To save money on a garage door it is worth noting that some garage door materials cost more than others. For example, solid wooden doors are among the most expensive garage doors, however you can still save money by choosing an in-stock door.
You can save money on a new garage door installation or replacement by not opting for decorative features. These can include windows, non-standard colors, metal exterior hardware, embossed panels, or faux finishes. Selecting a stock model will cost less, but depending on the manufacturer you may not have to sacrifice quality for cost.
Tips to Save Money on Your New Garage Door Installation or Replacement Project.
Try to Get a Quote in Person.
Contact at least three garage door companies and request quotes from each of them. You may be able to complete an online form to obtain a quote, however it is better to get them to visit your property to measure the project and get a quote in person from them before they leave.
Shop Around and Compare Prices from Different Companies and Distributors.
Use your favorite website search engine for local garage door companies and distributors. Select a few from the results that appear after any listings that show the word “Sponsored.” These entries are at the top of the listings because they have paid to appear there. Pick some from the rest of the listings and compare prices for the same product/garage door. If it is not the same door, then the prices will not be comparable.
Look for Discounts, Coupons, and Deals on Materials and Services.
Check your local newspapers, Sunday supplements, and free home magazines for any companies offering discounts, coupons, or exclusive deals on new garage door installations, or remarkable offers on materials and services. Also search the internet for coupons being offered by your local garage door companies. At various times of the year, many companies offer such coupons especially if it is their “quiet period.”
Consider Installing the New Door Yourself with Professional Help as Needed.
To save some money, and if you are good with DIY projects, you could install a new garage door yourself with some professional assistance if needed. Buying a stock garage door from one of the large home improvement stores may save some dollars. They come with installation instructions, and if you follow them, it should be an easy task. Of course, some things never go according to plan, and you may have to call a garage door company for help.
Consider Buying Materials in Bulk to Save Money.
If you are installing the door yourself, consider buying parts like rollers, bearings, brackets etc., in bulk to save money. Not only will you have the parts you need to install the door, but you will have the necessary spare parts when it comes to maintenance or repairing the door.
Budgeting for Your Garage Door Project.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Installing a New Garage Door.
There are several factors that affect a new garage door installation. They are:
• Door size. It doesn’t need much explaining since the larger the door the more expensive it will be.
• Choice of material. Steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass are all priced differently and as such will impact the finished price.
• Door design. If you opt for a non-standard design, then the cost compared to a standard paneled door will be significantly higher.
• Special features. Choosing to have elaborate hardware, decorative hinges, or insulation, will increase your costs.
Average Cost of Replacing a Garage Door.
Garage doors can be purchased in one-, two-, or three-car options. According to ThisOldHouse.com the average cost for a one-car garage door is between $500 and $2,500. A two-car door will cost between $750 and $4,700, while a three-car garage door has an average cost of $1,300 to $7,000.
Benefits of getting a new garage door.
Improved Curb Appeal.
If you are replacing the original contractor-grade garage door with a new one, you will not believe the difference it will make to the appearance of your home. The sharp new panels, fresh paint, and crisp new lines of the door give enhanced curb appeal to your whole property.
Better Insulation.
New garage door models have inherent insulation properties. They work with better efficiency and close more tightly. The result is less air will escape from the garage, and they open and close faster, which adds up to lower energy bills.
Increased Security.
The garage doors that are available today are constructed using robust materials, lock automatically when closed, and some can be connected to your home security system. Apps are available to allow you to monitor the position of the door, especially if you are away from home.
Easier Maintenance.
Today’s garage doors are designed to run smoothly and withstand continual use. A once-a-year inspection by a professional garage door technician will maintain your door in good condition for years of daily operation.
Additional Safety.
Garage doors can be an accident waiting to happen if they are not correctly operational. Modern garage doors have light beam sensors that detect any movement across the garage door opening. If anything breaks the light beam while the door is closing, then the auto-reverse function will stop the door’s motion and automatically raise the door to the open position preventing any injury or worse.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the cheapest option for a garage door?
Steel garage doors are the cheapest option with an average cost of between $600 and $2,000. Aluminum comes in a close second with average prices of $700 to $2,100.
How can I make my garage door more energy efficient?
Insulating the garage door will reduce the amount of heat escaping from the garage. During the summer warm air stays outside. In the winter months any warm air in the garage stays in the garage.
How much should you spend on a garage door?
The answer to this question depends on your situation.
• If you are working to a budget, then look for the best deal within your budget amount.
• For a residential standard garage door, you can expect to pay, on average, $1,250. Of course, this average figure increases as the choice of material and size changes.
What makes a garage door more expensive?
The following factors will make a garage door more expensive.
• The quality and lifespan of the material.
• Non-standard designs.
• Decorative hardware.
• Energy efficiency.
• Door size and customizing the door.
What can be used instead of a garage door?
Instead of a standard sectional garage door, you can install any of the following:
• Roll-up doors.
• Slide to the side doors.
• Side-hinged doors.
• Tilt up, or tilt-up and over doors.
• Tilt-up canopy doors.
Are garage doors a good investment?
According to a 2023 report by Remodeling Magazine, a new garage door will give you a 102.7% return on investment (ROI), unlike the 31.7% ROI for a major kitchen remodel.
Do garage doors use a lot of electricity?
Using average figures, a garage door opener uses ¼ or ½ horsepower (HP), one opening and closing will use 0.001 kilowatt-hour (kWh). Each kWh costs, on average, 11 cents. If we use those figures, we can calculate that every time the garage door opens and closes it costs 0.011 cents.
What is the easiest garage door to install?
A manually operated carriage garage door is the easiest to install. When compared to an automatic door a manual door is much lighter and there is no need for a motor or cables. A simple side-hinged door only requires a couple of hinges per door securely fastened to the door frame and a secure locking device to complete the installation.
What is the best type of door for a house to a garage?
The door between the garage and the house should meet the following parameters:
• Be a solid wooden or steel door at least 1 3/8” thick.
• Have a minimum 20-minute fire rating.
• Have self-closing hinges or an automatic closing device to help the door close quickly.
Are new garage doors worth it?
Installing a new garage door is worth the expense if your existing door needs replaced because if the national average cost of a residential garage door is approximately $3,800 then you can expect a Return on Investment of $3,900.
What is the most reliable type of garage door?
Steel garage doors are the most reliable. They have weather-resistant properties, are extremely secure, and they are considered low maintenance but with high performance.
What are the most expensive parts of a garage door?
Depending on the size of the garage door, the panels are one of the most expensive parts. They make up the biggest component of the door and can range in price from a hundred to thousands of dollars.
What is the most expensive part of building a garage?
The foundation of a garage is the most expensive item in the construction of a garage. The average two-car garage needs 1,200 sq. ft. of concrete, and at approximately $8 per sq. ft. that adds up to $9,600.
