When it comes to home improvement projects, homeowners want to know the cost-versus-value figures so that they can see how much of their project expenses they could potentially recoup and how much more value is added to their home. According to the 2021 Cost Versus Value Study, put together by Remodeling magazine, garage door replacement is the No. 1 project for recouping value for homeowners. The study says that 93.8% of what you spend on your new garage doors is value added back into the home, and you get the impressive perk of greater curb appeal.

"It's more than a new door in pretty much the same design you had before," says Neal Jansen, owner of The Door Works in New Jersey. While a subtle refresh adds value, garage doors with a modern design can add extra value to your home. Think about door designs with more metal and glass for an on-trend industrial look and feel if that suits the design of your home. Think about window placement in the door, such as a row of glass panes across the upper section of the door. Garage doors with stylish windows are more on trend than solid, traditional doors. "Be open to new garage door designs by asking your garage door designer to show you examples of doors in the same footprint, just with different materials and colors," says Jansen.

Speaking of colors, it's OK to challenge the idea that the garage door color has to be the same as the front door color for a balanced look. While there is truth in that theory, consider sliding the color scale just a bit, staying in neutral shades of the same color. "That slight color difference can modernize your garage door design, as well as for the house overall," says Jansen.

With design and color modernized or simply refreshed according to your liking, know that new garage doors are likely to be available in energy-friendly materials for better insulation. Talk with your garage door designer to pick out Energy Star designs that fit requirements for a possible tax deduction for your home project. Whichever model you select, insulation of your garage door system can keep your space warmer and prevent cold from seeping in, causing cold floors and possibly frozen pipes. "I have arthritis, and before I got our new garage doors, I couldn't stand in my garage workshop for very long. The cold and dampness would just hurt too much," says Art Biggins of Syracuse, New York. "With the new, insulated, modern doors, that dampness was gone, and now I can spend more time working on my projects in the garage."

And finally, look to pattern as a way to modernize your garage doors in subtle design: horizontal relief patterns, vertical lines or barn door style crossbeams can change your home's entire look. For materials, consider on-trend steel, wood, fiberglass or aluminum glass. Another great way to modernize your new garage door's design is to add simple, inexpensive hardware options like handles or faux handles just for design.

It's usually a quick design project that can satisfy your need for change without having to disrupt your life for weeks, like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom would call for. And a new garage door transforms an entire house -- a fine reward for your time and investment.