Did you know that no matter what type of garage door you have, replacing your garage door will provide the highest return on investment of any home improvement project? Make the cost of replacing garage doors very worthwhile.
Corresponding Remodeling 2021 Cost Value Report, you can expect a 93.8 percent ROI for this low-cost task. In addition to improving access to your home, replacing the garage door improves curb appeal, which increases the value of your home. Additionally, the cost of replacing the door is minimal compared to other items on your list.
The average cost of replacing a garage door
According to home services website Fixr, the average cost to replace a garage door is $993. In the US, door replacements range from $474 for a non-insulated steel door to $4,120 for a custom wood door with an automatic opener and windows. However, there are many pricing factors to consider.
Factors that affect the cost of replacing a garage door
The price of replacing a garage door depends on several factors; the type and size of the door and your geographic location are just a few. Other elements that influence the price are:
type of door–Whether a single panel, hinged or rollable, some types are more expensive than others.
features– Garage door features such as windows and equipment packages increase costs. To save money, opt for a plain door with no extras. Of course, you can always jazz up a simple finish by painting a garage door yourself.
material type–Some material choices cost more than others. For example, according to The Home Depot, a wooden door can cost five times as much as a steel door.
Amount of Garage Insulation – A door’s R-value depends on the thickness of the door, its material, and the amount of insulation. If your garage is attached to your home, professionals recommend the highest R value you can afford.
type of opener–Obviously, a manual door costs less than one with an automatic opener, which ranges from $128 to $390, according to The Home Depot. And the installation fee for the opener is about $97.
work– According to Jon Russell, franchise business coach and technical training manager at Precision Door Services, a neighborhood company, the labor cost to install a garage door ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the location.
What type of garage door is the most expensive?
Some doors are more expensive than others because of their construction. Here are different types of doors, their average costs, and the pros and cons of each door.
- Hinged door–Made from a single panel, the tilting door does not curve. Instead, it swings outwards and then up and down parallel to the ceiling. Since they swing out, your driveway needs to be long enough to accommodate the required clearance to open without hitting your car. Single leaf doors are the cheapest option, with prices starting around $400, according to Fixr.
- sectional door– An overhead door consists of horizontal sections that roll up and across the room. Because they don’t swing out, they’re ideal for shorter driveways. The most popular choice, they start at around $750.
- rolling gate–The roller door has more horizontal sections than the sectional door, which allows it to be rolled up into a tube above the door opening. This type makes the most of space, freeing up the ceiling for extra storage. Unfortunately, starting at around $850, they’re the hardest option to paint.
Material costs garage door
Garage doors come in a variety of materials. The type of material used is a factor in the price of the door. Here are several door materials, their average costs, and the pros and cons of each material.
Advantages:
- Strong and durable
- Steel comes in a variety of design options
- Low maintenance
Disadvantages:
- Bad insulator
- Prone to dings or dents
- Can rust
aluminum–Aluminum is slightly more expensive than steel and a lightweight alternative for a manual door.
Advantages:
- Lighter than steel
- It will not rust or corrode
Disadvantages:
- Prone to dings or dents
- It doesn’t last as long as steel
vinyl–Vinyl doors range from $700 to $2,500. They are a low-maintenance option for homeowners who want the look of natural wood without the maintenance.
Advantages:
- Easy
- Delivered insulated
- Affordable option
Disadvantages:
- Not recommended for extreme temperatures
- Not customizable
wood–Wood is your most expensive option, starting at around $1,000. Homeowners choose wooden doors for their beauty and versatility. With wood, the customization options are endless.
Advantages:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Fully customizable
- Can be painted or stained to match your home
Disadvantages:
- The most expensive option
- Requires constant maintenance to prevent damage and wear
composed–This blend of fiber and resin is the perfect choice for homeowners who want the look of wood without the constant maintenance. The price of a wood composite door ranges from $750 to $5,000.
Advantages:
- Easy-care alternative to wood
- Easy to isolate
- Strong and durable
- Can be painted or stained
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than other options
- Not as customizable as wood
fiberglass– Not as popular as other options, owners of beachfront homes choose fiberglass doors because of their resistance to salt. And they are priced on par or slightly more expensive than vinyl.
Advantages:
- Durable and shockproof
- Not prone to rust or corrosion
- Do not require maintenance
Disadvantages:
- Bad insulator
- Not recommended for extreme temperatures
- Not customizable
The cost of additional garage door features and accessories
If you keep a workbench or exercise machine in your garage, you might want a door with windows. Or maybe you like the aesthetic that special trim kits bring to your home. These extras add to the overall cost of the door. According to Russell, there are other characteristics of garage doors that homeowners should compare as they contribute to the overall price.
According to The Home Depot, windows can increase the price by $300 to $500. Grips cost about $100. And other accents up to $250.
The cost of installing a DIY garage door versus a professional garage door
“Replacing your door isn’t very DIY-friendly,” says Russell. “And more often than not, when a homeowner tries, they call a professional door company to complete the project for them.” Let’s face it, garage doors are heavy and cumbersome and, according to Russell, are at least a two-person job. You may also need special tools to wind the springs on some door types. And in some places, a building permit increases project costs.
How to hire a professional
If hanging your new garage door sounds like too big a project, it’s time to find a professional to do it right. First, ask friends and neighbors with whom they found the right contractor for you. If you need more names, check out professional websites like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Read online reviews and testimonials before narrowing down to one or two contractors to interview. ‘During the interview, make sure they install the doors themselves,’ Russell suggests, ‘and they don’t outsource their door installations to another contractor or do it individually.’
Are you ready to improve your home’s value and curb its appeal? Use this checklist of costs and options to make the best choice for replacing your garage door. Then every time you come home you will take one look at it and smile.