Your garage door probably isn't something you think about every day—until it stops working properly or starts looking worn out. But here's the thing: that large panel protecting your garage plays a bigger role in your home's appearance and functionality than you might realize. In fact, real estate experts often point to garage door replacement as one of the home improvements with the highest return on investment.

If you're considering a new garage door, you're likely wondering about costs, options, and whether it's worth the investment. Let me walk you through everything I've learned about garage doors over the years, from pricing breakdowns to maintenance tips that can save you hundreds of dollars down the road.

Understanding Garage Door Costs: What You'll Actually Pay

Let's start with what everyone wants to know: how much does a new garage door cost? Last month, my neighbor had their door replaced, and it got me curious about pricing. Most folks shell out anywhere from $1,150 to $1,900 when all is said and done. That $1,400 mark seems to be where you'll land if you want something decent without going overboard.

Of course, that's just your starting point. The final bill depends on a bunch of different factors. You know how it goes—you walk into the showroom thinking you'll stick to the basics, then suddenly you're eyeing the insulated model with windows and wondering if maybe you really do need that smartphone app. Before you know it, your "simple door replacement" has turned into a full garage makeover.

Breaking Down the Real Costs

When contractors quote a garage door cost, they're typically including:

• The door itself (obviously)
• Professional installation
• Basic hardware and tracks
• Removal of your old door

What often surprises homeowners are the extras that can bump up that initial quote:

• Automatic opener systems ($200-$500)
• Insulation upgrades ($100-$300)
• Windows and decorative elements ($100-$600)
• Smart home integration ($150-$400)

Types of Garage Doors: Finding Your Perfect Match

Not all garage doors are created equal. The type you choose affects everything from your daily convenience to your home's curb appeal. Let's explore what's actually available out there.

Standard Panel Doors: The Neighborhood Favorite

Walk down any suburban street, and you'll see why panel doors dominate the market. These sectional beauties slide up along tracks mounted to your ceiling, tucking neatly out of the way. At around $1,250 on average, they hit that perfect balance of affordability and functionality.

What makes them so popular? For starters, they work in virtually any garage configuration. Whether you've got low ceilings, limited driveway space, or an oddly shaped opening, panel doors adapt beautifully. Plus, if one section gets damaged (say, from an overly enthusiastic teenage driver), you can replace just that panel rather than the entire door.

Tilt-Up Doors: Simple and Streamlined

Remember those old garage doors that swing out and up in one piece? They're still around, and for good reason. Tilt-up doors offer a clean, minimalist look that works especially well with modern architecture. Averaging about $1,150, they're often the most budget-friendly option.

The catch? You need clearance in front of your garage for the door to swing out before tilting up. If you park close to your garage or have a short driveway, this might not be your best bet. But for homes with plenty of space, tilt-up doors provide reliable, no-nonsense functionality.

Roll-Up Doors: The Space-Saving Solution

Ever seen those metal doors on storage units? Roll-up garage doors work on the same principle but with residential-friendly refinements. The door coils up into a compact cylinder above your garage opening, making them perfect for garages with high ceilings but limited overhead space.

At $1,500 to $2,400, they're pricier than standard options. But if you're using your garage ceiling for storage or have an apartment above, that extra cost might be worth the space savings.

Carriage Doors: Old-World Charm Meets Modern Convenience

Want to give your home instant character? Carriage-style doors deliver that classic barn-door look while functioning like modern garage doors. Most swing out for authentic appeal, though you can find versions that slide up like standard doors.

Expect to invest between $1,400 and $1,900 for these beauties. They're particularly stunning on craftsman, colonial, or farmhouse-style homes. Just remember that true side-hinged models need clearance to swing open, which might be tricky if you have a narrow driveway.

Glass Garage Doors: Contemporary Elegance

Nothing says "modern architecture" quite like a glass garage door. These striking panels flood your garage with natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. At $1,280 to $1,450, they're surprisingly affordable for such a dramatic look.

The considerations? Privacy (though frosted options exist), insulation (glass isn't the best insulator), and maintenance (fingerprints and smudges show easily). But if you're using your garage as a workshop, home gym, or entertainment space, the natural light alone might justify the choice.

Materials Matter: Choosing What Your Door Is Made Of

The material you choose affects everything from durability to maintenance requirements. Let's break down your options.

Steel: The Workhorse Option

Steel doors are everywhere, and honestly, it makes sense why. You're looking at spending between $1,100 and $1,300, which is pretty reasonable for something that'll last decades. The new ones are nothing like those old rust buckets from the '80s either. They've got this tough painted finish that actually stays looking good, and most come stuffed with foam that helps keep your garage from turning into an oven in summer or a freezer in winter.

