Overhead Door of Permian Basin Blog!

Is your home looking and feeling a little blah lately? It doesn't have to! Try these great home facelift projects to give your home a boost.

Lawn Projects

One of the biggest curb appeals indicators is how well a home's yard work is done. Sometimes simply cutting the lawn more frequently can make a huge different. Try adding pops of color with pretty flowers. If you don't want to worry about the annual time and expense of planting flowers, consider adding perennial native plants and flowers. An additional benefit of this? Most plants native to our area are drought-resistant.

Roof Projects

Make sure that leaves, debris, and dust are kept off of your roof and gutters. One of the biggest reasons for this is that it enhances the durability of your roof and can add years to its life. Leaving debris on your roof not only decreases the longevity of your roof, it also provides an instant facelift for your home. 

You should also clean out your gutters regularly. Leaves and dust can form a "mud" in gutters, which reduces their effectiveness. It also increases the likelihood of leaks and damage to your home from water overflow.

Paint Projects

Keeping your home's paint fresh can be a bit of a pain to maintain. However, chipped and worn paint can make your house look a little sad. If you need a complete overhaul, be sure to consider complementary colors to make your home stand out. Check out this blog post from This Old House to help you choose the best matches for your house.

Garage Door Projects

Surprisingly enough, a new garage door can completely change your home's exterior. Tired, worn-out old garage doors may be dented, scratched, or faded. Additionally, new garage doors are usually quieter and more energy efficient.

Not sure where to start? Overhead Door offers free estimates on our services. It's important to find the perfect fit for you...both for use and visual appeal.

The official start of summer is just a few days away! Is your patio summer-ready? If not, don’t worry! We're here to help. Find out how to make your patio summer-ready!

1. Outdoor Cooking

Who doesn’t love a summer BBQ? Make it happen by purchasing a grill for your patio. When shopping, consider who you’ll be cooking for; mainly just your family or do you like to cook for a crowd? Depending on your answer (and the size of your patio), choose a grill with the right amount of burners. In addition to a grill, think about purchasing a pizza oven…perfect for patio pizza parties!

2. Pick your shade

Shade is very important in the summertime. If your backyard patio is not already covered, consider building an add on to shade your deck. This can also help to add value to your home! If that’s not part of the plan, you can always purchase a patio table with an umbrella attachment. Pick a bright, summer color that matches the rest of your patio decor.

3. Furniture

Another patio must? Furniture. Consider purchasing a patio furniture set that is not only stylish and comfortable, but weatherproof too. Look for words like “fade resistant” and “durable” when you’re shopping. You should also invest in several extra chairs (or maybe even a hammock) for when you have extra guests.

4. Make A Statement

Find something that really makes your patio pop! This can be a fire pit, a fountain, a brightly colored flower pot, or maybe even a small fish pond! A statement piece like this helps add to the ambiance of your patio.

5. Light It Up
You don’t want to wind things down just because it gets dark! Don’t forget to choose lights for your patio. These can be anything from string lights, to classic or citronella candles, or even tiki torches. You don’t want it to be too bright, just enough to light things up a bit.

Your backyard patio is essentially another room to your house. Make the comfort of your home flow into your backyard patio. Hopefully the tips above do just the trick! Happy summer from Overhead Door!

Just hearing the word "garage" can make some people cringe. They are so hard to keep clean and tidy! Check out our 5 brilliant garage organization tricks!

1. An easy way to organize small things (screws, bolts, nails, etc.) in your garage is to screw the lids of small, clear plastic containers to the bottom of shelf. Fill the containers with the little things you'd like to organize. You'll be able to easily see the things you need!

2. Place magnetic strips in your garage to easily organize different tools. Simply attach the strips to a tool bench or drawer and organize the tools along the strip!

3. Another idea for a tool (particularly screwdrivers) rack is to simply take a piece of wood and drill holes (as many as you need) along the board. From there, you can place the screwdrivers, handle up, in the board.

4. There are so many types of tape that you keep in your garage! To organize the different ones, make a small wooden box (preferable with wooden "walls" to keep them apart), attach a blade on one end of the box and there you have it…you own personal tape dispenser!

5. Don't forget about the old-fashioned (but always handy!) pegboard! You can arrange everything, from planters and foliage, to hammers, pliers, or even a broom and dustpan! Anything you can put up on the wall (and off the floor!) is a plus!

Hopefully, those garage organization tricks will help you keep your garage in order! For other fun tips and tricks like the ones above, follow our blog! And don't forget, Overhead Door is here for all your garage door needs…think of us first!

"Whenever I found out I was getting a new garage door, I was thrilled! It seemed silly to be so excited about something like that, but I knew it would give my home the facelift it needed. In preparation for my new door, I was inspired to clean out and organize my garage (shocking, I know) but it was time for some spring cleaning (in December)!

