Garage Door Opener Installation Cost

Last Updated on February 21, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A garage is not just a parking space but in many cases a useful place for many other things. An important point in a garage is, above all, its door.

The garage door opener is a device that can open, close, and even hold the garage door steady. They also have a sensor at the bottom to prevent it from closing on anything or anyone in its path. Garage doors come with different power ratings, which translates into higher horsepower equals higher price.

How much does it cost to install a garage door opener?

The price you would pay for a garage door opener will depend on the brand, horsepower, and the person installing it. A chain-driven opener will typically range from $155-$360 depending on your choice, while belt-driven openers are more expensive at about $210-$310. Screw drive openers fall somewhere between these two with an average price around $190-$300.

For example, the popular Liftmaster garage door opener costs anywhere from $170-$230. Genie is one other option that falls within this category and has prices ranging from $120-$255, again based entirely on customer preference for features they want or need specifically.

The average price of installation can range anywhere from $210 to $600, and that’s not including the price for an opener itself. Adding in the costs of an opener and replacement, your total could be as low as $360 or as high as $1,120 or even more.

According to Amazon.com the average price for replacement would be somewhere around $85.

Garage door opener details

If you are looking for a garage door opener, take the time to research and compare shops before making your decision. Many people have different needs for their openers including how much noise they want or what type of power source it will run on. The most known types of garage door openers include screw-driven, chain-driven, belt-driven, and jackshaft models.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a driveway security gate, new garage, or car keyless entry installation.

Chain-driven openers use a chain to help push up your gate so they can be louder than other models, however, they also cost less on average and are best for detached garages.

Belt-driven openers are an emerging type of garage door opener. These devices use a belt to lift the mechanism, which is quieter than other types and can be controlled remotely from your phone or computer using a WiFi connection. Best suited for detached garages.

The screw-driven opener opens and closes the door with a rotating rod that is threaded on its side. The simple design means less to maintain.

The jackshaft garage door opener is an alternative to the traditional center of the ceiling-mounted, and it allows for installation on either side of the wall. Unlike other types, these are designed specifically for commercial-grade doors, up to 8 feet tall.

The level of horsepower in your garage door opener will depend on the size and weight of your doors. For example, a 1/2 HP model is suitable for smaller homes with two-car garages while 3/4 HP models are more appropriate for heavier gates such as carriage style ones that require extra force to open.

The features of a garage door opener will depend on the brand. But some standard aspects are manual release for disengaging from inside your garage; security light that switches on every time you use it and miniature remote keys to operate the system if needed; compatibility with various vehicles or just one type like cars only. It may also include an auto-close function as well as a battery backup in case there is a power outage, and built-in WiFi.

Usually, garage door openers have a remote control with a sensor included, that receives the signal and the cost for a backup unit is around $75.

What are the extra costs?

Garage door opener kits come with remotes, but you can also purchase universal remote controls for around $30-$60. Purchasing a second remote is helpful if you want to give one of them to someone close like your housekeeper or nanny and keep the other in case something happens with that first controller.

A keypad installed on the outside of your garage door will unlock it when a PIN is inputted. These devices can be found for as low as $35 or up to around $70, depending on features like how many people are allowed access and whether you want additional security measures such as an alarm system.

While some openers may come equipped with a light bulb, others are not. Extra lighting can be installed if you want.

Your door’s size can determine how much you spend on your garage door opener. If it is taller than seven feet, then the rail will be larger and may cost more in labor expenses to install. Eight-foot doors often require $30-$55 more in installation costs while 10 footers could end up costing close to $100 extra.

You might not realize this, but many modern door openers won’t come with a battery backup. For example, if your power were to go out while the opener was on (which it probably will at some point), then you wouldn’t be able to use the remote or keypad controls for opening and closing your garage doors.

Important things to remember

The life expectancy of a typical garage door opener ranges from 10-25 years and they are pretty much indestructible.

If you buy a garage door opener, it’s important to know what your warranty covers. Some warranties cover just the parts that go into making the product while others offer a replacement if something goes wrong with the part before its time is up.

As technology progresses, we are able to integrate our homes with new features. With newer garage doors you can control them from your smartphone and apps like MyQ Connected Home allow you to do just that. This app will let you know when the door opens or closes and also send alerts if it has been opened for an extended period of time. If this is a feature that would be helpful in your home then make sure one of these handy apps is added with any garage door installation service.

Some of the main features you should take into consideration are power, speed, and noise. The one thing that can change all those factors is horsepower. What size of door do you have? Most standard garages will require a 1/2 HP model, but if your doors weigh more than normal or exceed 8 feet in height then it may be necessary to go with something stronger like 3HP+.

Belt vs chain garage door opener

There are two different types of garage door openers, the belt drive, and the chain. The main difference is that a belt opener uses rubber or fiberglass reinforced for heavier doors while an electric motor cranks the steel chains on top to move your garage door up and down. The ideal opener for heavy doors is the chain one.

Belt drives are an excellent choice for a garage opener. They’re quieter than chain openers and can lift the doors about seven inches per second with little to no effort from you.

Chain drives are the most reliable and can save you from having belt drive problems like slippage or tearing, but they tend to create noisy sounds when functioning especially if adjustment is needed every so often.

How can I save money?

To find the best garage door opener for your needs, buy a model that is powerful enough to handle what you need. Consider the horsepower and the size of your door before making purchases or mounting it.

Get more quotes from online sites if you want your garage door opener to be installed by a professional.

You could save hundreds of dollars by installing a garage door yourself, but be sure to check with your local retailers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Sears. These stores can often install the devices for less than $200 if you purchase through them.