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After spending much of 2020 inside, many homeowners began renovation projects to spruce up the place while gaining some equity to boot! Investing in your home can affect the overall value, but you want to get the most bang for your buck if you plan to sell soon.

Lucky for you, you don’t need to figure out which projects to see an increase in home value. Remodeling Magazine did it for you with their 2020 Cost Value Report. According to their experts, upgrading to a custom garage door adds equity to your home and has the greatest return on investment (ROI) compared to other renovation projects. 

What do the experts say?

The Remodeling Magazine report, which is in its 32nd year, looks at the top 20 mid-to-high-end renovation projects throughout the US and analyzes them for how much it’s believed they will increase a home’s market value. The study looks at 100 market locations across the country and compares what buyers are looking for in each area to determine the home upgrades that offer the best ROI.

Upgrading garage doors has consistently been one of the best ways to increase equity in your home — offering an ROI of about 94%. Furthermore, an industry study of top real estate experts showed that custom garage doors could increase your home’s perceived value by up to 4%. 

Why should you consider custom garage doors?

So why are custom garage doors such a great option? The short answer is curb appeal. Garage doors occupy a lot of space on the front of a home and significantly help define its appearance. Once seen as merely functional, custom garage doors now bring a unique design element and have become a focal point of the home’s exterior. From color to material and window placement, there are endless possibilities to enhance the aesthetic of your home with a custom garage door. 

Plus, a custom garage door upgrade is a relatively inexpensive project. You can change your home’s entire look and attract interested buyers right away with a welcoming and appealing garage door for less than the cost of other renovations, like new kitchens or flooring.

How to customize your garage door

Because there are so many garage door styles available now, garage doors have become a feature of your home rather than just a utility piece. If you’re considering a custom garage door, here are two design elements to consider when upgrading.

Materials

The material of your garage door can make a statement. Metal or aluminum doors have a sleek, modern, and minimalist appeal that can be easily painted to match your home and add flair.

Wood is another popular custom garage door choice. It’s a versatile material that can look either traditional or contemporary. Vinyl is also reasonably cost-effective and great for those with a lower budget. Although vinyl garage doors aren’t entirely as customizable as other materials, the results can still look stylish and boost your home’s curb appeal.

You can also add glass panels to your garage door design to amplify the modern design of your home. The materials you choose for your garage door should depend on your location and your home’s design to ensure maximum protection from the elements and consistency with architecture.

Architectural features

The style of your home can be an excellent guide for your custom garage door design. Does your home have a lot of straight lines and clear glass? A more modern garage door with faux wood or glass panels might be the right fit. Is your home more traditional, with arches and curved entryways? Garage doors with arches and high window placement can complement your home’s design. A wood (or faux wood) garage door can continue your earthy, natural look for more rustic homes or cabins.

The options are endless, but the idea is to match your custom garage door to the architecture of your home. Creating custom garage doors with these features in mind can give your home the kind of wow factor that visitors — and prospective buyers — will love.

Turn to American Garage Door to learn more.  

A custom garage door can be a significant value-add for your home, but deciding on a custom garage door design can be overwhelming. At American Garage Door, we have a knowledgeable team happy to help you create the look that works for you and your budget. Explore our custom home garage door options, including custom wood garage doors, by contacting us today.