Welcome to National Curb Appeal Month

From the top of your roof down to the grass on your lawn, the curb appeal of your home is determined by many things — including your garage door.

“Many homes have the garage door located right on the front of the house exterior, making it a focal point for curb appeal,” says Jeffrey Nofziger, president of Haas Door. “Some homes have the garage door on the side. Since you travel in and out of the garage door generally several times a day, even this ‘side curb appeal’ is important for a homeowner.

“Fortunately, you have a wide variety of ways to increase the overall value and attractiveness of your home with a garage door upgrade project.”

High ROI for Garage Door Replacement
During National Curb Appeal Month in August, Nofziger reminds homeowners that replacing an older garage door is not just good for the look of your home, but for your wallet as well.

“The 2018 Cost Versus Value Study coordinated by Remodeling magazine shows that a garage door replacement has the highest cost recoup value of any home improvement project,” says Nofziger. “This project actually comes in with a whopping 98.3 percent cost recoup, which is incredible.

“Homeowners looking to add resale value to their home while driving up curb appeal can certainly benefit from replacing an older garage door. In today’s marketplace, there are many options for garage doors that complement an overall home style. Whether selecting a steel door with embossed wood grain, decorative glass windows for privacy or a stunning two-tone color combination American Tradition Series door, there are an abundance of ways to add curb appeal with a new garage door.”

Selecting a New Garage Door
When choosing a new garage door, Nofziger offers five easy tips for homeowners:

Tip #1 - Step back. Before selecting a garage door stand by the street and look at your home overall. Now, think about the style of the home exterior, the colors on the house and the textures. Determine what kind of garage door would look best — smooth or woodgrain — and what color or texture would best complement your home's overall exterior.

Tip #2 - Light or no light? Decide if you'd like a solid garage door or one with windows to allow light into your garage. If you choose windows, look at the style of windows on the front side of your home (including the grids) along with your front door. Then, look for a garage door with similar window styles. For example, if your home has lots of small window panes, then look for garage door windows with grids that replicate the look of smaller panes of glass. You can also select specialty glass or decorative glass options that allow light into the garage while protecting your privacy.

Tip #3 - Be practical. Select a garage door that can handle weather conditions for your geographic area. For instance, a 5000 Series door can stand up to Mother Nature, even in Florida conditions, with its corrosion-resistant aluminum, thick insulation and weather-resistant paint finish.

Tip #4 - Stand out ... or stand back? Decide if you want your garage to be a stand-out focal point when looking at your house or if you want it to blend in with your home's style. There's no wrong answer. Oftentimes a stand-out door, like one in an elegant Craftsman style with a wood grained finish, can add visual dimension and appeal to a home exterior. Or, a door in a painted bronze color can stand out beautifully against a stone veneer home facade.

Tip #5 - Think of the future. A garage door selection is one that should last many years for your home. So, look below the beauty of the surface to choose a low-maintenance door made of aluminum or steel that has a strong warranty and will give you years of beauty with minimal upkeep.

Take it for a Test Drive
Just can’t visualize how a new garage door will look on your home? We can help. Visit the HaasCreate Visualizer on our website. You can upload a picture of your home (or use one of our pictures) and then “try on” different door styles.

With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can very quickly see different styles, window glass, colors, hardware and trim details of a new garage door on a home. Find the one you like best and share it with your friends and contractor. This August, make sure your neighbors are giving your home a big thumbs up during National Curb Appeal Month!