If you’re building a new home or you’re remodeling, you already know how every detail (regardless of how small) matters. And when it comes to garage doors, this is not an exception. In fact, when it comes to garage doors, since they are so large in size, they can often become one of the most prominent/striking features of your house’s aesthetic. For that reason, you want the garage doors to look spectacular.
A lot of people make mistakes by choosing what looks best, but garage doors need to be more than pretty. Yes, garage doors should blend with the style of your home, but what they need to offer the most is functionality and durability.
Here is a guide that’s going to help you choose the best garage door for your home that is modern and stylish, but it won't exclude crucial factors like material, style, functionality, and design.
1. Think About the Architecture of Your House
Contemporary houses are designed in many different styles. The garage door you install must be in sort of harmony with your house's architectural style.
These are some ideas:
Minimalist Houses: For a sleek, minimalist appearance, try a flat-panel steel or aluminum garage door in matte white or black.
Industrial Homes: Elements of raw wood, steel, and glass are exposed well in industrial-designed homes.
Contemporary Homes: Opt for sectional garage doors with bigger glass windows and modern material frames such as fiberglass or composite wood.
2. Think about Durability and Maintenance
Garage doors are not a feature that you use once in a while. Actually, people usually use them every day. That is the reason why they are prone to wear and tear.
If you want a weather-resistant garage door or one that needs minimal maintenance, here's what you should consider:
1. Steel Garage Doors: Durable and resistant to dents, weather, and other forms of wear.
2. Wooden Garage Doors: Wood gives a rich, natural look, but it needs regular maintenance.
3. Glass Garage Doors: Glass doors can be gorgeous in any home, but they also need more maintenance.
4. Composite Materials: They offer the finest qualities of wood and steel. Ideal for those who want style with minimal upkeep.
3. Design and Customization Options
When it comes to modern design, customization is key. Manufacturers (usually) offer a lot of customization options, so you can tailor your garage door to fit your aesthetic perfectly.
Here are some elements you can customize:
1. Color Options: From classic neutrals to bold colors, the color of your garage door has a huge impact on the curb appeal of your home. It's always a good idea to choose a color that goes with the rest of your home's exterior; otherwise, you’ll have the door stand out for all the wrong reasons.
2. Window Styles: Some garage doors feature windows, which introduce natural light into the garage. Pick clear glass for a modern appearance or frosted glass for privacy.
3. Hardware Choices: Hardware that's designed more for aesthetics than function can add a retro or modern flair to your garage door design.
4. Balancing Functionality and Modern Tech
In a smart-home era, garage doors may be fitted with high-end technology for extra convenience.
Here are the tech you should almost always consider:
Smart Garage Door Openers: Most new garage doors feature smart openers that can be operated through smartphone applications.
Security Features: Look for features like auto-reverse sensors and smart cameras that alert you to any suspicious activity around your garage door.
Quiet Operation: If you use your garage as a living space or frequently come and go, consider a silent or ultra-quiet motor to avoid disturbing the household.
5. Make the Most Out of What You Already Have
If you don’t have a budget to buy a brand-new garage door, you can try to transform your old one. Maintaining or upgrading an existing door can be an affordable way to improve your home’s aesthetic.
A few ideas to get the most out of your current garage door:
1. Repainting: If your garage door looks outdated or weathered, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference.
2. Add Decorative Hardware: Small touches like sleek handles or modern hinges can give your existing door a new look.
3. Upgrade the Opener: If your garage door opener is outdated, consider replacing it with a quieter, more energy-efficient model.
4. Clean and Maintain: Cleaning and maintaining your garage door and components from time to time will make sure that it remains smooth.
If your garage doors are faulty in any way (mechanical or electrical issues), you can make them flawless again by looking for a contractor who specializes in garage doors specifically. To do that, you can look up ‘garage door repair near me’ and a bunch of local options will appear; choose the highest-rated one that has the most competitive price point.
Conclusion
As you can see, the perfect garage door for your modern home should not be all about looks. You need to find the right balance of style, functionality, and durability.
Also, to be able to choose a garage door that fits perfectly with your modern home, you should definitely think about the architecture of your home, durability, insulation, design, and technology.
You want the door to be the focal point of your home’s exterior; you want it to stand out. Just ensure it doesn’t stand out for the wrong reason(s).
