The cost of converting two garage doors into one will range between $650-$4600. To come up with this figure, you need to consider the cost of a new double garage door, the cost of removing the existing two garage doors, the cost of materials, and the cost of installation.
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ToggleThis cost can even go higher if the project requires resizing of the existing opening to fit the new double garage door. It’s also important to note that garage door prices vary depending on the material. For example, glass garage doors usually cost more than vinyl and aluminum ones.
How Much Does It Cost to Convert Two Garage Doors to One
Do you have a garage with two single doors? Are you finding it hard to squeeze your car every time you want to park it in the garage? Have you ever wondered how much it would cost you if you decided to convert your two garage doors to one? Don’t worry; we’re here to help.
Here is everything you need to know about converting two garage doors to one and how much it will cost you.
Converting Two Single Garage Doors to One Double Garage Door…Yes it can be done!
If your home has a large garage, it is likely that you’ll have two single doors as your main form of entrance. However, while having two single garage doors might be aesthetically pleasing, it’s important to understand that you’re also losing a lot of usable space in the process due to the existence of the central pillar between the two garage doors.
This is why you need to consider converting your two single garage doors to one large double garage door. By doing so, you’ll get to utilize the full width of your garage to the maximum. While it might be relatively easy to convert your two single garage doors to one double garage door, you need to consider the pricing and availability of the large double garage door.
Since these garage doors are usually bigger than the standard ones, you need to ensure that you find a company that manufactures custom doors that will be perfectly designed to fit your own garage.
Additionally, you also need to find a reputed garage company that will be able to carry out the whole project, from the conversion of your single garage doors to installing the new double garage door.
The Benefits of a Double Garage Door Vs. Two Single Garage Doors
There are several benefits that come with opting for a double garage door as opposed to two single garage doors. They include:
Minimize installation and maintenance costs
When deciding between a large double garage door and two single garage doors, you need to consider the cost of installation. The chances are that if you opt to purchase two single garage doors, you’ll end up spending more compared to if you purchased one double garage door.
Even though the cost difference might not be that big, you also need to purchase two electric garage door openers if you decide to go with two single garage doors. Additionally, since more labor is required when installing two single garage doors, you’ll end up spending more in labor charges than if you went with a double garage door.
While you might think that the additional costs are over, you also have to think about maintenance costs. After opting for two single garage doors, it means that you’ll have two separate electric garage door opener systems to worry about.
Consequently, the maintenance costs will also double. This is because there are two garage doors to clean and even more moving parts to lubricate. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about high maintenance costs when you opt for a double garage door. This means that you get to save more money and time in the long run.
No need for two remotes
Another disadvantage of having two single garage doors is that you’ll have to deal with two separate remotes. This means that you’ll end up putting two remotes on your keychain or keeping them in your vehicle.
This brings up the risk of confusing the two remotes and opening the wrong garage door from time to time. This can be such a bummer, especially when you’re in a hurry. Even though having two separate garage door remotes isn’t such a big deal for some people, you’ll find it easier to have one garage door remote to worry about.
This is because you won’t have so much clutter inside your car or even on your keychain. Therefore, you’ll never have to worry about confusing the garage door remote and opening the wrong door at any point.
More space
One of the biggest benefits of having a double garage door over two single garage doors is that it provides more space to get in and out of your vehicle. If you own a compact car, you won’t have a problem getting through a single-size garage door. However, if you have a bigger pickup truck, sedan, or even an SUV, you might find it very difficult to get through such a door.
On the other hand, with a double garage door, you’ll never have to worry about how you’ll get your bigger vehicle in or out. Additionally, even if you own a small car, you’ll find it much easier to get inside and outside of a double garage door. This is particularly important if you don’t have a spacious driveway to maneuver your car before getting inside the garage.
Cleaner aesthetic
While this entirely comes to personal preference, the lack of multiple lines on your garage door provides a much cleaner aesthetic for the building. Additionally, double garage doors usually look good in motion compared to two single garage doors. Therefore, if aesthetics is important to you, you’re better off opting for a double garage door for your home.
The Benefits of Converting Double Garage Doors into Single
There is no denying that converting double garage doors into single can be quite a big investment. However, for many people, this investment is well worth it. The following are some of the benefits you get for converting double garage doors into a single one:
Appealing to buyers
Almost every person looking to purchase a home needs a spacious area for storage. Therefore if your home has a large single garage door, it is bound to appeal to even more buyers. This means that you get to sell your home faster and at a better price.
