It’s a garage door, you think. How much can be involved in choosing the right one to install? Actually, a lot more than you think. These days, there are a number of factors and options to consider. And since this is a potentially several thousand dollar investment most people only make once in their lives, it’s something you want to do right. Here’s what you need to know to nail this decision and install the perfect door.
Budget
Let’s start with the price. How much do you want to spend? Design, materials, and extra features can add up. Make sure to balance preference, function, and need with the cost of materials and labor. At the same time, you don’t want to be cheap. This is a lifetime investment. Plus, a new garage door installation has one of the best returns on investment you can get when it comes to home improvement. Anything you spend, you’ll get back in improved property value, virtually dollar to dollar. So it really comes down to how much can you afford and what are the best features to get for that price?
Materials
A major determination of the price will be the type of material it’s made from. Each material has its own advantages and cost considerations. Wood has a beautiful appeal, but tends to be a little more expensive and requires more upkeep. Steel is probably your most economical option. Modern aluminum these days are not as dent resistant as they used to be. The price can vary. Composite doors may provide the same aesthetic appeal at a more affordable price.
Insulation
Insulation isn’t required, but it is a good idea — even in the mild winters of El Dorado Hills, California. Insulation will keep out the hot as well as the cold, making it much cheaper to cool your home in California’s hot summers. They also are great for noise resistance so you get your peace and quiet. The quality of the insulation will depend on its R-value — the higher the better.
Weatherization
Considering the new reality of climate change, you might want to get a garage door that is fire resistant, as well as one that can stand up to heavy storms. Talk to your El Dorado Hills garage door dealer about the different options available. You can get a door specially designed for heavy weather that has better bracing, storm resistant panels, and can stand up to heavy winds.
Smart Garage Door
You might consider installing a garage door that has a smart opening system. This way, you can monitor and control the system remotely from your phone, computer, or other mobile device. If you are away on vacation and get a security alert, for example, you can view your garage and contact the police if necessary. You can also open and close the door from your phone — say if Amazon stops by with a package while you are away at work.
Installation
While you could technically install the new garage door yourself, we don’t recommend it unless you truly know what you’re doing. And no, YouTube videos don’t count. You’re already investing enough in this garage door that it’s worth doing right. Plus, you might void the warranty on the garage door if you install it yourself.
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