Garage Doors and Entry Doors Deliver the Highest ROI in 2025 Remodeling Projects
When planning home improvements, most homeowners want to know one thing: which projects offer the best return on investment (ROI)? Whether you're preparing to sell your home or simply want to make smart upgrades, understanding ROI helps you prioritize projects that deliver real value. According to the latest industry data, garage door and entry door replacements consistently rank among the top remodeling projects for ROI in 2025, often - and perhaps surprisingly - outperforming even kitchen and bathroom renovations.
At Door Systems, Inc., we've helped countless Kansas City area homeowners boost their property values through strategic door upgrades. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why
https://www.doorsystemsinc.com/garage-door-repair-services and entry doors offer such impressive homeowner returns and how you can maximize your investment.
Why ROI Matters in Home Remodeling
Return on Investment (ROI) in remodeling is the percentage of project cost that’s recouped through increased home value at resale. In 2025, homeowners remain laser-focused on ROI—not just for aesthetic upgrades, but for projects that make financial sense.
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to improve your home wisely, understanding which upgrades provide the best return is key. That’s where resources like the Cost vs. Value Report come in. Compiled annually, it evaluates which remodeling projects deliver the most bang for your buck across U.S. regions—helping homeowners and contractors make smart, data-backed decisions.
2025 Cost vs. Value Report Overview
Source of the Data
The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report by
Zonda Media (as cited in the
Door & Access Systems
Winter 2025 edition) provides a reliable benchmark for homeowners seeking to evaluate the ROI of their remodeling investments. This respected annual report surveys thousands of contractors, real estate professionals, and appraisers across the country to compile real-world cost and value data by region.
How ROI Is Calculated
ROI = (Resale Value ÷ Project Cost) x 100
For each project, the report analyzes:
- Average Cost of completing the upgrade
- Estimated Resale Value added to the home
- National and Regional Averages to show how geography impacts results
An example of a calculation would look like this: if a garage door replacement costs $4,000 and adds $7,600 to your home's resale value, the ROI is calculated as 190% (($7600 ÷ $4000) x 100).
The data in this report reflects actual market conditions, which is why it’s trusted by both homeowners and professionals alike.
Garage Door Replacement ROI in 2025
National Average ROI for Garage Doors
Garage door replacement has once again taken the top spot for best remodeling ROI in 2025. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners are seeing ROI percentages as high as 193%, and in some U.S. regions, it climbs even higher. This means that for every dollar you invest in a new garage door, you can expect to recoup nearly two dollars when you sell your home. That’s an amazing return!
This exceptional performance isn't subjective or a one-year anomaly. Garage doors have objectively maintained their position as a top-performing remodeling project for years, consistently outpacing many more expensive and elaborate renovation projects. The combination of reasonable project costs and strong resale value makes garage door replacement one of the safest bets in home improvement.
Cost vs. Value Breakdown
The typical Garage Door Replacement Cost in 2025 ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for a standard single-car or double-car garage door installation, depending on the material, style, and features you select. This relatively modest investment can increase your home's resale value by $6,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Average Garage Door Replacement Cost: $3,000–$5,000
- Average Resale Value Added: $6,000–$10,000+
- Average ROI: 190%–200%+
These numbers are staggering, especially when compared to more expensive projects like kitchens or bathroom remodels that often yield ROI below 70%. What makes garage doors such a standout performer? Unlike kitchen or bathroom remodels that can easily run $20,000 to $50,000 or more, garage door replacement delivers impressive value at a fraction of the cost. You're investing in a highly visible, functional upgrade that buyers immediately notice and appreciate—without breaking the bank.
And these ROI calculations don’t take into account your energy efficiency savings on top of it.
Why Garage Doors Add So Much Value
The secret to garage doors' exceptional ROI lies in their impact on curb appeal. Your garage door is one of the largest visual elements of your home's exterior, often comprising up to 30% of your home's street-facing facade. A worn, outdated, or damaged garage door immediately signals neglect to potential buyers, while a new, attractive garage door suggests a well-maintained home.
First impressions matter tremendously in real estate. When potential buyers pull up to a property, they make snap judgments about the home's condition and value within seconds. A beautiful new garage door creates an instant positive impression that influences how buyers perceive the entire property. This psychological impact translates directly into higher offers and faster sales.
Modern garage doors also offer practical benefits that buyers value. Today's garage doors are more energy-efficient, stylishly designed, and durable, making them attractive to buyers and appraisers alike.
Entry Door Replacement ROI in 2025
Steel Entry Doors Lead the Pack
Steel entry doors are another home run in the 2025 ROI race. The combination of relatively low project costs with strong resale value recovery makes entry door replacement an exceptionally smart investment.
