The housing market is still hot and interest rates have been edging downward — and that means if you’re thinking of selling your home, now’s a great time. To get your home ready (and to reap the biggest profits), you need to make sure your home has lots of curb appeal. And one of the best ways to do that is with a new garage door.
Sure, lots of sites say updating kitchens and baths are the smart moves for sellers; and it’s true, they can give you a good return on your investment (ROI). But according to the latest data from Remodeling magazine, replacing a worn garage door actually has a greater ROI than either kitchen or bath upgrades. In fact, of all the remodeling projects reviewed, garage door replacement had the highest ROI — at a whopping 97.5 percent. Garage door upgrades are especially popular among buyers for a couple of big reasons: First, they really ramp up the curb appeal, which means your entire home looks newer, better maintained, and just plain more expensive than neighboring homes. And second, a new garage door means greater security and less maintenance down the road. Today, there are lots of types of garage doors to choose from, and lots of features too. If you’re considering upgrading your garage door — whether you’re selling or not — here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Match the door to the style of your home
You may really love the clean lines of a mid-century modern home, but if you’re living in a cottage-style home, 1950s-era garage doors are going to look horribly out of place. Depending on where your garage is located, your garage doors can make up as much as about a third of your exterior features. And that means they can play a big role in your curb appeal. Choose a door that doesn’t complement or “flow” with your home’s overall style and the result can be jarring, especially to would-be buyers. Today’s garage doors come in lots of styles, so finding one that suits your home’s architecture is certainly possible. Not sure which doors look best with your home? Ask one of our staff to give you a helping hand.
Consider maintenance
There’s certainly something to be said for the warm appeal of a natural wood garage door, and depending on the style of your home, a wood door may be the best choice for optimal curb appeal. But wood doors do require a lot of upkeep to keep them looking their best. If you want style without the maintenance chores, you might be better off with fiberglass, aluminum, or steel garage door, all of which have lower maintenance requirements while still offering a wide array of styles and finishes to complement your home’s exterior.
Don’t forget the insulation
You may not think insulation is important in your garage door, but considering many people use the garage as a regular point of entry into their homes, having adequate insulation in your garage door can wind up keeping your entire home more comfortable. That’s even more important if you have living spaces located above your garage. Better insulation can also result in lower energy bills year round. When comparing insulation levels among garage doors, remember: Insulation is “measured” by R values — the higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
When it comes to curb appeal, few renovations have the impact of a garage door replacement. At the Overhead Door Company of Oklahoma City™ we offer many types of garage doors designed for beauty, function and durability. Contact us today and let us help you find the perfect door for your home.
