With inflation on the rise and the costs of living going up, it makes sense that you would want to save money by tackling large projects like replacing or repairing your old garage door by yourself. However, in the long run, it may not be a good idea. A garage door installation may seem like a straightforward project, but it requires expert knowledge and professional tools to install it properly the first time. If it isn’t installed properly, you risk a garage door system that will malfunction and could result in inconvenience, accidents, and possibly serious personal injury.

So, will doing it yourself offer you the same quality installation as hiring a professional? Here is what you need to know: 

Why Shouldn’t I Install a Garage Door by Myself?          

• Skill. Installing a garage door requires specialized skills and professional tools that you may not possess.
• Time. Self-installing a garage door cuts into your free time and may actually take longer than if you hire a professional team to do the job. Doing it yourself may take weeks, while a professional team can usually do it in a day.
• Safety. Garage doors are heavy, and if not removed or installed properly, they can fall on you and cause serious injury. Automatic doors have the added potential risk of not being properly wired which can lead to electrocution or accidental fires. Hiring a professional will ensure that the project is done safely.
• Cost. The materials and cost of tools for a DIY garage installation are about the same amount as a professional installation. And if the DIY garage door isn’t properly installed the first time, it can possibly cost even more and may require a professional to repair the work you already did.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Installer Rather Than Doing It Yourself:

• Quality: A professional will provide quality sales, installation and repair backed by a warranty and future service should something go wrong. You won’t receive this type of service should you decide to install a garage door on your own.
• Timely Service: since professional garage door installers are industry experts, they can provide a smooth and seamless installation. Consider the monetary value of the time you could save by hiring a professional instead of installing a door by yourself.
• Highly Trained Professionals: Our team of professional installers work to install garage doors daily, so they bring expert level knowledge to every job. It can be easy to underestimate how complex installing a door and counterbalance system is. Our expert team can help make sure that your installation or repair project will be done safely and without risk of personal injury to you.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Professional Install a Garage Door?

Prices vary widely across the country, but average general estimates are as follows: 

• A Roll up door Replacement:  $400-$1500
• A Tilt-up door Replacement:  $500-$1,200
• A Carriage Door Replacement: $1,000-$10,000
• A French Door Replacement:  $2,000-$5,000

The price of the installation will also take into account the size of your garage and the number of doors that need installed or replaced. Added systems like automatic doors, garage door opener systems and alarm systems may contribute to the final cost of the project. Part of the cost will also include labor, but generally an installation will be complete in a single day. 

Other costs may include:

• The cost of disposing of the old door
• The electrician may submit a separate bill
• If you have never had a garage door installed before, you may need to apply for a building permit with your local government authority.
• If you are building a new garage, curbing and guttering will need to be installed.
• The costs involved with the installation of a security alarm.

Rest assured though that our company offers the most competitive rates compared to other companies.

How Long Will the Installation Take and What Is Involved?

The time needed for the removal of your old door and the installation of your new one can vary based on your unique situation. Contact Connecticut Garage Door Service for a custom quote.

The Four Steps of Garage Door Replacement

• Our team will remove the old door and hardware
• We then connect new the door and hardware
• Our electrician will then install the new electrical cable and make sure the security alarm is properly connected
• Any scrap is then removed and the cleanup takes place. This includes the removal and transportation of your old door.

Will the Warranty on Your Garage Door Be Affected if You Have a Professional Install It?

No. Most reputable companies offer a warranty with their installation. Make sure to ask us when you call for an estimate. All our services come with a guarantee and most of our garage door parts come with a lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

Trying to install a garage door by yourself isn’t generally a good choice. A garage door can be dangerous if not installed properly. They can fall and injure you or someone else as you are taking them off. An improperly installed automatic door poses risk for electrocution and electrical fire. It also can be more expensive when considering all the materials tools and the time spent on the installation. 

Garage door installation is complex and requires expert knowledge. Hiring a professional to install your garage door is the safer, efficient and more cost effective option. Our professionals at Connecticut Garage Door Service are continuously trained and are best suited to the task. Every day we work installing garage doors and as such know how to install them safely and in a timely manner. We offer the best competitive rates in the state, so call Connecticut Garage Door Service for a free estimate!