After years of clearing snow off my car before going anywhere in the winter months, we have decided to build a garage. What are some things we should know as we consider the purchase of a garage door?

It goes up, it goes down. But a garage door can do a lot more. A new garage door. . .

Can increase the value of your home.
An online survey says that 71 percent of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it increased the value of their home. When real estate agents were shown "before" and "after" snaps of houses that upgraded with new, stylish garage doors, they increased the list price of the home anywhere from 1 to 4 percent. That means a $2,000+ investment in a garage door could increase the sale value of your home by as much as $7,000 if you're selling a $175,000 home. See some dramatic "before & after" photos at GarageWowNow.com, and you'll see the difference a new garage door can make.

Can be a chic fashion statement.
People are becoming style conscious when replacing their garage door. On many American homes, the garage door claims a third of the façade, so it's a snap to quickly make over the look of your house. You easily increase curb appeal when you choose from hundreds of different looks in elegant and stylish carriage house, contemporary or raised panel doors.

Can protect against powerful winds.
Reinforced garage doors are now available to help your home stand up to brutal winds. Researchers studying the wind effects of devastating storms know that garage doors are often the entry point for severe damage. A new, strong garage door is an integral part of maintaining the structural integrity of your home.

Can see you.
Photoelectric eyes mounted about six inches above the floor cast an invisible beam across the door opening and provide extra protection against entrapment. If a door is closing and a child or pet runs underneath the door, the beam is broken, causing the door to automatically reverse.

Can keep your house cleaner.
Why traipse dirt in through the front door when you can enter through the garage? With a keyless entry pad mounted outside your garage door, you can leave muddy shoes or boots and drenched coats in the garage and keep your house cleaner.

Can open even during power outages.
A popular accessory sold with new garage door openers is a battery back-up system that allows you to use your opener for several times, even after the loss of power to your home. This wonderful feature prevents you from being trapped outside in a storm.

Can express your individuality.
Choose a fashionable contemporary or carriage house garage door, and your house instantly stands out from the crowd in your neighborhood. Check them out by viewing the "Garage Door Styles" page at GarageWowNow.com.

Can help accessorize your life.
Many new garage door openers switch on lights in your home as you pull up the driveway. Some alert you if you left the garage door open. You can even make a fashion statement with your garage door remote by customizing it to match your car's interior.

Can go up in a snap when installed by a professional.
Don't try to install the door yourself—it's a complex and dangerous task. Be sure to have a professional install any garage door; the cost of installation is well worth it. A professional can do the job in a few hours and haul away the old door. Find a professional near you at GarageWowNow.com's "Your Local Garage Door Professionals" page.

Really IS the new front door.
A nationwide survey of consumers said that 71 percent of homeowners use their garage door openers to get into their homes every day. The key to the front door is now the garage door's remote control and keypad.

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C.R.S., Inc. · Spokane, Washington · USA