How Much Does a Garage Door Opener Installation Cost?

Garage Door Opener Costs by Type

Garage door opener systems can range in price from $150 to $500, but can go as high as $1,500 for a commercial garage door opener.

In fact, one of the largest garage door opener installation cost factors is the type of system you choose. Typically, you’ll select from the following options for your operating system: chain drive, belt drive, screw drive, direct drive, or commercial.

Chain Drive Operators

Chain driven garage door openers are typically the least expensive models, running from $150 to $250. These garage door operators use a metal chain to push and pull the garage door along the tracks to raise and lower it.

Chain drive operators are the most basic in design and have been around the longest. Because they were the first automatic garage door openers to hit the market, more innovative and efficient openers have outpaced chain drive operators.

Chain drive operators typically do not come with a battery backup. However, the biggest issue with chain drive garage door openers is the noise; they are much louder than other models as they work to move the door on demand.

Though chain drive operators are the most affordable and easy to install, they also require more maintenance, including regular lubrication, over time. They are also not as long-lasting as other garage door opener systems on this list, like belt drive operators.

Belt Drive Operators

Belt drive garage door openers cost anywhere from $175 to $450, depending on the model. These systems use a strong, steel-reinforced rubber belt to move the garage door up and down and are significantly less noisy than their chain drive counterparts. For that luxury, they are typically more expensive.

Unlike chain drive operators, belt drive garage door openers usually include a battery backup; you can even find Bluetooth-enabled smart garage door openers that operate using a belt, though these cost more.

Though they require less maintenance, belt drive openers can wear out faster than chains, and the belts themselves can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and excessive humidity.

Screw Drive Operators

Screw drive operators cost from $200 to $500. Although these models were once the leading solution to noisy chains, belt drive operators are slowly rendering screw drive operators obsolete.

Screw drive garage door openers utilize a threaded metal screw rod that rotates (like a screw); this motion opens and closes the garage door. This format is much quieter than a chain, and the systems have very few moving parts, meaning maintenance costs are low (just lubrication a couple of times a year).

However, screw drive garage door openers don’t do well with fluctuations in temperature and aren’t ideal for heavier garage doors. These issues, coupled with the advent of belt drive operators, have led many manufacturers to stop making screw drive openers.

Direct Drive Operators

Direct drive garage door openers range in price from $275 to $450. These models offer the most simplistic design: The motor itself raises and lowers the garage door without a need for a chain, belt, or screw. That means fewer moving parts and less maintenance.

Direct drive operators make very little noise, can lift heavier garage doors, and can withstand more extreme temperatures. In addition to the federally mandated safety sensors, direct drive units come with automatic reverse safety systems.

All these benefits make direct drive operators more expensive. Over time, however, they are typically worth the investment in saved maintenance and repair costs.

Commercial Garage Door Opener Prices

Ranging from $300 to $1,500, commercial garage door operators have the potential to be much more expensive than residential models. The lower $300 price tag reflects the typical price for manual lift models; automatic systems retail at the higher end of the price range.

Why are commercial garage door openers more expensive? It comes down to the additional horsepower and chain strength needed to lift huge overhead commercial doors.

If you are unsure if you need a residential or commercial garage door opener, you can ask a trusted local garage door opener installation expert.

Garage Door Opener Installation Cost Factors

Garage door operator installation ranges from $225 to $525. The type of garage door operator you choose will have the biggest impact on that overall garage door opener installation cost, but other factors—like whether it’s new or a replacement, local labor costs, horsepower requirements, and accessories—can also affect the price.

New

The cost to install a new garage door opener without an existing system in place ranges from $225 to $525, but it can go as high as $825 for higher-end models. The garage door opener itself will cost from $150 to $500, and you might pay an added $50 to $75 for additional parts, accessories, and equipment rentals.

If you’re installing a new garage door as well, your price will be significantly higher. A new garage door costs $350 to $1,100 on average, with high-end models fetching more than $10,000. Installation labor can be as high as $500.

Replacement 

A garage door opener replacement cost averages $525 if the contractor needs to remove and dispose of the existing infrastructure; that’s on the high end of a garage door operator installation cost.

However, in certain replacements, you will be able to use some of the components that are already in place, which can make the garage door replacement cost less expensive than a new installation because fewer labor hours will be needed. Depending on the new garage door motor cost, you might pay as little as $225 to $300 for a replacement.

Labor

You should hire a garage door installer to tackle this project. The average hourly rate for a garage door installer is $65 to $85. At an average of two to six hours for an installation, expect to pay between $130 and $510 for labor.

If this is a new installation, you may also need to find a local electrician who can wire the garage door opener, including adding an outlet at the top of your garage. An electrician costs $50 to $70 an hour; the project will likely take an electrician one to two hours for an additional $100 to $140.

