Whether you are looking to sell your home or you just want to make you house stand out from the neighbors’, curb appeal is an important factor to consider. New homebuyers prefer to view your home if they the outside façade is attractive. And one of the best ways to make your house warmer and homier for you is to make the outside unique and inviting. One of the best places to start is, somewhat surprisingly, with your garage door. With the garage door taking up approximately 30-50% of the front of your home, it makes sense that even small changes here can have a big impact.
Style
There are many different styles of garage door. And choosing the right one to match your home’s desired aesthetic is crucial for upping your curb appeal. While you do not have to completely replace your garage door to update the style, sometimes it helps to start fresh. Things to consider for style would be doors that have windows in them. It is always nice to have a little extra light coming in, especially to an inherently darker space like a garage. Other exterior design styles would include crossbeams for a rustic, barn door look, or even simple vertical or horizontal patterns in the garage door. Floridians also need to consider hurricane rated garage doors. With these you could improve your curb appeal and save on homeowners’ insurance all in one step.
Type
Just as there are many styles of garage doors, there are many types as well. Garage doors are made in several different materials, and each one makes for a different look and feel for your home. Some types to consider are:
- Aluminum: one of the most common types, aluminum is high quality and very durable. They are simple and sleek, but also modern.
- Steel: similar to aluminum in their strength and quality, steel also boasts better insulation properties to the inside of your garage. So if you use your garage as a workshop, steel can help make it more comfortable in the grueling summer months.
- Wood: For a more rustic, traditional feel consider wood garage doors. If you like the more rural, almost vintage look wood garage doors are perfect. Just make sure to have them coated with a weatherproof sealant to protect them from the elements and keep them looking their best for a long time.
- Carriage House: If you really want to go for that country look and feel, carriage house style doors offer old world, rustic, sophisticated style and will really make your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.
Color and Accessories
While looking at curb appeal, one important factor to consider is the paint color of your garage doors. If you choose too simple of a color, your garage will fade into the rest of the house. If you go too bold, your garage will attract attention for all the wrong reasons. You’ll want to choose a color that contrasts with your home’s exterior but still complements the other colors and design elements. Choosing a neutral color that is a few shades darker than your trim is a safe bet and matching your front door will make sure it ties in with another element of the front of your home.
