Why Garage Doors Have the Best ROI
Garage door replacement consistently ranks as the #1 ROI home improvement project. A new garage door can recoup 194-268% of its cost at resale.
Quick Facts:- Average cost: $1,200-$5,500 (installed)
- Average resale value added: $4,000-$12,500
- ROI: 194-268%
- Installation time: 3-6 hours
- Lifespan: 15-30 years
Why Such High ROI?
- Massive curb appeal impact - Garage doors can be 30% of home's front facade
- Relatively low cost - Compared to other renovations
- Universal buyer appeal - Everyone notices
- Functional improvement - Better insulation, security, operation
- First impression - Sets tone for showing
Garage Door Costs by Type
Cost by Door Style
| Style | Single Door | Double Door |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Steel | $600-$1,000 | $800-$1,500 |
| Insulated Steel | $800-$1,500 | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Carriage Style | $1,200-$3,000 | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Wood | $1,500-$4,000 | $2,500-$6,000 |
| Aluminum/Glass | $1,500-$4,000 | $2,500-$7,000 |
| Custom/High-End | $3,000+ | $5,000+ |
Installation Costs
- Standard install: $200-$500
- Opener included: +$300-$600
- Old door removal: Usually included
- New track system: +$200-$400 if needed
What Affects Price?
- Material: Steel cheapest, wood most expensive
- Insulation: R-value 8-18 adds $200-$600
- Windows: Add $150-$500
- Hardware: Decorative hardware adds $100-$400
- Opener: Basic ($200) to smart ($500+)
Popular Garage Door Styles
Traditional Raised Panel
- Most common style
- Cost: $800-$2,000
- Best for: Colonial, traditional homes
- Pros: Classic look, affordable
- Cons: Very common
Carriage House
- Mimics old carriage barn doors
- Cost: $1,500-$5,000
- Best for: Craftsman, farmhouse, cottage
- Pros: Character, curb appeal
- Cons: Higher cost
Contemporary/Modern
- Clean lines, often with glass panels
- Cost: $1,500-$6,000
- Best for: Modern, mid-century homes
- Pros: Striking appearance
- Cons: Glass requires cleaning
Full-View Glass
- Maximum natural light
- Cost: $2,000-$7,000
- Best for: Modern homes, visible garages
- Pros: Light, modern look
- Cons: Less privacy, higher maintenance
Best for ROI
Carriage-style steel doors offer the best balance of curb appeal and cost. They're affordable but look premium.Buying Tips
What to Look For
Insulation (R-Value)
- R-0: Uninsulated - cheapest
- R-8-9: Good for mild climates
- R-12-18: Best for extreme temps or attached garages
Wind Rating
Important in hurricane/tornado areas:- Standard: Up to 90 mph
- Reinforced: Up to 130 mph
- Impact rated: Required in some coastal areas
Warranty
- Door: 5-lifetime (look for 10+ years)
- Hardware: 1-5 years
- Finish: 10-25 years
- Opener: 3-10 years
Red Flags to Avoid
- Very cheap quotes (may be low-quality)
- No written warranty
- Won't remove old door
- Pressure to decide immediately
- No local showroom or references
Getting Started
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Measure opening (width, height)
- [ ] Decide on style that fits your home
- [ ] Choose insulation level needed
- [ ] Get 3 quotes from installers
- [ ] Check reviews and references
- [ ] Ask about warranty and service
Best Value Strategy
For maximum ROI on a budget:- Choose insulated steel (not cheapest uninsulated)
- Pick carriage or modern style
- Skip windows if tight on budget
- Include opener in install
- Pick neutral color