When a garage door needs to be replaced homeowners are naturally going to be concerned about the cost of a garage door replacement.

Your garage door likely gave out with no warning whatsoever and this expense came up out of the blue. One day the door was working as usual, and the next it wouldn’t budge.

Just as with any home improvement project, you need to be financially responsible. But if you’re being smart, you will want value as well. The two go hand in hand.

Cost of a Garage Door Replacement

If you want a good quality long lasting garage door you can expect to pay a little more. When you hire a reputable garage door company to do the work for you, you’re going to pay a higher price. However, a top quality garage door properly installed by experts will pay for itself in the end.

The home improvement magazine Remodeling reports that an upgraded garage door has an average return on investment of 83.7%, which is huge. In 2014, garage door upgrades were ranked as one of the year’s top four home improvement projects in the country.

There are even more financial returns with a new garage door:

• Due to their size and exposure to the weather, garages usually run up a fairly high heating bill in the winter and huge air conditioning costs in the summer. When you install an insulated door these costs are dramatically reduced saving you a lot of money on your utility bills, which adds to your return on investment.
• Garages also present a security risk for homeowners if the door isn’t solid enough and/or doesn’t lock properly. A well-fortified securely locked garage door can greatly reduce the chance of a break-in and/or theft.

Your door’s value can be further enhanced with regular upkeep and maintenance. This is especially important during the winter months when they undergo the heaviest use.

Why Consider Value Over Cost?

Your primary focus should be on value, not necessarily price. The cost of a garage door replacement can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, which include:

• Size and Materials. You can find garage doors in all different shapes and sizes and in a wide variety of materials. A standard steel door without insulation would cost less than a higher quality custom-made wood garage door for example.
• Level of Workmanship. You may very well be able to dismantle your existing garage door and install a new one on your own as a Do-It-Yourself weekend project. However, you run the risk of this costing you more in the end because this is no easy task. In addition, safety is a concern if you lack the proper tools. Garage door replacement requires a lot of expertise so you are usually better off when you hire a skilled professional for the job. In addition, their work will often include a warranty.
• Location. Price can vary according to region due to differences in climate and architectural styles throughout the country. An average stone house in Vermont will not have the same requirements as a little stucco house in Arizona. To view the various price ranges, you are welcome to use this free search tool by filling in your ZIP code.

This is why you should consider value over cost when looking for a garage door replacement. When your garage door regularly receives service, it stays in optimal condition. This is especially important during the cold winter months. You should also have your own checklist to use on an annual basis just to make sure everything is in good working order. When you first notice a problem it may be something minor that you can fix on your own. If you wait and the problem gets worse, you will most likely have to hire a professional company.