How much does it cost to replace a garage door?

Are you wanting an upgrade to your home’s exterior?  Or maybe you’re planning to sell your home and you need some guidance on ways to get the most bang for your buck.  Updating and replacing outdated or nonfunctional items around the house can help increase the charm of your property, which means buyers may be willing to spend more.

Among the list of renovations to consider, replacing an antiquated or defective garage door can help boost curb appeal by simultaneously improving your home’s appearance and functionality. But even if you aren’t looking to put your house on the market, updating your garage door can improve the safety and efficiency of your garage — especially if your current door is not working properly.

But how much does it cost to replace a garage door and what type of door is best suited for your home?

What is the ROI of a new garage door?

As it turns out, replacing your garage door is one of the best renovation projects you can do to get a healthy return on your investment (ROI), second only to HVAC conversion and electrification. In 2023, homeowners who had a garage door replacement recouped 102.7% of the cost, on average. And among the list of other projects, it’s also one of the more affordable options while still providing the second-greatest ROI.

Here’s how garage door replacement shapes up against other, less lucrative renovation projects:

• Minor kitchen remodel: 85.7% of cost recouped.
• Asphalt shingle roofing replacement: 61.1% of cost recouped.
• Deck addition: 39.8% of cost recouped.
• Bathroom addition: 26.6% of cost recouped.

In these cases, the cost of renovation far outweighs the value that the finished product adds to a home, which means you end up spending more and earning less — way less. But for a garage door, professional installation can yield a nice profit when everything is said and done.

According to the same Cost vs. Value report, the average cost that homeowners are spending on a new garage door system is about $4,300. Of course, the garage door installation cost can vary greatly depending on a number of variables, such as:

• Door size and type
• The region you live in
• Material
• Labor

Let’s break down the cost of a new garage door installation a bit further based on the type of door you’re after.

Garage door cost based on type

Whether you’re replacing an old garage door or repairing an existing one, it’s good to know what you can expect to pay. For your convenience, we’ve organized some of the most popular types of garage doors by price point, starting with the highest price point and working down.

In terms of door style, these options are generally higher in price:

• Carriage
• French
• Glass
• Solid Wood

Cost by material

Further still, the material that the garage door is made of will play a role in its overall price. Some of the most popular and common garage door materials are:

• Steel in the look of faux wood
• Aluminum
• Fiberglass
• Steel

Cost by size

Not all garages are made equal. Some are single car, others are double car and it’s not unusual to see a three-car garage, either. While garage sizes can certainly get larger than these, single- through triple-car garages are the most common for residential properties. The bigger the door, the more expensive it will be to replace.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost ranges for each:

• Single-car (8’x7′): $500-$2,500
• Double-car (16’x7′): $750-$4,700
• Triple-car (custom size): $1,300-$7,000

In general, you can expect that the more expensive you go in terms of garage door material and style, the more it will increase the value of your property. However, it’s also important to ensure that your new garage door matches the style of your house. Opting for the most expensive option “just because” isn’t always a good strategy. To increase curb appeal and grab people’s attention, your garage door should be practical and fit your home’s aesthetic.

Garage door repair vs. replacement

More often than not, a brand new garage door installation versus a repair on an old door is going to yield more benefits as well as help recoup more of the cost when it comes time to put your home on the market. Sure, a minor spring repair may not warrant replacing the entire door, however, a new installation can:

• Lessen maintenance requirements
• Lower the utility costs
• Increase safety and security

If your current garage door is failing to open and close properly, has poor energy efficiency or there’s visible damage or wear and tear, a new garage door system could be worth the cost.

Customizing your door

Adding additional customizations to a garage door will increase the garage door replacement cost, however, they may also improve its ROI. While custom sizes are sometimes necessary depending on how big your garage is, adding aesthetic features like windows and a custom color to match your house will improve your garage’s appearance and help catch people’s attention on the market.

Painting

For a steel garage door, some preparation is required before painting to produce the best results. Follow these best practices for painting your garage door:

• Buff or sand any imperfections.
• Apply primer.
• Thoroughly clean the garage door.
• Avoid oil-based paints.
• Use high-quality acrylic exterior grade paint.
• Use painters tape to mitigate bleeding.

For a more detailed rundown on painting your garage door, see our full guide here.

Adding windows

Whether or not you want your garage door to have windows will affect the type of lift system required to properly open the door. For the most part, windows are strictly decorative. However, that’s not to say that they aren’t worth adding.

If your goal is to sell, embellishing your garage door with windows will increase curb appeal. And, for buyers who plan to use the garage for multiple purposes, windows allow for lots of natural light. This makes it more appealing to work in during bad weather when they’d rather have the door closed.

In general, adding windows will increase the new garage door costs falling on average between $300-$500. However, the amount of windows, their size and the lift system required to properly open the door will all affect the final cost.

Automatic garage door opener

Opting for an automatic garage door opener can increase the security and convenience of your garage. Beyond that, modern manufacturing has improved the energy efficiency of garage doors. With today’s designs, indoor/outdoor air transfer is minimized which helps reduce the energy bill each month. The value of proper garage door insulation alone could mean that homeowners save hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling month after month.

Insulation

The industry standard of measuring thermal transfer is called R-value, and the higher that value, the more effective your garage door is at mitigating air transfer. To determine which type of garage door will help the homeowner save money on utilities, there are a few things to consider:

• Is the garage attached to the house? For detached garages, lightly insulated or uninsulated garage doors should suffice. For attached, R-12 and higher is recommended.
• How will the garage be used? Some people use their garages for more than just parking vehicles. If you want to appeal to a market who may wish to use the garage as a gym or workshop, then insulating a garage door that’s at least a value of R-16 should do it.

R-value isn’t the only thing you should consider, though. Weatherproofing is another important part of a garage door installation. Beyond keeping your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, weatherproofing your door will help keep water out and prevent items stored in the garage from being damaged — another value-add for potential buyers.

Trusted dealers and warranty coverage for garage doors

If you’re not sure which garage door would suit your home best — both functionally and aesthetically — professional garage door dealers can offer insight and make recommendations based on your needs. Plus, your local Amarr dealer can maintain and repair your system so it stays looking and operating its best for years to come.

Owners may have a hard time determining whether their garage door needs standard maintenance, a repair or to be replaced altogether. Your local Amarr dealer should be your first point of contact when shopping for a new door or inquiring about your doors warranty. They can help answer any questions and determine the type of service necessary for your circumstance.

Service professionals at your local dealer shops are equipped to answer any questions you might have about repairing or replacing your garage door. If you’re thinking about garage door replacement, consider asking questions like:

• What material would work best for my garage door?
• Do you recommend insulated garage doors?
• What is the warranty like on your garage doors?

Asking questions like these will open up a dialogue with your service professional where they’ll be able to better understand your needs and goals, and make recommendations based on those requirements. A good garage door that’s been professionally installed and maintained will last decades — proving to be worth the less costly upfront investment.

For more information on Amarr product warranties, see here.

With so many styles and materials to choose from, building a garage door that suits your taste, needs and budget is easy. Design the perfect replacement door today. To see options in person, visit your local Amarr dealer and speak with a representative.