center of the cabin spreads out into an open kitchen / living area. We installed a full length porch along the front — perfect for watching an early morning sunrise or sipping an iced tea in the afternoon. There’s one more twist to the story. Rosemarie’s hobby is sewing, but Bobby doesn’t like having the sewing mess in the house. The solution was a 12 x 12 ft “She Shed”. We positioned the Ulrich Premier Utility Shed adjacent to their cabin. It will have an A/C, TV, and all of Rosemarie’s sewing supplies. The Proctors are extremely pleased with the project. They now have a home in the country, customized to their liking. Its solid, its pretty, and it’s very affordable.

Erin Schaefgen’s farm combines her love of chickens with her knack for design. She sells her specialty hatching eggs to enthusiasts all over the nation. After Erin and her husband Corey moved they needed a chicken coop. Erin didn’t want just any old shed. She wanted an Instagram-worthy coop! They found Ulrich online and spoke with a sales consultants. They settled on a 10×16 ft Elite Gardener. It features the transom light dormer, large eaves, and generous venting. The cupola with a rooster weathervane is the cherry on top. After the building was delivered, the Schaefgens divided the interior into two different coops, with a “feed room” in the middle. They added tongue and groove for a shiplap look, and painted everything white. With flowers in the flower boxes and a rock skirt around the bottom, the coop looks terrific. They added two covered chicken runs, allowing the chickens to enjoy some fresh air but still have protection from the Texas sun. They recently opened their farm to the public during the Wise County Coop Tour. Admiring visitors enjoyed watching the unique chickens and asked questions about the Schaefgen’s impressive coop. Watch the video here. For more great pictures, you can join Erin’s 29,000 followers on Instagram at @threelittleblackbirds.

Whether you’ve worked from home for years or you recently were plunged into the remote work camp, you could probably use some tips for working from home to get and stay productive. These tips cover three areas: routines, location, and tools to help you win. They won’t just get you through the quarantine period, they’ll help you if you choose to stay a remote worker indefinitely. A study by FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics found that from 2005 to 2017 the number of remote workers in the U.S. increased by 159 percent! At the beginning of 2020, 4.7 million people, or 3.4 percent of the U.S. population, worked from home. Since the coronavirus lockdown however, that number has jumped to 81 percent, according to one survey. Common Sense Tips for Working from Home Live and die by your routines Whatever you do, don’t get into the habit of staying up late and sleeping in. Sleep experts agree that regularity promotes healthy sleep. And, productive, focused work requires routine at home, as well as at the office. So, don’t turn off that alarm! As much as possible try to keep the morning routine you’ve always had. And, even when working from home, dress for success. While pajama bottoms are more comfortable than business casual, they don’t tell you to focus like your normal work clothes do. If you normally have a morning and afternoon commute, simulate one with a walk. It will communicate to your brain that you’re still on your way to work and help you to focus once you sit down at your desk. The Work-From-Home Toolbox For the most part, remote work requires a certain number of special tools, particularly in the tech department. Here are a few tech tips for working from home to get you started: Internet: If necessary, upgrade your internet service while working from home. If your family’s home, you don’t want to get kicked off your Zoom meeting because the kids are streaming their school work. You may find it necessary, no matter what your speed, to ask the rest of the household to refrain from streaming while you’re in a video conference. Video: Another tip for working from home includes wise use of video conferencing. In the office, you pop your head over the cubicle wall or trotting across the hall to speak with a co-worker. Face-to-face conversations result in fewer misunderstandings. So, while working from home, use platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Facetime rather than the phone. When using video, position your monitor at eye level to avoid that up-the-nose angle and sit with your back to the wall to prevent background clutter. Look at the camera when speaking rather than the screen, and close any window blinds if needed for proper lighting. Phone: If your employer hasn’t assigned a phone for your particular use, ask about forwarding your work number to your cell phone. If you do forward your number, remember to change your voicemail message to match the one at the office. Schedule: Download your work calendar to your home computer and your phone. Activate notifications on your phone and your desktop so you don’t miss a beat when distracted by the family. Don’t forget those social media notifications, too. Location, location, location Location is everything when it comes to getting the work done. Granted, everyone has extenuating circumstances right now with kids and spouses all working from home. Just do what you can to secure a