Image credit.

Garages typically are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about renovating your home, but updating your garage is another way you could give your home a face-lift. One in 10 homeowners said they did not need a garage at home, which goes to show that functioning garages are important and can increase the sellability of your home. Renovating your garage is a renovation you should not forget about, especially if you are looking to sell your house eventually. Here are some things to consider.

Garage Trends

If you have a two-car garage, consider expanding it if possible. The two-car garage is becoming outdated as families are growing. Some home buyers base their decision on buying a home off of the type of garage that comes with the house.

Another popular garage trend is the implementation of an auto elevator. Auto elevators are installed into your garage by professionals that allow you to drive your car into a garage, get out the car, push a button and have your car rise or go underground. This allows you to park another car underneath or above, creating extra space in your garage.

Garages are also moving to the back of the house or completely detached, as opposed to the traditional front-facing garages. These types of garages help to emphasize the front of the home and help to encourage engagement between sidewalk strollers and porch sitters.

Materials To Use

There are plenty of materials to use to revamp your garage door, but ultimately it is up to what your design needs are. Your garage does not have to replicate your home, but should be an extension of the home’s aesthetic.

Wood gives you the most variety of design options and wood garage doors also workes well in all climates, but they are also the most expensive. Coming in a close second is steel. Steel garage doors are usually less expensive than wood. You could opt for the timber-look garage doors with the look and feel of timber but manufactured with the strength of Australian BlueScope steel. The only downside to steel garage doors is if you lave in a coastal area, you should avoid these types of doors because they rust easily.

Another option is aluminum. It cost less than steel and does not rust. This is a good alternative for those wanting steel but live in coastal areas. If you are looking for something really trendy, try tempered glass in an aluminum or wood frame while fiberglass and vinyl are good budget-friendly options. Fiberglass and vinyl will not rust but your design options may be limited.

Door Types

There are so many different door types you can use to update your garage door. There is a sectional, which is most common. This type of door rolls up and down on tracks. There is also the sliding garage door which are barn-style garage doors that slide open to the side. This type of door requires a wider garage wall to fit the door when open. Another option is the swing-out garage door. These are double doors that swing outward when open. These may not be the best option for people living in cold climates since snow can drift and black the doors. Whichever option you choose, it can automated, remote-operated or manual.

Picking The Right Style And Details

It is recommended to match your garage door to the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, pair it with an arched garage door with paned windows. If you have a Spanish colonial home, pair that with a wooden garage door with iron hinges. Let us say you have a farmhouse-style home in which case it could be a good idea to pair that with a rustic, barn-style garage door. If you have a Craftsman home, pairing this with a wooden garage door with straight windows and trim could be a good idea. A modern home would be best paired with a glass-paned garage door. These are just examples. You want to make sure your home is unique to you and your needs.

Costs Associated With The Project

Steel garage doors usually range between $300 to $3,000, glass with aluminum frames costs $1,500 to $3,000, vinyl costs about $600 and up, fiberglass costs $1,500 and up and wood doors range anywhere between $1,000 to $10,000. Installation costs depend on the region you are in, but they can be anywhere between $100 to $200 to remove your old garage door and $100 to $500 to install a new one.