How Much Should It Cost To Repair A Garage Door?

Because a garage door is a mechanical device with many moving parts, and because over time mechanical parts will fail, every garage door will eventually need some kind of repair.  However, because they are infrequent, homeowners aren’t very familiar with them, and so a very frequently asked question for garage door repair companies is, “How much should it cost to repair a garage door?”

Unfortunately, such a generalized question is similar to, “How long is a piece of string?” or, “How much will it cost to fix my car?”  There are just so many variables that until an expert is able to know what they are going to need to do, it’s nearly impossible to give an honest answer.

It may be frustrating to hear that, but we share it with you here so that you can be prepared to hear it if you’re calling any repair company.  At the same time, if you do your best to gather a little bit of information to share over the phone, you may be able to give enough information that you will be able to get a decent estimate on what it will take.  

One of the most common issues requiring a repair on a garage door is a broken spring.  Many people aren’t even aware of the fact that the garage door operates using springs, so they’re not able to answer basic questions such as whether the door has a single or double spring, torsion springs or extension springs or a torsion ‘tube’ (which is essentially ‘hidden’ springs in the shaft that is mounted over your door).  

Each of these spring set ups requires a different approach, different kinds and quantities of parts and a different amount of effort and labor time.  Is it any wonder that the prices vary? 

And springs aren’t the only issue that can cause a garage door problem.  There are also rollers that can go bad, cables that can slip off the drum or even break, drums and bearings that can wear out, spring mounts that can detach from the header, sensors that can go bad… and this list isn’t even including issues that can arise from a garage door opener (i.e. the electric motor or operator).  

With all that being said, hopefully you’ll understand why you won’t find a simple answer to “How much should it cost to repair a garage door?”  However, we can share some very ‘rough estimate’ numbers so that you can have a ballpark idea.

The numbers listed below are based on talking to and researching various company prices, and  will be ‘all in’ numbers – meaning your final-final bill, after taxes, parts, labors. In other words, the amount you’ll be writing a check for.  Some companies will tack on additional fees such as a service call, fuel surcharge, disposal fee and other ‘creative’ ways to give a different ‘total’ from what was quoted over the phone.  If you’re getting estimates, make sure you ask for the final price, all fees included.

  • A single spring replacement on a standard garage door should probably cost under $200 ‘all in’.
  • Replacing 2 springs on a standard door, in the $300 range
  • Replacing cables – it’s rare that you would simply need to replace a cable.  If it broke or came off the drum, there’s a good chance that something else is going on with your door.  For just a cable replacement, probably about $100
  • Replacing bad sensors (‘electric eyes’ that prevent the garage door from accidentally closing on a child or pet) – probably around $200
  • Garage Door Opener Replacement – this will depend on the quality of the unit you purchase and whether it’s a chain drive or a belt drive.  Belt drive units are much quieter, but will cost more. Prices for a new unit, installed and removal of the old unit from the property can range from around $450 for a chain drive to $750 or more for a belt drive with a battery back up power supply.

Now you have a bit of information on costs for the more common repairs needed on garage doors.  You also know that you might not be able to get an accurate estimate over the phone if it’s not entirely clear what your door will need to return it to a good and safe operating standard.  

With all that in mind, we welcome you to call us and we’ll be happy to answer whatever questions we can over the phone, or to schedule a time for us to come and do whatever repairs are necessary on your garage door. AJ’s Garage Door Service is proud to offer same day service in many cases (whenever possible), and we never charge extra for that convenience. 

Learn more about garage door repair costs and a common question we hear: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Repairs?

Back to AJ’s main page on garage door repair.  And don’t forget, we offer service to the entire greater Tucson area including Oro Valley and Vail, AZ.