Picking The Right Garage Door

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A garage door does much more than secure belongings in your garage these days.  According to the article below, it can actually boost the value of your home.  Curb appeal is something potential home buyers look at, and a garage door affects that aspect.  So, if you are wanting to replace your old door and opener with something new, read the article below to get your wheels turning.

Choosing a door for the garage? Consider these three points

The visual impact of the garage door may be significantly greater than that of the front door.

By BRANDPOINT for Maine Real Estate

If you’re buying a garage door this fall, you’ll be faced with several decisions that you probably never had to make before. Before you call your local garage door dealer to make that purchase, here are some of the new decisions that you need to face.

The design decision:

Remember the old adage that the front door is the most important design element in the home? It’s not true any more.

In most homes today, the visual impact of the garage door is many times greater than that of the front door. Studies have even proven that your garage door design can affect the appraisal value of your home.

Today, manufacturers offer hundreds of new, unique and stunning looks. Design experts recommend that you choose a door design that blends in well with your home design, complementing its overall appearance. To do that, match the door with your home’s exterior colors, textures and patterns.

To help you with your design decision, the garage door industry has created the free consumer site www.garagewownow.com, which contains dozens of photos of the latest garage doors from many manufacturers. Plus, most manufacturer websites now feature a “door designer” that lets you see how different designs will look on an uploaded photo of your own garage.

New opener decisions:

The garage door and the opener are two separate items, but they are often purchased together. And since today’s openers offer many more features and accessories than ever before, you’ll have several new decisions to make.

• AC vs. DC: Openers with DC (direct current) motors, which were rare 10 years ago, are now widely available. DC and AC motors are both durable and reliable, but DC motors are quieter, and they allow the door to soft-start and soft-stop, instead of clanging to an abrupt stop.

• Accessories: Here, the decisions are many. For example, you can now operate and monitor your garage door from your smartphone. You can also get a battery backup unit, a real lifesaver in a power outage.

When you consider motion detection, music speakers, mini transmitters, automatic deadbolt locks, LED lighting, external keypads and more, you’ll realize how far openers have come.

New thinking on insulation:

Insulation isn’t a new decision, but there is new thinking to consider. “The garage acts as a ‘buffer zone,’ much like the vestibule to a restaurant or a grocery store,” said Joe Hetzel, P.E., technical director for the garage door manufacturers’ association.

“An insulated garage door makes it easier to control the heating and cooling costs for the home.”

This new “buffer zone” thinking considers garage door insulation as a must. Fortunately, insulation typically pays for itself. Dow Chemical recently reported that, for every $100 you invest in an insulation project, you generally get a return of $117 in recouped energy costs.

“Once you get an insulated door, you never go back to uninsulated,” said Ed Hermanns, a door dealer in New Jersey and president of the International Door Association. “Most of our customers today buy an insulated door, and that number seems to increase every year.”

You might be buying a new garage door out of necessity, but as it turns out, it’s a smart purchase. An upscale garage door replacement delivers the highest return on investment for all upscale remodeling projects in the new 2017 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine.

So, while you have a few decisions yet to make, you’ve already made the good choice to get a new garage door. After you add the latest designs and technology, you’ll have a chance to admire all your choices every time you pull in the driveway.

Source: http://www.pressherald.com/2017/09/20/choosing-door-garage-consider-three-points/

New LiftMaster Opener for More Security

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At Lincoln Electric Garage Door Co. we are proud carriers and service providers for LiftMaster automatic garage door openers.  Their openers come in a variety of kinds from very basic models to WiFi enabled models.  LiftMaster has just recently come out with a new opener, however, that offers an extremely high level of security for garages.  Who wouldn’t want more security for their home?  Learn about the new product in the article below.

LiftMaster Increases Garage Door Security with New Automatic Garage Door Lock

Automatic garage door deadbolt security solution offers an additional layer of protection for homeowners

News provided by LiftMaster | Aug 01, 2017, 09:00 ET

OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — LiftMaster®, the number one brand of professionally installed garage door openers and access solutions, introduces the new Automatic Garage Door Lock,
the industry’s first accessory deadbolt that works in tandem with
select new LiftMaster openers. The Automatic Garage Door Lock provides
an extra layer of protection for the home’s largest door, securing it
every time it closes. 

More than 70 percent of homeowners use the garage as the main access point to the home, making safety and security a top priority for new and existing residents. Like a deadbolt for your front door, the Automatic Garage Door Lock renders the garage door virtually impenetrable, automatically engaging and disengaging when it opens and closes. An audible click is heard when the lock engages, providing homeowners with the assurance that the garage door is closed and secure. LiftMaster’s Automatic Garage Door Lock works with new 8550W Elite Series, 8587W Elite Series and 8360W Premium Series garage door openers.

