When it comes to preparing your home for sale, every homeowner wants to make the best impression on potential buyers. You may think about repainting rooms, sprucing up the garden, or even renovating the kitchen, but one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and resale value is through a simple garage door upgrade.
Upgrading your garage door is one of the smartest and most cost-effective home improvements you can make. Not only does it enhance the exterior appearance of your home, but it also offers a substantial return on investment (ROI), often making it one of the best investments for homeowners looking to sell. Let’s take a closer look at how a new or upgraded garage door can significantly improve your home’s value.
The Power of Curb Appeal in Home Selling
When potential buyers pull up to your home, the first thing they’ll notice is the exterior. A well-maintained and attractive exterior, including a modern garage door, sets the tone for the rest of the house and can make a lasting impression. In fact, curb appeal plays a crucial role in how quickly your home sells and the price you can command for it.
Studies have shown that homes with great curb appeal sell faster and for more money. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), over 90% of home buyers begin their search online, with many making quick decisions based on the exterior photos of homes. If your garage door looks outdated or worn, buyers may assume the rest of the home needs work too, potentially lowering your home’s perceived value. So, it makes sense that 92% of realtors recommend that sellers boost curb appeal before putting their home on the market, with close to 100% stating that they believe curb appeal is a key factor in attracting a buyer.
A new garage door can quickly elevate the overall look of your home, making it more attractive and welcoming to potential buyers. By investing in a new or upgraded garage door, you’re giving your home an edge over other properties in the market.
Understanding Garage Door ROI
When you make home improvements, you want to make sure that the investment pays off. Some projects, like major kitchen remodels or full home additions, can yield limited returns. However, garage door replacement has long been recognized as one of the best ways to increase your home’s value, thanks to its impressive ROI.
According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value report shared by the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), the ROI on a new garage door is a remarkable 193%. This is a significant jump from the 103% ROI reported in 2023, making garage door replacement one of the top home improvements for return on investment. In fact, garage door replacement has been ranked as the number one exterior home improvement project for ROI.
The exact rate of garage door replacement ROI varies by region, but it remains strong across the country. In New England, where homes are often subject to harsh weather conditions, garage door replacement offers an outstanding ROI of 315%. In the Pacific region, the ROI is also impressive at 251%. These numbers demonstrate the value a new garage door can bring, especially in areas where weather and climate can affect the exterior condition of your home.
Even more impressive, the report highlights that in just 14 years, the cost of garage door replacement has increased by 27%, yet the ROI has increased by a staggering 177%. This speaks to the growing recognition of how much a well-designed, durable garage door can enhance a home’s overall value – and how garage door replacement can be one of the smartest things you do for your property.
How a New Garage Door Boosts Home Value
When you get a new garage door, home value can go up in several different ways, including:
1. Increased Curb Appeal
A fresh, stylish garage door instantly enhances the exterior appearance of your home. Potential buyers are drawn to homes that have a welcoming, well-maintained look, and the garage door is one of the first features they’ll notice. By upgrading your garage door, curb appeal can help you make your home stand out and increase its perceived value. A modern, well-designed garage door signals to buyers that the home is well cared for.
2. Improved Functionality and Security
New garage doors often come with advanced security features, like better locking mechanisms and stronger materials. Not only does this enhance the safety of your home, but it also appeals to buyers who prioritize security. Additionally, newer doors often feature quieter, smoother operation and require less maintenance, which can be a major selling point for prospective buyers.
3. Energy Efficiency
Many new garage doors come with insulation options, helping to maintain a consistent temperature inside the garage and even in adjacent rooms. Insulated doors reduce energy costs by preventing heat from escaping during the winter and keeping the garage cooler in the summer. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes with energy-efficient features, and an insulated garage door can help meet those expectations.
4. Low Maintenance
Garage doors made from high-quality materials like steel, fiberglass, or composite are not only durable but also low-maintenance. Buyers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing they won’t have to spend time and money repairing or replacing a worn-out garage door.
Choosing the Right Garage Door for Maximum ROI
When upgrading your garage door, choosing the right style and features is crucial to maximizing ROI. You want to select a door that complements your home’s overall design and appeals to the broadest range of potential buyers. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right garage door:
1. Opt for a Timeless, Neutral Design
Choose a design that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. Traditional or contemporary styles with neutral colors like white, black, or natural wood tones tend to be the most versatile and desirable. If your home has a more unique style, consider selecting a custom door that enhances the overall look without being too niche or specific.
2. Go for Energy Efficiency
Buyers appreciate energy-efficient features, so opting for an insulated garage door is a smart move. Insulated doors not only help with energy savings but also provide a quieter, more comfortable garage space.
3. Select a Durable Material
Choose a garage door made from durable, long-lasting materials that require minimal maintenance. Steel doors are a popular choice for their strength and low maintenance needs, but fiberglass, composite, and wood doors can also offer excellent durability and aesthetic appeal.
4. Invest in Modern Features
Consider adding modern features such as smart garage door openers that allow homeowners to control the door from their smartphone. These features are becoming increasingly popular with buyers and can add to the overall appeal of your home.
5. Match the Door to Your Home’s Architecture
Make sure your new garage door complements your home’s architectural style. Whether you have a traditional colonial, a modern farmhouse, or a contemporary design, there’s a garage door style that will enhance the overall look of your home and make it more attractive to buyers.
Invest in Your Home’s Future with Door Pro America
Upgrading your garage door is one of the best investments you can make when preparing your house for sale – or even when you’re just hoping to enhance your forever home. Not only does it enhance curb appeal, but it also provides an exceptional return on investment, making it one of the best ways to increase your home’s value.
At Door Pro America, we offer a wide range of premium garage doors that are designed to complement any home and provide long-lasting value. Choosing a professional for your garage door installation ensures you get the best quality products and expert installation, which are crucial for the door’s longevity and performance. Our experienced team guarantees that your new door is properly installed, operating smoothly, and built to withstand the elements, giving you peace of mind and maximizing your investment for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about how a garage door upgrade can help maximize your home’s resale value.
Photo credit: Artazum
