How Much Does Garage Door Opener Installation Cost?

• Typical Range: $218 to $511
• National Average: $356

With the push of a remote control button, you can open and close your garage door from the comfort of your car. While garage door openers are convenient, they also offer security, safety, and peace of mind. Suppose you’re building a new garage, you’re interested in a garage door opener for the first time, or you’re upgrading to an opener that a smartphone app can control. In that case, HomeAdvisor says that garage door installation cost can range from $218 to $511, with the national average at $356. The cost for parts can run between $150 and $500, and labor is typically between $65 and $85 per hour. In addition, you may need extra parts or equipment rentals that can cost between $50 and $75. If you’re replacing a garage door opener, a professional usually includes the cost of removal in their price quote. Always ask if removal of the old system will incur additional fees. The total cost of installing a garage door opener depends on the brand, type, horsepower rating, and system model.

Factors in Calculating Garage Door Opener Installation Cost

Several factors affect garage door opener installation costs. Prices can differ from the national average because of labor costs in your area; the garage door opener’s type, brand, model, and horsepower rating; and whether extra parts are needed.

Labor

Expect to pay between $65 and $85 per hour for labor to install a garage door opener. It can take between 2 and 6 hours to install. If your garage door is taller than 7 feet, you will probably need an extension kit, which can cost an additional $50. Always check with the installer to see if you need any additional parts.

Type

Garage door openers are available in belt, chain, screw, or direct-drive models, each with its own benefits. A noisier, less expensive chain-driven garage door opener may work for you if you have a detached garage. If you have a garage that’s attached to the house, you may prefer a quieter option.

Brand, Model, and Horsepower Rating

Several manufacturers make good-quality garage door openers. Each brand has its pros and cons, and not every manufacturer makes all types of garage door openers. Once you decide on the type of opener you need, you can determine which brand offers the features you want that fit your budget. Expensive garage door opener models usually have more horsepower and provide additional features.

“Horsepower” refers to the lifting capacity of the motor in the opener. The heavier and larger the garage door, the more horsepower it will need to open and close it. Most garage doors can be opened with a ½ or ¾ horsepower motor, but more powerful motors are prone to last longer. For garage doors that are heavier or larger than average, a 1 horsepower motor may be needed.

Parts

Additional parts are needed when installing a garage door opener. These can include tracks, springs, cables, belts, and weights.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When budgeting for garage door opener installation costs, there will be additional price factors and considerations. These can include additional fees for removing the existing garage door opener, installing remotes and keypads, garage door sensors, lighting, electrical wiring, battery backup, and maintenance.

Removing the Existing Garage Door Opener

Some garage door professionals include the removal of the old door opener as part of their installation service, while others will charge an additional fee to remove it. Be sure to ask your garage door professional if removal is included with the installation fee. If you’re replacing the garage door simultaneously, a contractor may include the door opener removal fees as part of the entire project.

Remotes and Keypads

It costs between $30 and $60 to replace a garage door keypad, and new remotes can run between $30 and $40 each. The remote control connects to receivers that are built into the opener’s circuit board. Some homeowners decide to upgrade their remote with WiFi-connected apps via their smartphones.

Garage Door Sensor

An essential part of garage door safety features is the sensor. Since 1993, there’s been a federal law that garage doors need a safety sensor. There are two types of sensors, and some garage door opener models come with both installed.

• Laser. A laser sensor will project a laser across the path of the garage door. If an object obstructs the laser, the garage door will stop immediately.
• Automatic reverse. An automatic reverse sensor will stop the garage door if it touches an object and will immediately reverse its motion.

Lighting

Most garage door opener systems come with lighting. If not, it can cost between $50 and $100 to have lighting installed. The lights will activate when you open the garage door and typically stay on for about 30 seconds or more. If you need to replace bulbs, it’s recommended to replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs.

Electrical Wiring

If the garage isn’t wired for electricity, an electrician will need to run the wiring at a cost of an additional $40 to $100 per hour.

Battery Backup

Garage door openers will not work if the power goes out at your home, but a $95 battery backup will fix that problem. Some brands of garage door openers will come with a battery backup for a slightly increased price.

Maintenance

Different types of garage door openers need more maintenance than others. Chain-drive openers usually require more maintenance than the other models. Garage door openers can last around 10 to 15 years on average, and they’ll last longer when they are properly maintained. Some homeowners are comfortable performing regular maintenance on garage door openers; others prefer to call in a professional to tighten loose hardware, lubricate a chain, or grease rails.

Garage Door Opener Installation Cost Types

When choosing between different types of garage door openers, weigh the pros and cons of each to decide which is right for you and your budget. Select between chain, belt, screw, and direct-drive models.

Chain-Drive Opener

Chain-drive garage door openers can cost between $150 and $250. They have a basic design where a metal chain pushes or pulls the garage door along tracks to open or close it. Since it has more moving parts than other options, it typically requires more maintenance. This is the noisiest type of garage door opener, and some homeowners choose this budget-friendly option if they have a detached garage and don’t mind how loud it is when it operates. Chain-drive openers are durable, strong, and reliable. Some heavy garage doors may require this type of opener to handle the extra weight. Chain-drive openers rarely have a battery backup, and they need to be lubricated regularly.

Belt-Drive Opener

Belt-drive garage door openers can run from $160 to $450. This type uses a steel-reinforced rubber belt to open and close the door instead of a chain. It’s a popular option since it is much quieter than a chain-driven opener. This type of opener needs less regular maintenance, and it can be hooked up to the home’s internet connection with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. A belt-drive opener may wear out faster than a chain-drive opener, and high temperatures or excessive humidity can cause the belt to slip.

