Not Only for Parking

In recent years, with more home remodeling projects and new home sales, homeowners are paying greater attention to a space that was once largely overlooked: the garage. Modern trends include larger, more attractive doors, quieter openers, and smart connectivity options.

Enhanced Designs

Given that garages often occupy 40 to 50 percent of a home’s front façade, it’s no surprise that aesthetics are increasingly important. High-design doors are particularly popular among custom-home buyers, and the variety available today is greater than ever.

“Ten years ago, the options were mostly just raised panel designs,” says Dallas Miller of D&D Garage Door in Sarasota, Florida. “Today, homeowners can choose nearly any style they want.”

Miller notes a rise in wood overlays, recessed panels, and carriage house designs. Decorative hardware has also become highly sought-after. “Even buyers of moderately priced homes are investing more care and money into garage design,” he adds.

Larger Doors

In high-end beachfront homes with narrow lots, Miller observes that garages are being built with higher ceilings for additional storage. Wealthier homeowners are going even further by installing car lifts similar to those in urban parking structures, allowing a luxury vehicle to be stored above while a daily-use car is parked below.

In more typical housing markets, garages may not be taller, but the doors often are. Dennis Webb, Vice President of Operations with Fulton Homes in Tempe, Arizona, notes, “Our standard garage door used to be seven feet tall; now it’s eight feet.”

Both Miller and Webb report that more buyers are choosing wall-mounted openers instead of traditional ceiling-mounted units. Webb adds that his company offers wall-mounted units as an upgrade, with about 30 percent of buyers opting for them.

Greater Connectivity

Homeowners also want the ability to monitor and control their garage doors remotely. Manufacturers now offer smartphone apps that provide this convenience, including push notifications for any garage door activity.

Innovative solutions such as Apple’s HomeKit allow users to control the garage door from an iOS device and integrate it with other smart home accessories. For example, a single “scene” can turn off lights, close the garage door, and adjust the thermostat simultaneously.

Miller predicts continued growth in demand for garage doors compatible with voice control technologies like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa.

In short, builders who provide a combination of aesthetics, convenience, and security in the garage are likely to find a ready and eager market.