If you've got a bit of a fixer-upper on your hands, or you want to give your old house a new look, one of the first things you should think about it your garage door. For many houses, it is a highly visible, integral part of the architecture, and shouldn't be treated as an afterthought. But choosing the right materials, style, and options can be pretty tricky- there are a lot of choices out there, and you don't want your garage to awkwardly mismatch with your home.
First off, decide on a style. Is your house traditional-looking? Go for a standard, wood-look-a-like door. Do you have cottage-like style? You may want to try bright white, or cream paneling. French provincial, country-style, Victorian, modern be sure that the focal point of your house's faade blends in with the rest.
Next, choose the type of material you want your garage door to be made of. You can have wood, which looks great with traditional styles but shouldn't be used in areas with bad weather; aluminum and steel, which is sturdy but may be awkward with Victorian or country styles; and fiberglass, which can be used with many different styles.
Then, choose the design options of your new door. Do you want safety features, like an infrared beam that will ensure the door won't crush children or small animals? Do you want light buttons as well as opener buttons? Are you going to spring for insulation? In areas with severe weather, it is highly recommended that you choose a door that will protect your garage from the elements. You also need to decide about wood-grain embossing, window options, moldings, special paints and colors, and whether you want raised panels or flushed.
And last but not least, don't forget about your warranty choices. Be sure to get the best warranty available on the product and the installation. It will be well worth it- the garage is a part of your home, and therefore your garage door is the biggest entrance. You want it to be secure, durable, and beautiful all year every year.