When it comes to a garage renovation, there’s an age-old debate about whether to repair your existing door or replace it altogether. While each approach has pros and cons, it’s worth noting that the repair cost is typically higher than it’s worth. Plus, replacing your garage door offers some unique benefits, too — especially if you have an old door.

Find out the average cost of replacing a garage door and uncover some surprising benefits you may not have considered!

The Value of Replacing Your Residential Garage Doors

In addition to increasing a property’s curb appeal, garage door replacement ranks first on the list of top home improvement projects that provide a high return on investment — up nearly double from 2023.

The 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine ranks many different home improvement projects based on the average cost recouped after selling the home. With a national average spend of $4,513 and an average ROI of $8,751, garage door replacement projects recoup 193.9% of their cost.

With so many options out there, there’s a garage door replacement project for any budget.

What Factors Affect Garage Door Replacement Cost?

One of the many pros of replacing a garage door is that there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. That means there’s something for not only every personal style but every budget, too. If you’ve debated between garage door repair or replacement and have finally decided on the latter, here are a few factors that influence cost:

  • Material: Different materials vary in price from aluminum to steel to even a real wood garage door.
  • Size: Standard single-door garages are less expensive than larger double-car or custom-sized doors. Larger doors require more material and are therefore more expensive.
  • Design and style: Basic styles like a flat or raised garage door panel are usually less expensive. However, specialty styles like carriage house doors or custom designs will increase the cost due to the additional materials and craftsmanship.
  • Windows and hardware: Adding windows or upgrading hardware can increase costs, especially if you opt for insulated or decorative options. The style, shape and type of glass (e.g., clear, frosted, or decorative) can also affect the price.
  • Insulation: An insulated garage door helps with energy efficiency and noise reduction and can improve the overall comfort of adjacent spaces. Doors with higher insulation (measured in U-factor) will generally cost more.
  • Garage door opener: With lots of options on the market, from smart openers to more basic options, the opener itself can heavily influence your garage door replacement cost.

With these cost factors in mind, there are thousands of garage door options available, which you can mix and match to your heart’s content. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to a stylish door that also suits your budget.

Regardless of your preferred garage door material or style, Amarr dealers can support all your garage door decisions to help you choose and install the right door for you.

When Do You Know It’s Time To Install New Garage Doors?

Deciding whether to complete a garage door repair or replace the system entirely can be tough. Thankfully, there are some telltale signs that it’s time to upgrade to a new door:

  • Need to Replace or Repair Your Garage Door?

    • Frequent breakdowns: Your garage door should work as expected all of the time. If yours doesn’t or you find yourself calling for frequent repairs, it could be time to buy a new door.
    • Excessive noise: Broken door springs, tracks and other parts can not only be loud and disruptive but dangerous.
    • Physical damage/rust or corrosion: Any visible damage isn’t just an eyesore — it can make your garage door unsafe.
    • Lack of safety features: From the garage door opener to safety sensors and more, new options come packed with safety features to help with everything from keeping intruders out to avoiding serious injury.
    • High utility bills: Old doors, or doors with poor craftsmanship, won’t be as effective at forming a tight seal, which can increase your utility bill as you’ll pay for lost heat or air conditioning that leaks from your garage.

    As a general rule of thumb, any old garage door that’s around fifteen years or older could be hard to repair. Not only are replacement parts more elusive, but older doors are less energy-efficient, and repairing them may not be the best way to use up your renovation budget.

    Sure, a new door with minor cosmetic damages can generally be fixed — but older units may have hidden cost factors.

    Installing a new garage door, while it’s an upfront investment, pays dividends over time thanks to increased curb appeal that drives up the value of your property and energy savings.

    Choosing a New Garage Door

    When you’re shopping around, consider these new garage door cost factors and make your installation decisions accordingly:

    Size

    Do you need a double garage door or a single door? Consider the size of your garage and how it may affect not only the size required but the garage door type, too. Residential garage doors are typically single or double, but if you suspect you need a custom door to fit your home, contact a professional technician for help!

    Material

    Choosing a material is as much an aesthetic choice as it is a budget-based one. For example, steel garage doors are the most durable while real wood offers a luxurious appeal that some homeowners can’t resist. Thankfully, faux wood garage doors boast the best of durable steel construction and that real wood look many people adore. Whether you ultimately choose steel, aluminum or wood, Amarr has plenty of options to suit your style.

    Insulation

    Whether you live in a hot climate or cold, insulated garage doors are a necessity for keeping cold or warm air in and their opposite out! This ultimately helps you save on your utility bills each month while also protecting the contents of your garage from harsh weather conditions.

    If you use your garage for more than storing a vehicle, an insulated garage door could be just what you need.

    Amarr Has the Best Garage Door For Your Home

    While we appreciate the do-it-yourself mentality, it’s always best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Installing residential garage doors takes specialized knowledge and skills; there’s more to configuring your new garage door opener and aligning your panels than simply hanging them up.

    When you work with Amarr, your garage door installation cost is inclusive of all of these “hidden” elements, as well as the disposal of your old door if necessary. It doesn’t matter if you have a single or double garage door — your technician will have the know-how to fit your space’s needs.