15 Tips for Fuel Safety Month

In today’s competitive housing market, builders and remodelers are continually seeking ways to differentiate their projects and provide maximum value to their clients. One often-overlooked opportunity lies in an element that combines functionality, curb appeal and an exceptional return on investment (ROI): the garage door. The latest Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine highlights the significant impact a quality garage door can have on a home's value. The study underscores a remarkable ROI for garage door replacements, which as of this year is nearing 200%, making it one of the most cost-effective upgrades homeowners can make. This doesn’t just mean any old garage door will do – this is about the value that comes with adding a quality, durable and stylish garage door instead of sticking with a base line model that homeowners will have to replace soon, anyway. But what exactly goes into this ROI calculation, and how can builders leverage this to benefit both their projects and their clients? Understanding ROI in Home Improvements ROI, or return on investment, in the context we’re speaking about here, refers to the percentage of the cost of a project that is recouped in the form of increased home value. This calculation typically involves comparing the cost of the upgrade to the expected increase in resale value. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, garage door replacements top the list with a better ROI than any other upgrade you can make on a home. This high percentage is attributed to several key factors: Energy Efficiency : Many contemporary garage doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs – a benefit that appeals to both eco-conscious and cost-conscious buyers. Curb Appeal : The garage door is one of the most visible elements of a home’s exterior. A stylish, modern door can dramatically enhance curb appeal, immediately making the home more attractive to potential buyers upon installation. Durability and Maintenance : High-quality garage doors offer superior durability and require less maintenance, which is a significant selling point for homebuyers. Methodology of the Cost vs. Value Report Understanding the methodology behind this particular study can help builders and remodelers explain it to their customers. The report collects data from real estate professionals across the U.S., including appraisers, real estate agents and even remodelers. Each project, such as a garage door replacement, is clearly defined in terms of scope, quality of materials, and labor involved.  Detailed cost estimates are compiled from various reliable sources, accounting for regional pricing and labor rates. Real estate professionals then estimate the added value these improvements bring to a home’s resale price, considering factors like curb appeal, security and energy efficiency. The ROI is calculated by dividing the added home value by the project cost and expressing it as a percentage. The report also provides localized data to ensure relevance across different markets. The Case for Upgrading Garage Doors For builders and remodelers, promoting the installation of premium garage doors is not just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move to add tangible value to their projects. Here’s how: Differentiation in a Competitive Market : By offering high-quality garage doors as a standard feature, builders can set their homes apart from the competition. In a market saturated with similar offerings, unique and thoughtful upgrades can make a significant difference. Increased Customer Satisfaction : Homebuyers today are well-informed and value homes that offer both style and substance. A premium garage door meets these criteria, leading to higher satisfaction and potential referrals. Long-Term Value : Unlike some other home upgrades that may fall out of style or require frequent upkeep, a quality garage door provides lasting value. This longevity ensures that the initial investment continues to pay dividends over time. Practical Implementation To effectively pitch the idea of upgrading garage doors to clients, builders should emphasize the following points: Aesthetic Versatility : Modern garage doors come in a variety of styles, colors and materials, allowing for customization that complements any home design. Moving beyond the typical standard white door, builders can offer options that enhance the overall architectural theme of the home. Immediate Visual Impact : Highlight how a new garage door can provide an instant facelift to the home’s exterior, creating a strong first impression for potential buyers. Financial Prudence : Present the ROI statistics from the study referenced in this article to demonstrate the financial wisdom of investing in a premium garage door. This data-driven approach can be particularly persuasive for cost-conscious buyers. As you can see, incorporating high-quality garage doors into home design is a strategic decision that benefits both builders and homeowners, alike. With a proven high ROI, this upgrade is not merely an aesthetic enhancement but a smart investment that pays off in terms of increased home value, reduced maintenance costs and enhanced buyer appeal. For builders, offering premium garage doors can be a compelling selling point that differentiates their projects in a crowded market. As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and focusing on upgrades that provide substantial value is crucial. By prioritizing elements like garage doors, builders can ensure they are delivering homes that meet the modern buyer's expectations for style, functionality, energy efficiency and long-term value.

Haas Door , a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial garage doors, is excited to announce the addition of the sleek Espresso color option to its popular 2400 Series. Known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, the 2400 Series offers this bold, sophisticated color across all commercial and residential models, providing a stylish and modern choice for homeowners and businesses alike. The new Espresso option, already available in all insulated steel doors series, aligns with the growing trend for darker, low-gloss finishes in both residential and commercial installations. Customers can explore how the Espresso 2400 Series will look on their properties using the HaasCreate digital tool, making it easy to visualize the impact of this striking new option.  “Adding Espresso to the 2400 Series gives our customers even more flexibility in achieving the perfect combination of design and thermal performance for their home or business,” said Jeffrey Nofziger, Haas Door President. “We’re pleased to continue innovating with modern options that reflect current style trends and expand those colors across many thermal performance options.” For more details on the 2400 Series and the full range of Haas Door products, please visit haasdoor.com .

