Garage Doors Cornwall as experts in garage door installation commented that garage doors may not be the first thing you think of redressing when you are preparing to sell your home, but many estate agents are now saying that the humble garage door could help not only improve the look of your home, but also increase its value when you put your house on the market.

This trend in garage doors stems from the term “curb appeal”. Marty Dewald, a estate agent says “it’s the single largest moving part on a home and if faces the street, it plays a large part in the overall appearance”. Mr Dewald goes on to say, “Curb appeal is a critical factor in selling a home. If a prospective buyer doesn’t like the view from the street, chances are he won’t waste time going inside.”

Many estate agents who have been asked about the importance of the garage door affect on ‘curb appeal’ said that it did indeed add value to the house up for sale. Many went on to say that homeowners neglect the garage door when the home comes up for sale, with the garage door either being broken, rotting or just plain shabby looking. Garage doors in these conditions could have a negative affect on the ‘curb appeal’ and end up reducing the final amount that the house sells for. Simply replacing the garage door, or even repainting it, would not only cover its cost, but also add value to your home.

In a recent survey, estate agents were shown before and after photographs of a number of homes that had their garage doors replaced. Depending on the style of the garage door and how it matched the style of the rest of the house, these estate agents estimated that it could increase the sale price of the house anywhere from one to four percent. So, on a house with a sale price of £150,000, that could mean an increase in the region of £1,500 to £6,000.

"That doesn't mean that a home has to have a designer garage door - the door just has to enhance the overall appearance," adds Dewald. "However, homeowners should choose a model that fits the look and price point of their home to get the best return on investment."

The average price for a new garage door ranges from £700 to £5,000 depending on the size of the door and the material it's made from. The most popular look in garage doors right now is the carriage-house style door. The doors look like old-fashioned swing-out doors but function like modern roll-up doors with an electric garage door opener. The choices for design, color and materials are virtually endless.

"Many homeowners favor the high-end look of wood carriage-house style doors, but they don't want the upkeep or the price tag that comes with them," says Pat Lohse, vice president of residential marketing for Clopay. "Manufacturers now are introducing less-expensive, low-maintenance versions in steel with layered, wood-grain composite overlays or embossed patterns. Unlike wood, a steel carriage house door is easier to maintain, resisting both fading and rot due to exposure."

If the vintage look doesn't work with the style of your home, no problem. Another solution is to select a classic style raised panel steel or a carved wood panel door and customize it with decorative windows. For more contemporary architecture, consider the sleek-looking aluminum and glass doors now available, such as Clopay's Avante Collection.

Going Shopping

Cornwall Garge Doors offer this advice on the factors to consider when selecting a new garage door.

• Budget. Like everything, budget dictates options. Garage doors range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the size, materials and design you choose. Even if you have a small budget you can still get a great looking door that is going to enhance the look of the house.

• Design. Think of the garage as an extension of the home's theme, not an afterthought. Let the home's architectural style, the shape and size of the windows and entry doors, and exterior design details influence the design of the garage door.

• Insulation. Doors can be insulated or non-insulated. If the garage is attached to the house you'll want an insulated door. This will help reduce utility bills - a popular selling point with prospective buyers. If you live in a mild climate or have a detached garage that will only be used to park the car, you can opt for a less expensive, non-insulated door.

• Upkeep. Maintenance is another consideration. Steel doors are very durable and virtually maintenance-free, but some people prefer the warmth and character of wood and the limitless design options. Depending on the climate and exposure, wood doors will need to be painted or stained every few years.