Do you plan to list your home for sale soon? Does your garage door lack curb appeal? If you're ready to sell your home and the garage door has seen better days, take a look at the questions to ask before your property hits the market.
Will the Door Distract Potential Buyers?
The potential home buyer needs to see themselves in your house. Whether your older door looks worn and weathered, has a dated style, or is painted with a bold/bright color, it could distract the buyer. Even though the buyer could replace, repaint, or refinish the garage door, the psychological impact of a less-than-perfect door could distract them for the entire home showing.
Avoid distracting door-related issues with a new garage façade. The average garage door has a 20- to 25-year lifespan, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). If your door is on the upper end of this spectrum and has a distracting appearance, consider a replacement before you list your home.
Does the Garage Door Make It Look Like You Don't Care?
Curb appeal is more than just the exterior aesthetics or designer flare of your home. As potential buyers drive or walk by your home, they'll notice how well you maintain it. Along with a well-manicured lawn, freshly-trimmed hedges, and pristine exterior paint, your home's garage door should look like you've spent time (and possibly money) on its maintenance.
Cracks, peeling paint, or a door that doesn't sit evenly may make potential buyers think you don't care about your home. Beyond obvious issues with the door, a would-be buyer may think untreated signs of wear go beyond the door. They may also question the care you give to the rest of your home. This could lead the buyer to believe the home has other wear-related problems they'll have to repair or pay for.
Show future buyers how much you care about your home with a clean, new garage door. Even though a new door is an added expense, you may recoup the money you spend in a quick sale or a higher purchase price.
Does the Door Have Functional Issues?
While curb appeal can attract buyers, the garage door is more than an exterior accent. Not only does the door need to look new, it also needs to function like new too. A loud door that stops and starts, squeaks, creaks, or doesn't work sends a clear message to a buyer — and it's not a positive one.
If you know your door doesn't work, you may need to disclose the problem to potential buyers. This could lower the sale price or completely turn buyers away. But if you replace the door, you can use the new part of the garage to market your home. The buyer can feel confident they'll get years of wear from the door. This can save the buyer money in both initial and long-term home ownership costs.
Beyond the cost issues related to garage door function, a broken, damaged, or worn door poses a serious safety risk. A door that falls, a spring that snaps, or a reverse mechanism that fails could injure a person or cause property damage. If your door isn't safe, don't wait to call a professional. Not only will these (and other related issues) problems put a future buyer at risk, they're also hazards to you.
A damaged door could fall on you, a household member, or your car. It also lacks the security you need. A secure garage door helps reduce the likelihood of a break in — whether you live in the house or not. If you've already moved, you'll need a door that keeps intruders out. An obviously empty house can attract squatters or vandals. But a secure new garage door can keep them out.
A qualified garage door contractor can assess the door's opener mechanism and recommend a repair. An older opener or older door may require a replacement. Alert the contractor to your home sale plan before you decide on a repair or replacement. Some services, such as extended, non-transferable warranties or service plans, are unnecessary for home sellers.
Does the Door Impact Your Energy Bills?
Entry doors, such as garage doors, allow interior air out and exterior air in. An older door or a low-quality door with little to no insulation can cost you unnecessarily in home heating and cooling bills. A potential buyer wants to know they'll get the most for their money — including a garage door that won't cost them in high energy bills.
Discuss the energy efficiency of your garage door with a professional. The contractor will evaluate the existing garage door and help you find a new model that holds in the heat or AC.
Do you need to repair or replace your home's garage door? Contact Edgemont Garage Doors for more information.
