Garage Door Opener Installation Price: Complete Cost Guide

The average all-in garage door opener installation price ranges from $350 to $900 for a basic unit. Before deciding whether to go the DIY route or hire a professional to replace your opener, it’s important to understand both the hidden and transparent costs associated with the project, you also want to make sure you find the best garage door opener. 

While you’ll definitely save some cash by installing it yourself, hidden costs like potential injury, electrical hazards and shelling out for tools can quickly add up. Regardless of who does it, proper installation ensures the security and longevity of your system. Garage.com can help connect you with qualified professionals to compare quotes and decide between professional or DIY installation. 

Average Garage Door Opener Installation Costs

The average national parts-and-labor cost to install a new garage door opener ranges from $350 to $900 for basic models and up to $1,500 or more for advanced units. 

What you’ll actually pay depends on where you live, how complex the installation is, the type of door opener you choose, and other factors. Here’s a breakdown of some average costs you can expect to pay for professional garage door opener installation. 

New Installation

Installing a new garage door opener is more expensive than replacing an existing one since more labor hours are typically required. You’ll also need an electrician to install an outlet in the ceiling if you don’t already have one. When you find a new garage door you’ll want to ensure you find a compatible opener.

Replacement

Replacing an older garage door opener with a new one is typically cheaper on the labor end, but make sure to factor in the removal and disposal of the old unit.

While most basic models are suitable for DIY installation, contact a professional if you’re working with a commercial-grade system or a specialty unit like a jackshaft drive. Need help deciding whether to go the professional or DIY route? Garage.com can help you obtain quotes from pros in your area. 

Garage Door Opener Types and Their Price Points

The most common garage door opener drive mechanisms are chain, belt and screw drives. Other options include direct drive and jackshaft mechanisms. Prices for the unit alone range between $150 and $800. Understanding how your garage door works is important to purchasing the correct opener.

Chain Drive: $150 – $250

The aptly named chain drive uses a metal chain to lift and lower the door. It’s the most common and cost-effective option, making it a popular choice for homeowners with average-sized doors.

Pros

• Durable
• Reliable
• Low cost
• Widely available

Cons

• Noisy
• Requires frequent maintenance

Belt Drive: $150 – $450 

A rubber belt reinforced with steel powers the door. Belt drives are quieter and smoother than chain drives, but are less durable overall. If your bedrooms are above or next to the garage and you’re looking for minimal noise, a belt drive is a solid option. 

Pros

• Quiet
• Low maintenance
• Fast open and close

Cons

• Less durable than chain drives
• Higher price point

Screw Drive: $150 – $500

A screw drive uses a threaded steel rod that acts like a screw to power the door’s movement. They’re fast, they’re built to last and they require less maintenance than other types of garage door openers. 

Pros

• Smooth and fast operation
• Fewer parts = less maintenance

Cons

• Pricier option
• Extreme temperatures can affect performance

Direct Drive: $300 – $600

A sleek but expensive option, direct-drive garage door openers have a stationary chain that the motor moves across to lift the door. If money is no object and smooth, quiet performance is everything, consider a direct drive system. 

Pros

• Very quiet
• Low maintenance
• Smooth performance

Cons

• High cost, comparatively

Jackshaft Drive: $400 – $800 

Jackshaft openers are quiet, space-saving units that use torsion tubes to move the door up and down. Instead of hanging from the ceiling, they’re located on the side of the garage door. Jackshaft drives are best for tall garage door openings, heavy doors or commercial applications.

Pros

• Saves ceiling space
• Smooth operation

Cons

• Most expensive option
• Requires professional installation

If your garage door opener doesn’t come with WiFi connectivity or smart features, several models have apps you can pair it with. You can also purchase an add-on smart garage door opener for around $40 to $150.  

Professional vs. DIY Installation: Cost Comparison

Not including the unit itself, the cost of professional garage door opener installation is around $300 to $750 for a new unit and $250 to $500 for a replacement. On average, the opener and any necessary parts and accessories will cost an additional $200 to $900. 

If you’re replacing your garage door opener on your own, you’ll also need to purchase any necessary tools and materials that you don’t already own. Some of these tools include:

• Drill and bits
• Screwdrivers
• Ladder
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Wrench set
• Pliers
• Stud finder
• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Hammer
• Circuit tester
• Wire stripper
• Hacksaw

But price isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding whether to hire a professional or go it alone—the hidden costs of DIY installation can quickly add up. Installing your own garage door opener takes time, mistakes can happen and there’s always a risk of injury or potential electrical hazards. If your project is basic and involves a standard opener, DIY installation can be a worthwhile investment of your time while saving you some cash. If you’ll be installing a jackshaft opener or one with advanced features, hiring a professional is the way to go. 

Professionals also carry liability insurance. This means that if any damage occurs to your property during installation, their insurance policy should cover it. Their labor and some parts should also be covered under a warranty. While your homeowner’s insurance might cover any DIY damages incurred, your premium could go up.  

Additional Cost Factors To Consider

The average cost of a garage door opener, including parts and accessories, is $200 to $900—a wide range, to say the least. Basic models will have basic features. And just like any product, the sky’s the limit in terms of available upgrades and add-ons. Think about what’s important to you in a garage door opener and weigh in some of these factors that affect its price. 

• Brand: Manufacturers like Craftsman and Genie offer quality garage door openers that are typically on the lower end of the price spectrum. LiftMaster and Hormann, on the other hand, have a higher starting point.  
• Horsepower: A garage door opener’s horsepower (HP) determines its lifting power. A .5HP motor is best for lightweight, smaller doors, and is usually less expensive. Units with 1HP and above will go up in price respectively. 
• Smart home integration: You’ll pay more for things like remote access and monitoring, virtual keys, push notifications and compatibility with smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assisstant. 

Also consider the value of the manufacturer’s warranty, seasonal pricing fluctuations and any electrical work needed. 

Common Questions About Garage Door Opener Installation Prices