“For more than 50 years, LiftMaster has engineered cutting-edge products that work together to deliver comprehensive garage security,” said John Villanueva, Vice President and General Manager, Residential Access Solutions. “Add-on accessories like the Automatic Garage Door Lock reassure homeowners that their garage – a main access point to the home – is safe and secure, whether they’re out running errands, at work or at home putting their children to bed.”

The Automatic Garage Door Lock seamlessly integrates with the LiftMaster MyQ® app, which sends a smartphone notification if the garage door is left open and allows homeowners to close and secure it from anywhere with their smartphone.

To learn more information about the Automated Garage Door Lock and increase the security of your home, please visit LiftMaster.com. Find your nearest LiftMaster Dealer at LiftMaster.com/Locate-a-Dealer.

About LiftMaster
LiftMaster is the number one brand of professionally installed residential garage door openers, as well as a major manufacturer of commercial door operators, residential and commercial gate operators, telephone entry systems and related access control products. Driven by the access and security needs of the marketplace, LiftMaster’s expansive line of state-of-the-art residential and commercial products are designed to fit any lifestyle or application, providing the latest technology and innovations in safety, security and convenience. More information at LiftMaster.com.

For media inquiries, contact:

Juliette Alper, Edelman
Juliette.Alper@edelman.com 
Office: 312-297-6918

Paul Accardo, LiftMaster
Paul.Accardo@liftmaster.com
Office: 630-516-5356
Mobile: 630-201-3573

SOURCE LiftMaster

Related Links

http://www.liftmaster.com


Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liftmaster-increases-garage-security-with-new-automatic-garage-door-lock-300497156.html


Automatic Doors Help Your Business in 3 Big Ways

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If you are building a business from the ground up or remodeling your business, you should take the time to think about what kind of doors you want to use.  We highly suggest automatic doors because they improve three big factors.  Learn what those three factors are and how they would be improved in the article from NABCO below.

Three Reasons to Spec Automatic Doors

September 23, 2015 / For Architects, Industry Insight

It’s important to keep a building’s occupants happy — you certainly don’t want to turn people away at the door! Whether you’re working on a renovation or new construction project, here are 3 reasons to include automatic doors in your specification:

1. Convenience.
In many cases, a person’s experience with a company begins at the entrance and ends as he or she exits the building. Doors can make or break an experience. The use of automatic doors will improve the experience for your users — shoppers with carts and/or bags; business professionals with suitcases and laptop bags; and parents with small children or strollers all welcome the ease of entry/exit through automatic doors.

2. Accessibility.
Automatic doors improve the ease of accessibility for those who may not be able to physically open a door. To provide comfort for pedestrians in wheelchairs or with a disability, low-energy power operated doors comply with ADA and satisfy the ANSI A156.19 standard while meeting the needs of slow-moving pedestrians.

3. Sustainability.
In general, an automatic door closes faster than a manual door. It can help prevent outdoor air from entering the building, which means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain the indoor temperature. To further reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool the building, you may want a vestibule with both external and internal sets of automatic doors to act as a temperature “buffer zone.”

Source: http://nabcoentrances.com/blog/three-reasons-to-spec-automatic-doors/

Close Those Garage Doors

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Despite this news story being from Wichita, Kansas it holds true for homeowners all across the country.  For those of us with garages in Arizona, it might be thought to keep your garage doors open in the heat. The officers interviewed in this article explain why that makes your house an easy target for burglaries.  Keep reading below to find out more.

Police remind you to keep garage doors closed

By Published:   Updated: 

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – With the weather getting warm, it may be tempting to leave your garage door open. Officers say don’t do it.

“Unfortunately, there are individuals that are driving around looking for open garage doors, looking for something to take quickly,” says Officer Charlie Davidson with the Wichita Police Department. “And having an open garage door is something that leaves you susceptible to having something taken quickly.”

Davidson says this time of year, when the weather heats up, burglaries heat up as well.

KSN went for a drive, and within minutes, found an open garage door. It was at Randy Roger’s house.

We stopped down the street and walked to the house. It wasn’t 20 seconds later that Rogers came outside to see what was happening in front of his house.

“I’m usually real careful about it, if it’s open I’m here or around or in the kitchen,” explained Rogers about his open garage door.

We asked him if he normally keeps his garage door closed if he’s not near the garage.

“If I’m not going to be within sight or sound distance, then I will,” said Rogers.

In fact, we found Rogers to be a bit of a neighborhood watchdog.

“One of the things we did when we moved in we had a brunch with the neighbors. We would get to know who lived in what house and that house,” said Rogers.

Officers say that’s a perfect way to keep yourself from becoming a victim.

“Get to know your neighbors. Get to know them on a first-name basis. Get to know their activities. Have them help you watch your property while you are watching their property,” says Davidson. “Get their phone number and if you see their garage door is open, you can call them and just say, ‘Hey, I wanted to let you know that I saw your garage door open and I wanted to make sure you were home and make sure you were aware of it.’”

