Straight answers
If it is not here, ask the Studio — or email hello@garagereframe.com.
Is Garage Reframe a contractor?
No. Garage Reframe is a design, planning and organization studio. For work that requires a license — painting, floor coatings, garage doors, electrical, HVAC — we introduce you to licensed, insured contractors who quote and bill you directly, and we keep the plan, selections and milestones organized in one place.
What does the service fee cover?
The design and planning work: layout and zone planning, concept renders, product selection with current prices, quote preparation, sequencing and your Studio project record. Products, hauling, installation and contractor work are separate and billed by the provider.
How accurate is the first estimate?
It is a range built from published East Bay cost data and the dimensions we see in your photos. Final numbers come from real quotes; early estimates change with site conditions, materials and contractor pricing.
Is the first design really free?
Yes. One concept render of your own garage is free once you verify your phone number. Additional renders are five for $29.
Where do the products come from?
Mostly Home Depot, Costco and IKEA — proven, returnable and nearby. For White Glove we specify premium lines from dealer and trade programs. You buy from the retailer; we do not run a warehouse.
Which areas do you serve?
Six East Bay service areas: Brentwood, Walnut Creek (with Concord and Lafayette), Danville, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Livermore, plus the neighboring communities listed on each location page.
Do you have a showroom?
No. We are a service-area studio: the Design Studio is online and the work happens in your garage.
What happens to my photos?
They are stored privately, used only to plan and render your garage, never published without your permission, and deleted automatically after 12 months unless you ask us to keep or delete them sooner.
Is the assistant a person?
The Design Studio assistant is an AI assistant run by Garage Reframe, with a person reviewing plans, quotes and anything that needs approval. You can ask for a human at any point in the conversation.
Do I have to buy from Home Depot, Costco or IKEA?
No. We default to them because the products are proven, returnable and nearby, but we will plan around what you already own or a brand you prefer.
What if my garage is a one-car or a tandem?
The plan scales. Tandem and one-car garages benefit most from vertical and overhead storage, which we prioritize.
Will you change my floor or walls?
No. Signature is intentionally an organization makeover. If you want paint, flooring or cabinets, the Complete package is built for that.
Who do I pay for hauling and installation?
The hauler and installer quote and bill you directly. Our fee covers the plan, the product selection and lining everything up.
Epoxy or polyaspartic?
For East Bay garages that get real use, we usually recommend a polyaspartic topcoat over an epoxy base: faster cure, better UV stability, less hot-tire pickup. The cost guide explains the trade-offs.
Can I keep my lighting?
Yes — Complete keeps your existing lighting by default. Ask and we will add fixtures to the plan with a licensed electrician.
What does the $1,000 planning payment cover?
It starts the planning phase: concept renders of your garage, a feasibility review, a scoped budget range and contractor estimates. If you proceed, it is credited toward our fee.
Is the final price fixed up front?
No. We never promise a construction price before the work is scoped. The planning phase exists to give you a realistic range and real quotes before you commit.