While a new garage door is one of the top home improvements for increasing value, the replacement cost often comes with a hefty price tag from no less than $1100 or $1200 to as much as more than $4500, excluding installation! Here are several ways you can boost your garage door’s look and overall curb appeal while sticking to a budget.
Use a Garage Door Hardware Kit
Love the look of a carriage-style garage door? You can upgrade your plain door for about $50 and less than an hour of your time with a garage door hardware kit like this one from Home Depot.
Upgrade from Faded to Faux Wood
If your painted aluminum garage door has lost its sparkle, you can get the look of a faux wood door for a fraction of the cost of a real wood door. Simply power wash your garage door, clean with vinegar and water, rinse, and apply a gel stain. A quart of gel stain typically runs around $25, and depending on the size of your door, this project can be wrapped up in less than a day. Here’s the full how-to.
Insulate Your Door
Photo from frugallaintcheap
Insulated garage doors definitely are pricier than non-insulated doors. However, an insulated garage door will help control temperature in your garage and any adjacent rooms, lower utility costs and cut down on street noise.
Luckily you can achieve this upgrade with a few hours of your time. Using fiberglass batt insulation (meaning strips or rolls), this DIY-er insulated their garage door for under $50.
Add Windows
Simulate the look of a windowed garage door in minutes with DIY plastic adhesives. Check out this step-by-step plan or this option using decals. Either option is a low-cost way to sharpen up the look of your home without a huge time commitment.
Any home improvement that will boost your overall curb appeal is an investment worth making. For more DIY homeowner ideas, follow us on Pinterest.
If you’re thinking of tackling larger home improvement projects, download our free Rehab & Construction Guide for information about financing renovations into your mortgage.