New Gladiator Brand GarageWorks Survey Reveals How Garage and Laundry Room Organization Can Impact Home Values, Perceptions

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The cluttered garage or laundry room might not just be unsightly, it likely will affect the home's value, according to a recent survey from Gladiator Brand GarageWorks. A January 2014 survey of 500 real estate brokers or agents found that four out of five believe that an unorganized garage negatively impacts a potential home buyer's first impression.  Nearly all real estate brokers or agents surveyed said that first impression impacts whether a potential buyer ultimately purchases a home.

"The garage is a window to your life," said Karl Champley, DIY expert and master builder, "We put in a lot of time and money to build value into our homes and the garage maybe the single most visible preview of what a home has to offer and space that showcases your property – not simply hides it."

Nine out of ten real estate brokers or agents say that home shoppers view garages as more than just a place to park a car, acknowledging that household storage and entertaining space are two other functions for the garage. In fact, garages rank higher as a storage option above the attic and the basement, according to the survey.

"Today's garage storage systems can make the garage more of an extension of the home, with customizable storage options that demonstrate everything organized in stylish ways," said Rebecca Ross, Brand Manager at Gladiator Brand.  "From elevated ceiling storage, to sports and tool-themed storage cabinets, more and more homeowners are interested in upgrading their garage space to serve as a more functional area."

More than three quarters of those surveyed said that a garage should be as well organized as any other room in the house. Laundry areas are another segment of the home that is a frequent victim of disarray.

"Many homeowners don't realize that there are affordable, customizable storage solutions for the laundry area," said Ross. "For example, the Everest White collection provides the strength and versatility for garage storage, but provides a softer design aesthetic for inside the home."

Nearly a third of surveyed real estate brokers or agents believe that a well-designed storage system in the laundry room can increase a home's value.

The Gladiator Brand will introduce series of new products with both "curb-side" appeal and interior applications that build value for the home, including:

Sport Lockers

For young athletes that crave their own lockers like their favorite teams and for the parents that appreciate a well-organized space for sports equipment, Gladiator Brand is unveiling a new sport locker option for 2014.

These sport lockers will be available in various college team colors. Ideal for the garage, basement or home gym, these durable lockers provide the same type of organization space as today's top athletes.

Chillerator – New Design in 2014

Gladiator Brand's Chillerator is the only refrigerator built to store food and beverages effectively and efficiently in the extreme heat and cold of most harsh garage environments. Multiple heaters maintain temperature and a double-pass heat loop manages condensation so the refrigerator runs at peak performance no matter how hot or cold the garage temperature gets. And because it is EnergyStar certified, it uses less energy. The newly designed stainless steel finish gives the Chillerator a sleek, bold look that is durable enough for the garage.

Cool-Touch Cabinet Light Kits

With Gladiator Brand storage cabinets placed in certain areas of the home – garages and basements – lighting can sometimes be an issue. Gladiator Brand is offering space maximizing, low-profile cool-touch lighting kits in 2014 to help illuminate the cabinet space. The magnetic mount requires no tools and is designed for easy installation.

All Season Gear Cabinet

Spouses of hunters, fishermen and other outdoorsmen can rejoice. Gladiator Brand has unveiled the Gear Rod – an all-metal, heavy-duty garage storage system designed to support the heaviest of outdoor gear and excess seasonal clothing items in the All Season Gear Cabinet. The space-saving Gear Rod can hang up to 150 pounds of seasonal gear.

Active Energy Color Pallet – New Product in 2014

Homeowners have new options for their storage space now that Gladiator Brand is adding color to its signature welded cabinet design. With several colors available, the Active Energy Color Pallet provides new element of design when it comes to smart storage. Colors can be combined to mirror favorite teams or themes around the house.

Mobile Work Station – New Product in 2014

This new mobile work station from Gladiator Brand truly provides several different options for a variety of uses. Leveraging the architectural structure of our heritage workbench design, this is built tough enough for the garage, but versatile enough to go anywhere in the home. There are four different work surface options – bamboo, maple, mineral-oiled butcher block and stainless steel. These options make it ideal for fish cleaning, meat processing and wood working as well as other household tasks such as grilling or laundry.

Mega Flex Storage Cabinet – New Product in 2014

Gladiator Brand is announcing is largest storage cabinet in 2014 with the Mega Flex launch. At two-feet deep and four-feet wide, this solution provides plenty of heavy-duty storage for outdoor gear. It includes the new Gear Rod for hanging heavy items and a side pull-out pantry wall with GearTrack to configure with hooks, shelves or baskets.

Gear Shelter Cabinet – New Product in 2014

For those that already have a Gladiator Brand GearWall or GearTrack to hang their garden hoses, gardening tools and power equipment, there's a new cabinet frame with double doors that fits around those sometimes unsightly shovels and tools to provide an easy solution to make the garage look even more organized.

Gladiator Select Series -- Everest White Cabinets

Homeowners can bring new style to the storage system with the Gladiator® Select Series featuring our Everest White finish. For a "softer" look ideal for office suites or laundry rooms, the Everest White finish provides style with premium functionality. Inspired by coastal regions, it offers a brighter look.

Gladiator offers tools for inspiration and design at www.GladiatorGarageWorks.com, including an interactive studio where consumers can visualize and customize their own garage organization designs.

About Gladiator® GarageWorks

Gladiator by Whirlpool is the leader in garage and household organization and storage systems, delivering innovative solutions that allow homeowners to reclaim space in ways that suit their needs, lifestyles and design aesthetic. Gladiator offers pre-assembled and ready-to-assemble lines of modular workbenches, cabinets, wall systems, shelving, tool storage, appliances and flooring. Gladiator® brand products are sold through local garage dealers, retailers like Sears and Lowe's, and at www.GladiatorGarageWorks.com.

SOURCE Gladiator GarageWorks