Horsepower

Garage door openers can range in power from 1/3 horsepower to 2 horsepower (HP); smaller, less potent openers cost less (as little as $120 for a 1/2 HP motor) while larger motors cost more (up to $500 or more for a 2 HP motor).

Openers rated at 1/3 HP can handle doors up to 150 pounds while 1- to 2-HP motors can manage up to 400 pounds. Check the specs for any motor you are considering to make sure it can handle the weight of your garage door.

Remotes and Keypad

Garage door opener remote replacements cost from $15 to $40 for basic keychain and visor remotes. A new garage door opener typically comes with two remotes, but you might want to buy more or replace a lost or broken one.

Keypads range from $30 to $60 when bought separately but are typically included with the garage door opener purchase. If you purchase one separately after the garage door opener has been installed, you may need to pay a professional to come out and install the keypad.

Lighting

Most garage door operators come with a lighting system; if yours does not, expect to pay between $50 and $150 to have lighting installed.

Ideally, the lights will turn on when the garage door opens or closes and will stay on for 30 seconds or longer so you can safely exit your vehicle and enter your home. If possible, find a lighting system that also works independently of the garage door opener, meaning you can freely turn the light on and off as needed.

When bulbs burn out, replace them with LEDs. An LED replacement bulb typically costs $10, but the savings over incandescent bulbs are so high that you’ll recoup the cost quickly.

Sensors 

You can purchase garage door sensors for $50 to $100 each. Since 1993, federal law has required safety sensors for all garage doors. That means garage door openers are now all sold with sensors, but older garages might need to have them installed.

Laser sensors scan for movement across the path of the garage door while the door is operating; the sensors immediately stop the door when motion is detected. Automatic reverse sensors go a step further: If motion is detected while the door is closing, these systems automatically reverse the direction of the door (reopening it).

Battery Backup

Battery backups are available as an aftermarket accessory for roughly $100. Chain drive openers typically come without battery backups, but most other types of openers will include them in the system.

Extension Kit

Extension kits cost around $50. You will only need to purchase an extension kit if your garage door is taller than 7 feet.

Garage Door Opener Costs by Brand

The brand of garage door opener can also affect the overall cost. While each brand offers various types of openers at different horsepower ratings, the prices below reflect average ranges. Actual prices may vary.

Garage Door Opener Maintenance Costs

Each year, you should conduct garage door maintenance; as part of this maintenance, expect to pay garage door opener maintenance costs—typically an hour of professional labor equal to $65 to $85.

Garage door openers can typically last 10 to 15 years if they are well maintained. Maintenance items include checking the battery backup in the opener and the remotes, testing the sensors, inspecting the pulleys and cables for signs of wear and tear, and tightening the chains and belts as needed.

If you are already paying for larger garage door maintenance, the contractor will typically include the opener maintenance in their scope of work.

Garage Door Opener Repair Costs

During everyday use, you might notice an issue with your garage door opener. That does not mean it’s necessarily time for a replacement. You should hire a garage door contractor to inspect the system and make repairs if possible. Repairs may take several hours; labor costs can range from $65 to $250.

If the garage door itself needs repair work done, expect to pay more. If using a professional contractor, garage door repair costs can go as high as $1,500.

DIY vs. Pro

Can you DIY a garage door opener installation? In general, homeowners should avoid the DIY route on this project. Installing a garage door opener is a challenging task that requires precision for safe operation. Installers need mechanical, electrical, and carpentry skills.

Instead, consult with a garage door expert before starting any installations or repairs themselves. Contractors will be able to advise on garage door opener types and power requirements. After receiving multiple quotes, hire the garage door motor pro that seems best suited to the job.

FAQs

Should I get a chain or belt garage opener? 

A chain garage door opener is more affordable than a belt garage opener, but it is also noisier and requires more frequent maintenance and repairs. If you can afford to spend a little more on a belt garage door opener, that is the better investment for your home—especially if it is an attached garage with a bedroom above it.

How long do garage door openers last?

With normal usage, garage door openers last 10 to 15 years; newer, more expensive, well-maintained models may last even longer. But if the model does not have enough horsepower to open and close the door with ease, it may not last nearly that long. For the best results, match the operator to the door size and always use it as directed.

How long does it take for garage door openers to be installed? 

It takes roughly two to six hours to install a garage door opener. Replacing an old garage door opener can add to the overall time since you may need to remove and dispose of the existing infrastructure. But if you are able to reuse components from the previous system, labor time may be on the lower end.

Is it hard to replace a garage door opener?

Installing a garage door opener is a challenging task that requires specialized knowledge, skills, and patience. We recommend that you look for garage door opener installers near you. Get quotes from at least three contractors before deciding on one for your garage door opener installation.