If you’re considering fitting a new garage door, you might be wondering what style is the best to complement your property. In the past, many homeowners simply installed generic garage doors, partly because this was the easiest and most affordable option, but partly because there wasn’t always that much variety to choose from. There are far more options on the market today, and thanks to the internet, it’s easier to research different styles and find the perfect match for your home.
The right garage door not only enhances the overall appearance of your home but could actually add value to your property when the time comes to sell. Kerb appeal is hugely important when it comes to selling property and a mismatched garage door will do nothing to win over potential buyers. So, with all that in mind, what style of garage door is best for your property?
Victorian and Georgian properties
Wooden panelled doors are a safe choice for period homes, and stable or coach house doors work particularly well with older properties. Doors with windows add a classic touch and work even better if you can aim for a similar style of window as those in your home. You can even add period accessories such as original handles and door furniture to complete the look.
If your garage already has wooden front doors in place but they’re looking a little worse for wear, a reputable garage door repairs firm, such as http://garagedoorsrus.co.uk/garage-door-repairs/, might be able to give them a new lease of life.
Edwardian properties
Edwardian homes tend to feature slightly more flamboyant decoration than those of the preceding eras. As BBC Homes points out, after the dark, drab homes of the Victorian period, the style became much lighter and more fun. The typical Edwardian front doors had raised panels. Try and find a garage door in a similar style to your front door, and, if your new garage door has windows, try to use the same style as your home’s windows.
Modern properties
Stick to simple, plain, modern garage doors. Match your garage door colour to the colour of your front door and exterior paintwork if applicable. If you have a uPVC front door, look for a garage door finished in a similar style.
Other quick ways to lift kerb appeal
A garage door is only one part of the picture buyers see. The exterior photo is usually the first image in a property listing, and if it looks tired, fewer people click through or book a viewing. The front door matters most, so repaint it if it looks shabby or replace it if it is beyond repair. Add plants by the entrance, sweep away leaves and dirt, and clear any rubbish from the pavement outside.
Keep window frames and paintwork in good order, and repaint or repoint any unsightly brickwork. In the garden, cut the lawn, pull out weeds and brighten beds with colourful flowers, planters or hanging baskets. Be careful with climbing plants, as some can pull mortar away from the pointing.
Bins can be an eyesore and smell in summer, so keep them in a garage or shed where visitors will not see them. If that is not possible, wash them down and make sure the lids close properly. Finally, repair any broken gutters, side gates or fencing so the whole frontage looks cared for.
Kitchen updates and small repairs before viewings
If a house has been on the market longer than expected, a few focused changes can make it easier for buyers to picture themselves living there. Start with the kitchen, which many buyers treat as the heart of the home. A dated kitchen can put people off or push offers down, so even if a full remodel is out of reach, painting the walls, retiling or updating the cabinet doors can make a real difference.
Outside, cut the grass, rake up leaves and clear anything blocking the path to the front door. A few pots of flowers help create a good first impression, and a tired looking garage door is worth repairing or replacing, since it is often one of the largest surfaces on the front of the house.
Inside, deal with the small niggles before viewings begin. Creaking doors, broken seals, dripping taps and peeling wallpaper may seem minor, but they suggest the property has not been well looked after, and buyers may start to wonder what bigger problems are hidden.
Insulation and durability benefits of a modern door
Style is only one reason to replace a garage door. Insulation is another, especially if the garage is attached to the house or used as a gym or workspace. Many modern doors are double or triple layered, often with polyurethane insulated panels, while single layer doors rely mainly on the panel material and are less energy efficient. Good insulation keeps the garage cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which can help reduce energy bills.
Windows in a garage door can look attractive, but they tend to let heat escape. In colder areas, choose a door without windows or one with energy efficient glazing. Insulated doors are also quieter, which is useful if the garage sits next to living space.
Durability matters too. Older, uninsulated doors dent easily from cars, equipment and children playing, and dented doors need more maintenance and look neglected. Doors made with multiple layers of steel or aluminium stand up better to rough use and help the moving parts last longer. With options at a range of price points, it is possible to match both the house and the budget.