Renovation Solutions: Selecting a garage door for a higher return

This garage door upgrade used composite doors that were stained/painted to look like wood.

Kevin Bunnell, Renovation Design Group

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For the past few weeks we have been discussing the top individual remodeling projects that yield the highest return on investment as rated by Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value report for 2013-2014. We've talked about front doors, wooden decks and attic bedroom additions. This week we will be discussing garage door selection.

Home improvement projects can be looked at in one of two ways: You can see them as isolated projects or you can approach them as individual parts of a more comprehensive upgrade to your property.

Some people are able to move out of their homes and have professionals renovate it from roof to foundation once and for all. When tackling a large, far-reaching project, homeowners are likely to have a plan which can be followed by all concerned in order to achieve the desired end result. Most of us, however, are required to take on home improvement projects at a slower pace, one at a time. It is not uncommon for homeowners to tackle one or two projects a year in addition to regular house maintenance.

The important point here is that these should not be isolated design projects. The best scenario is to have a method to your madness in other words, a master plan for your home improvement efforts. Every project should move you closer to the end goal for your house, and they should be sequenced to avoid having to revisit issues or areas that were previously addressed. If you dont have a drawing of your ideal front faade, you are not ready to select a garage door.

Many American homes have garages on their front faade. This trend began in the 1950s when automobiles were making their greatest impact on the American economy and culture. Showing the world that you had a car (front carport) or maybe even two (front garage) was a source of pride and status. Prior to that, in the 1930s and '40s, cars were housed in variations of the former carriage house which was placed "out back." Recently, attached garages are tucked around the side of a home if the lot is wide enough to accommodate a side entry driveway.

In any case especially with a front-facing attached garage replacing the garage door can do wonders for your curb appeal, and in the world of remodeling, it is on the less expensive end. It can also add a dose of energy efficiency to your home. If you choose an insulated door, you will reap the benefits of a new garage door on your energy bill as well as in your homes value. Many older homes still have a bland, metal garage door that isnt insulated and doesnt have much charm. Garage doors have come a long way in both function and design in recent years.

The key to successfully selecting the correct garage door is to look at it in conjunction with the entire front elevation and with your end goal (master plan) in mind. You must first determine the style (actual or future) of your home and then select a complementary door style and material. There may be individual doors, which we think are attractive, but choosing a craftsman-style garage door for your 1970s rambler wont do your curb appeal any favors.

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Renovation Solutions: Selecting a garage door for a higher return