Increased height
Converting your double garage doors into a single one means that you’ll get to use your garage to its maximum potential. This is because, after conversion, it’s possible you’ll get to add a few inches in height to your garage door.
This guarantees that bigger vehicles can be parked with ease and that you can also store all your belongings conveniently. Additionally, this is also suitable for storing tall pieces of furniture and even mounting bikes.
Model remodel
In recent years, large single doors have become a symbol of modem style and remodel. This can be attributed to the fact that single doors give a luxurious and stress-free aesthetic. A single garage door also makes your life easier since you can open it with a single push of the button.
Increased width
Converting your double garage doors into a single one basically means that you’ll have to get rid of the center pillar. This helps add some light into your garage as well as increase its width. This is particularly beneficial if you’re looking for extra storage space.
Also, when your garage increases in width, elderly people in your household will feel more comfortable getting in and out of the car. This also applies to those in your family with any mobility problems as your garage will become more wheelchair-friendly.
Cost to Remove the Centre Column of a Two Car Garage and Replace the Two Doors with One
The cost of removing the center column of a two car garage and replacing the two single doors with one varies from one garage to the next. However, the most important thing to understand is that the structural strength of a 16 feet beam/column is about 4 times that of an 8 footer.
This basically means that it is double the depth of the beam in a normal construction setting. This is attributed to the fact that the bending force of the column is proportional to the floor load multiplied by the length squared.
In simple terms, it is possible that if the center column inside your garage is big enough to span both ends, it could be deeper than your available space. If your garage has a center column as simply an architectural detail, all that will be done is tear out the center column and a bit of siding as well as paint patch up. This will cost you approximately $500 or so.
On the other hand, if the garage is not built using a 16-feet rated beam, then a portion of the siding and ceiling drywall will have to be removed. This basically means that the technicians will have to support the side of your house over the garage doors using a temporary wall.
Additionally, the garage doors, the center column, and beams will have to be removed. You’ll also need to beef up the outer posts, install a new beam, install door jamb and trim pieces, replace and repaint siding and drywall, tie floor joists into the beam and then install a new garage door.
Nowadays, replacing an existing 16-feet span broken beam costs about $3,000. On the other hand, replacing two single garage doors with one as well as a 16-feet span beam will cost you in the range of $5,000-$8,000.
However, this will entirely depend on whether you have enough room for a standard wood beam or you’re opting for steel. It will also cost you about $300-$600 to hire a structural engineer for a site visit, taking measurements and determining whether the existing beam in your garage can handle a full span. If it can’t, it will cost you another $300-$600 for design alterations that will fit your needs.
Method of Converting Two Garage Doors into One
If your hire a reputed garage company, converting two garage doors into one can be a relatively simple procedure that will take a couple of days. The first day involves removing the central pillar and installing a new RSJ.
During this day, the engineers will also secure the garage overnight using wooden boards or by simply installing the garage door curtains so that they can finish up the installation job the following day.
On the second day, the engineers usually install garage door guides as well as the garage door curtain if they didn’t do it the previous day. It is during this day that they complete the installation work and wiring.
In case there are any unpleasant marks on the brickwork from where the old frames once were, the engineers will ensure that they clean them the best way they can. Alternatively, they can also opt to line the reveals using UPVC.
If the whole project involves straightforward removal of the center pillar and the installation of RSJ, then planning might not be necessary. However, if the project requires secondary steel to run from the front to the back of your garage, the engineers will have to come up with a detailed plan.
A plan is usually necessary when there is a room above the garage so that no unnecessary damage is caused to your home. During the planning stages, a garage company will often work in collaboration with structural engineers to put a great plan in place.
However, this plan has to wait until the day of installation, when the building inspector will visit the site to sign it off. It’s important to note that this is the only way the project can commence. If the building inspector doesn’t sign off the plan, the Garage Company and structural engineers must review it again and make the necessary changes.
Summing Up
Converting two single garage doors into one double garage door is a great project that has the potential of benefiting both your lifestyle and budget. However, to guarantee the success of this project, there are several factors you need to consider.
You need to ensure that you work with a reputed garage company and a garage door manufacturer. This is the only you can be guaranteed your home’s safety, value for your money, and a durable garage door.