10 Ways Your Garage Door Can Elevate Your Home

A garage door is not only for convenience. Sure, you and the car remain dry during rain and snow. Yet, it’s much more.

A study found 80 percent of U.S. homes have some form of garage. Another study showed over 52 percent of homeowners want one that’s envied by their neighbors. Sometimes, the garage door and area it protects are more important than the house itself.

A garage door transforms your home into a showplace. It’s what people see first when they pass by. As their eyes hit the garage door, they track to the rest of the home. This is why garage door repairs are so important.

For some examples, here are 10 ways your garage door can elevate your home.

1. Curb Appeal

No matter if it’s a big or small house, a home won’t look as good if the garage door is broken or stained. When people see this it implies homeowner neglect. So, when they try to sell it, prospective buyers already have a preconceived notion of the interior.

2. Protection From Elements

A garage door is more than a shield. It’s a seal that prevents water from flowing into the area and into other parts of the house. It’s critically important when a garage is at the bottom of a hilly driveway.

In addition, it blocks snow from coming in. Therefore, those who shovel have an easy way to dig a path to start snow removal.

3. It Can Be Upgraded

As long as it doesn’t completely clash with the rest of the house, you can upgrade the garage door. Granted, white works with basically any other color or texture. Conversely, it’s rather drab. Plus, stains show more on its surface.

Another color or design can help the rest of the home. For instance, if your home is of a provincial style, darker garage doors work. If it has a country motif, a door made of simulated wood planks can balance the home’s exterior.

4. It Can Be Used As The Main Entry

Across the country, 55 percent of homeowners use their garage as the main entry point. This means two things. One, you need its interior neat and clean for the sake of visitors and neighbors. Two, you want a garage door that welcomes both family members and guests.

5. It Prevents Empty Space

The average two-car garage takes up over one-third of a home’s exterior. That’s a good amount of empty space that’s eliminated with a door.

Garage doors are pretty sturdy and maintain their appearance with a good cleaning. Thus, maintenance costs are minimized. They can be reduced to almost nothing if the gutters above the garage are regularly cleaned to prevent damage.

6. It Compliments A Driveway

Custom-made garage doors do more than elevate the home. It also gives the driveway a different look. In fact, if that path is worn, homeowners may opt for a different style to complement their doors. For instance, stone tiles or cobblestone.

7. Improves Safety And Security

Those who live in states where storms are common don’t have to worry about vehicle damage if it’s in the garage. A garage door also lowers the risk of theft of your car or your home. Particularly if the garage doors don’t have windows installed.

8. Energy Efficiency

Without a garage door, the elements have an easier time to get through. For instance, there’s nothing to stop a cold and gusty wind from seeping into your garage. As a result, the heat has to be turned up, and this increases electric and gas bills.

When a homeowner installs garage doors without windows, the interior darkness keeps the area cool. Therefore, the air conditioner isn’t overtaxed.

9. Return On Investment

The amount paid for garage door installation and maintenance has an ROI that immediately pays off the costs. As mentioned above, it reduces energy costs and increases safety.

10. Better Resale Value

A sturdy and clean garage door that matches the home’s exterior style does wonders for resale value. Without looking inside the home, realtors can determine the proper sales value.

Whether it is taking all ten of these points, or just one or two, your garage door is one of the first things people see when they look at your home. It may seem like something that is just for use and not for looks; however, making it match the style of your home and give it its own personality, can bring a whole new value to your home that may have not been there previously.

About The Author: Regina Thomas is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer and loves cooking at home when she can find the time. Regina loves reading, music, hanging with her friends and family along with her Golden Retriever, Sadie. She loves adventure and living every day to the fullest.  

Photo by Ralph Kelly on Unsplash