A smoothly operating garage door makes life a lot more carefree. Here's what to budget for one, and other key factors to keep in mind.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garage Door?
Updated on May 28, 2024
For many of us, our garage door serves as the main entry point into our homes. So when it doesn’t roll well or is unwelcoming, it can make us feel hassled whenever we leave the house or come home. Having a nice, properly-installed, well-maintained garage door can really make a difference to our overall happiness and state of mind.
If you need a new garage door, here’s what to expect regarding the cost and what features to keep in mind while shopping around.
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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garage Door?
Installing a garage door typically costs between $1,200 to $3,500, depending on the door’s material, design and insulation. Doors without electric motors are usually the most affordable option. Adding an electric motor can increase the cost by around $800. Other options that can raise the price further include those that you can open with a phone app, or that include an inset man-door.
Factors That Affect Garage Door Installation
The main factors that influence the cost of a garage door include:
- Insulation type
- Windows
- Design
- Materials
- Size
- Site preparation
- Labor costs
- Removing doors with lead paint
- Building permits (if applicable in your location).
“Technological features like smart-home connectivity and cameras also add to the expense,” says Jon Russell, Director of Systems at Precision Garage Door Service. “Also, the type of drive for the door opener, whether it’s a chain, screw, belt or wall mount, can affect the total price.”
Can I Install a Garage Door Myself?
Yes, but unless you’re very handy, some experts recommend against it because of the complexity of the job. “There are a lot of factors involved, and if any one of the steps isn’t followed correctly, then the entire system won’t work at all,” says Brandon Walker, superintendent at ASAP Restoration.
Some of the trickier parts of the job include:
- Leveling the track
- Determining the spacing of the tracks
- Tensioning the counterbalance system
- Aligning panels
- Attaching the motor system, and
- Setting up the safety devices properly
Russell also recommends against DIYing garage door installation due to the high risk of injury. “Garage doors are heavy, often weighing more than 400 pounds, and require precise handling to avoid accidents,” he says. “It’s also highly dangerous when homeowners try to adjust or remove any parts that can be essential.”
If you install your garage door, Russel says common mistakes to avoid are ordering the wrong size springs and other components and using the wrong tools to handle the door’s springs, like long screwdrivers or 1/2-inch drive socket extensions.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Garage Door?
If no glitches occur and no construction adjustments are needed, a garage door can be installed in a couple of hours to a day, depending on the number of amenities involved and the door’s size.
How to Choose the Right Garage Door?
Besides price, there are a couple of major factors to consider when buying a garage door.
Existing Infrastructure
Your home’s existing features will be the biggest determining factor in choosing a garage door. “The space for the door will be dictated by the opening already framed in, and the amount of track and paneling needed will be dictated by the height of the door opening,” says Walker.
If you need to change the existing opening for the door or add wood framing, that will likely increase the costs by a thousand dollars or more.
Aesthetics and Amenities
Other major considerations are the door’s appearance and extras like insulation, unique designs and other options meant to make your life easier.
“Pick a garage door with an electric motor if at all possible,” says Walker. “This way, you won’t have to exit your vehicle every time you want to get into the garage to open its door.”
And once your new door is in place, don’t forget to do regular maintenance, according to Russell. “It usually costs about $90, and helps your door stay in top condition over the years,” he says.
About the Experts
Brandon Walker is a superintendent at ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Arizona. He has been in the painting and construction industry for more than 20 years, starting as a teenager and working his way up to running his own company. Some of his commercial projects have included Planet Hollywood and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa.
Jon Russell is Director of Systems at Precision Garage Door Service, a Neighborly company. He’s fostered his knowledge of installation and management in the garage door industry through previous roles at the company, including Vice President of Operations and as a corporate trainer, overseeing operations across many states.