Steel
Entry Doors in particular have become increasingly popular due to their durability, security features, and energy efficiency. Modern steel doors are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes, including options that convincingly mimic the appearance of wood without the maintenance requirements. This versatility allows homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic while benefiting from steel's superior performance characteristics.
Entry Door Cost vs. Resale Value
The average cost of entry door replacement typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the door style, hardware, and installation complexity. Despite this modest investment, homeowners regularly recoup 75% to 100% or more of their costs at resale, with some markets showing even stronger returns. That’s nearly double your investment, making entry door replacements a top contender for budget-friendly upgrades with significant resale potential.
- Average Entry Door Cost: $2,100
- Average Resale Value Added: $4,100
- ROI: 97%–102% on average
Regional ROI Trends Across the U.S.
Top Performing Regions
ROI performance varies considerably across different U.S. regions, with some areas showing exceptionally strong returns for garage and entry door replacements. Garage and entry door ROI percentages exceed the national average in several areas:
- Midwest (e.g., Kansas City, Chicago)
- South Central (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma)
- Northeast (e.g., New England states)
These regional variations can be substantial. A garage door replacement that achieves 190% ROI nationally might deliver 210% or even higher in top-performing markets. Understanding your regional market dynamics helps you make more accurate predictions about your expected returns and ensures you're comparing your project to relevant benchmarks rather than national averages that may not reflect your local reality.
Why ROI Varies by Region
Several factors contribute to regional ROI variations. Housing Market Demand plays a primary role - in hot markets with limited inventory and strong buyer competition, upgrades like new doors can command premium returns because buyers are willing to pay more for move-in-ready homes that stand out from the competition.
Climate and Durability needs also influence ROI. In regions with harsh winters, severe storms, or extreme temperature swings - like Kansas City - buyers place a higher value on doors that offer superior insulation, weather resistance, and durability. A garage door or entry door that can withstand ice storms, high winds, and temperature extremes represents not just an aesthetic upgrade but a practical necessity that buyers are willing to pay for.
Buyer Preferences and Local Architectural Styles further impact ROI. Certain door styles and materials resonate more strongly in specific regions based on local building traditions and aesthetic preferences. In the Kansas City area, for example, doors that complement both traditional and contemporary architectural styles tend to perform best because they appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers.
Garage Doors vs. Other Remodeling Projects
ROI Comparison
When you compare garage door replacement to other popular remodeling projects, the value proposition becomes crystal clear. Major kitchen remodels, often considered the gold standard of home improvement, typically cost $40,000 to $70,000 or more but may return only 50% to 60% of the investment at resale. Bathroom renovations follow a similar pattern, with costs of $15,000 to $30,000 yielding returns of 60% to 70%.
Exterior projects like vinyl siding replacement or window replacement generally perform better than interior renovations, often achieving ROI percentages of 70% to 90%. However, these projects typically require investments of $15,000 to $25,000 or more. Garage door replacement stands out by offering the best of both worlds - lower costs than most other exterior upgrades combined with higher ROI percentages than most any other project. This combination of affordability and return makes garage doors the clear winner for budget-conscious homeowners seeking maximum impact.
Garage Door Replacement vs Common Remodels:
| Project | Avg. Cost | Avg. ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Garage Door Replacement | $5,000 | 193% |
| Minor Kitchen Remodel | $26,000 | 71% |
| Bathroom Remodel | $24,000 | 66% |
| Window Replacement | $21,000 | 68% |
| Siding Replacement | $17,000 | 89% |
When you look at the
Cost vs. Value, garage doors win in both
affordability
and
impact.
Best Remodeling Choice for Resale
If you’re planning to list your home in the next 12–24 months, exterior upgrades consistently outperform interior luxury projects. Real estate agents know buyers form opinions from the curb—new doors send the message: this home is well cared for.
For homeowners who aren't planning to sell immediately, garage door and entry door replacements still make excellent sense. You'll enjoy the aesthetic improvements, enhanced security, better energy efficiency, and improved functionality every single day. Then, when you do eventually sell, you'll recoup most or all of your investment. This combination of immediate enjoyment and strong financial returns makes door replacement one of the smartest investments in home improvement.
Why Garage Door Upgrades Are a Smart Investment
Curb Appeal and Buyer Psychology
The visual impact of a new garage door cannot be overstated. Because garage doors are so large and prominently positioned, they dramatically transform a home's appearance. A dated garage door can make even a well-maintained home look tired and neglected, while a fresh, modern garage door creates an impression of quality and care that extends to buyers' perceptions of the entire property.
Buyer psychology research consistently shows that
people make emotional decisions and then justify them rationally. When buyers see a home with attractive curb appeal, including a beautiful garage door, they immediately feel more positive about the property. This emotional connection influences everything that follows. Ultimately, they're more likely to notice the home's positive features, overlook minor flaws, and make stronger offers. The
perceived home condition based on exterior appearance often matters more than the actual interior condition when it comes to generating buyer interest and competitive offers.