spot to call your office. Furnish your space comfortably. A sore neck and back from poor posture at the dining room table add to your stress. If you can’t afford ergonomically designed furniture do what you can. Elevate your laptop on boxes or books to get it up to eye level or purchase an auxiliary monitor. Use a Bluetooth enabled keyboard, too. If you don’t have a spare room, look for a corner where no one will disturb you. The dining room table is not the best option if you have to clean it off each evening to eat supper. A corner with a room dividing screen that you can draw shut when you’re on the phone or a video call works well in some cases. However, for optimum privacy and quiet, consider a backyard office. As far as tips for working at home go, this one will take you beyond the Covid period. For a minimum investment, you can have a portable office delivered and set up in a short amount of time. Built to your specifications, Ulrich Lifestyle’s backyard offices are the perfect solution to your work-from-home woes. If you think your situation is temporary, or if purchasing a backyard office isn’t in the budget right now, consider our rent-to-own program. Either way, a trained Ulrich Lifestyle professional will help you choose what’s right for your needs and your budget. For help designing your backyard office, contact an Ulrich Lifestyle professional near you.

While each situation will provide its advantages, using a garage that is separate from the house provides several benefits that homeowners cannot get from one that is part of the living space. Detached garages are an addition to your property that have great potential compared to an attached garage. We will look at each of these advantages and then discuss potential considerations you need to be aware of before you commit. The Benefits of a Detached Garage If you are thinking about having a detached garage, here are just a few of the many benefits and uses that these individual structures can provide contrary to their counterparts. Lower home insurance Increase property value Better air quality Improved security Adaptable and expandable Versatile Better aesthetics Lower Home Insurance In many communities, insurance companies will offer lower home insurance rates to homeowners that have detached garages. Several factors affect this advantage. When vehicles and hazardous items are stored away from the home, there is less chance of fire or other costly accidents that affect the house. These unfortunate situations are more likely to remain contained within the garage, creating less loss than if it was attached. Additionally, detached garages eliminate the chance for thieves to easily enter a property. If you are less likely to have a break-in, your house insurance rates will typically be lower. Increase Property Value Purchasing a home is a significant investment. However, if the house you choose does not have a current garage, adding a detached structure for vehicles can greatly increase the property value. Any time you can make a property a more attractive choice for potential buyers by providing features, the resale value can increase. Detached garages have other vital benefits that can make your property more valuable than one that is attached to the home. Better Air Quality Homes that have a garage built into them face an increase in air pollutants. This poor air quality comes from fumes from vehicles and hazardous items that many people store. Opting for a detached garage eliminates these harmful situations. Homeowners will have better air quality indoors by utilizing a detached structure to park their vehicles and store hazardous items, including paint, fuel cans, and other products. Improved Security One of the largest drawbacks to an attached garage is how vulnerable it leaves your home to thieves. When property owners choose to install a car garage in the backyard, they can help to minimize the chances of a break-in. Rear garages can include additional yard lighting and security features to deter potential theft from the property. In the unfortunate instances where thieves do have access to a detached garage, they usually leave quickly after entry rather than continuing to the home. That separation can keep your family safer and minimize property loss. Adaptable and Expandable Detached garage structures are simple to adapt for more than just parking vehicles. Homeowners can use them as a wood garage, a storage space for yard tools, or a garage workshop. You can place a detached garage virtually anywhere on your property that it will fit, depending on your local zoning laws. Rather than having an attached garage taking up a large front portion of your home, it can sit further back in the yard, away from the house, and even on an angle for corner properties. In addition, it is easier to expand onto a detached structure when property owners want to provide more space for vehicles. They’re also a great way to build a home office on the second floor, or introduce a mezzanine storage area. Unlike attached garages, these have no restrictions that come with having a home beside them. Versatile The versatility that comes with a detached garage is one of the more attractive benefits for homeowners. It is simple to adjust its purpose if you no longer need it for vehicles, or if you want a second floor. Some residential areas will not