Elegant garage doors are your home's hidden MVP

___

Published Date 12/5/2024

“Garage door dominant.” If there was ever a label you could place on the American home, that might be it. Why? Because on houses where garage doors face the street (which is most of them), it’s one of the largest surfaces anyone sees when driving by your house.

Realtor.com’s Geraldine Campbell admits that while the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t replacing your garage door (or doors), it probably should be. Here’s why and what to know before upgrading.

“The garage door isn’t just a piece of the house—it’s part of the first impression,” she says. “When it’s neat, well-designed, and fits the home’s style, it lifts the whole look of the place.” Clopay’s marketing expert Justin Evans says that front-load garages have a huge impact on curb appeal, but the benefits of an attractive, well-maintained garage door or doors just makes things easier. With all the safety features available today—automatic reversals, strong materials, smart technology, they contribute to peace of mind as well. Let’s face it: A garage door that connects to a smartphone isn’t just a luxury—it’s practical, it’s safer and it’s informative, as you can monitor who’s coming and going or get alerts if the door is left open.”

Did you know that a well insulated garage door can change the temperature of your garage by about 20 degrees or more? For example, if it’s 20 below outside, your garage might be in the 40s or 50s— which is a heck of a lot better for starting your car. In hotter climates an insulated door is also beneficial, especially if you keep appliances like a heat pump or refrigerator in your garage. Regardless of where you live, an insulated garage door can keep your electric bill from spiraling out of control.

And here’s the real kicker: Replacing your garage door has the highest return on investment of any home improvement project, according to Remodeling’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, which estimates a whopping 194% ROI, with an average cost of $4,513.

If you’re ready to trade up, you’ve got options. For a classic look, consider wood. While it does require upkeep to stay looking sharp,they are a gorgeous choice. Want a classic look without the maintenance? How about steel with wood overlay? “Steel doors offer the best of both worlds,” says Campbell. “They can be made to look just like solid wood but are virtually maintenance free.”

Affordable but modern gets us to aluminum — a great pick if the goal is a lightweight, rust-resistant look. And if you live somewhere with extreme temperatures, be sure to consider a well-insulated door, with three layers (polystyrene or polyurethane insulation in between two layers of steel).

Do you use your garage for purposes other than cars and storage? Then doors with windows bring in natural light and make the garage feel like part of the home. Windows from top to bottom are the ultimate touch of modernity, with frosted windows letting in just enough light to make your garage time special while shielding eyes from what’s inside.

Realtor,TBWS

All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.