Garage Doors Second-Most Practical Home Improvement Item in Realtors' Cost Vs. Value Report

Garage doors rank second, behind only steel entry doors, in the 2010-2011 National Association of Realtors Cost vs. Value Report. The report identifies which products homeowners get the most "return," or value and usage, for their investment.

Published in Remodeling magazine, the report calculates the homeowner value of garage doors at 83.9 percent of their average cost of $1,291. The figure is based on survey responses from more than 3,000 homeowners who reported their home and remodeling expenditures in the past year.

Dealers and manufacturers told the source homeowners place a high value on garage doors for two main reasons: First, many garage doors (especially new models) can improve energy efficiency and decrease heating and cooling bills. Second, garage doors are often on the front of houses and visible from the street, making them important for curb appeal.

The full report can be viewed at www.remodeling.hw.net/2010/costvsvalue/national.aspx.