have the same building regulations for garage structures that come with a property. That makes it more simple to create an art studio or spare room above your detached structure than if you were to add onto your home. Better Aesthetics As more individuals are focusing on their property value, many are gravitating away from the house designs with attached garages in front of the home. Although these setups can make it easy to transport kids and groceries into the house, they take up the majority of the front yard, leaving less aesthetically pleasing areas to enjoy. Opting for a detached garage that sits at the back of the property allows homeowners to take control of their front yard. They can enjoy their outdoor landscape rather than have a large door facing the street. Considerations for a Detached Garage Although there are many benefits, there are some vital considerations that you will need to be aware of before making a choice. If you want to use the interior as an additional living space, you will need to finish it completely. These extra touches can be an additional expense. In particular, it will require its own utilities, including power, natural gas, or water. Of course, that will depend on how you use the garage. Providing access to these could drive up the installation price if your property does not have any pre-existing lines to use. If you reside in an area that falls under restrictions from a homeowners association (HOA), detached garages may not be allowed, or they may have to abide by specific guidelines. It is worth checking out any limitations that may exist in your HOA before you commit to the project. Is a Detached Garage Right for You? Choosing a detached garage is an individual choice. Homeowners will need to consider all the factors that a separate structure offers and determine if having this style of garage is suitable for their property and needs. They can be a terrific investment for your property and are entirely customizable to match your existing home and landscape. So if you are in the market for a garage space, choosing a detachable garage might be right for you and your needs.

Whether you’re designing a brand new storage shed, or just considering remodeling an existing one, deciding where to place the shed doors and windows, is an important decision. Afterall, no one enjoys stumbling around in the dark. If you’re asking, “How do I customize my shed layout?” with the location of doors and windows, you should also be asking, “What will I use the building for?” No one wants to climb over the lawnmower every time he needs to reach the workbench. And storing the fishing equipment in the not-so-easy-to-access back corner is, well, not so easy. Deciding what you’ll be storing in the building, how much time you’ll spend there, and what you’ll be doing while inside, will help you choose the location of your shed windows and doors. Where to put my shed doors If you want a dual-purpose building—one used for storage of seasonal items as well as lawn equipment—consider installing two doors. A double door on one end gives you the room to drive in a riding lawn mower while a single door on the side of the building provides access to your storage area. Consider the topography when thinking about door placement. You don’t want your tractor ramp coming in on the side of the building that sits 3-feet off the ground. If you have a sloped lot, do you want the added expense of building steps? These factors are all things to consider. To help you envision the best placement of doors, this post includes drawings of a storage shed layout for most of Ulrich Lifestyle’s storage buildings. Where to put my shed windows Window placement is a little more involved than door placement. But you still need to ask what you will be using the building for. Spending time in your outdoor storage building can get stuffy without windows. If the intent is to have a place to work or hang out, you’ll want some ventilation. Determine which direction the prevailing winds come from and place your windows accordingly. However, if you plan to have a workbench in the building for woodworking or to repair small appliances, you’ll want plenty of light. Consider where the sun will come in, whether you have trees or shrubs that will block the sun, and whether the wall over the workbench is the best place. Some outdoor storage sheds have high walls with loft space. If you want to have plenty of light while rummaging around the loft, ask if your window placement will allow that. If the sun’s rays could damage your valuables, consider placing the windows so that they allow entry of only indirect light. Or install window treatments like room-darkening blinds or shutters that close. That brings up another topic—theft. If burglary is an issue in your neighborhood, you might consider installing the windows on the rear of the building, out of view of the public. If that option doesn’t appeal to you, installing window treatments, and shatterproof glass even, is a smart move. Ulrich Lifestyle sheds are completely customizable. We offer several floor plans to choose from and our team of designers is available to help you choose the best placement of your doors and windows. Ulrich Lifestyle has been respected in the community as the place to purchase local storage buildings since 1972. Call today to schedule a consultation.

