Your garage door plays a significant role in your home’s overall curb appeal and is the first impression most people have when they see your home. When you’re considering a home improvement project, one of the key factors in your decision is the return on investment (ROI).
This leads to a question many homeowners ask: Does a new garage door increase home value? Let’s explore the various ways a garage door upgrade can impact your home’s worth and what to look for if you decide to replace your garage door.
Why Does A New Garage Door Increase Home Value?
According to the Journal of Light Construction, a new garage door replacement ranks as one of the top home improvement projects in terms of ROI. The report states that homeowners can expect to recoup around 200% of the cost of a new garage door when they sell their home.
Now this isn’t a guarantee since the housing market is volatile, but the data shows replacing a garage door can be one of the few renovations that pays for itself in resale value.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Modern garage doors are designed to be more energy efficient. Many models come with insulated options, which help regulate the temperature inside your garage. This is particularly beneficial if your home has an attached garage, since it can reduce your overall heating and cooling costs.
Energy-efficient garage doors can also contribute to a more comfortable environment, especially if you use your garage as a workspace or additional living area.
Improved Safety and Security
Older garage doors can pose a safety risk due to wear and tear, outdated mechanisms, and a lack of modern safety features. New upgraded garage doors have advanced safety features such as pinch-resistant panels and tamper-resistant brackets, which help prevent accidents.
Additionally, new doors often feature enhanced security measures, including locking mechanisms and smart technology that allows homeowners to remotely monitor and control their garage door. These improvements can provide peace of mind and add to the overall value of the home.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Over time, the cost of maintaining an old garage door can become expensive. Frequent repairs, replacement parts, and general maintenance can add up over time. A new, upgraded garage door requires less maintenance and is built to withstand the elements and daily use. These lower maintenance costs are another factor that contributes to the high ROI of a garage door replacement.
Practical Considerations and Choosing the Right Garage Door
When considering an upgraded garage door replacement, it’s important to choose a door that complements the style of your home and meets your specific needs. Factors such as material, design, insulation, and hardware should be carefully considered.
Material
Choosing the right material for your garage door is more than just a matter of aesthetics. It affects everything from the door’s durability to its maintenance needs and cost. Whether you’re replacing an old door or selecting one for your new home, selecting the best garage door material for your home is important.
Garage doors are available in various materials, including vinyl, wood, and composite. Each material has its own advantages and aesthetic appeal. Vinyl doors, for example, are durable and low-maintenance, while wooden doors offer a classic, elegant look.
Insulation
If energy efficiency is a priority, consider an updated garage door with insulation. Insulation works as a barrier that slows down the transfer of heat. This means it keeps warm air inside during winter and prevents unwanted heat from seeping in during the summer.
With an insulated garage door, you’ll use less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, which will be a meaningful savings on heating and cooling costs.
Style and Design
Choosing the right garage door style is important for enhancing your home’s curb appeal, as it’s a highly visible feature that impacts your overall aesthetic. With a wide array of design options ranging from traditional to contemporary, there’s an option that perfectly complements your home’s architectural style.
You can also customize your door by considering various operating types, decorations, colors, and finishes to suit your preferences, whether they lean towards rustic or modern.
Remember to take accurate measurements of the structural opening, headroom, adjacent spaces, and inside face to help you select both an attractive and functional choice for your home.
Smart Technology and Safety Features
When choosing your updated garage door, prioritizing safety is just as important as aesthetics. Essential accident-prevention features include an auto-reverse mechanism with photo eyes that stop and reverse the door if an object breaks its beam, and a manual release handle for operation during power outages.
Beyond accident prevention, consider security features like smart garage systems or a battery backup for power outages. Modern smart systems offer remote monitoring and alerts, and motion-detection lighting can deter intruders while improving visibility.
Do I Need a Garage Door Upgrade?
A new garage door can improve the value of your home, but that doesn’t mean you should run out and get a new garage door if you don’t need one. Here are some signs that show it’s time for an upgrade:
- Difficulty opening and closing
- Dents
- Balance issues
- Electrical damage
- Loud noises during operations
- Falling off its tracks
- Rests unevenly and leaves gaps
While some of these issues can be repaired, ongoing repairs can get expensive and you might be better off getting a replacement. If your garage door is nearing the end of its lifespan, you might consider replacing it instead.
