How You Can Add Value to Your Property By Updating your Garage
Are you looking for new ways to boost the value of your property? Do you want a home that is worth top dollar whether you plan to sell it or not? According to Angie’s List, replacing your old, worn out garage door is one of the biggest things you can do to get more money out of your home should you choose to sell. At the very least, you can give your garage door a makeover with a fresh coat of paint.
How curb appeal affects the price of your home
When you pull up to your property, you may overlook the overgrown planters, the dead bush at the corner of the house, or the cracks in the driveway, but your guests or potential buyers often see those things first. Remember that maintenance is key in curb appeal. To add value to your home, you have to make sure that everything in the yard is in proper working condition, has a fresh, clean surface, and enhances the property with style, functionality, or both. Improving curb appeal includes updating your garage.
Looking at your home from a fresh perspective
You want your home to be welcoming no matter who comes to visit. One way to keep from missing areas that you can upgrade is to take a black and white picture of your property. Take a photo of your garage from each side. Black and white pictures make damage, worn areas, and unsightly objects stand out so that you can find them easier.
Possible changes to include on your update list
- Replace or paint the old garage door
- Repair garage door issues
- Check security cameras, locks, and features to ensure they are working properly
- Install motion detecting lights – (this step can reduce your insurance rates in some states)
- Fix safety issues like broken sidewalks, driveways, and steps that could pose a fall or trip hazard
- Add some new gutters
- Place a few planters on each side of the garage door – or add a couple new bushes nicely trimmed and neat
- Add new hardware and fixtures
- Replace the windows with energy efficient models
- Install a security system or camera
- Upgrade the locks on the doors
- Have a little fun and add some character like a sign with the family name and the year you moved in the place
Why curb appeal is so important
There are three exceptional reasons that you want to improve the curb appeal of your home. One, simply put, you can sell your home for more money when it looks nice. People do not want to walk into a home that has weeds in the flower beds and gutters falling off from the garage; they will just walk away. Two, if you are staying put, then the best way to keep your home in top value is to ensure that it looks and feels nice to walk up to when visiting. Remember that the way your home looks affects the value of the neighborhood and not just your property. Finally, homes that are well kept are less likely to be burglarized.
How functionality adds to value
When you have a garage that you can use to store vehicles, create a studio, or just to keep your Christmas and garden items out of the house, it has to work for you. The better your garage suits your needs, the easier it is to get what you need done. For instance, if you ride your bicycle a lot, then it is a good idea to have a place for all your biking equipment. If camping is more your style, then a designation for all your camping gear is nice, but it does no good to have any of these things if your garage is a target for thieves.
Make a plan and try to stick to it
HGTV says that you should start updating your property by writing a list of things that you want to accomplish. For instance, using your black and white photos, you can list the maintenance issues that are at the top of the list. Next, add security upgrades or fixes you want to incorporate. Look for ways you improve the functionality of your garage inside and out. If that means placing a garden hose hook on the side of the building, then that is an easy task that will not take long, but it saves your yard from looking unkempt. Curvy walkways are a great way to add character and boost home values as long as you line them with some pretty flowers, or accent lighting that helps you prevent falls and keeps burglars at bay.
For more information on ways to use your garage to add value to your home, call our family-owned experts at Commonwealth Garage Doors at 804-920-9677. We are open seven days a week and provide emergency service. We provide a full warranty on all of our services.
