Every homeowner has a different set of reasons for wanting to replace their home’s garage door. Some want to improve energy efficiency, while others are more interested in curb appeal and resale value. There are also plenty of people who just get sick of looking at their old or ugly garage doors or can’t stand the thought of calling to schedule another round of repairs.
No matter why homeowners start looking into new garage doors, there’s one question that’s almost always on their minds. How much will it cost? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, this article will offer some insight into how to tell if a garage door replacement will fit in the family’s budget.
Average Cost of Installing Garage Doors
The reason there are no one-size-fits-all answers when it comes to overhead door pricing is that costs vary significantly from place to place, and even from project to project. The average cost of overhead door replacement is a little over $1,600. However, averages can be misleading, so homeowners shouldn’t base their decisions about how to fit new garage doors into their family budgets based on that one number.
It’s important to note that it can cost significantly more to install a brand-new overhead door on an addition or garage expansion. Depending on the style of the door and the materials used to make it, the price could range as high as $4,000. If a researcher polled 10 homeowners regarding how much they paid for their garage doors, that one person who had a brand-new, luxury door installed would throw off the average significantly.
Factors That Influence Cost
Whether a door is new or will be replacing an older model is just one of many factors that influences garage door costs. Others include:
- The size of the door.
- Where the home is located.
- Whether the door is manual or automatic.
- If the contractors will need to remove the old door.
- Whether the door is insulated.
- What type of material is used
Homeowners who want to customize their doors or install upgrades and accessories can also expect to pay more than those that opt for standard models.
How to Keep Costs Low
While it’s true that there are many factors influencing the cost of replacing garage doors, there are also plenty of things buyers can do to keep costs low. They include:
1. Choosing a Basic Style
Sticking to a basic design is the best way to stay within the family’s budget. It may be tempting to start adding custom elements or upgrades, but each one of them will increase the price.
2. Make a List of Must-Have Features
There are some upgrades and custom features that homeowners can do without, but others are must-haves for maintaining a certain lifestyle. Plenty of families opt to pay a little more for a keypad entry or automatic opener but skip high-end aesthetic upgrades such as luxury finishes and windows.
3. Ask About the Warranty
Spending a little extra for a door with a warranty can wind up saving families money in the long run. For one thing, manufacturer’s warranties are an industry standard, so the failure to offer one should always be seen as a red flag regarding quality and workmanship. For another, even a high-quality door can fail, and if it breaks down while it’s still under warranty, homeowners won’t need to pay for the repairs.
4. Maintain the New Door
Garage doors are relatively low-maintenance, but it’s still important to provide them with routine upkeep. Once the new door is installed, ask about recommended maintenance schedules and stick to them.
When to Replace vs. Repair an Overhead Door
If a new overhead door isn’t in the budget, don’t lose hope. It’s often possible to schedule garage door repair services that will at least get the old one operating as intended again. Of course, this solution won’t help with aesthetic concerns, but it can be a lifesaver for families that just need to hold out on home improvements until they meet current financial goals.
That said, there are some circumstances where a new door is the only option. They include:
- Significant damage from storms or car accidents.
- Cracking and warping due to old age.
- Damage that prevents the door from opening and closing easily.
- Safety issues.
Who to Call for a New Door
When it’s time to have garage doors replaced, homeowners need to work with reputable contractors. Dependable Overhead Door Co. is a great option for anyone in Northern California. We offer a full line of high-quality doors at affordable prices and offer financing to qualified buyers. Call (209) 484-8977 to discuss any overhead door replacement, repair, or maintenance needs.
