Your home’s curb appeal is the first thing visitors and potential home buyers notice, and garage doors play a big role. Because they present a large, conspicuous surface, garage doors draw eyes and attention, so it’s an opportunity for a door to leave a lasting impression.

    Let’s check out some of the benefits of garage doors.


    Benefits of a New Garage Door

    Investing in a new garage door offers many benefits beyond visual appeal. According to the 2021 Cost Versus Value Study from Remodeling magazine, homeowners recoup nearly 94% of their investment when they replace their garage door. This high return on investment makes it one of the most valuable remodeling projects you can do.

    A new garage door also enhances your home’s insulation and weatherproofing. Modern garage doors are well-insulated and engineered for an airtight seal along the perimeter, keeping out drafts and helping to regulate indoor temperatures. Many new garage doors even have impact-resistant glass window panes for protection during storms.

    You can also get features like built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for garage door openers, allowing you to monitor and control the garage door from an app on your smartphone, adding convenience and security.


    Curb Appeal Improvements

    One of the key ways a new garage door boosts a home’s value is by strengthening its curb appeal. Because the garage door often resides at the front exterior of the house, it’s a major element of the home’s overall style. Because of that prominent placement, adding a new garage door can upgrade the entire look of the home.

    Garage Door
    Image Credit: Canva

    There are countless design options, including different materials, colors, window styles, and hardware finishes. The variety makes finding a garage door that aligns with your home’s architecture and color scheme easy. Something like a garage door with walk-through doors not only adds visual interest but convenience, as well. (Check out this article on garage door styles to learn about various styles of doors.)

    “There are so many different design elements for garage doors in today’s marketplace,” says Haas Door President Jeffrey Nofziger. “There are many styles and stamped design options to choose from. Windows with a variety of colors, along with privacy and impact glasses, are very popular and complement the overall design of the home.”


    Insights from Building Industry Experts

    Home builders and remodelers agree that adding a garage door is one of the best investments you can make. The doors match diverse architectural styles while providing superior value.

    “We find that the Haas garage doors follow the architectural style of our homes,” says Jason Norton, vice president of Buchanan Construction in Asheville, North Carolina. “They also have color options that make it easy to have the garage doors included as a vital part of the curb appeal of our homes. Our clients love the fact that Haas Door can match the designs they prefer, plus offer additional options. The versatility in selection and styles really brings value to our homes.”

    Rob Capaldo, principal at Capaldo Construction in Columbus, Ohio, echoes similar feedback. “We pride ourselves on operating as a true custom home builder. We do not build the same floor plan or house design twice. Ever. All our homes are unique in style and design architecturally. We need the garage doors to match and coordinate with each distinctive style we create. Fortunately we’ve found that Haas Door is a great partner for our wide range of needs. From classic to contemporary in design, they offer a variety of styles and configurations that complement our home designs. Add to that the superior craftsmanship and exceptional value of Haas Door and they accomplish everything we look for in our garage doors.”


    Visualizing Your New Garage Door

    To see what a new garage door can look like on your home, use the free online HaasCreate design tool. It lets you upload a picture of your home’s exterior and visualize different garage door styles, materials, window designs, and hardware finishes.

    Garage Door
    Image Credit: Canva

    “Using HaasCreate is the easiest way to see how a new garage door will improve your home’s curb appeal,” Nofziger says. “We also like to remind homeowners not to try and replace a garage door themselves. This is definitely a job for a professional installer. They’ll handle all the details.”


    Maximizing Garage Door Life Span

    Like any major home component, proper DIY garage door maintenance maximizes your garage door’s life span. This includes lubricating the moving parts, checking for corrosion, replacing weather seals, and inspecting the door balance. You can also upgrade to new garage door openers for smart features and improved safety.


    So, Is Investing in a New Garage Door Worth It?

    Given the impressive return on investment and curb appeal boost a new garage door brings, it’s worth the upgrade cost for most homeowners. Have it put in by a professional installer rather than attempting a DIY garage door replacement. You want to ensure proper operation and safety. Investing in a quality garage door from a reputable manufacturer like Haas Door will also guarantee it lasts for years.


    FAQs About Garage Doors and Curb Appeal

    How much does it cost to replace a garage door?

    The average cost to replace a 16 x 7-foot single-car garage door is $1,420, including professional installation. For a two-car garage door, expect to pay $1,980. High-end wood or steel doors with upgraded windows and hardware cost $4,000 and up.


    Does replacing a garage door increase home value?

    Yes, installing a new garage door offers one of the highest returns on investment for home remodeling projects. According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value report, homeowners recoup about 94% of their costs when selling their home.


    What is the most popular material for garage doors?

    Steel is the most common garage door material due to its durability and various design options. Steel doors have an insulated core that provides good insulation and weather resistance.


    How long do garage doors last?

    The average life span of a garage door is 15 to 30 years. Wood doors typically don’t last as long as steel or fiberglass. Ensuring your garage door receives regular maintenance and repairs will help maximize its useful life.


    When should you replace a garage door?

    Signs that it’s time to replace your garage door include visible damage and rot, sagging panels, frequent breakdowns, and poor insulation. Upgrading to a well-insulated newer garage door can help reduce energy costs and improve your home’s temperature regulation.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Doug Sluga

    Doug Sluga

    Doug Sluga is a professional roofer and carpenter with ten years of experience in residential and commercial construction. His expertise spans the breadth of the roofing trade from minor repairs to laying shingles to framing trusses. These days he spends most of his time writing about roofing and the roofing industry.

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    photo of Sabrina Lopez

    Sabrina Lopez

    Editor

    Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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