Garage doors are no longer just a functional element of your home, nor are they exclusively an element that enhances your curb appeal. With advancements in technology and design, new trends are reshaping the market.
The Best Return on Investment in 2024
National data from Remodeling (hw.net) shows that, once again, garage door replacement continues to deliver the best ROI of any home improvements you can make. This year's report cites an expected 193.9% return on investment when it comes to resale value, just ahead of an entry door replacement (188.1%). With the average job cost for a new garage door calculated at $4,513, the study projects a $8,751 increase in resale value for your home.
“This return on investment highlights just how impactful a new garage door can be when it comes to enhancing a home’s curb appeal and overall value,” said Haas Door President Jeffrey Nofziger. "[Choosing] high-quality, thermally efficient doors that make this type of return possible. Now is the perfect time for homeowners to consider upgrading if they’re looking to make the most of their investment.”
Trends and Innovations in the Garage Door Industry
"We’ve seen a lot of growth and innovation within the garage door industry in the recent years," notes Mark Mattson, Product Line Manager, Nice North America. For homeowners interested in the latest trends and innovations, the garage door industry offers exciting developments that can further enhance the appeal and functionality of their homes. From smart technology integrations to sustainable materials, the advancements in garage door design are worth exploring.
Integrated Lighting
"Integrating LED lighting into garage door openers might seem like a small solution, but ultimately saves homeowners time, effort, and money, while increasing safety," shares Mattson. Taking the leap to upgrade your home ecosystem has many benefits, including enhanced performance. He adds, "Screw-in Compact Fluorescent and LED bulbs also tend to put out a lot of RF noise, which affects the performance of garage door transmitters and home Wi-Fi networks."
Sustainable Materials
Across industries, there's been a noticeable shift towards the use of sustainable garage door materials. Manufacturers of traditional garage doors are increasingly exploring options such as recycled steel and composite materials, and passing those choices to homeowners. These sustainable choices not only reduce environmental impact but also offer durability and aesthetic appeal.
Battery-Powered Garage Door Openers
"In response to the increase in wildfires, the State of California in 2019 instituted CA-SB 969 which mandates the use of batteries in garage door operators, so that they continue to work even in a power outage," highlights Mattson. "For example, our latest Nice Linear 661 garage door operator includes batteries as a standard, has full functionality during a power outage, and has additional features to ensure and inform that the battery is always functioning properly."
Smart Home Technology
"One of the most popular trends tie into the homeowners’ demand for an energy-efficient smart home ecosystem," shares Mattson. "We’re seeing a shift with garage door openers, as they evolve from a home appliance to an IOT smart home appliance that homeowners can control and monitor remotely through smart home platforms." These systems, such as the integrations offered by MyQ offer security features including security cameras and video keypads, and sync through other smart technology tools you already have on your smartphone and throughout your home.
Emphasis on a Hint of Color (But Not Necessarily Bold Colors)
Garage door color trends have evolved, reflecting changing personal styles. Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray remain popular and offer versatility for homeowners who need their garage door to complement other exterior elements. Earthy hues such as olive green and terracotta are increasingly chosen for their depth, and accent color options in shades like navy blue and deep red make a statement. Faux wood grain finishes emulate the warmth of real wood without the upkeep, though natural wood and recycled wood inlays still remain a popular investment. Customization options allow homeowners to match their doors to their preferences and architectural style. Overall, the trend in colors emphasizes versatility, individuality, and integration with the home's design.
Are insulated garage doors worth the investment?
Absolutely. Insulated garage doors offer many benefits including temperature regulation for energy savings and comfort, noise reduction, enhanced durability, and potential long-term energy efficiency improvements. Despite a higher upfront cost, they offer homeowners improved comfort, reduced maintenance, and potential energy savings over time.
