A well-built garage door can be a worthwhile investment for your home. If you want it to last for a long time, it makes sense to put a little extra time, money, and effort into researching and getting the best garage door product possible. We are here to help you make the process as easy as possible. With that in mind, below are the top five things you should consider before investing in a new garage door for your home.
1. The Home’s Biggest Entryway
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, the face of a home leaves a lasting impression. The front door, windows, panels, shingles, and yard might be some of the things one might associate with what makes up the face of a home. But the main elements of an entryway usually consist of a driveway and a garage.
The garage is the home’s biggest entryway and is often the main way that people get inside of their place of residence. In fact, “89% of homeowners with remote-controlled access to their garages rely on their garages to enter their home regularly, and 71% do so daily.”
Garage doors not only impact the look of a home, but it also affects the look of the neighborhood. Choosing one that complements the surrounding area and the house itself can affect the potential buyer and the feel of your home. For most homes, garage doors can take up approximately 30% of the front elevation of a house.
Therefore, it is imperative to plan accordingly when buying a garage door to keep in mind the purpose and look that it brings to a home.
2. Mind Your Environment
When buying a garage door, the way it looks is not the only thing to consider. Knowing that a garage can take up a substantial portion of the front structure of a house, potential customers must incorporate how that space can be practical in terms of climate. Think about the weather that is common in the area in which you live. No matter if the forecast in your region is cold and dry or warm and humid, buying a garage door that fits your needs is crucial to experiencing the full benefits of your purchase.
3. Model Material
Before buying a garage door, one should consider the material that the actual garage door is made of. Picking the right material for your garage door depends on how much effort you are willing to make in managing its upkeep and the overall look you are going for. Finishes like vinyl, fiberglass, glass, and aluminum might not require as much maintenance as wood and steel; but the former may not have as much insulation as the latter, which can be problematic for houses located in extreme climates.
Research the maintenance needs of all the material selections for your garage door. If you choose a material that does not need a lot of upkeep but is afraid that it might not match the styling of the front part of the home, investigate the coloring and other customizable selections that are available. Garage doors can be a standard design or one that is unique to you and your home. No need to sacrifice personality for practicality or vice versa. There are pros and cons to every selection, but there is one that will be able to suit your needs and elevate the look of your home.
4. So Many Choices, So Little Time
It can feel overwhelming knowing you have a range of options to choose from in how you want your garage door to look. But before buying a garage door, potential customers can weigh their options by getting a hold of a brochure to know the technical details or design your dream door using a Garage Door Design Center. This has tools to help guide and tailor your garage door aspirations while exploring your endless design options.
With thousands of colors and an array of garage door designs to choose from, your garage door can be as stylish or as laid-back as you want. There is even a wide variety of window options available, including vertical. Remember that garage doors make up most of the front part of a house and can be used to elevate the style of a residence. Take your time and have fun during this process. You do not have to rush to choose a look. Research, compare and pick the look that matches what you have in mind.
5. Surprisingly Cost-Effective
When thinking about buying a garage door, you may start to worry about how much it will cost to choose a style or finish and the price of installation. But, if you go about purchasing your garage doors the right way, you will get more bang for your buck. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking that first step.
- Remember that the price of a garage door should be around 1% of the total cost of your home.
- Put into perspective that this purchase of a garage door should last a long time. Think of it as an investment. Upping your budget could increase the value of your residence. According to Remodeling Magazine,” one of the top projects for homeowners is replacing the garage door, earning more than 90% return on investment.” Pay now to benefit later.
- Consider getting a warranty when buying a garage door. This protects you just in case your garage door gets damaged due to weather, malfunction, or an accident. Every Wayne Dalton garage door comes with a warranty, and many of our models come with a lifetime limited warranty.