Smart garage door design and function that raise home values
In yesterday’s down real estate market, garage door updates were one inexpensive way to raise home values–garage door replacements, in fact, produce an 83 percent return on investment, according to U.S. News & World Report. That fact isn’t changing. As we head into 2017, however, homeowners can also take advantage of design, material and smart technology improvements driving innovation in garage space design and function.
On deck for 2017
Statement pieces
A garage door’s color and design can make or break your house’s aesthetic. That’s why you don’t want to stray far from its current colors and shapes; these elements can create a powerful effect even if you have opted for a neutral instead of a current bold, trendy color.
Extending accent colors and shapes from the home to the garage allows you to make a cohesive and interesting statement. Accent colors featured on shutters, window trim and the front door are excellent starting points and references to start brainstorming; you might want to consider using lighter or darker shades for the garage.
Your house will inform not just the color, but also garage door design elements, particularly angles, arches and patterns that can be applied to windows and panels.
Flexibility
Lines are blurring between indoors and outdoors; patios and decks now function as livable spaces, and the same concept has finally reached the garage. It’s not just a place to park your car anymore–garages are being outfitted with movable walls, outdoor furniture, screens and insulation to make them inviting and usable year round.
Look for garage door details to also appear in interiors via transparent walls and glass doors that replace windows in offices, living and dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
More light
Because garages are used for a variety of purposes, they are being designed to let in more light. Big windows that produce brighter, better-lit spaces are popular options.
It’s not just physical light that is a trend; lighter-weight material gives garage doors a modern, sleek look without the weight of wood, steel or glass. These materials are good-looking substitutes and practical, inexpensive choices. They require little maintenance and ease wear-and-tear on parts. Try:
- Aluminum instead of steel
- Polycarbonate instead of glass
- Fiberglass instead of wood
Smart technology
Convenience and user-friendliness are two concepts driving many tech-based improvements in our daily routines, including how to enter and secure your home. Smartphones, for example, can open and close garage doors, reveal their current position and cite the person who last opened them.
Other options are well on their way to being adopted, including parking guides, which use lasers to illustrate your path in and out of the garage. People prone to grazing walls and dinging cars will appreciate this feature, which cuts down on potential damage.
Additional safety features are available on remote-controlled, wireless/keyless, smartphone-controlled and Internet-activated remotes. Many garage door companies also provide rolling codes, which are virtually impossible for hackers to replicate.
Energy efficient
An outdoor living space has to be just that–livable, which isn’t possible when your garage is 98 degrees or cold enough to hold items from your refrigerator. Maintaining a comfortable temperature is critical for comfort–and cost.
Insulation is a must. If you have a finished room against or above an uninsulated garage, you are likely overspending/losing money on heat and air conditioning. The warm/cool air is being leeched by the garage space.
Insulated door panels and walls are critical. Consider insulated options like aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and vinyl, but steer clear of glass.