Haas Door , a leader in garage door manufacturing, is pleased to announce the addition of the Carbon Black color option for its Commercial Ribbed Steel Series. Designed to cater to modern commercial applications, this low-gloss, dark finish brings a polished and contemporary look to any industrial or business setting. The Carbon Black addition offers a sleek aesthetic that aligns with current trends for darker, bolder finishes in commercial design. As with all Haas Door products, the new Carbon Black Ribbed Steel Series provides both exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal, meeting the needs of commercial developers looking for both style and functionality. Users can see the impact of Carbon Black on their properties with the HaasCreate digital tool, which allows them to visualize the finish in real-time. “By introducing Carbon Black, we’re giving commercial customers a modern, stylish color option that complements our high-performance standards,” said Jeffrey Nofziger, Haas Door President. “We’re committed to providing options that enhance both the look and functionality of our commercial doors.” For additional information on the Commercial Ribbed Steel Series and other Haas Door products, please visit haasdoor.com .

Haas Door is proud to announce that their products’ U-Factors have now been officially verified by the ICC-ES administrator for the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association’s (DASMA) Thermal Performance Verification Program. Customers seeking accurate and reliable information about Haas Door's thermal performance can now easily locate and verify them on the ICC-ES website's DASMA directory . This verification signifies that Haas Door has successfully completed the required Quality audit and submitted the necessary program data, which has been rigorously verified and approved by ICC-ES.

Haas Door officially announced today the introduction of the Carbon Black color option for both the residential and commercial 2400 series of doors. “Carbon Black is a strong performer in our thermally efficient garage doors. Offering the color in our 2400 series allows us to expand the color to customers who don’t require high thermal performance,” said Jeffrey Nofziger, Haas Door President. “ We’re excited to extend this popular color option to the 2400 series, giving customers in all areas of the country and climates even more options to improve their home or building’s curb appeal. Carbon Black is a low gloss, deep rich color that adds elegance and longevity to any project or home.” Sleek and modern, a Carbon Black garage door perfectly complements black trim, shutters, and window frames on new construction projects or homes that need a refresh. The Carbon Black color has a richness and staying power that helps create seamless curb appeal on both homes and commercial projects. To learn more about Haas Door, please visit haasdoor.com .

Haas Door officially announced today the introduction of their Plank wood grain style options. The styles will be available for their 600, 700 and 2000 series, both residential and commercial. “We’re always motivated by trends customers are interested in,” said Jeffrey Nofziger, Haas Door President. “We obviously want to provide as many options as possible so everyone can find their perfect look with Haas Door. Plank, specifically, lends itself to the clean, long line designs we see with so many modern homes, and really pairs nicely with dark, neutral sidings and wood accent work.” The series is characterized by the modern, clean lines and use of individual boards strategically mixed in to create a unique look with every door produced. Haas Door offers three strong tending colors: American Walnut Plank, English Oak Plank, and Cedar Plank colors. The color offering ranges from a dark walnut to a lighter Cedar with a solid mid tone of Oak, allowing the unique wood grain aesthetic to be used with a wide variety of cladding colors. The Plank door options also come standard with a 12-year finish warranty. To learn more about Haas Door, please visit haasdoor.com .

Haas Door officially announced the expansion of its American Tradition™ Series. The series now includes 42 models in total, broadening the series’ reach into contemporary home styles while also adding even more options for homeowners looking for the traditional carriage house aesthetic. “We've reviewed the market demand for new styles in this category and have included the most popular requests,” said Jeffrey Nofziger, Haas Door President. “The American Tradition Series was already popular, but these new options are really going to take things to the next level. No matter the aesthetic you’re looking for, the American Tradition Series has something for pretty much anyone.” The American Tradition series offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. With two base door thicknesses to choose from, and ½” thick board overlays creating the different models, you have the flexibility to select the desired thermal efficiency needed for your region of the country. The base door comes in flush or v-groove, adding even more detail and style to the series. This combination provides dimension and authenticity that adds incredible curb appeal. Backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty, the American Tradition™ Series doors are the ideal choice to add the style and appeal of a genuine carriage house door while providing a stronger barrier to the elements than wood, improving overall performance. It’s the best of both worlds: beauty without sacrificing function. To learn more about Haas Door, please visit haasdoor.com .

Haas Door recently had the privilege of exhibiting the IDA Expo 2024, and what an incredible experience it was! For those who couldn't make it to the event, we want to quickly bring you up to speed on all the exciting developments and offerings we showcased at our booth. Coming Soon : New American Tradition and Plank Series Models One of the main highlights of our booth was the sneak peek we offered of some of our upcoming products, including new additions to both the American Tradition and Plank Series. The American Tradition series will see 30 new models added, providing a total of 42 models, broadening options in one of our most popular series. These models came from customer special requests and discussions with our dealer partners and end-customers about shifting preferences and updated style trends. One of our new contemporary models, the 9209 and the 9609, offer a unique look that attendees tended to love!

Whether you’re working in the garage door industry or own a home, it’s important to understand that the thermal efficiency of a garage door is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and comfort in a home. Traditionally, the Calculated R-Value has been the go-to metric for assessing insulation performance. However, recent advancements in the industry have finally brought us to using a far superior measurement metric: Tested U-Factor. The DASMA Thermal Performance Verification Program (TPVP) has revolutionized the way sectional garage door thermal performance is evaluated and communicated. Instead of relying solely on calculated R-Values, the program emphasizes the use of third-party tested installed door assembly U-Factors. But what exactly is Tested U-Factor and why is it superior to Calculated R-Value?