Durability, Safety, and Efficiency
Beyond Aesthetics, Modern Garage Doors offer Substantial Functional Benefits
- Insulated cores - Today's insulated garage doors provide excellent thermal performance, helping maintain more stable temperatures in your garage year-round. For attached garages, this insulation reduces heat transfer between the garage and your home, lowering heating and cooling costs while improving comfort in rooms adjacent to the garage.
- Secure locking systems - Security has also improved dramatically in modern garage door systems. Reinforced construction, advanced locking mechanisms, and smart opener technology with rolling codes and encryption protect your home from unauthorized access. These security features give homeowners and buyers peace of mind, particularly in an era when home security is a top priority for many families.
- Materials designed for Midwest climate - Long-term performance represents another key advantage. Quality garage doors from professional manufacturers are built to withstand decades of daily use and harsh weather conditions. Proper installation by experienced professionals like the team at Door Systems, Inc. ensures your garage door operates smoothly and safely for years to come. When you factor in the durability and low maintenance requirements of modern garage doors, the long-term value proposition becomes even more attractive.
Final Thoughts: High ROI Remodeling Starts at the Door
When it comes to smart remodeling projects, garage and entry door replacements are unmatched. With 2025 ROI percentages reaching or exceeding 190%, homeowners are seeing double the return on some of the most affordable exterior upgrades available.
If you're ready to boost your home's value, curb appeal, and energy efficiency, start at the door, and let the experts at
Door Systems, Inc. help.
Call Now or Request a Free Estimate
FAQs
1. What home improvement project has the highest ROI in 2025?
Garage door replacement ranks #1, with ROI exceeding 190%–200% in many U.S. regions. Steel entry door replacement also performs exceptionally well, typically recovering 75%–100% or more of the project cost. These exterior door upgrades outperform most interior renovations, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, while requiring significantly lower upfront investments.
2. Why does garage door replacement offer such a high return on investment?
It’s a low-cost project that drastically improves curb appeal and buyer perception, increasing resale value more than its cost.
3. How much does a garage door replacement cost in 2025?
The typical garage door replacement cost in 2025 ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for a standard single-car or double-car garage door installation. The final garage door service cost depends on several factors, including the door material (steel, wood, composite), insulation level, style and design features, hardware and window options, and opener system upgrades.
4. Do entry doors also provide a strong ROI?
Yes, entry door replacement delivers excellent ROI, particularly steel entry doors. Homeowners typically recoup 75%–100% or more of their investment when selling, with some regions showing even stronger returns. Entry door replacement costs range from $1,500 to $3,500, making it an affordable project that significantly enhances curb appeal, improves energy efficiency, and increases home security—all attributes that buyers value highly.
5. Which entry door material offers the best ROI?
Steel entry doors consistently offer the best ROI among entry door materials. They combine durability, security, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements at a competitive price point. Modern steel doors are available in numerous styles and finishes, including realistic wood-grain options, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic while benefiting from steel's superior performance.
6. How does garage door ROI compare to kitchen or bathroom remodels?
Garage door replacement significantly outperforms kitchen and bathroom remodels in terms of ROI. While a major kitchen remodel might cost $40,000–$70,000 but return only 50%–60% of the investment, and bathroom renovations might cost $15,000–$30,000 with 60%–70% returns, garage door replacement typically costs just $3,000–$5,000 while returning 190%–200%+ of the investment. This means garage doors deliver both higher percentage returns and better absolute value compared to these more expensive interior renovations.
7. Does garage door ROI vary by region?
Yes. ROI is typically higher in the Midwest, South Central, and Northeast due to market trends and climate durability needs.
8. Is garage door replacement worth it if I'm not selling right away?
Absolutely. Even if you're not planning to sell immediately, garage door replacement offers valuable benefits you'll enjoy every day. Modern garage doors provide improved insulation that reduces energy costs, enhanced security features for peace of mind, quieter operation and smoother functionality, and dramatically improved curb appeal you'll appreciate every time you come home. Plus, when you do eventually sell, you'll still recoup most or all of your investment, making it one of the few home improvements that delivers both immediate enjoyment and strong long-term financial returns.
9. Are garage doors better than other exterior upgrades for ROI?
Absolutely. They outperform siding, windows, and even entry doors in most markets
About Door Systems, Inc.
Door Systems, Inc. has been the unsurpassed leader in the Kansas City area, with professional garage door and entry door installation, repair, and maintenance services. Our experienced team is committed to helping homeowners maximize their property values through quality door solutions that combine exceptional performance with outstanding aesthetics. Whether you need garage door spring repair, a complete garage door replacement, or entry door installation, we deliver expert service and superior results.
