Owning property comes with a number of major responsibilities. This includes home maintenance and repairs. One of the common topics that people think about is the garage door. Sometimes, the garage door breaks and needs to be replaced. Other people might be adding a garage door for the first time. There are lots of options to choose from and this is an important decision.

There are a number of factors that people need to consider when trying to decide on a garage door.

The Material

First, people need to think about what their garage door is going to be made out of. The classic option is wood. It has a sleek, stylish look and can be stained to the owner’s preference. At the same time, steel has become a more popular option. This is because steel is stronger than wood. Other homeowners even elect to go with aluminum. Aluminum is lighter than steel and uses less energy. Aluminum can also be colored to look like wood. The material is a good place to start when looking for a garage door.

The Durability

Next, homeowners need to think about the durability of the various options. Some garage doors are going to be stronger than others. Garage door repairs can be expensive and this is a cost that homeowners should avoid if possible. Try to find a durable garage door that can stand up to the routine wear and tear. The stronger the material, the more durable it is going to be.

The Insulation

Finally, also consider the insulation that will be provided by the garage door. The garage is typically an unheated area. This means that any heat in the garage can easily escape through various openings. One of the largest openings is through the garage door. Try to find a door with some insulation. This will trap heat inside the garage and lower the home’s energy costs. An insulated garage door might be more expensive but can also save money on utility bills.

Choosing The Right Garage Door

There are a lot of options when it comes to garage doors. Each choice has its benefits and drawbacks. Homeowners need to take the time to assess the various options and figure out which one is right for them.

If you are in the market for a new home or interested in refinancing your current property, be sure to consult with your trusted home mortgage professional.

You might be wondering whether to replace your roof before listing your property. Most reputable real estate agents will advise you only to do so if your current roof isn’t likely to pass inspection or if replacing it will significantly raise the value of your home. 

Here is some valuable information to help you decide.

Pros Of Replacing Your Roof Before You Sell

Buyers are attracted to homes with curb appeal and online photos highlighting a new roof will attract a lot of traffic. That means you may sell your home more quickly. Roofing replacements also help you when it comes time to negotiate a sales price. Buyers will be willing to pay more for the security of knowing they won’t need a new roof anytime soon.

Cons Of Replacing Your Roof Before A Listing

Putting on a new roof is a huge financial commitment. It may not be one you’re willing to assume before moving into a new property. Other problems may arise that delay construction or cause cost overruns. Both of these scenarios impact your ability to look for a new home right away, meaning you can’t put the current one up for sale.

Consider Repairing It Instead

If your roof is in decent shape, talk to an expert about whether it needs to be repaired. If there’s structural damage, chances are an inspector or appraisal will request repairs prior to closing anyway. You may want to just get it taken care of. If the roof is in good shape but doesn’t look great, it may just need to be cleaned and spruced up. A roofing expert can give you some great ideas that are within your budget.

Should You Replace Your Roof?

Ultimately, it’s your decision. It’s important to determine how much a new or repaired roof adds to the price you’re likely to get. Dealing with construction on a home that no longer meets your needs is stressful. If the roof needs a lot of work, it may be worthwhile to offer a concession to the buyer — you essentially give them the money to fix it when they move in — so you can move out and move on sooner. Your time frame is another factor. If you don’t have a lot of time, this may be your best option.

If you are in the market for a new home or interested in refinancing your current property, be sure to contact your trusted home mortgage professional to discuss current financing options.