What (Not) to Store in a Garden Shed Getting your shed neatly organized is one of life’s sublime joys. That shed is the perfect place to relieve the overflow from closet, attic, and garage. But some things just shouldn’t be in your shed. Now to be certain, nearly anything that can fit through the door can be stored there, but it may pose a problem if you discover that an item in storage has been unknowingly damaged. Knowing a few storage rules will benefit you (and your stuff) in the long run. Save Your Stuff: 3 Essentials Temperature. Because a shed is outside and often is not insulated, the temperature fluctuation will vary greatly from summer to winter. This works in at least 3 ways: Heat expands and cold contracts, damaging sensitive equipment. Cold may freeze some liquids, making them useless after they have undergone a freeze. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can turn your shed into an oven. Baking a cake causes complex chemical changes that make it fluffy and delicious. The same heat can cause less helpful chemical changes to your valued possessions. Moisture. Because a shed is not often sealed off as tight as a house, the chances of water ever getting into it are higher than that of a home or permanent garage. Also, warmer air holds more humidity, and most sheds are not climate controlled. This works in at least 2 ways: Mold is also a danger resulting from moisture, even in the form of humidity and not actual contact with water. Mold can quickly destroy things you don’t want destroyed. Isn’t that why you put it in your shed in the first place? Rust can damage metal goods over the course of years. Pests. Rodents and bugs may thank you for leaving edibles in your shed. Put them on a diet by using tight storage containers for anything they might find attractive. MAYBE Store These Items In Your Garden Shed Don’t keep your picnic and barbeque paperware–cups, plates, etc.–in your shed. Paper is a delicacy for numerous bugs and rodents, and you aren’t trying to run a charity for these critters. If you do have to keep these items in your shed, store them very securely in a tight plastic storage container. Pet food is another delicacy that your unadopted pets (think mice, rats, coons, and possums) will enjoy. Your shed may be tight enough to keep the largest animals out, but the smaller ones are going to find a way in. If you do need to keep pet food in the shed, a tight metal storage container such as a galvanized trash can will help deter uninvited guests. Clothing, or any cloth/leather/fabric could develop mold unless stored in an airtight container. It could also develop mice and bugs. Keep it safe. Photos are safer inside, but if you do put them in a shed, store them in a waterproof container. DO NOT Store These Items In Your Garden Shed Canned food is better in a stable cool environment all the time. Humidity can cause corrosion of cans, leading to spoilage. And, the risk of spoilage rises with the temperature. In fact, high temp’s decrease food’s nutritional value. Read more from the University of Minnesota. Musical instruments can especially be affected by either heat or humidity depending on the type. An instrument made of wood is very much affected by heat and humidity. Brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and french horns, may corrode when exposed to humidity. Sheds are not for any musical instrument you wish to keep in good shape. Artwork needs climate control. Artwork is very vulnerable to both heat and moisture. Expansion and contraction can warp it. Humidity may cause mold. (Believe it or not, wrapping it in plastic wrap can make it worse. Details here.) High heat and sun can cause discoloration. If you wish to keep artwork in good condition, keep it inside. Electronics such as microwaves, phones, computers, etc, can be damaged if the heat is too intense. Paints and Glues. If paint freezes, I advise that you get more paint to replace what you had. The same with wood glue, or any kind of glue for that matter. If paint is lumpy after you stir it, replace it. Garden tools are an obvious choice for storage in a garden shed. DO Store These Items in Your Storage Shed Gasoline does not freeze, nor does oil. The heat does not make either go bad, but it does cause gas to expand. I have seen the pressure blow the lid off the container. The shed is a better place than the garage for extreme flammable such as gasoline. Think about it: If given the option, would rather burn your house down, or your garden shed? Propane tanks are another flammable that are happily stored in a storage shed. Normal temperature extremes and humidity do not affect propane tanks. Lawn tools and equipment. Such things as garden or shop tools, wheelbarrows, garden hose, chainsaws, trimmers, lawn mowers, ATV’s, bikes, and such all fit the requirements to be residents of a shed. Lawn and Garden chemicals. Most lawn and garden chemicals are not affected by outdoor storage. Many liquid chemicals do not lose their effectiveness even after being frozen. Obviously, it would be good to thaw them before they are applied! Get very detailed info from the Grow Network. Between common sense and reading the labels, you should get along very well. For some great tips on shed organization, read What Shed Options and Accessories Are Available?

