The convenience of an automatic garage door is hard to beat: at the mere push of a button, the door opens and closes without much effort on your part. But if your garage door opener breaks down or needs replacement, you might need to consult your residential garage door installation pros for an estimate.
So, how much does a garage door opener installation cost? It depends. All factors considered, typical costs usually run between $250 and $550, with the national average being roughly $350. So, what are the variables impacting installation costs? Here’s a breakdown of factors that influence the cost of such a project.
1. Upfront Cost of the Opener
One variable that some homeowners overlooked is the cost of the garage door opener. Depending on the features and quality you choose, an opener can add a significant amount to the overall price of your door, including installation cost.
Different models offer different features and power levels, so the price will vary accordingly. Typically, most garage door openers cost between $150 and $500.
Still, larger doors or garage doors made of heavy materials, such as wood, may require more powerful and expensive openers. As a result, you may have to settle for a more robust type of opener. For instance, a direct-drive opener may set you back at least $450 on average.
Simply put, if you want a deluxe model with all the bells and whistles, it will cost you more. Thus, when budgeting for the installation of a garage door, factor in the cost of an opener so you can get an accurate estimate of the total price.
2. Labor
A garage door opener installation is a relatively simple process that a qualified handyman or DIYer can usually complete in about two to four hours. However, if you hire a professional, expect to part with between $75 and $120 per hour for labor- depending on where you live.
3. Brand and Horsepower Rating
If you’re shopping for a garage door opener, you’re likely to have two overriding concerns: How much will it cost? And how well will it perform?
The brand of the opener you choose will largely impact installation costs. The most popular brands, such as Chamberlain and Genie, typically fall in the middle of the $150-$500 range. But, you can find models from both brands costing more or less than average.
Generally, horsepower is the lifting capacity of the opener you select. Most door openers have 1/2- or 3/4-horsepower motors. Higher-horsepower models usually cost more. But, they provide smoother operation and are less likely to be strained by heavy doors.
When shopping for a garage door opener, strike a balance between price and performance. Paying a little extra for a high-quality opener will save you money in the long run by ensuring years of trouble-free operation.
4. Additional Considerations
You’ll need to consider extra cost factors when planning a garage door installation. These include:
- The number of doors you’re installing: If you’re installing more than one opener, overall costs will likely be higher.
- Whether or not you need a permit: Some jurisdictions require an installation permit. Check with your local building department to see if this is the case in your area. If a permit is required, expect to pay an additional fee for the permit.
- Additional materials: If your door opener needs additional materials such as brackets or fasteners, these will add to the overall cost of installation.
- Cost of removing the worn or damaged opener: In some cases, your door opener may be worn out or damaged and will need removal before installing the new opener. If a contractor needs to remove and dispose of your old opener, you can expect to pay an additional fee.
- Electrical wiring: If your opener isn’t already connected to an electrical outlet, you may need to hire an electrician for the wiring task. Usually, electricians charge between $40 and $80 an hour. As such, this will add to the overall cost.
- Remote: Many garage door openers come with a remote. Expect to pay more if you need an additional remote or if you plan to upgrade your existing remote by integrating other features such as WIFI.
As you can see, multiple factors can affect the garage door opener installation cost. By considering them, you can get a more accurate estimate of the total cost.
But ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. The best thing to do is take your time, research, and find the perfect opener that aligns with your budget and needs.