Style and Design FAQ First-Time Garage Door Buyers Often Have

Are you ready to invest in a new garage door? If you're a first-time buyer, take a look at the frequently asked questions homeowners often have about garage door replacement styles.

What Garage Door Styles Are Available?

The most popular garage door styles include raised panel, slab (on panel), and carriage-style doors. Each of these categories has substyles, such as raised panels with windows or natural wood carriage doors.

Before you choose your dream door, discuss the available options with your contractor. Not every garage door installation company offers every style or substyle. The contractor will review the brands, styles, materials, colors, and finishes they sell. If the contractor doesn't sell or install the type of door you want, consider an alternate model or a new garage door company.

Do You Need to Buy the Same Style Door You Already Have?

Simply stated - no. Even though you may have a classic single-panel model without windows, you can choose a completely different style for your first garage door replacement purchase.

Some homeowners choose to replace the garage door when they remodel their home's exterior. A total renovation in a dramatically different type of home décor is a top reason to consider a garage door style overhaul.

While you don't have to buy the same style, you will likely need to choose the same size door. If you don't plan to completely remodel your garage or create a different-sized frame, the new door will need to fit the existing opening. A professional garage door contractor can measure the space and make sure your new door is the same size as the old one.

What Should You Do If You Can't Choose a Style?

Have you've found a contractor you want to work with and they've given you plenty of garage door options? What if you don't know what to do next?

Choosing the just-right garage door style for your home isn't always easy. Unlike a new doorknob or mailbox, this exterior accent is a major investment. While doors are available in a range of prices, this purchase is likely to cost you more than smaller home upgrades. The wrong style choice could present unexpected, and unnecessary, replacement and re-installation expenses.

If you're not sure which style is your best option, discuss your wants, needs, and choices with a professional. An experienced garage door contractor has helped hundreds (or more) of homeowners who are just like you. The contractor can review each option, provide expert insight, and guide you through the decision-making process.

Along with the door itself, the contractor can provide you with hardware, color, stain, glass, insulation, and other upgrades to consider.

What Happens If You Aren't Happy with Your Choice?

Even if you've done everything you can to make the right choice, you still might not be happy with your new door. Whether the real-world version of the door isn't what you expected or you don't like the way it looks with the rest of your home's exterior, mistakes can happen.

Before you buy the door or schedule the installation, ask the contractor about return or exchange policies. If the company doesn't offer returns or exchanges, you'll likely need to pay for a new style out of pocket. Again, this is a potentially unnecessary expense. The contractor can possibly make changes or additions to the door to make it better fit your design wants or needs.

Instead of a second replacement, ask the contractor about stains (for wood doors), paint color changes (for wood and other doors), stylized hardware, faux finishes, or wood overlays. These upgrades can modify or change the look of the door - minus the added costs of replacement.

Does your home need a new garage door? Contact Guaranteed Door Service, Inc. , for more information.