So, I began getting rid of junk and organizing what was left. After a weekend of work, and several trips to The Salvation Army, my garage looked pretty good! However, I felt like more could be done…

You see, I'm a 'all the way or not at all' kind of person. Like I said, my garage looked pretty good, but I wanted it to be great. Especially since my new garage door was set to arrive in 3 days! I had to figure out what would take it to the next level…and then I decided. A fresh coat of paint would make all the difference!

So I got (back) to work. First, I cleared everything away from the walls (shelves, racks, tables, etc.), then I began to sweep and scrubbed away all the dirt, dust, grease, and cobwebs (this alone made the place look new)! After cleaning, I patched any holes and nicks. I just happened to have a neutral beige color paint in storage. After thoroughly stirring, I painted the first coat of paint. To my surprise, that's all it took! I looked around, proud of my work. I was even more proud the next day when my new door was installed. It was the cherry on top of the sundae!

All of that to say, I could not be more happy with the way my garage door turned out. It adds such a new, fresh look to my home! I honestly regret not doing it sooner. However, I think that cleaning/organizing and painting the inside of my garage took it to the next level. I enjoy my new garage door even more because of the extra work I put in!"

-Carrie, a happy Overhead Door Customer

According to Remodeling magazines's 2015 Cost vs. Value survey, replacing a garage door is not only one of the most affordable home improvement projects, but also can nearly pay for itself. The survey makes an annual comparison of popular home renovation projects, and breaks down the results for consumers and homeowners.

According to the survey, the average cost to a replace a mid-range door with an upscale door to be $2,944, and found a $2,429 value of the project at home sale, which equates to an 82.5% return. This makes garage door replacement the second-best remodeling project in terms of return on investment (ROI) in the upscale home improvement category. In the mid-range home improvement category, the results were also positive; the survey revealed a garage door replacement delivers an average 88.4% ROI for homeowners, the third most affordable home improvement project in the category.

Looking for your home’s perfect garage door match? Try our DoorView™ Design Center, a visualization tool that allows you to mix and match garage doors on a photo of your own home that you upload into the tool. The Design Center is easy to use and is optimized for use with tablets and offers hundreds of door, style and color choices to find the perfect door.

The Cost vs. Value report is conducted in partnership with the National Association of Realtors. Hanley Wood, publisher of Remodeling magazine, asks NAR members nationwide to evaluate a variety of home remodeling jobs and then project the ROI homeowners could expect to receive when they sell their homes. The study, available at www.costvsvalue.com, details both the national average value returned for common renovation projects, as well as the expected ROI in nine U.S. regions and 102 U.S. cities.

Are you planning a major home improvement? Will you replace or upgrade your garage door this next year?

The weather is changing and pretty soon those chilly fall temps will be here to stay! Which means you need to insure your heater is working optimally and your house needs to be aligned for the dropping temperatures, BUT what about your garage? Normally the garage is forgotten about, but it can really make a difference in the temperature of your home (as well as your heating bill!)

Here are a few things you can do to get your garage ready for fall!

Check your remote batteries: Cold temperatures can drain the batteries in your garage door opening remote. Make sure to replace your old remote batteries. No one wants to be stuck outside in the winter!

Use your garage door: Using your garage door daily keeps it from freezing shut, and ultimately everything will work better. If those temperatures do get below freezing, add a little salt to the ground to provide sure footing.

Grease it up: Most mechanical devices need a little grease every now and then. The cold causes metal to contract and will place an added strain to all working parts on the door. Be sure to apply a generous amount of lubrication to the hinges, bushings, and roller.

Check your seals: Last, but not least, your seals need to be tight and trim. This will affect the insulation in your garage as well as your heating bill. If the seals are not installed correctly or are starting to erode, cold air will start to seep in and cool your house.

All of these checks can be do-it-yourself, but if you need our professional help, don't hesitate to contact us! Or, if you think fall is the perfect time for a new garage door look, you can request a FREE design consultation. Our garage door experts will come out and give you an idea on cost and what look is best for your home.

It's the last day of summer! Can you believe it has already come and gone?

In order to prepare for the upcoming fall season, we are giving you a few fall chores you can complete quickly and easily. Last week, we helped you transform your garage floors.

(We told you it would make a difference!)

This week, we are helping you with deck and driveway repair/fall preparation. Take a look!

Keep your deck looking great through fall with a little TLC!

1. Sand the surface of your deck with 80-grit sandpaper and sweep clean.

2. With a roller or push broom, spread deck cleaner (allowing it to set for the recommended amount of time).

3. Scrub tough areas you may have missed with a stiff (non-metal) brush.

4. Spray the deck off thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer.

After using the TLC tips above, consider staining your deck. It's easy! Follow the steps below:

1. Wait 2 days for your deck to thoroughly dry.

2. Cover deck boards 2 at a time with a thin, even coat of stain (well shaken) using a roller or sprayer.

3. Be sure to coat corners, steps, railings, etc. with a paintbrush.

4. Repeat the process until the deck is entirely covered.

(Tip: 2 thin coats are better than one thick!)

The long, hot summer might have caused your driveway to crack. Here's how to repair the damage!

