Garage Doors: Impact on Home Value and Curb Appeal

When preparing a home for resale, homeowners carefully weigh the costs of investing in home upgrades. Many home upgrades do not translate directly into increased home value. It is not uncommon to invest $50,000 into a kitchen remodel only to realize a $40,000 value increase in home value. 

This loss in value between the cost of the repair and the value of the home means that homeowners must carefully weigh the cost of each repair item. 

Garage doors are often a top consideration for upgrades prior to a home sale. The garage door constitutes a significant amount of visual space on the side of the house and upgrading to a modern design can have an immediate impact on curb appeal. 

However, the costs associated with ordering and installing a new door need to be carefully calculated. 

The good news is that, according to a 2022 study by Remodeling Magazine,  homeowners can expect to recoup 93% of the garage door replacement cost when they sell their home. This means the garage door is one of the most financially responsible upgrades that a homeowner can invest in. 

In 2024, Remodeling Magazine revised this estimate up to 193% of the purchase price, further enhancing the desirability of a new garage door. 

According to Retail Insider, Garage Door Trends in 2025 continue to be towards the sleek, and stylish and away from the fanciful. On a practical note, buyers are seeking better R-value in their garage doors to enhance energuy efficiency. They are also looking for more home automation upgrades. The ability to open a garage door remotely via wifi, is now seen as a “must-have” item, and many people now expect the garage door to be fully integrated into all areas of their home security. 

Design-wise, there is a slight shift away from the more fanciful, stylish elements such as large, fake hinges and knurled wood. Instead, buyers are leaning towards replacement doors with sleek lines, dark colors, and large frosted panes of glass that allow light into the garage. 

With many people using garages for purposes other than car storage, choosing an option that allows more light into the garage can be an attractive choice. Many people choose to use their garage as a workout room, and the added daylight is extremely attractive. 

Ultimately, the garage door must match the aesthetics of the house and the neighborhood. Depending on the desired options, a fully installed door can run from $1200 up to $6000+ for a hurricane-rated garage door with the highest impact resistance. 

Generally, the best option is to meet with garage door installers in the area and get their recommendations on the latest in local trends. From there, a consultation with the listing real estate agent can help to refine the options further to get the best choice. 

Regardless of the upgrade option, it appears that upgrading the garage door in 2025 continues to be money well-spent.