If you look beyond the surface changes, you’ll find we’ve been working hard to hone in on your needs so we can serve you better than before: Our name, our website, and a new line of products that let you experience a whole new level of customization. WHY WE BECAME A LIFESTYLE STRUCTURES COMPANY Interview Excerpt With Our CEO and Visionary, Jonathan Ulrich “I’ve always loved quality, something that lasts long, something that is generational. The second big driving factor is really helping families live more memorable lives. I saw so many folks in the industry just treating a customer like another number.  We’re not just trying to make people happy. We’re looking for folks that are absolutely raving fans. As we started investing into it, we rebranded and we changed a lot of things. I watch customer video testimonials. I look at photos and videos of what our customers are doing with our products. And it blows my mind.  People are hungry for unique, personalized spaces for something that they own — that they help create. And that’s somewhere that they can add value to their lives. Therefore, lifestyle structures.” NEW NAME We don’t want you to just get four walls and a roof — we want you to get the building that truly meets your needs. Whether it’s a backyard shed for your hobby or a vacation cabin on the ranch, it should be a structure that you love. That’s a real lifestyle structure, and it’s why we changed our website to www.ulrichlifestyle.com. NEW WEBSITE We wanted a clean, easy-to-use website that would inspire you to dream big. Our new website showcases our customers’ stories to help you imagine what you could do with your own structure. If you’re debating whether to get a large shed or a site-built garage, it’s all here on the same website, along with updated information on financing, delivery, and lots of other helpful info. If you’re the kind of person who likes to research or you’re still in the dreaming phase, we’ve got a ton of reviews and a giant library of customer stories with photos and videos. NEW PRODUCTS We’ve also launched a new lineup of 2021 shed products, including new styles and a new way to customize your shed’s series. New ShedsWith shed styles ranging from the classic A-frame roof of The Heritage to the clean lines of The Modern Studio, we now have a style to match nearly any home. You can check out the full lineup on our website. New Ways to Customize For a shed to really fit your lifestyle, it needs to be very customizable. In order to do that, we revamped the order process, allowing you to mix and match components based on your specific needs. If you’re curious about how it works, we explain it here.

When Khaled Elchehimi got engaged several years ago, he needed a home for his bride. They wanted a better quality house than a mobile home to put on the family’s ranch. His father Mohamad had purchased a cabin from Ulrich Cabins 15 years earlier, so they turned to Ulrich for a cabin for a starter home, to become a guest house later on. Working with Jonathan Ulrich, owner and CEO of Ulrich Cabins, the Elchehimis chose a 14×38 Bear Lake cabin. The open floor plan, one bedroom, and one bathroom worked well for the newlyweds. A porch provides a big outdoor living room. But with the couple expecting their first baby, they needed more space. “Ulrich to the rescue!” Khaled smiles. Jonathan suggested a 12×16 addition. With less than a month till the baby’s birth, the Ulrich team built the addition, connected to the main cabin with a hallway. The addition became the master bedroom. The family planned that the cabin would be the couple’s home for 18 months. It’s worked so well, they’ve lived in it for five years. Unlike living in an apartment, Khaled likes that they have their own house, much better quality than a modular or mobile home. Being on the same land brings the extended family together more. “Working with the Ulrich family has been very rewarding,” Khaled says. Jonathan “wants to get you in a cabin that works for you.” Mohamad agrees, “He’s a good man to deal with and to do business with.” After 15 years, Jonathan is “still honoring his promises.”