Aluminum: Lightweight and Low-Maintenance

If you live near the coast or in a humid climate, aluminum deserves serious consideration. At $1,200 to $1,400, these doors cost slightly more than steel but make up for it with their rust-proof nature. They're also significantly lighter, which means less strain on your opening mechanism.

The trade-off is durability. Aluminum dents more easily than steel and doesn't insulate as well. But for many homeowners, especially those dealing with salt air, the corrosion resistance alone makes aluminum worthwhile.

Wood: Timeless Beauty

Nothing quite matches the warmth and character of a real wood garage door. Expect to pay $1,700 to $1,900 for authentic wood construction. Cedar and redwood remain popular choices for their natural weather resistance, while mahogany offers unmatched elegance.

Here's the reality check: wood demands commitment. Plan on refinishing every few years to maintain that gorgeous appearance. In harsh climates, you might need annual touch-ups. But for many homeowners, that maintenance is a small price for the unmatched curb appeal wood provides.

Composite: The Best of Both Worlds

Can't decide between wood's beauty and steel's practicality? Composite doors might be your answer. These engineered materials combine wood fibers with resins to create doors that look like wood but resist moisture, insects, and warping. Prices vary wildly from $650 to $4,800 depending on quality and features.

Vinyl: The Budget Champion

At $1,150 to $1,350, vinyl doors offer exceptional value. They won't rust, dent, or need painting. Kids can bang into them with bikes, and coastal weather won't phase them. The downside? Limited color options and a somewhat plastic appearance that doesn't suit every home style.

The Garage Door with Door: A Game-Changing Feature

Here's something that doesn't get enough attention: the garage door with door option, also known as a pedestrian door or pass door. This brilliant feature builds a regular entry door right into your garage door panel, giving you easy access without opening the entire garage.

Why consider a garage door with a door? I'll tell you why. Last weekend, I was elbow-deep in an oil change when I realized I'd left my wrench set in the house. You know that moment—hands covered in grease, and the last thing you want is to hit that garage opener and wait forever while the whole door groans its way up. With a walk-through door built right into the main panel, you just turn the handle and step through. Simple as that.

My neighbor installed one last year, and now I'm jealous every time I see him dart in and out. He uses it constantly—grabbing his bike for a quick ride, letting the dog out for a bathroom break, sneaking inside for a cold drink without advertising to the whole neighborhood that his garage is full of expensive tools. Plus, his wife loves that they're not losing all their air conditioning to the garage every time someone needs a screwdriver.

Yeah, it'll bump up your price by $500 to $800, but think about how many times you open that big door just to walk through. The convenience factor alone sold me, and I'm adding one when I replace my door next spring. Just ensure your garage has enough headroom, as these doors require slightly more clearance than standard models.

Sizing Up Your Options: From Single to Triple

The size of your garage door significantly impacts both price and functionality. Let's look at what you can expect.

Single-Car Garage Doors

Standard single-car doors measure 8 to 9 feet wide and cost between $1,100 and $1,700. They're perfect for older homes, detached garages, or situations where you want separate doors for each bay. Some homeowners prefer multiple single doors over one large door for redundancy—if one door fails, you still have access through the others.

Double-Car Garage Doors

The suburban standard double doors typically span 16 feet and run $2,200 to $3,400. You'll face a choice: one double door or two singles? The double door costs less initially and provides a cleaner look. However, two single doors offer flexibility and potentially lower repair costs if something goes wrong.

Triple-Car and Beyond

For those blessed with three-car garages, expect to invest $3,300 to $5,100. You've got options here: one massive door (rare), one double plus a single (most common), or three individual doors (maximum flexibility but highest cost).

Smart Features and Modern Additions

Today's garage doors can do much more than just open and close. Let's explore the features that can transform your garage experience.

Automatic Openers: No Longer Optional

While technically still an "upgrade," automatic openers have become standard for most homeowners. Basic chain-drive models start around $200, while premium belt-drive systems with smart features can reach $500 or more. The quiet operation of belt drives makes them worth considering if you have bedrooms above or adjacent to the garage.

Smart Home Integration

Remember that panic halfway to vacation when you couldn't remember if you closed the garage? Yeah, me too. That's why I finally caved and got one of those smart controllers. Now I can check my phone from the beach and see that yes, I did remember to close it. Total game-changer.

