Important takeouts:
Fresh doors enhance the curb appeal, make your home more energy efficient and add additional security. From classic wood to refined steel, budget-friendly aluminum or durable composites, every home has style. Depending on factors such as material, size, and functionality, replacing an old door can cost between $750 and $5,500. Although the exact ROI varies, garage door replacements usually regain 90-97% of your investment through increased resale value.
Let’s jump in immediately. Do new garage doors increase the value of your home? The answer is overwhelming yes as it is consistently ranked as one of the top home improvement projects for return on investment. In fact, homeowners recover an average of 94% of their costs nationwide, with over 100% in some markets.
In this Redfin guide we’ll explain what the latest data on garage door ROIs say, the benefits of replacing outdated doors, and what buyers today are looking for.
Is a new garage door a good investment?
Investing in a new garage door is an easy way to increase the value of your home. Replacing a damaged or outdated door is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. This increases curb appeal, energy efficiency and home security. Thanks to modern materials, insulation and smart home features, today’s garage doors offer both style and content, making them one of the most cost-effective ways to add value to your home without major renovations.
Things you need to know before replacing your garage door
Ask yourself these questions before investing in a new garage door.
Is your garage door outdated or damaged? If your garage door is over 15-20 years old, or shows signs of wear such as dents, rust, or noisy operation, replacing it can potentially improve both appearance and functionality. Are you planning to sell it soon? The new garage door is an impactful, low-effort upgrade that can help you increase the perceived value of your home and stand out in a competitive market. Homes with fresh exterior updates are often sold faster and more money. Do you need better energy efficiency? Many modern garage doors come with an insulated core and a tight seal that helps reduce heat and cooling losses. This is especially important if your garage is installed in your home. Do you need the smart home feature? Buyers today are looking for a high-tech forward home. Garage doors with Wi-Fi connection, remote access and automatic locking are in high demand, allowing for both convenience and security.
What do buyers want at their garage doors?
If your garage is facing the street, it is one of the first things people see. A sophisticated, updated door can make a powerful first impression and raise the interest of buyers. A home with tired, damaged or outdated garage doors tends to lose the appeal of a serious curb. And buyers definitely take caution.
Here are some of the top features that buyers really want when looking at garage doors:
The appearance and curb appeal. Garages often dominate the front of the house, so their appearance is important. Peeled paint, dents, or rust can give the buyer the feeling that the rest of the house is not being maintained well. Clean and solid features. The doors work smoothly, the weather echo and there are no creaks or broken parts, giving you confidence that your home is being taken care of. Modern and updated style. Buyers are drawn to doors that look fresh. It has the latest finishes, windows and decorative features to suit the architectural style of your home. Good maintenance/condition. Visible wear and damage can reduce the way buyers perceive the entire property. Fixing or upgrading garage doors is one of the most visible improvements in relatively low efforts.
Because of these factors, replacing or refreshing your garage door can pay off a lot in terms of how quickly your home is selling and how much the buyers are offering.
Garage door type: What is the right thing for you?
Garage doors come in a variety of materials and styles. This is a simple breakdown:
Materials professionals are ideal for low-durability, affordable dent prone steels, which can rust without coating most homes. Budget-friendly upgraded wood classic look, high cube appeal high maintenance, aluminum modern style in expensive historic or luxury homes, low rust-free insulation, easy to modern design, warm climate can make an expensive home where durability is required.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door?
According to Nerdwallet’s 2025 data, the average cost of replacing a garage door ranges from $750 to $5,500, depending on factors such as material, size, and functionality.
Of course, the final price depends on a number of factors.
Materials (steel, wood, aluminum, or composite) door style (such as carriage house or modern) Whether or not you add insulation for energy efficiency, whether or not you add smart features such as Wi-Fi garage openers or keypad entries
A basic garage door costs under $1,000, but custom or high-end options with insulation and additional features can run more than $3,000. Also, styles such as carriages and French doors can reach up to $10,000. Still, given the value it adds and the amount of curb appeal, it’s one of the smartest improvements you can make – especially if you’re ready for sale.
How to choose a garage door installer
Professional installations are the key to getting the best performance from your new garage door. Here’s how to find the right professional:
Find licensed insurance contractors with solid reviews and get multiple quotes to compare prices and services.
If your real estate agent is upgrading to sell your home, there are also local recommendations.
FAQ: Will a new garage door add value to your home?
Does a new garage door really add value to your home?
Yes – and more than most other projects. According to the 2024 Cost vs Value Report, homeowners recover an average of 94% of their costs nationwide. In some places, the ROI is at the top of 100%. This makes it one of the smartest investments, especially if you plan to sell it soon.
Why make your garage door a good investment?
New garage doors don’t just boost curb appeal. Modern doors are insulated, safer and include smart home features such as remote access and automatic locking. This improves efficiency, style and functionality. Everything has no major renovations.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door?
On average, costs range from $750 to $5,500, but revenue is where it gets exciting. Although the exact ROI may vary, a well-selected garage door can significantly increase the curb appeal and overall home value. The base model usually starts at around $750, while high-end or custom options cost over $3,000, and up to $10,000 for styles like carriages and French doors.
