Are you experiencing sticker shock when shopping for a new garage door?
You’re not alone. Many homeowners are putting off major purchases or going the DIY route. Both can be costly in the long run.
But there are other ways to save money on a garage door.
This article explains how you can save money when buying a new garage door. We highlight real-world examples of where you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Keep reading to find out more.
Save Money on Garage Doors: Compare Different Manufacturers & Installers
Have you ever been faced with the thought, “I really should have shopped around more?”
I have, and you want to avoid that when it comes to significant investments like garage doors! Shopping around will help guarantee you get the absolute best for what you’re willing to spend.
Not every garage door manufacturer and installer is the same.
I typically do a lot of research before making a big purchase. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the value of getting multiple perspectives and prices.
Here’s why you should consider doing this:
- Best Quality & Service: By comparing, you ensure that you aren’t just looking for the cheapest deal but the best quality. Sometimes a slightly higher price comes with an impeccable service. Check out our internal article on various garage door manufacturers for deeper insights.
- Value for Your Money: Why pay $1500 when you could get the same quality and service for $1000? You’ll find the sweet spot between cost and value by shopping around.
- Avoid Getting Duped: Unfortunately, not all companies play fair. You can sidestep those dodgy companies looking to make a quick buck by comparing prices and reviews.
Tips for Effective Price Comparison
Now that you know why it’s important, let’s look at some tips on how to do it.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Request quotes from at least three different garage door companies before settling on one. You’ll need to provide them with the same specifications for a comparable rate. If you’re unsure where to start, online platforms like Thumbtack or Angi can be pretty helpful. They can connect you with local professionals and even offer free estimates.
- Watch Out for Hidden Charges: Always check the fine print and ask for a detailed breakdown. Additional fees for installation, removal, or even warranties can sneak in. When comparing, ensure you’re looking at the total cost for a like-for-like comparison.
- Negotiation is Key: Don’t be afraid to ask for any available discounts or promotions. If you find a better price but really like a particular installer, use that lower price as a bargaining chip. Remember, every penny saved counts, but never sacrifice quality or service for a few bucks.
Services like Thumbtack let you compare prices from numerous garage door companies in your area. You get free estimates and can glance through past customer reviews.
HomeAdvisor says the average garage door installation cost in the US is around $1,134. However, prices vary wildly, ranging between $730 and $1,538.
That’s a potential saving of several hundred dollars simply by taking some time to compare installers.
Compare Different Garage Door Materials (Save Now vs. Save Later)
When shopping for a new garage door, you’ll probably start with how it looks.
But that’s not where you should begin.
You should start by choosing the material first. This is especially important if you’re trying to save money when buying your garage door.
The right garage door materials will impact how the door looks, but they’ll also affect its durability, insulation, and maintenance.
For example, wooden doors make your home seem more expensive than your typical steel door. However, they might not be the best choice in a damp or humid climate. Without proper care, they could warp, crack, or rot.
On the flip side, steel doors might seem like the best cheap option, but they don’t stand up to extreme weather conditions like other materials.
Still, let’s give a brief overview of the pros and cons of popular materials:
Wood Garage Doors
- Pros: Naturally stunning and versatile in design. Good insulator.
- Cons: Hefty price tag. They are high maintenance and more susceptible to weather and pests.
Steel Garage Doors
- Pros: Sturdy with minimal maintenance. The most amount of design options. Easy to add insulation and still keep costs down.
- Cons: Beware of rust in coastal areas. They can be noisy without proper insulation.
Aluminum Garage Doors
- Pros: Lightweight and resists corrosion. Typically found in modern designs with optional glass panels.
- Cons: Be gentle. They dent easily and aren’t the best insulator.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
- Pros: Lightweight and can mimic other, higher-cost materials. They are resistant to most damages.
- Cons: It doesn’t handle insulation well. The color may fade over time.
Vinyl Garage Doors
- Pros: The long-lasting, no-fuss option. Good insulation.
- Cons: Designs are limited. More expensive than steel.
It’s tempting to skimp on the material to try to save money on your new garage door.
However, some materials might be cheaper initially but cost more in the long run.
Save Money on Garage Doors with Basic Styles & Features
The sheer variety of garage door styles and features can be overwhelming – especially when you’re shopping online.
Many people start with a cheap garage door and keep adding features until the price gets eye-wateringly expensive.
It’s like buying a car. Dealerships get you in the door with a low price but tack on leather seats and a premium sound system. Suddenly you’re paying thousands of dollars more than you wanted.
When trying to save money on garage doors, you need to differentiate between ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves.’
Here’s a rundown of some fancy features that could significantly jack up the price:
- Windows: Sure, they bring in lovely natural light, but adding them could up your cost by over a quarter. Plus, think about insulation and security trade-offs.
- Insulation: Great for attached garages or garage workshops where you spend a great deal of time. However, insulation can hike the price by 20%.
- Natural Wood Look: These faux-wood doors look phenomenal and are super durable, but expect to shell out at least 40% more.
- Carriage Doors: Beautiful and charming, these can make your garage look like a fairytale barn. But they might double your budget and aren’t for every house style.
- Decorative Hardware: Adding stylish hinges or handles can be tempting, but remember they might increase your costs by around 10%.
- Custom Designs: Want a one-of-a-kind garage door? Be ready to double your costs – at a minimum.
Save Money on Garage Doors by Keeping it Simple
Choosing a basic style doesn’t mean settling for less. Here’s how you can make a wise choice:
- Match Your Home: Consider the architecture of your home. A simple raised-panel garage door in a neutral color might be perfect for traditional homes, while sleek, flat-panel ones could be great for contemporary styles.
- Function Over Form: What’s your garage’s primary use? For storage or parking, prioritize privacy and security over fancy features.
