Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
If you're a homeowner, you're likely on the prowl for ways to upgrade your home — and boost your home equity at the same time.
When it comes to some projects, like installing new flooring or remodeling your kitchen, the value is obvious and widely understood. But one worthwhile upgrade that often goes under the radar is a garage door update, which can provide both a boost to your home value as well as your quality of life.
Here is some information about which garage-door upgrades are worth consideration and how to choose the right company for your project.
Why you should upgrade your garage door
Irrespective of equity, a key reason to upgrade your garage door is to ensure your safety. Modern doors often have features not found in older ones, such as reinforced locking systems and better safety sensors.
Newer garage doors also tend to last longer and require less maintenance than dated ones, thanks to better materials and components. This bodes well for you and any potential future owners.
Last but not least, let's not forget about the curb appeal a new garage door can bring. Turning your current generic door into a beautiful rustic wood door that matches your house's exterior can take your future Zillow listing from a B+ to an A (and net you more money in the process.)
Frequent maintenance keeps things running smoothly
Before getting into some upgrades, a friendly reminder that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Give your garage door some regular TLC, and you'll increase its lifespan while reducing the chance of costly repairs. Here are some tasks you should be conducting (at least) every few months:
Clean the door surface to prevent rust or mildew.
Lubricate moving parts and examine hardware to keep the door smooth and quiet.
Inspect and clean the tracks to maintain proper alignment.
Don't want to go the DIY route? Perfectly understandable — contact a reputable company like All Star Garage Doors to schedule regular maintenance.
Minor updates can go a long way
A complete door replacement can yield amazing results both from a lifestyle and equity perspective. But even if you're not ready to commit to such a big project, there are still several small updates you should think about. These include:
- Adding stronger insulation and/or replacing weather stripping for better temperature regulation.
- Adding windows for more natural light (or faux windows at a much lower price point if just want the window vibe.)
- Upgrading to a more tech-savvy door opener that integrates with your smart home system.
- Deep-cleaning and painting your door to make it look brand new.
- Replacing old rollers and lubricating moving parts to keep your door running smoothly and quietly.
A complete change can go an even longer way
Small updates can make an impact, but replacing your door will often yield the most value long-term.
When looking into purchasing a new garage door durability, functionality, and visual appeal should be at the top of your list.
Also consider:
- Budget: When deciding on a budget, think about upfront costs, long-term expenses, and potential equity gain.
- Material: The versatility of vinyl, elegance of wood, or durability of steel? Choose wisely.
- Design: Pick something that matches your home's architecture.
- Safety features: Most modern garage doors come with several features to keep you and your family safe, like safety sensors, but there are add-ons that could be well worth the additional cost. For example, a smart opener with a camera could be a great option.
Make sure to work with the right company
Picking the right door with the right features can be overwhelming, but reputable companies like All Star Garage Doors can help you throughout the entire process. They can provide recommendations on style and materials, then bring those concepts to life — while also allowing for many customization options.
With a 4.9/5 average customer rating from over 600 reviews and over 20 years of experience serving the Wasatch Front, All Star Garage Doors is a leader for all garage door–related services. To learn more about the company and its services, visit their website.
