Restore Your Home’s Exterior With a Garage Door Replacement

Whether your door is damaged, outdated or just in need of a modern update, updating your garage door can add beauty and new functionality to your home.  Check out these tips for choosing the best options for your new door!

Set a Budget

Before you start your garage door search, it’s important to set a budget. Setting an accurate budget is key to avoiding any surprise expenses. Replacement doors can cost up to a few thousand dollars, depending on various factors such as where you live, the size and type of door, and who you choose to install it.  Ask a local contractor for an estimate on the door and installation services.

Consider the Return on Investment

Good news! It’s estimated that up to 94.5% of garage door replacement projects recoup their costs at the time of sale. If you’re selling your home, this is a great way to add a few thousand dollars to the asking price. But maximizing your return on investment is all about choosing the right style and the right contractor.

Find a qualified, experienced contractor to quickly and effectively install your new doors. Removing old garage doors and installing new ones can be time consuming without the right experience, which can increase the cost without increasing the value of the project.

Boost your Curb Appeal

If your garage is in a prominent location on your property, it can account for a major portion of your home’s facade. How about a new look to update your home to a more modern style?  Choose an aluminum door with sleek windows and clean horizontal lines.  Or if it’s a more classic or rustic feel you’re hoping for, check out the latest tilt-up and wooden doors.

An accent color or material adds a personal flair to your facade. Choose a unique color to create a focal point in your curb appeal. Craftsman options, like hardware and windows, are a value-added component that can match any home.

Improve Your Energy Efficiency

Installing a properly insulated garage door can reduce the energy costs of your home. Garages are typically less insulated than homes, so any increase in thermal efficiency should have a dramatic result. Explore the benefits of improving your garage R-value and how to find an energy-efficient door.

Even unheated garages can benefit from a high R-value door. An insulated door makes it easy to add heating to your garage later. It also reduces heat loss from your home if you have an attached garage. Insulation keeps your unheated garage at more comfortable temperatures year round.

The R-value of garage doors can vary from zero to more than 17. Ask your contractor about insulated garage door replacement options to find the best R-value without compromising your curb appeal or budget.

Where You Live Matters

Choose a garage door that provides features suited to where you live.  If you live in an area prone to high winds or hurricanes, you should ask about the wind load of your new door.  In areas with freezing temperatures, your home will benefit from a highly insulated door.  And if you live in an area with lots of moisture from snow and rain, be sure the weather stripping installed on the door is top quality.

Visualize Your Project

Cohesive projects start with a detailed plan. As you consider your garage door replacement, work with a design program or a professional designer to create a unified look for the exterior of your home. Ordering a door before you have a complete exterior design in mind could leave you with a door that doesn’t quite fit the color, hardware or overall style of your home.

Ask a contractor or designer about design software that can help you visualize a project before it begins. It’s hard to imagine what a new garage door will look like installed just by looking at example pictures, so 3D design software can be a great way to ensure you love the door before you purchase it.

Coordinate with Other Exterior Projects

Time your garage door replacement with other exterior services to ensure that the paint matches and all the trim is part of a unified exterior. If there is a licensed, qualified and experienced contractor in your area who specializes in both garage doors and home siding, hire the same team for the entire project for a hassle-free project.

If your home’s exterior is already refreshed and looking great, speak to your garage door contractor about finding an exact match to your paint and siding. Experienced contractors can help you plan out your door purchase to avoid selecting one that doesn’t fit your overall home design.

Find a Contractor

Finding a contractor can seem like a daunting task. Many contractors in your area may be advertised as the best in the business, so it can be challenging to find the best option for your home. Trust our team at Best Pick Reports to help you navigate this process, we only recommend highly qualified, licensed and insured contractors.