Your garage is more than just a place to park your car. It's a blank canvas with the potential to become the most valuable room in your home. With garage conversion trends rising in the US, it's time to explore the exciting possibilities of transforming your underutilized space into a functional and stylish living area extension. Why Garage Conversions Are Taking America by Storm Let's face it: most of us use our garages as glorified storage units. But what if that space could be a home office, a gym, a guest suite, or even your dream workshop? The benefits are undeniable: Increased Living Space: Add square footage without the cost and complexity of a major home addition. Enhanced Functionality: Customize your space to suit your lifestyle – work, play, entertain, or create. Improved Home Value: A thoughtfully converted garage can significantly boost your property's appraisal. Energy Efficiency: Modern garage designs often incorporate eco-friendly features to save on energy costs. Hottest Garage Conversion Trends for 2024 The options are endless, but here are the trends that are catching fire this year: Extra Living Space: Your garage can be transformed into a haven of comfort and relaxation, whether it's a guest room, a playroom for the kids, or a private retreat for yourself. Home Storage: Maximize your garage's storage potential with custom shelving, cabinets, and organization systems. Keep everything from tools and sports equipment to seasonal decor neatly organized and easily accessible, giving you a sense of control and order. Room for Your Hobbies: Envision a dedicated hobby room, tailored to your unique interests. Let your creativity soar in a space designed just for you, empowering and inspiring you. Workshop and Poolscape: Combine a functional workshop with a relaxing poolside oasis. Create a space where you can tinker on projects and unwind by the pool. Ulrich Lifestyle Structures: Elevate Your Garage Conversion At Ulrich Lifestyle Structures, we understand that your garage is more than just a place to park your car. It's a canvas for your creativity and a cornerstone of your home’s functionality. Our diverse range of customizable garage models ensures that we can meet your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. The Craftsman This adaptable single-story structure is designed for versatility. With options for classic gable or modern hip roofs, and customizable garage door placement, The Craftsman can be tailored to suit any purpose, from extra living space to a stylish storage area. The Cape Cod Featuring a 7' tall raised panel steel garage door and a second story ready for storage, crafts, or a workspace, The Cape Cod offers endless possibilities. This model is perfect for those looking to maximize their space and create a multifunctional area. The Modern Sleek and sophisticated, The Modern boasts a single slope roof, an overhead garage door for vehicle access, and a stylish pedestrian entry door with glass panes. Thoughtful additions like roof overhangs and eave vents ensure comfort and longevity, making it an ideal choice for a contemporary hobby room or creative studio. The Dutch Colonial Garage With its versatile storage solutions, The Dutch Colonial Garage is perfect for safeguarding your prized possessions or vehicles. Customize the size, layout, and features to create a space that perfectly fits your lifestyle, whether it’s a guest suite or a rental unit. The Monitor Barn A versatile raised center aisle structure, The Monitor Barn combines functionality with charm. Built with 10' walls and 2x6 studs, it provides ample space for your vehicles, equipment, or cherished possessions while ensuring durability. This model is ideal for those who need a spacious workshop or a dual-purpose garage and barn. Personalized Solutions for Your Dream Garage We believe in empowering homeowners to create the perfect garage for their vehicles, hobbies, or storage needs. Our design specialists are here to guide you through the process, offering options to customize the size, layout, and features. This freedom of design ensures you can create a garage that perfectly matches your preferences, making you feel in control of your home's functionality and style. Explore More Garage Conversion Ideas and Trends For more inspiration and to explore the latest trends in garage conversions, visit our website or contact our design specialists. Imagine the possibilities of transforming your garage into a space that not only meets your needs but also enhances your lifestyle. Let Ulrich Lifestyle Structures guide you through this exciting journey of home improvement.