Garage Door Upgrades the Most Economical Way to Increase ROI

Expecting a return on investment from a home remodel project is natural. There are several ways to upgrade your home on a budget. Based on the results of a national study, the Remodeling Cost vs Value Report 2010-2011 reports that a basic garage door upgrade could mean as much as an 84 percent to 100 percent return on investment.

Traditionally, kitchen and bath remodels are popular as high ROI home improvement projects. However, garage doors are not only very economical to upgrade, but also give your home an instant facelift, while adding significantly to its resale value.

It is a fact that the garage door makes up one third of the house’s front view and is used in most homes as a front door. Chosen wisely, it also adds to the curb appeal of the property.

Most home upgrade investments do not pay off immediately. But in a fluctuating real estate market, one of the best investments that can quickly increase the value of your home is in a garage door replacement. Responsible for a prospective homebuyer’s first impression, the high ROI on the garage door is because the investment is low.

Garage door material optionsr
Popular garage door options are:
• Steel, easy to maintain and cost-effective
• Wood, which gives the richest looks
• Recycled wood composite, green option
• Glass doors framed in aluminum
• Fiberglass, better insulation than steel

Besides these, there are several innovative new materials in the market with a variety of designs that can be customized to the look of the property.

Garage doors are made of the basic unit and the overlay as embellishments and are usually purchased without the overlay. The most common type is the standard door with steel panels with an embossed design. Since they are not insulated, they are used in detached garages that have no heating. For garages that are attached to the home, insulated garage doors are a better option, especially if the garage is used for more than parking your vehicle.

Decorative doors cost more but they look good. There are many options available in overlays ranging from steel to different types of real wood like cedar, hardwood and others giving you a choice in looks.

Choosing the right garage doorr
If you plan to replace your garage door, you will need to consider the following factors:
• Proper measurement of the size
• The right style
• Insulation, to protect from noise, weather elements and keep energy bills in check, particularly if the garage is attached to the house
• Storm resistance to protect from tornadoes and strong winds, since the garage door is a home’s first line of defense. Some manufacturers offer hurricane ready garage doors.
• Insulation, safety issues, windows and the garage door opener.

Garage doors must be maintained periodically. Opt for a professionally installed garage door that looks beautiful, is easy to operate, adds to your security and lowers your energy bills, while raising the equity on your home.