If you’re wanting to increase the interior space in your home, then converting your garage may be an excellent option. Giving up the space that you use to store your vehicles can add much needed square footage to your home’s living areas. In comparison to adding an extension, a garage conversion is simple, stress-free, and inexpensive. A key aspect of this transformation is selecting the right garage door to complement the conversion. Choosing a garage door for a nontraditional use involves more than aesthetics, it affects energy efficiency, security, and functionality.
Here are three important factors to consider when choosing a new garage door for your garage conversion project:
1. Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Garages are often not built with the same insulation standards as the rest of the home, but if you’re converting your garage into a livable or functional space, energy efficiency is crucial. In order for your garage to become a pleasant environment to spend time in, you’ll need to make sure that your new garage door provides adequate insulation. Insulated garage doors help regulate the temperature inside, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This is especially important if you live in an area with extreme temperatures.
The best style of garage door to improve insulation in your new living space is a three layered door. These have an interior and exterior skin with a middle layer of insulation in between. Consider a garage door with a high R-value. A higher R-value means better insulation.
Common options include:
- Polystyrene insulation: Offers moderate insulation and is more affordable.
- Polyurethane insulation: Provides superior insulation and soundproofing, perfect for converting your garage into a space like a home office, studio, or workout room, where comfort and noise control are important.
Additionally, insulated doors help lower energy costs by reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems. Garage doors are responsible for around 71% of energy loss from a garage’s interior. By investing in a well-insulated door, you can ensure your newly converted space is comfortable year-round.
2. Style and Design
When converting your garage, you’ll want the exterior to match the rest of your home’s aesthetic. The garage door plays a significant role in your home’s curb appeal, so it’s essential to choose a design that complements the architecture and style of your home.
When you’re buying a door with a garage conversion in mind, the appearance from the inside is equally as important. Creating a comfortable and attractive living space means you need a garage door that functions as an interior wall and makes it feel like a room instead of simply a garage with some furniture in it.
Consider factors like:
- Material: Garage doors come in a variety of materials such as wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Wood offers a classic, timeless look but requires more maintenance, while steel and aluminum are durable and can mimic the look of wood without the upkeep.
- Colors and Finishes: Choose a color and finish that blend seamlessly with your home’s existing palette. Many manufacturers offer custom colors or wood grain finishes to give your door a more personalized look.
- Windows: Adding windows to your garage door not only enhances its visual appeal but also lets in natural light, which is ideal if you’re converting the space into a workshop, gym, or studio.
Selecting the right design ensures your converted space is visually pleasing both inside and out.
3. Accessibility
When converting your garage into a functional living or working space, accessibility should be a top priority. Whether you’re converting the garage for personal use or for someone with limited mobility, choosing the right entry door can make the space more usable and convenient. Carriage-style garage doors, with their classic charm and advanced serviceability, are an excellent option when accessibility is a key consideration.
Benefits of Carriage style garage doors:
- Wide Openings: These doors typically have larger, unobstructed openings, making them perfect for conversions where wider entry access is required—such as if you’re using the garage as a workshop or gym where equipment needs to be moved in and out.
- Custom Swing or Slide Options: Unlike traditional overhead garage doors, some carriage style doors offer side-hinged or sliding options, which can be more accessible and easier to operate for individuals who prefer not to deal with lifting heavy overhead doors. This also reduces wear and tear on the door, enhancing its longevity.
- Elegant and Versatile Design: While highly functional, carriage doors are known for their timeless, rustic appeal. They mimic the look of old-world carriage doors, featuring decorative handles, hinges, and window options. Their blend of charm and practicality makes them a great fit for garage conversions where you want both beauty and convenience.
Whether you’re converting your garage into a guest suite, an accessible home office, or even an art studio, carriage style garage doors provide a timeless look with modern convenience. Their sturdy construction also ensures durability, so they will serve you well for years while enhancing your home’s overall value and accessibility.
Conclusion
Choosing the right garage door when converting your garage is crucial to ensuring the space is energy efficient, stylish, and accessible. With the right insulation, design, and security features, your garage conversion can become a seamless and valuable extension of your home. Take the time to explore your options and select a door that enhances both the function and appearance of your new space.
If you want professional advice regarding the style, materials, and properties for your new garage door, contact the garage door experts at A Plus Garage Doors. With over 15 years of experience in supplying and installing garage doors, they can find the ideal door for your garage conversion.
