5 Questions to Ask About Garage Door Opener Installation or Replacement

The difference between having a garage door opener and having to manually open it is a big one—especially when rain is pouring down. You can pull your car in with a touch of a button  and zero hassle. That is, if the system is working properly. Whether you want to install a new garage door opener or replace an existing one, here are the questions to discuss with a local garage door opener repair pro.

1. When do you need the work done?

An emergency garage door service may be what you need if your existing garage door opener has gone kaput. Without an easy way to open and close the door, you’ll likely have to park your car outside and walk around to another entrance. Expect to pay more for an expedited service which may come with extra fees. However, if your opener still functions (or your door is manual, or you need an opener installed for the first time), schedule at your convenience and save money.

2. Do you want to install a new garage door opener or replace an existing one?

If your garage door already has an opener installed, you’ll need to remove it before installing a new one. This task can take around 30 minutes and A garage door opener pro will likely charge a labor fee to do this. Sometimes, the existing opener can be repaired rather than replaced entirely. Garage door opener repair costs $100 to $500, so weigh the repair cost against the replacement cost to decide which route to take.

3. What type of garage door opener do you want installed?

There are five different types of garage door openers, so try to narrow down your preferences before calling a pro for a quote. Belt-drive openers use a belt to drive the trolley, while chain-drive openers use a chain. A direct-drive opener uses a motor that moves along a stationary chain for almost noiseless functioning. Jackshaft-drive openers are mounted on the wall rather than the ceiling and use springs to open and close the door. Finally, screw-drive openers use threaded metal rods to operate the door.

4. How many garage doors do you have?

Some garages have a single door, while others have two or more. Garage door opener installation costs $220 to $540, or an average of $380, but you’ll pay more for labor if you have more than one opener to install. Labor for this project costs between $65 and $85 per hour. To gauge total labor costs, ask your pro how long installation will take.

5. Do you want any accessories or additional parts installed?

A basic garage door opener has one job—to open and close the garage door when you press a button. Modern garage door openers come with tech add-ons, including Wi-Fi compatibility, LED lights, backup batteries, wireless keypads, smart features, and more. Opting for these extra parts can add $400 to $600 to a garage door opener installation project. However, the cost can be worth it for the convenience.