While a new garage door is one of the top home improvements for value, the replacement cost often comes with a hefty price tag, nearly $1,600 on average. Here are several ways you can boost your garage door’s look and overall curb appeal while sticking to a budget.

Use a Garage Door Hardware Kit

Love the look of a carriage-style garage door? You can upgrade your plain door for under $25 and less than an hour of your time with a garage door hardware kit like this one from Home Depot.

Upgrade from Faded to Faux Wood

If your painted aluminum garage door has lost its livelihood, you can get the look of a faux wood door for a fraction of the cost of a real wood door. Simply power wash your garage door, clean with vinegar and water, rinse, and apply a gel stain. A quart of gel stain typically runs around $15, and depending on the size of your door, this project can be wrapped up in less than a day. Here’s the full how-to.

Insulate Your Door

Photo from frugallaintcheap

Insulated garage doors come with a heftier price tag than non-insulated doors. An insulated garage door will help control temperature in your garage and adjacent rooms, lower utility costs and cut down on street noise.

Luckily you can achieve this upgrade with a few hours of your time. Using reflective roll insulation, this DIY-er insulated their garage door for under $50.

Add Windows

Simulate the look of a windowed garage door in minutes with DIY plastic adhesives. They come with a 15-year warranty and the frames are paintable to match your specific garage door. This project will run you approximately $100 but give you the look of a completely new door.

Any home improvement that will boost your overall curb appeal is an investment worth making. For more DIY homeowner ideas, follow us on Pinterest.

If you’re thinking of tackling larger home improvement projects, download our free Rehab & Construction Guide for information about financing renovations into your mortgage.