DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Installation: Pros and Cons

April 24, 2023

Homeowners must decide between DIY and professional installation when installing a new garage door.

Although it takes time, effort, and some technical knowledge, installing a garage door yourself can be a financially advantageous option. On the other hand, professional installation may cost more upfront, but if you choose a reputable installer you can be certain the installation will be done correctly and safely. Should you purchase a door from Gator Garage Door Repair both the labor and the hardware will come with warranties that can give you peace of mind.

So, is a do-it-yourself project as good as hiring a trained professional? Here’s everything you need to know.

DIY Garage Door Installation

The external appearance of your home may be updated and given more curb appeal by replacing that outdated and worn out garage door you have now. It can also raise the value of your home, increase overall security, and make daily life more convenient.

While many garage door dealers provide comprehensive installation services, encompassing the removal and disposal of your old door along with the delivery and installation of the new one, opting for a DIY approach can lead to savings on installation expenses, especially if you possess the requisite expertise and experience.

Pros:

Cost Savings: You may save a lot of money by installing the garage door without an expert’s help. Moreover, you may buy the garage door and other required parts from a hardware store or online to avoid paying installation fees.
Flexibility: You’ll have more liberty in terms of time and schedule if you complete the installation.

Cons:

Lack of Experience: It might be difficult to install a garage door, especially if you have no prior expertise. You might have to put in more time and effort to figure out how to do it properly, and you risk making costly errors. A typical DIY installation kit also suggests various instruments, such as a level, ratchet set, cordless drill, and adjustable wrench. If you’re not an expert handyman, you may get these tools from a nearby hardware store to finish the work. Additionally, you’d have to learn how to use the tools properly before installation.
Safety Risks: When a garage door is installed, your safety cannot be guaranteed. Heavy components used in garage door installation might be dangerous if not handled carefully. Injury or property damage may ensue from improper installation. Only a professional can guarantee the safe installation of your new garage door system.

Garage door installation calls for meticulous planning and expertise in carpentry and mechanics, even though it isn’t an especially time-consuming operation. Additionally, the warranty may be void if a professional doesn’t install the garage door.

Garage doors are heavy and challenging to install, so keep in mind that if you’re ready for a challenge, you’ll be rewarded with one. Two or more employees often carry out the installation of a garage door. It’s due to the weight of each garage door component, which must be lifted during installation into an inconvenient position.

Before determining if a DIY garage door installation is perfect for you, it’s a good idea to view video tutorials regarding the procedure if you’ve never seen it done.

Professional Garage Door Installation

To let you know what to anticipate, professionals will provide you with an estimate for your project before it gets going. Then, on the installation day, they deploy a certified, locally contracted installer who will quickly and expertly install your garage door. A one-year labor warranty is also included in most professional garage door installation services for their clients’ added peace of mind.

Pros:

Quality: Many expert installers provide high-quality door sales, installations, and repairs. They ensure your brand-new garage door system will last a long time and be supported by a warranty and future service if something goes wrong. Unfortunately, if you install a garage door on your DIY weekend, you won’t have these privileges.
Expertise: Professional installers have the knowledge and training to efficiently and correctly install garage doors. Since they are acquainted with the local building codes and safety laws, they can guarantee that the installation is safe and in compliance.
Because they deal with garage doors regularly, professional garage door technicians are also qualified to provide advice and assistance since it can be simple to undervalue the skill required to install a garage door and counterbalance system securely and correctly. As a result, your installation or repair project may be crossed off your to-do list without putting you in danger when you hire professionals.
Warranty and Guarantee: A warranty or guarantee is frequently provided with professional installation. The installer will return at no additional charge to remedy anything that goes wrong.
Safety: After completing the installation of your garage door, you can observe that everything is in proper order, and activating the opener results in the smooth opening and closing of the garage door. Nevertheless, it might be easy to overlook issues during installation, considering the numerous safety features incorporated into garage doors. However, a garage door professional will conduct a safety inspection to ensure all protective measures are in place and functioning correctly to prevent future harm or injuries from the garage door.

Cons:

Cost: Due to the costs of labor and materials, professional garage door installation may be more expensive than a DIY installation.
Limited Flexibility: Professional installers frequently follow established schedules, so working around your desired installation day and time could not be easy.

With all these things said, the most significant long-term advantage of investing in a professional garage door installation is safety. Only a professional can install all parts following industry and manufacturer safety standards. Also, a professional garage door installer offers top-notch service, a quick and simple installation process, and the assurance that your investment will last.

DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Installation: Final Verdict

There are several points of difference when comparing DIY garage door kits with professional installation services. While DIY projects might save the homeowner some money upfront, the assistance and warranties you receive after finishing the project might differ from what you originally planned.

Hiring a professional garage door technician to put in your new garage door can be more expensive. But then again, you can be sure that the doors are installed using parts of a professional caliber and that the company’s warranty covers the installation.