When you think of garage door repairs, your mind automatically goes to replacing the motor, straightening the tracks or fixing a broken spring, right? But do you ever think about aesthetic repairs?

Consider that most garage doors account for about a third of what people see when they look at houses. Yes, fixing those mechanical malfunctions is important for everyday usage, but tired, worn, peeling garage doors can easily overshadow any other exterior renovations you’ve done to make your home beautiful and welcoming.

The Importance of Curb Appeal

Too often these days, when homeowners think about renovations, their minds are drawn to the interior of the home. After all, that is where they spend their time. They are not wrong in thinking this way, as interior renovations can add value to a home, but they are missing opportunities to add serious value to their home by restricting themselves to the interior. 

We forget the importance of first impressions and a house’s first impression is all about the exterior. Yes, having a designer kitchen is never a bad thing, but if prospective buyers are the slightest bit turned off by the exterior appearance of the home, they won’t even entertain the idea of viewing the inside. Improving your curb appeal can add up to 7% to your home’s sale price.

Improving your house’s curb appeal has benefits even if you don’t have plans to sell your home. The National Association of Realtors found that 80% of garage door remodels led to homeowners wanting to spend more time at home. Overall, investing in your curb appeal will let you enjoy your home more.

How Does Your Garage Door Increase Curb Appeal?

Any real estate professional today will tell you that curb appeal is important not only as it relates to the value of your home but also to the overall aesthetics of your home. Improving the exterior appearance of your home goes beyond simply mowing the yard and manicuring the flower beds. Although pristine landscaping does help with your home’s overall aesthetics, a new beautiful garage door may be the best investment to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Worn-down garage doors with chipping paint or cracked windows can distract people from any other exterior improvements to your home. Due to their size and location, garage doors are often the first element of a home people see, so having a gorgeous garage door is an easy way to make a great first impression.

In a recent nationwide survey, Clopay® determined Realtor perceptions of garage doors and how they can influence the curb appeal and value of a home. 70% of Realtors stated that a new garage door decreases the closing time for a house, while over 80% believed a new garage door can increase the average selling price by 4% depending on the style of door. With the typical U.S. home price at $344,141, the estimated value of a new garage door is over $13,000.

How to Update Your Garage Door

Changing up the look of your garage door can pull your home’s design together, giving your entire exterior an upgrade. If you want to present an attractive, fresh profile to your neighborhood, consider the following garage door renovations to increase your curb appeal:

Paint It

The most simple and budget-conscious way to renovate your garage door is to paint it. The finish on your garage door can be easily worn down over time due to weather exposure. Refinishing your garage door will make an immediate impact on your home’s aesthetic. The color should always compliment the exterior finish of your home — they don’t need to match, but they should have similar tones. Stick to a single color to create interest without distracting attention away from the rest of the house. Choose a color similar to the exterior or opt for a pop of contrast.