Why is curb appeal so important?

1. First impressions: The street-facing side of your home is the first thing people see when they arrive at your property. On average, 40% of that façade is made up of garage doors! So those typically white large surfaces that show all the dirt and grime from the elements, scuffs from a basketball or (ahem) a hint of leftover paint from someone’s car bumper are one of the first contributors to your overall curb appeal. 

2. Property value: Homes with well-kept exteriors increase value and appeal to potential buyers, possibly snagging a higher sales price than a similar property that has been neglected. 

3. Pride in ownership: A well-maintained home with great curb appeal shows off hard work and investments, which may also encourage neighbors to do the same. 

Sprucing up a home’s exterior can seem like a daunting task. Replacing your existing garage doors likely isn’t necessary for cosmetic reasons and not everyone feels comfortable with DIY projects to fix the issue. We've compiled a few ideas to get you started on your curb appeal update journey:

• Replacement: In some cases, installing a completely new door may be necessary. The market is full of options should you want to change up the color, material, texture or add windows. Replacement usually requires installation by a professional to ensure mechanism accuracy and safety protocols are followed. Average costs for new 1-car steel door is $1,650 -$1,900 and for a 2-car door $2,999 – $5,500 depending on type of materials used, sizing and add-on features like windows, technology upgrades, etc. Labor for installation is an additional charge often as much as the door itself.

• Paint: Handy with a brush? Painting your existing doors may be an affordable option, with an average cost of $1 - $4 per square foot if you are doing the work yourself. Visit your local paint store to inquire about exterior products specific to your project. Does your garage door trim need a touchup as well while you have materials ready to go? A few extra steps and a bit of research will ensure your hard work was worth the effort!

• Wood: Adding color and texture to your home's exterior gives it a warm, inviting and custom feel. Wood carriage doors have long been treasured for their luxurious appeal on homes, businesses and, of course, castles! They make a dramatic statement on any exterior. Custom carriage doors can be costly, running on average of $5,000 for a 1-car system and as much as $20,000 for a 2-car system or more in addition are the installation costs.

• Landscaping: Overgrowth and neglect can quickly drag down an outdoor space. Trimming, weeding and thinning where possible is the best way to keep a clean and healthy yard and garden. Planting new shrubs or flowers add color and character to your home if new garage doors or other costly options are not in the budget.

• Other options: If your garage door is in need of attention but you still aren't sure which option is right for you, consider GarageSkins panel systems. GarageSkins offer a way to keep your existing setup and transform it with magnetic panels that give the look of real wood carriage door luxury. Plus, you can install the system yourself in under an hour! 

Whether you are looking for a quick way to spruce up your garage door by powerwashing and painting or dream of adding color and texture, there are many options in today's market that will fit your timeline, DIY abilities and budget. Upkeep and maintenance is the hardest part of homeownership but the effort matches the reward. No matter how you choose to update your home's curb appeal, you are putting value back into your property and inspiring others to do the same!