- Stick to the Budget: It’s easy to get carried away, but keeping a clear budget in mind can help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Sticking to basics can significantly cut down both costs and future maintenance.
For most homeowners, try a plain steel garage door with insulation. This will serve most homeowners’ needs while remaining cost-effective. It offers security, insulation, and a clean look that complements most houses.
Want something even more basic? Let’s crunch some numbers.
Assume a custom-designed garage door costs at least $4,000. Opting for a basic, insulated steel garage door might only set you back $2,000.
That’s a $2,000 saving, and you still have a door that looks great, offers insulation, and will last for years.
Choosing simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It means making smart, budget-friendly decisions.
Save Money on Garage Doors by Shopping Online
More and more people purchase items online, and garage doors are no exception. If you’re in the market for a new garage door, shopping online might save you time and a substantial amount of money.
Shopping for a garage door online eliminates the need to jump from one physical store to another.
Instead, you have all the options right at your fingertips. This lets you quickly compare prices, features, and reviews across various brands and retailers.
Plus, many online retailers elevate the shopping experience by offering design tools. These tools let you experiment with various styles, colors, and finishes and see exactly how your new garage door will look once installed.
Often, the most enticing promotions, coupons, and discounts are exclusive to online platforms and unavailable in brick-and-mortar stores.
Successfully buying a garage door online doesn’t just mean clicking “buy” on the first appealing option.
Here are some best practices:
- Know What You Want and Need: Start with a clear understanding of the type, size, material, and style of the garage door you’re interested in. Familiarize yourself with features that matter most to you, like insulation, windows, or security enhancements.
- Measure Twice, Order Once: One of the most crucial aspects of buying a garage door is ensuring it fits your garage opening perfectly. Carefully measure your garage following manufacturer instructions to ensure you order the correct size.
- Details Matter: Don’t just skim through the product details. Read the description, specifications, warranty details, and return policy meticulously to avoid surprises.
- Check Customer Feedback: Go through customer reviews and ratings. While no product will have 100% positive feedback, watching out for recurring complaints or issues can alert you to potential problems.
- Make Sure They’re Reliable: Not all online retailers are created equal. Ensure you purchase from a reputable garage door company known for quality products, competitive pricing, and commendable customer service.
Do Garage Doors Ever Go On Sale?
Generally speaking, the best way to get a great deal on something is to wait for it to go on sale.
It’s no different when shopping for a new garage door. A well-timed purchase during a promotional offer can translate to substantial savings.
Whether through a discount, a rebate, or even an offer for free installation, hunting down these deals can help you save money on a garage door.
Plus, it doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality. Promotions often allow you to upgrade to a more energy-efficient or high-end door for the same price as many standard models.
If you’re serious about maximizing savings, here are some areas to explore:
- Seasonal Discounts: Many companies offer promotions during specific times of the year. Depending on the demand and stock availability, these might be during peak seasons when everyone’s shopping or during off-peak times when businesses want to boost their sales. Check garage door company websites or social media profiles regularly to help keep you informed.
- Clearance Sales: Everyone loves a good clearance sale! These typically occur when companies must clear out older stock to make room for new inventory. This is a golden opportunity to land a great deal, especially if you don’t care about having the latest model.
- Manufacturer Promotions: Brands often announce promotions when they launch new products or collaborate with specific retailers. These include discounts, rebates, or even offers like free installations. But always read the fine print. There may be stipulations like a minimum purchase amount or a restricted geographical area.
Save Money By Installing Your New Garage Door Yourself
With the right tools and guidance, installing a new garage door yourself is certainly feasible.
In a typical garage door installation, labor costs can set you back anywhere between $300 and $500 by the time you factor in the installer’s expertise, time, and equipment.
By installing the garage door yourself, you’re only paying for the cost of the door and any parts.
However, a DIY project of this magnitude isn’t without its challenges. You’ll have to install large components such as panels, springs, and tracks. Each requires care to install and align properly. Add the complexities of wiring a new garage door opener, and things get even more complicated.
Another factor to consider is the warranty.
In some cases, installing your garage door by yourself could void your manufacturer’s warranty. Some manufacturers or vendors require installation by certified professionals to keep the warranty intact.
Always read your warranty information before installing your new garage door.
Whether you self-install or professionally install your new garage door, always keep a meticulous record of purchase and installation documents.
Finally, local rules and regulations might come into play. You might be in a jurisdiction requiring a building permit to install a new garage door.
These regulations could touch upon various aspects of the door, from size and style to insulation and safety features.
Always check with your local building department before installation. Be prepared for a subsequent inspection to ensure compliance with standards.
Wrapping It Up
A new garage door is a significant purchase, but it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.
Let’s quickly revisit the core insights we’ve delved into:
- Shop around and compare: A bit of comparison shopping can lead to potential savings, whether it’s the manufacturers or the installers. Different companies have varying prices, and sometimes a quick search can unearth a gem of a deal.
- Materials matter: Remember, not all garage door materials are created equal. While some are more costly due to their aesthetic appeal or durability, others balance price and performance. Choose wisely based on your needs and budget.
- Simplicity is critical: Going with basic styles and features can drastically reduce costs. This doesn’t mean compromising on looks or function. It simply means opting for designs that offer the best value for your money.
- Be sale-savvy: Always look for sales, discounts, and special promotions. These can significantly reduce costs and sometimes include bonuses like free installation.
- DIY if you can: If you’re handy and confident, consider installing the garage door yourself. It can be a rewarding project and can cut down on additional costs.
In this article, we’ve discussed several strategies to help you save money on garage doors without sacrificing quality. Now you’re ready to choose a garage door that balances aesthetics, function, and affordability.
