Garage Door Makeover: Transforming Your Home’s Exterior

Many homeowners look for ways to improve upon their initial investment. Whether this means replacing the roof, landscaping, or even getting a new driveway put in, these investments add value to their home and boost the curb appeal. However, hefty projects like getting a new roof are expensive and should only be done when the home needs it. If you are looking for a cost-friendly option to give your home that much-needed facelift, one of the best areas to do that is with your garage door.

According to a report done by Remodeling Magazine that took a look at the Cost vs. Value of different home projects, they found that updating/making over the garage door gave homeowners a 194% return on their investment. The garage door takes up 40% of your home’s curb appeal and makes a huge impact on that first impression. Not sure where to begin? Not to worry, your trusted garage door repair experts at Action Garage Door have compiled this guide to help you make the most of your garage door makeover so that you can not only transform your home’s exterior but also transform the overall value of your property.

Why a Garage Door Makeover Can Boost Your Texas Home’s Value

As mentioned earlier, your garage door represents up to 40% of your home’s curb appeal. With a return on investment of 194% in 2024, the garage door is the third most valuable home improvement project you can make. Many realtors report that while sellers often don’t think about the humble garage door, it is one of the most closely observed areas from a buyer’s standpoint. Things that buyers often notice about the garage door is the following:

• Peeling paint
• Rust
• Dents
• Lack of weatherstripping

Because the garage door is one of the first things that individuals see, it has a huge impact on the first impression of the home. If the garage door is looking neglected, it could leave potential buyers with the impression that the home wasn’t properly cared for and that other areas that may have been neglected.

What Options Do I Have to Upgrade My Current Garage Door?

When it comes to addressing your garage door and looking to improve its value, it is important to take inventory as to what is wrong. Some issues, such as chipping paint, are a simple fix that brings in a ton of value. Here is a list of minor improvements that you can make to ensure that your garage door gets a good facelift.

• Painting Your Garage Door
• Lubricating Moving Components
• Replacing Garage Door Springs
• Replacing the Garage Door Rollers
• Installing an electric Garage Door Opener

However, if your garage door is older or has signs of major damage, such as huge dents, then a minor facelift may not be enough. Investing in a brand-new garage door can make a huge impact on ensuring that you get your home sold at its top dollar value.

How to Choose the Perfect Garage Door Design for Your Home

When buying a new garage door, it is important to consider the design of the garage door and your home. For homeowners that have a modern-looking house, choosing a Victorian-style carriage house garage door might not fit the feel. Since the garage door makes up a large part of your home’s outdoor visual appeal, it is important to choose a design that matches the current architecture of your home, stays within your budget, and can adequately handle your area’s climate. Here are some aspects to consider when picking the right garage door design for your home.

Consideration #1: Know Your Area’s Climate

Before you choose a garage door style, you will want to consider the location that you live in and the weather you often experience. The state of Texas is no stranger to severe weather. From severe thunderstorms to the occasional winter freeze, the garage door you choose will be the difference between your valuables in the garage being protected or being exposed to the elements. It is important to choose a garage door material that can handle strong winds or debris being flung around.

While wind-rated garage doors do cost more than non-reinforced models, the extra protection is well worth the investment in the DFW, Austin, Sherman, and Houston areas. Homes that have wind-rated garage doors may be eligible for lower rates through homeowners insurance companies. The best part is, that all of the heavy-duty parts that make these garage doors extra hardy are located within the garage door itself. This means that homeowners do not have to sacrifice style for protection. 

Action Garage Door Insight: Municipal Code and Wind Ratings

Some areas may have municipal codes that make getting a garage door with a high wind rating mandatory for homeowners looking to replace their old garage door. Make sure you know what your area’s code is before you invest in a garage door. You don’t want to buy one and then find out later that you can’t have it installed because it isn’t up to code. Not sure whether this applies to your area? Ask our experts! We will not steer you wrong when it comes to choosing the perfect garage door that not only ensures that your home looks great and is protected, but is also up to code.

• Dallas Municipal Code
• Fort Worth Municipal Code 
• Sherman Municipal Code
• Austin Municipal Code
• Houston Municipal Code

Consideration #2: Your Budget

Before you begin to think about what style or color your garage door will be, you need to know your budget. You don’t want to fall in love with a certain style and material only to find out afterward that you are not willing to spend what it will cost. The different factors that will determine the cost of your new garage door are as follows:

• Material
• Number of doors needed
• Style
• Is the garage door insulated?
• Its wind rating

Consideration #3: How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Perform

Not all garage doors are made equal. Some will naturally require more routine maintenance, such as wood, than others, such as steel. It is important to keep in mind what the material you plan to invest in will need in terms of long-term care. For example, if you like the wood look but are not interested in painting or staining a wooden garage door every couple of years, you may want to consider going with a steel garage door. A steel garage door can be painted to look like wood but doesn’t have the upkeep. 

