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It is highly recommended to prime a metal surface, like a garage door, before painting. Primer creates a stable surface for the paint to adhere to, which helps prevent bubbling, chipping, and peeling. This ensures the paint job will last longer. Painting metal without a primer can lead to poor adhesion and allow rust to bleed through the new paint. If the surface already has rust spots, you can cover them with a zinc chromate primer before applying the final coat. While priming adds an extra step and cost, it is a worthwhile investment for a durable, long-lasting finish. For best results, also use a paint specifically designed for metal.

It’s not safe to install a pet door on your garage door. Garage doors that tilt upward can roll up with your dog inside the door without you realizing it, making them dangerous and potentially deadly. Most dog doors also won’t fit on traditional garage doors, as they would need to span the panels, compromising the door’s stability.

For a garage to be included in a home's official square footage, it must qualify as livable space. This generally means it needs to be attached to the home and have permanent finishings like proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. To be considered livable year-round, it should also have heating and cooling. The specific legal requirements can vary by location, but if a garage is converted into a finished room meeting these criteria, it may be counted toward the total square footage.

Having a garage can increase the value of your home considerably, even if the garage isn't considered living space. Many people own cars and want a secure place to park their vehicles when they are home. 

If you decide to finish your garage and convert it into living space, you may affect your home's value. The livable space may increase your home's square footage, which can help its value. But, giving up the garage space may also negatively affect the sale price of your home.