Screw-Drive Opener

Screw-driven openers are not as popular as they once were. Previously, they were the garage door opener of choice for those looking for a quiet option, but belt-driven models became more popular. Screw-drive openers use a threaded metal screw rod that rotates to open and close the garage door. Since it doesn’t have many moving parts, it requires minimal maintenance of twice a year lubrication. This type of garage door opener doesn’t do well with significant temperature fluctuations or heavy one-piece garage doors and can cost between $200 and $500.

Direct-Drive Opener

Direct-drive garage door openers cost between $269 and $439. The design is simple: The motor opens and closes the garage door without a chain, belt, or screw. It’s quiet, strong, has minimal moving parts, and has both sensor safety and automatic reverse systems. This is the best option if you want a nearly silent operation, but it’s the most expensive of all the types of openers.

Benefits of Getting a Garage Door Opener

A garage door opener is one of life’s little luxuries. Along with being convenient, an automatic opener adds to the safety and security of your home.

Convenience

The major benefit of a garage door opener is the convenience. By having an opener, you can open and close the garage door from the comfort of your car. You won’t have to get out and manually open or close the door while being exposed to extreme temperatures, rain, snow, or wind.

Safety

Modern garage door openers come with safety sensors and automatic reverse systems. If the door senses a vehicle, person, or object in the path of the door, it will stop immediately. This will avoid damage to vehicles and you and your others living in your household.

Security and Peace of Mind

Another available option in modern garage door openers is something called a rolling code, which will change the code each time the remote button is pressed. This prevents the duplication of the remote code so no one can break into your garage and your home. Vacation mode is another option that prevents people from opening the garage door from the outside. This mode disables the garage door opener remote, and the door can only be opened from the inside. This prevents intruders from opening the door with a garage door remote scanner. These additional features can provide peace of mind so you can rest easy knowing that your family, garage, home, and belongings are safe.

Garage Door Opener Installation Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Garage door opener installation can be a DIY project if you have the electrical, mechanical, and carpentry knowledge and skill level to install a garage door opener; however, it’s not a task to take lightly. The high-tension springs used in garage door openers can cause severe injury and even death if not installed properly. This is why many homeowners prefer to have a garage door professional install an automatic opener. A DIY installation project can take between 4 and 6 hours, while a professional install can take a little over an hour. The garage door will need to be balanced and adjusted to the tracks of the opener. Lining up the rail tracks can present some issues if you’re inexperienced. Be aware that some garage door opener warranties are not valid with a DIY installation.

How to Save Money on Garage Door Opener Installation Cost

Garage door opener installation costs can get pricey, and the additional costs associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save on garage door opener installation costs is to buy the cheapest option, but there are other ways to save without compromising quality.

• Get multiple quotes. Get at least three estimates from reputable garage door companies in your area, and choose the one that works the best for you and your budget.
• Check the horsepower. You don’t need a more expensive opener with the most horsepower if you have a lighter garage door. Ask your garage door professional how much horsepower you need for your garage door.
• Check with the local home improvement stores. Home improvement stores like The Home Depot in your area may install the garage door opener for less than $200 if you buy the garage door from them.
• Go for the chain-drive. If you don’t mind the extra noise and lack of additional features of a chain-drive garage door opener, you can save money by going with this model.
• Let the contractor buy the opener. Sometimes garage door contractors can get openers at discounted rates and pass on the savings to you.
• Ask for package discounts. Some garage door companies may offer a discount on opener installation if you buy a new garage door from them.

Questions to Ask About Garage Door Opener Installation

Asking a professional the right questions about garage door opener installation costs can minimize miscommunication, save money, and get the desired results. Here are some questions to ask a garage door opener professional.

• Are your employees licensed and insured? (Some locations might require technicians to be licensed, while others do not. Check with your municipality.)
• How long have the technicians been installing garage door openers?
• How long will it take to install the garage door opener?
• Do you offer a warranty?
• How much do you charge for labor?
• Do I need to be there during the installation?
• What brands and models do you offer?
• Does the opener come with a battery backup?
• What do you charge for repairs if I have a problem with the garage door opener?

FAQs

Deciding on a garage door opener while staying within your budget can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about garage door opener installation cost to help guide you in your decisions.

Q. Can I install a garage door opener on my own?

You can if you have the experience, knowledge, and time to tackle the project. Many homeowners prefer to hire a garage door professional to install an opener for the peace of mind it offers. The high-tension springs are dangerous if not installed correctly.

Q. How long will my garage door opener last?

Garage door openers typically last between 10 and 15 years. If the opener struggles to open and close the door because of a lack of horsepower, it may not last as long. A well-maintained garage door opener will last longer.

Q. What is the best type of garage door opener?

The best type of garage door opener is the one that works the best for you and the size of the door. Certain types of openers work better with heavier and larger doors. Some homeowners prefer a quieter direct-driven or belt-driven model, while others aren’t bothered by the extra noise of a chain-driven model.

Q. How much horsepower do I need for my garage door opener?

For single garage doors or ones on the lighter side, a ½ horsepower opener should work just fine. Double doors that are more than 14 feet long need a ¾ to 1¼ horsepower opener. A garage door professional will be able to steer you in the right direction with how much horsepower your garage door needs.

Q. When should I replace a garage door opener?

A few red flags that signal it’s time to replace a garage door opener are that the opener works intermittently, it stops working altogether, the door is moving slower than usual, the door detaches from the opener, it starts to make loud or unusual noises, it starts to open and close randomly, or the opener starts to vibrate. If you’ve had a garage door opener for more than 10 or 15 years, it’s good to consider a replacement. Newer openers are safer and quieter.

Q. How long does it take to install a garage door opener?

A DIY installation can take between 4 and 6 hours, while a professional installation can take just over an hour.