How to Upgrade Your Front-Facing Garage Doors

Not all homes have vast lawns and flower beds to add curb appeal. If your home doesn’t have a wrap-around porch or arched entry, you can still make it the more eye-catching home on the block by merely changing out the garage doors. Front-facing garage entries give you the opportunity to create a whole new look by either partial or complete makeovers.

Garage door hacks

• Hardware. Simple adding new equipment to your garage door can give it faux carriage-house looks. Add faux carriage hinges on the sides and grab handles in the middle for a quick makeover that makes your entry stand out.
• Windows. Change out one of the upper panels. Multi-panel overhead garage doors can be tedious, but you can change out one of the top panels for one with windows or decorative trim to make your home distinct from your neighbors. If you can’t change out the panels, add faux windows to the front. You can find magnetic and stick-on versions at your local hardware and DIY stores and online.
• Paint. Most contractor-grade garage doors come in white, off-white or beige tones. Make your stand out by giving it a darker hue. Choose a color that complements the shade of your home and stands out from the trim color.
• Faux finish. Another option that requires a little practice is to put a wood-grain finish on the door. From the street, your home will appear to have expensive wood doors. Finish off with sparkling hardware, and you’ve got instant interest. Talk to your local specialty paint store for advice on using gel stains and faux finished that can hold up to the use your garage door gets. If you’re not sure about tackling this project yourself, hire a professional garage-door contractor that has the know-how to get it done for you.
• Reface your garage door with wood veneer. Glue or screw (or both) wood veneer to your door’s exterior to give it an upgraded look. Go vertical for a Mid-Century Modern vibe, or horizontal with wrought-iron hardware for a traditionally carriage-house look. Garage door openers and springs work in tandem with the weight of the garage door. So, make sure you have a strong enough system to handle the extra weight.

If you’re not sure how to do any of these on your own, ask your realtor for recommendations for local contractors that know to give you a look you want.