Does your home's exterior need an upgrade? Take a look at the do's and don'ts of garage doors, replacement, and your next home improvement project.

Do Call a Professional First

You can buy a new garage door without professional help. But that doesn't mean you should. A garage door replacement and sales contractor can:

• Measure and fit the space. While most garages are standard sized, yours may have a slightly different shape or opening. If you don't know what size door to buy, a contractor can measure the space and help you to find the best model.
• Give you options. What style or brand of door do you want? Whether this is your first experience with a replacement or you haven't shopped for garage doors in years, the contractor can help you to explore modern options that add to your home's exterior appearance.
• Help you to choose the best material. Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are top choices. The contractor can explain the pros and cons of each option and help you to select the right replacement.

Not only can a garage contractor help you to choose the best door for your home, but they can also walk you through the replacement process. This can help you to understand your options and the installation timeline.

Don't Always Focus on the Existing Décor

If you have absolutely no plans to change the exterior of your home, you should coordinate the door with the existing décor. But if the replacement is part of a larger renovation project, you won't need to focus on the exterior colors or style. Instead of the old décor, if you plan to remove or upgrade, consider:

• The overall aesthetic. What will your home's exterior look like after the renovation? Unless you want to create an eclectic, mismatched type of style, the new door should flow seamlessly with the rest of your future home design.
• The full color palette. You don't have to match the garage door color to the rest of the exterior. But you should consider how it coordinates—especially if you plan to paint the door or you've already selected a bold/noticeable color.
• The renovation timeframe. Will you upgrade the entire exterior at the same time? If the renovation will take place over the course of months or more, a neutral door that matches both the existing and future exterior décor is an option to seriously explore.

Some renovation decisions aren't set in stone. If there's a possibility you'll make changes during the design process, a neutral door that works with multiple styles is the best choice for your replacement project.

For more information about garage doors, contact a local professional.