General: Garage doors, influence homes curb appea and resalevalue If your garage door is broken or in poor condition, many realtors will recommend replacing it before putting your home on the market citing the importance of curb appeal in encouraging prospective buyers to tour the inside of your home. Author : Daina Feick Published on : 3/31/2008 11:45:30 PM In this age of single, double and triple car garages – most of which open onto the street – garage doors play an important part in our homes' overall curb appeal.  What's more, say many realtors, garage doors can either detract from or add to the re-sale value of your home, depending on what shape they're in. Fortunately, you can replace those rotted, broken or outdated garage doors quickly and easily with an ever-expanding selection of stylish, durable and reliable options. Among the most popular style choices right now:  carriage-house garage doors that look like old-fashioned swing-out doors but function like modern roll-up doors with an electric garage door opener.  Available in a variety of materials including wood, fiberglass and synthetics, many homeowners are opting for the less-expensive, low-maintenance carriage-house doors in steel with layered, wood-grain composite overlays or embossed patterns that resist both fading and rot due to exposure. Less vintage-inspired and a good match for almost any style of home are the classic raised panel steel doors and carved wood panel doors that can be customized with decorative windows.  For more contemporary homes, sleek aluminum and glass doors are also available. Essentially, confirm garage door experts, the style of door you choose should consider your home's architecture, the shape and size of your front windows and entry doors as well as other exterior design details.  Visiting dealer showrooms and reviewing manufacturer web sites can help you get acquainted with the options.  Many companies also offer pre-designed doors to match specific architectural styles, making the selection process easier. Garage doors can also be insulated or non-insulated.  Insulated doors are often a wise choice if your garage is attached to your house because insulation helps control both temperature and sound (a good idea if your garage doubles as a workshop or a practice studio for your teenager's aspiring rock band).  If your garage is detached and is only used to park the car, a non-insulated door may be the way to go. As for safety, most garage doors sold today include built-in safety features to prevent them from closing on your car, a child or a pet.  And while many new doors offer lighter panels, they still afford security thanks to the unbreakable nature of their material. Maintenance is another important consideration in the selection process.  Keep in mind that while wood doors offer added character, they need to be painted or stained every few years depending on climate and exposure.  Steel doors, on the other hand, are virtually maintenance-free. Last but certainly not least is the cost factor.  Depending on size, materials and design you choose, the average price for a new garage door typically ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars.  But even with a smaller budget, a new garage door will immediately enhance the look and re-sale value of your home.