Consideration #4: The Style of Your Home

Investing in a new garage door will not only elevate the look of your garage but will also impact the look of your home’s exterior. It is important to choose a garage door style that complements the architecture of your home. For example, if you have a gorgeous Victorian-style home, choosing a simple single-panel door may not make much sense. However, that single-panel garage door may look really good on a more modern home that has clean lines in its architecture. 

You don’t want your garage door to stick out. Instead, you want it to look as if it naturally fits into the overall look of your home’s design. 

Not sure what style your home is? Here is an overview of the most common styles of homes:

• Rustic: Rustic homes are characterized by a natural look from elements such as wood and stone.
• Traditional: Traditional homes are one of the most popular styles in the U.S. and often mixes a classic design with contemporary elements.
• Modern: Modern homes are ones that were built between the 1930s and 1970s. They are known to be minimal in their design and don’t have too many intricate details.
• Contemporary: The style of a contemporary home will change as it embodies the architectural trends of the present day. They usually have distinctive characteristics such as sleek lines and large windows to bring in abundant light.

Consideration #5: What Elements Do You Want for Your Garage Door

Many garage doors offer a wide range of elements that can be customized to match the homeowner’s wants. Some of the elements that homeowners can choose for their garage door include:

• Windows: Windows are popular for many different garage door styles, as it allows in natural light to the garage. This is perfect for individuals using their garage for purposes such as a workshop or an indoor gym.
• Material: Garage doors can be made from the following materials:
  • Steel
  • Wood
  • Aluminum
• Color: Color is one of the best ways to customize your garage door. Some homeowners may want to choose black for a sleek design or to contrast the lighter materials of their home while others may want to stick with the traditional white.

Popular Garage Door Styles in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and Sherman, Texas

These are among the most popular styles of garage doors across the state of Texas:

Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are the most common type across the state of Texas. They are incredibly durable, easy to maintain and repair, and are the most cost-efficient option.

Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors are a classic choice and have a craftsman style that is perfect for country or traditional-style homes. These doors are sturdy and are available in many different shapes and sizes.

Carriage House Garage Doors

Carriage house garage doors are unique, as they are designed to replicate the traditional look and feel of carriage house doors that were used in the 1800s. These garage doors are charming and work well with a wide range of architectural styles, such as traditional to contemporary. 

Garage Door Color Trends to Elevate Your Home’s Exterior

The right garage door color will make a lasting impression on your guests and significantly improve the visual appeal of your home. When choosing a color for your garage door, make sure that it matches the color scheme of your home. In general, homes are designed to have paint schemes for the body, accents, and trim. The home’s dominant color is the body, so the siding or brick color. The accent colors are often used on the doors, shutters, and other small areas. The final color, the trim will be used to highlight windows, door casings, roof edging, and railings. 

When it comes to picking the right color for your garage door, you simply want to ensure that the color you choose matches the tone set by your home’s color scheme. Traditionally, these colors are the most popular for the garage door:

• Sand
• White
• Claystone
• Taupe
• Beige
• Brown
• Black
• Blue
• Charcoal Gray
• Soft Gray

Depending on what look you are going for will determine which color you choose for your garage door. For example, using contrasting colors can catch the eye and create a classy look, such as a black garage door on a white house. For a more relaxed atmosphere, you will want to choose less bold hues, such as the sandy color or a beige. Dark brown and dark gray can give your garage door a subtle appearance while remaining classy, which is especially true for brick homes. 

Why Choose Action Garage Door for Your Garage Door Makeover in Texas?

Action Garage Door Repair Specialists have been DFW, Houston, Austin, and Sherman, Texas’s trusted resource when it comes to garage door repair, replacement, and new installation since our founding in 1992. We know what elements make a garage door pop and can help you find the most value for your investment. Whether you are looking to completely replace your garage door with something more reliable or eye-catching or if you are only looking to replace the rollers to help your current garage door operate better, we have the solutions for you. Contact our team today for more information on our garage door services or to schedule an appointment to go over the different garage door options available to you. 

FAQs:

Additional Resources:

• How a Remote Garage Door Opener Works
• Curb Appeal? Don’t Forget Your Garage Door
• Customizing Your Garage Doors
• Considerations When Painting a Garage Door
• Painting Your Garage Door Color To Complement Your Home