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. Choosing energy-efficient garage doors can help you save significantly on heating and cooling costs over time.
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. If you’re considering a unique option, side hinged garage doors can offer a classic look without the premium price of custom carriage doors.
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