1. Prep your driveway by removing any dirt or vegetation with a wire brush and broom. Flush out any remaining debris with a garden hose. Let dry.

2. Repair the cracks by applying pourable crack filler or stone grade crack filler (according to package directions).

3. Let it cure! Wait at least 24 hours (maybe even up to 48) before driving or walking on the repaired area.

There you go, some deck and driveway repair tips for fall! Make sure you follow us on Facebook for all kinds of other home DIY tips & tricks! At Overhead Door, we take pride in the look of your home and want to make sure it looks the best it possibly can. That's why we provide a aesthetically appealing product that not only protects your home, but is meant to last.

For all your garage door needs, think Overhead Door!

Summer is winding down and you may be looking for one last home renovation project...

But you don't want anything that will take too much time or money…and you want something that will actually make a difference and maybe even add to the value of your home!

Have you ever considered changing your garage floor? It may be just the thing your garage needs. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes!

Find out how to transform your garage floors!

If your concrete garage floors are already painted, follow the steps below:

1. Remove any peeling or flaking paint and sand the surface to ensure proper adhesion.

2. Apply a garage floor epoxy (it is best to choose a package containing not only an epoxy base color, but the activator, Deco-Flakes {optional}, degreasing powder, and nonskid additive) according to package directions. Look to make sure you get enough to cover your entire garage floor.

3. Next, apply an acrylic glaze coat according to label directions. It may be necessary to apply more than one coat.

4. You can add a nonskid additive for additional slip-resistance, if preferred.

If your concrete garage floors are unpainted, follow the steps below:

1. Prepare your floors by removing surface debris (putty, oil, dirt, paint, etc.)

2. Apply epoxy concrete floor coating according to label directions.

3. Following floor coating, apply garage floor epoxy according to package. You should try a test area before covering the entire floor.

4. You can add a nonskid additive for additional slip-resistance, if preferred.

Easy enough, right? A perfect home renovation project that makes a difference without taking much time or money! For more information on how to make your garage the best on the block, browse our blog section. We also have a virtual design tool to help you find the perfect door…try it out!

If you are even considering doing home improvements, taking ROI into account beforehand is a wise decision. What will you make your money back on? Will spending this much over improve my home? How should I prioritize my remodel? These questions and more will be answered as we discuss how to increase your home's ROI.

According to Remodeling Magazine (http://www.remodeling.hw.net/) you're less likely to recoup your investment in a major kitchen or bathroom remodel than you are to get back what you spend on basic home maintenance such as new siding. Surprising, isn't it? This is because home buyers are afraid of maintenance costs. They don't want to move in and have to replace a roof or repair the siding. So, believe it or not, you may make more money back on simpler improvements.

Location, Location, Location

It seems cliché, but it's true! The improvements you make to your home, and the corresponding ROI, are often dependent on your location. For example, you would not want to put a $3,000 kitchen sink in a $150,000 home. It doesn't make sense, you wouldn't see a return. Additionally, in most areas, kitchen and bathroom remodels see over 100% return, due to a couple of factors:

1. These are the most expensive areas of a home in terms of construction.

2. These are the areas where people generally spend the most time.

What Should You Choose?

So, when remodeling, what should you choose? This is largely dependent upon when you see yourself moving. If you think you'll be there awhile, choose to remodel with things you love (within reason, of course), or colors that go with your current decor. However, if you plan on moving soon, choose neutral colors and traditional looks that would typically satisfy the majority of people.

There's another home improvement feature that easily generates ROI that may also surprise you... ...but you have to take a look at Part 2 to see what it is!

Yep, your garage door could use a makeover. And guess what? It may not be as hard as you think!

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way when it comes to a garage door. In fact, it can be the finishing touch to your home's exterior makeover. Let's learn how to paint a garage door to get the best aesthetic results for your home!

How To Paint A Garage Door:

Door-

1. Begin with a 2in wide brush. After thoroughly mixing the paint, start with the top panel of the garage door. Paint into the recessed area of the panel, starting at a corner and continuing around the perimeter.

2. Paint the remainder of the panel, until it is entirely complete. Wipe away any excess paint that has overlapped onto the stiles. Repeat until all the panels on your door are complete.

3. Starting at the top corner and continuing around the walls, paint around the perimeter of the garage door itself, in 2in-3in wide sections.

4. Using a roller, paint the stiles around the perimeter of each individual panel. Continue until the garage door is complete.

Frame-

5. Using your brush, paint the inside frame of the garage door, starting at the top and continuing down the sides until the frame is complete. Wipe away any excess paint.

Trim-

6. Paint the side edges of the trim (where the trim meets the wall), starting at the top corner. Continue until all edges are complete.

7. Finish your garage door by painting the face of the trim, across the top and down the sides.

Painting a garage door is an easy spring fix for your home! It's pretty surprising what a difference a coat of paint can make. If your garage door is in good working order, there isn't a point to purchasing a new door entirely. However, think of us first when the time for replacement comes! We have a wide selection of both residential and commercial garage doors and unbeatable service to match!