Why a New Garage Door Is a Smart Investment
When it comes to home improvements that deliver serious bang for your buck, replacing your garage door is at the top of the list. It’s one of the most affordable upgrades you can make—and one of the highest in return on investment (ROI).
According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your garage door offers an average ROI of 302.9% in the Chicago area — an increase from 2024’s already impressive 194%.
Why Garage Door ROI Is So High
It’s simple. Your garage door is one of the first things people see. If it’s dented, cracked, or dated, it brings down the curb appeal of your whole home. A new garage door immediately enhances appearance and gives the impression that the home is well cared for.
And this isn’t just aesthetic. The ROI numbers are based on resale value—meaning home buyers are actually paying more for homes with upgraded garage doors.
How It Compares to Other Projects
If you’re looking for home improvements that actually pay you back, garage doors lead the way. Compare that 302.9% ROI to other common projects in Chicago:
- Minor kitchen remodel: 50.9% ROI
- Vinyl window replacement: 75.5% ROI
- Steel entry door replacement: 84.7% ROI
These are all smart upgrades—but none beat or even come close to the return you get from a new garage door. Download the full 2025 Cost vs. Value report »
A Garage Door Delivers More Than Curb Appeal
Today’s garage doors offer much more than just a pretty façade. High-tensile steel construction, energy-efficient insulation, pinch-resistant panels, and heavy-duty tracks are standard on many modern models.
The 2025 study assumes the door includes R-12 foam insulation, weather seals, and insulated glass windows—features that make your garage more comfortable, efficient, and secure.
According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your garage door offers an average ROI of 302.9% in the Chicago area — an increase from 2024’s already impressive 194%.
Beyond ROI — Real Benefits of a New Garage Door
A new garage door doesn’t just increase your home’s value—it transforms how your home looks, feels, and functions day to day. From energy savings to enhanced curb appeal, today’s models deliver a mix of beauty, efficiency, and reliability that homeowners immediately notice.
Revitalize Your Home’s Exterior
With the garage door occupying a large portion of your home’s façade, updating it can dramatically enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal. With various styles and materials available—from classic carriage house style to modern full-view glass—you can easily find a door that complements your home’s architecture. A client once told me that changing their garage door felt like giving their 20-year-old home a facelift, significantly brightening their curb appeal.
Fast, Affordable, and Hassle-Free
Unlike most remodeling projects that take weeks or even months, a new garage door can be installed in a matter of hours. It’s a straightforward process that delivers instant results—and with no need to vacate your home, relocate your belongings, or live with dust and noise.
A Smart Move for Sellers
If you’re thinking of selling your home in the next few years, replacing the garage door is a smart pre-listing investment. It signals to potential buyers that the home is move-in ready and well-maintained. Plus, you’ll likely recoup the full cost—and then some—at closing.
Save Money on Energy Bills
If your garage is attached to your home, an insulated garage door can make a substantial difference in your energy costs. These doors help maintain the temperature in your garage and adjacent rooms, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems. One of our clients noted a noticeable decrease in their energy bills after installing an insulated door, especially since their master bedroom was directly above the garage.
Cut Overall Maintenance Costs
The garage doors available today are not only more durable but also designed to be low maintenance. Materials like steel, and composite wood resist warping, rusting, and cracking, which extends the life of the door and saves you money on garage door repairs. During a service call, a homeowner shared how relieved they were to replace their old wooden door with a steel one that didn’t require frequent painting of the garage door.
Helps Utilize Your Space
Your garage can be so much more than a place to park your car. Many homeowners use it as a home gym, workshop, or even a playroom. An upgraded, insulated door with modern safety features helps turn your garage into a functional and comfortable extension of your home.
Modern Features Add Even More Value
Today’s garage doors are smarter, safer, and more connected than ever before. Advanced openers, app-based controls, and built-in safety systems make managing your garage effortless while adding a layer of convenience and security that goes far beyond traditional functionality.
Embrace the Convenience of Modern Technology
Forest Garage Doors is a certified LiftMaster garage door opener dealer offering openers equipped with myQ smart technology for seamless smart-home integration. With myQ, homeowners can monitor and control their garage doors from anywhere, receive real-time activity alerts, and grant secure access to others—all from their smartphones. This technology enhances convenience, safety features, and peace of mind, while modern doors also feature built-in protections like pinch-resistant panels and automatic locking systems for added family security.
Ready for an upgrade? Whether you’re planning to sell or just want to make a smart improvement, a new garage door is one of the best home upgrades you can make. Forest Garage Doors offers a wide range of styles and finishes to complement your home and boost your ROI.
Source: 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, www.costvsvalue.com