Officer Davidson says if you do see someone breaking in and stealing, just call 911.

“I really caution someone to confront anyone they think may be a burglar. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way,” says Davidson. “But call us. That’s why we’re here and that’s why we’re employed, to come and keep this community safe.”

Police also remind you to do the other little things to keep yourself from becoming a crime victim, like locking your doors. And, get a lock on the garage doors.

KSN talked with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department two weeks ago, and they say burglaries are on the rise this time of year. And that includes car burglaries.

“Just keep it locked and don’t leave the keys inside,” says Davidson. “It’s the obvious things that make a difference.”

Source: http://ksn.com/2017/06/12/police-remind-you-to-keep-garage-doors-closed/

Factors That Contribute to the Cost of a Garage Remodel

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According to HomeAdvisor, “most homeowners spent between $5,773 and $16,108” on their garage remodels with the average cost being $10,638.  If you have been considering redoing your garage or simply adding some updates, then the factors described below are worth knowing about in order to do the remodel nicely, efficiently and cost efficiently.  Read more on this below.

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Garage?

The cost to remodel your garage will be based on how you will use your new space. Transforming a garage into a new master suite with a bathroom, an office workspace, or a small apartment–all are common garage remodeling projects that involve a lot of cost variables. Other garage projects to make the existing space more spacious and organized will cost less.

Add Windows

If your garage doesn’t have any windows, you can add some. This is especially important if you want to list it as a bedroom or rent it out. It will need to have an egress window, which means one big enough for a person to escape through in case of a fire.

Plumbing & Electricity

Most garages are already outfitted with existing electricity for automatic garage door opening and lighting. They are not often fitted for plumbing though. So if you want to turn your garage into a living space with a bathroom or intend to use it as an office space, you will need to have plumbing installed and likely add more wiring and outlets to the room for additional electrical devices.

Heating & Cooling

Adding an HVAC is another option that might exist in your garage, depending on your climate. If not, it will be another factor in your garage renovation costs should you decide to make it into a usable space.

Interior Walls & Insulation

You’ll most likely need to add interior walls and a ceiling with insulation if it’s going to be a bedroom or office space. This will help keep your remodeled room as comfortable as the rest of your home. Since the space is already framed and has walls, it will also be a cheaper option than an addition.

Interior Design Cost Factors

Once you get past the basics, total cost will vary based on what types of materials you choose to finish the room. You have a wide variety of flooring options available, from the original concrete to carpet or laminate. Carpet and laminate will stay on the lower end of the cost spectrum, and hardwood will increase remodel costs depending on the type. If you intend to make it into a bedroom, you will need to consider furnishings like a bed, dresser, nightstand and decorations. If you plan to install a bathroom, you will need to think about a bathtub or shower, countertops and mirror.

Expanding Garage

If you decide to simple expand the space to make more room for tools or storage, you might deal with the costs of interior walls and ceiling space. If you intend to keep the space the same and just change it on the inside, you will only worry about buying storage and organization tools: racks, shelves, containers and so forth. These will vary in cost depending on how many you need and whether you decide higher quality ones or the cheap options. For example, you could buy plastic shelving or metal wire shelving, and the price will be different depending on brand and height.

Source: http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/garages/remodel-a-garage/

 

Popular “Smart Home” Features

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As technology developers continue to top themselves, there are more and more features that homes can have to make them “smarter”.  As houses are put on the market to be purchased, real estate agents and brokers know what buyers are looking for, and the five listed below are some of the most sought out.  We especially love #3, and can help you make it happen at your home.

5 smart home trends homebuyers want in 2017

Agents should stay sharp on the newest technology and how it will save their buyers money in the long run

By Kayla Matthews

  • People are willing to spend more for smart home tech, and as such, real estate agents need to be well-versed in things like smart thermostats, leak detection sensors and home security trends.

IoT, or the “Internet of Things,” is bringing some amazing trends to pass. The platform involves connected devices of all kinds. A great example of this is smart home technology.

As a real estate agent, you might think this technology is beyond your needs. Not only that, you might think there’s little to no use for it in your industry.

However, smart home technology and IoT may make it easier to sell homes and real estate, especially to younger audiences. A recent survey revealed that 86 percent of millennials are willing to spend more money to rent a place with smart home technology already implemented.

If they’re willing to spend more on rent, it stands to reason they’re willing to spend more for a home purchase.

That same survey found 65 percent of baby boomers are willing to spend more to rent a place with smart home technology. Although that number is significantly less, it’s still pretty substantial.

If anything, it shows that smart home technology is quite popular these days. So popular, in fact, that 80 million smart home devices were delivered globally in 2016, which is a 64 percent increase from the prior year. Those numbers are expected to continue climbing well into 2017.

