If your garage door has started to malfunction, you might be considering installing a new or upgraded door. Rest assured it is a smart investment. In fact, installing a new garage door yields about 84 percent in resale value, according to Remodeling Magazine. In addition to bringing you a solid return on your investment, a new garage door will improve functionality, enhance the appearance of your home's exterior, and ensure the protection of both your home's entryway and the contents of your garage. Because installing a garage door is an extensive job that involves some electrical work, heavy lifting and removal of the old garage door, it will likely require working with a garage door professional. Here are some factors to consider as you look to invest in a new garage door:A garage door will cost anywhere from $200 for single doors to $4,000 for two or more doors, with better materials accounting for the higher cost. Most homeowners report spending about $1,063 for the door and installation.
The total price should include the purchase of new tracks for the door to move along, as well as associated adhesives, connectors and fasteners. It is possible to save some money on time and labor by installing the door yourself; however, the sheer weight of some doors can pose a high risk of personal injury. If you think you'd like to attempt installation on your own, be sure to consult with your garage door retailer and choose a door that can be maneuvered safely.Insulation, which increases energy efficiency and can help to lower utility bills, is crucial when a garage door is attached to the home. In this case, doors with high R-values are preferred. This means it has insulation that can keep the heat in. The higher the R-value, the better insulated your garage will be against outside noise and cold and hot air. Well-insulated doors will have polystyrene or polyurethane foam in their construction. Some other factors to keep in mind when purchasing a garage door include:Installing a garage door involves:So it is always best to have a new garage door installed by a professional.
Make sure that any contractor bids include the cost of removing your old garage door and installing the new tracks and additional parts listed above. The style and material of the garage door you choose, as well as whether you wish to have a garage door opener installed, will also impact the cost of your final project. Typically, it will cost less to install a steel garage door without an opener than to install a custom wood door with a garage door opener. Recent innovations have also yielded high-tech doors with thick insulation and energy-efficient glaze, as well as finished interior surfaces and other significant upgrades. These are more expensive doors, but they are also extremely durable.Hire a Local Garage Door InstallerReplacing a garage door with a new installation usually averages around the same price as installing a new garage door. Homeowners might pay anywhere between $500 and $2,500 depending on a wide variety of factors including:The additional costs might include removing and disposing of the old door and hardware, so be sure to ask what's included in their quote.
Otherwise you could be looking an additional 20 percent for that portion of labor. There might also be additional charges for work like:It's imperative to have a professional inspect the garage ahead of time to prevent additional garage door repairs and maintenance down the road for you. Some signs your garage might need care ahead of the garage door replacement includes:The electronics should also be inspected before or after the replacement garage door panel is installed, to make sure your door will operate properly. The sensors prevent the door from closing on someone's foot or a pet. If they don't work, someone could be injured. Also check to make sure the door opener works, since you could otherwise be locked out of your garage. Garage door opener repair can cost between $100 and $300 depending on the extent of the problem.Contact a garage pro today.Return to TopThe type of garage door you select -- and any extra pieces or labor required -- will influence how much you pay to have it professionally installed.
Some garage door materials and styles are detailed below to help you compare:The first thing you should consider when selecting a material for your garage door is its longevity. Although a certain construction material can raise the price of a garage door, it may last far longer than a door made with less expensive material. Look for a door that will last at least five to 10 years. Each door material is offered in four different grades. Single-layer doors are the most affordable, but they are also most prone to dents and breaks. At the other end of the spectrum are costly heavy doors with thick insulation. These doors are expensive upfront, but they can withstand a lot more wear and tear than their cheaper counterparts. Available materials are as follows:There are four garage door styles available:Have you considered putting windows in your garage door? Windows can turn an ordinary door into a stunning masterpiece with the right placement. And they allow natural light into the garage, so it doesn't seem as dark and dank during the day.
For optimal light, place windows in the top section or near the third section of the door. Details like trim and panels can be customized on a garage door installation of any material or style for an extra price. Depending on how they're constructed, these frames and panels can be more than a decorative addition -- they can reinforce the strength of the door as well. Some roll-up garage doors offer the option of shatterproof glass or frosty plastic to add a modern touch; some designers create garage doors to pay tribute to the old-fashioned barn doors. Here are some customizations available to homeowners, as well as an explanation of what is included in their cost and installation:Basic stock garage doors don't have panel designs or glass. They can be customized, but it will increase the total cost of the garage door. The total cost of customization will not include installation, but it will include the extra parts needed for the door.In the mid-range, you can choose panels, glass windows and a few designs from a pre-selected list.