Considering those stats, now is the time to get on board with IoT and smart home technology.

But what are the most viable trends that you should be on the lookout for? What technology is in high demand from homebuyers? More importantly, how will it help you make a sale faster and move some homes?

1. Leak detection sensors

Fire alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, radon detectors, moisture detectors — these are all devices that help you keep the home environment safe. There are even air quality devices that measure the air inside a home and identify dangerous toxins.

A Coldwell Banker Real Estate survey revealed that safety devices — like the detectors mentioned — are a large part (56 percent) of what qualifies a homes “smart” in the eyes of those polled.

Why is any of this important? Because we all need to feel safe at home, and smart technology that can handle this kind of monitoring can help us with that.

Perhaps the most useful of these devices is the smart leak detection sensor. They monitor the plumbing in your home and walls to ensure there are no major leaks or malfunctions. This can help you prevent serious water damage or the buildup of mold and mildew inside your walls from a slow leak.

This could be a game-changer for those older homes with lots of character, which can be a crapshoot in terms of dependability.

For example, is there central heating and cooling? Is the plumbing outdated or worn down? What other elements of the home need to be updated?

Installing smart leak detectors in new and older homes can waylay some of this worry.

2. Connected thermostats

For homeowners, energy consumption is a big deal. The more power and energy you use, the higher your electric bill is going to be.

You constantly have to manage how much energy you’re using, and that involves monitoring several different aspects of your home, including lighting usage and air conditioning reliance.

Connected or smart thermostats can help alleviate this problem by conserving energy over time. They are much more advanced than simple, programmable thermostats.

They will learn your habits and preferences and can even detect your presence. This allows for scenarios like leaving the air off while you’re not home and letting it auto-adjust to a comfortable temperature when you’re on your way.

Ecobee and Nest, smart thermostat manufacturers, claim you can save anywhere from 12 percent to 23 percent of power consumption costs. Even so, it’s still money saved, and, in today’s world, any amount of money back in your pocket is a good thing.

Smart thermostats can help you sell a property, especially if you drive home the idea that they offer cost savings and better energy efficiency. Not to mention, something like the Nest thermostat can double as a central hub to interface with and control other smart home products.

3. Smart garage doors

Have you ever left home and realized you left your garage door is wide open? With a traditional door, you must return home to close it. With a smart garage door, you can monitor your garage door from anywhere.

Check the open or closed status from an app on your smartphone, and, if it’s open, you can close it, even remotely. You can be miles and miles away from home and still control your garage door.

This opens up a world of possibilities, too, like letting the dog or house sitters in through your garage or opening your home to emergency services or neighbors when you’re gone. Now imagine explaining all this to interested homebuyers. It’s an easy sell, right?

Smart garage doors offer both convenience and better security for the homeowner.

4. Smart watering systems

Another form of consumption homeowners need to be wary of is their water usage. Not just in terms of clean water for drinking, cleaning or bathing but also the water used to irrigate land.

If you live in a deed restricted community, you keep your grass trimmed and healthy or you risk fines and complications. But, at the same time, you may be restricted by law as to the amount of water you can use due to water shortages and droughts.

Smart watering systems make this process much simpler and more efficient.

Not only can you schedule watering sessions, but you can also keep track of how much water you’re using. This is important because it can help you keep your water consumption to a minimum, and it can also help you save money over time.

5. Smart home security cameras

Security is a huge concern these days. You don’t need to look far at all to see something concerning.

According to Safewise, a burglary occurs every 18 seconds in the United States.

A report by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology shows that about 60 percent of convicted burglars were deterred by the presence of a home security system.

The takeaway here is that home security matters, but for homeowners, the cost savings are also a concern. Most home security solutions, like the ones offered by ADT or Brinks, are expensive. There’s a certain cost you must deal with if you want to protect your home.

But if you have a smart home security camera, those costs are pretty much negated. You only need to pay for the equipment once, and any service fees are minimal compared to conventional security plans.

For example, Canary offers up to 30 days of cloud video storage, 24/7 remote incident support, an extended warranty and a homeowner’s insurance reimbursement, and their service is only $9.99 a month.

A property with smart home security cameras pre-installed will be both safer and cheaper in terms of operating costs for that security system. Again, this should be another easy sell for real estate agents.

With the demand for and convenience of smart home tech, real estate agents should stay sharp on the newest trends and how they will save their homebuyers money in the long run.

Kayla Matthews covers smart technology and future trends for websites like VentureBeat, Curbed and Motherboard. You can read more posts by Kayla on her personal tech blog: Productivity Bytes.

Email Kayla Matthews

Article image credited to scyther5/Shutterstock

Source: https://www.inman.com/2017/04/19/5-smart-home-trends-homebuyers-want-in-2017/