These gadgets run between $150 and $400, depending on how fancy you want to get. Mine lets me open the door for the Amazon guy when I'm at work, sends me a notification if someone opens it after 10 PM, and even closes itself if I forget (which happens more than I'd like to admit). My brother-in-law went all out and got one that tells him the temperature in his garage. Apparently, that matters when you're storing wine out there. Who knew?

Security Enhancements

The security stuff has gotten pretty wild lately. My system changes its code every time I use it, so even if some tech-savvy burglar tries to grab my signal, they're out of luck. The door locks itself automatically when it closes—no more lying in bed wondering if I remembered to lock up.

The motion lights are my favorite upgrade, though. Nothing like having the garage light up when you pull in with armfuls of groceries. No more fumbling for switches in the dark. Some folks even add cameras, but between you and me, I think that's overkill unless you've got a classic car collection or something.

Comfort and Convenience Additions

If you've ever had the power go out while your car's trapped in the garage, you know why battery backup is worth every penny. Learned that lesson during last year's ice storm. My neighbor has one of those keypad things outside—super handy when the kids forget their keys. Again.

For attached garages, definitely spring for the quiet motor. Nobody wants to wake up the whole house when someone leaves early for work. Trust me on this one—my wife made sure I learned that lesson quickly.

The Insulation Question: Is It Worth It?

Here's the deal with insulation: if your garage is attached to your house, you need it. Period. I used to think insulation was just for people who heated their garages, but then I realized how much cold air was seeping through that door into my kitchen. My heating bills dropped noticeably after upgrading to an insulated door.

Understanding R-Values

OK, so they measure insulation with these R-value numbers. Think of it like SPF for sunscreen—higher numbers mean better protection. Here's the breakdown:

No insulation (R-0) is basically a metal wall between you and the weather. Fine if you live in San Diego, not so great in Minnesota. Light insulation (R-6 to R-9) works for most folks in mild climates. I went with R-12, which handles our hot summers and chilly winters just fine. Only go higher if you're dealing with a serious cold or using your garage as a workspace.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis

Look, adding insulation tacks on another $100 to $300 to your bill. Sounds like a lot, but here's what happened with mine: my garage stays about 20 degrees warmer in winter now. That means my car actually starts on cold mornings, my beer doesn't freeze in the garage fridge, and I can actually work on projects out there without wearing a parka. Worth every penny if you ask me. In return, you get:

• Lower energy bills (especially with attached garages)
• Quieter operation
• More comfortable garage environment
• Better protection for stored items
• Reduced strain on your home's HVAC system

Most homeowners in climates with hot summers or cold winters find insulated doors pay for themselves within a few years through energy savings alone.

Lubricating Garage Door Components: The Maintenance Secret

Want to know the secret to a garage door that lasts decades instead of years? Regular lubrication. This simple maintenance task prevents more problems than any other single action you can take.

Why Lubricating Garage Door Parts Matters

Every time your door opens, metal parts slide against each other. Without lubrication, this friction causes:

• Premature wear of moving parts
• Noisy, squeaky operation
• Increased strain on your opener motor
• Potential binding or sticking
• Accelerated rust and corrosion

The Right Way to Lubricate

Lubricating garage door components isn't complicated, but doing it right makes all the difference:

Choose the right lubricant: Skip the WD-40 (it's a solvent, not a lubricant). Instead, use white lithium grease or silicone-based garage door lubricant.
Hit all the moving parts:

1. Hinges (where they pivot)

2. Rollers (especially the bearings)

3. Springs (lightly coat to prevent rust)

4. Locks and latches

5. Track (wipe clean first, then light application)

Timing matters: Plan on lubricating garage door parts every six months, or quarterly in harsh climates or with heavy use.

Don't overdo it: A light coating is all you need. Excess lubricant attracts dirt and can drip on your car.

Installation: Why Professional Help Makes Sense

I get it—everyone loves a good DIY project. But garage door installation is one area where professional help really pays off. Here's why.

The Danger Factor

Garage door springs store enormous amounts of energy. When wound incorrectly or if they snap during installation, they can cause serious injury or death. Professional installers have the tools and experience to handle these components safely.

The Complexity Issue

Modern garage doors require precise alignment and balance. Even small errors in installation can cause:

• Premature wear on components
• Opener motor burnout
• Safety sensor malfunctions
• Warranty voidance
• Doors that bind, stick, or reverse unexpectedly

The Time Investment

Professional crews typically complete installation in 3-4 hours. DIY installation often stretches across an entire weekend, assuming everything goes smoothly. When you factor in your time value, professional installation often costs less than doing it yourself.

Warranty Protection

Most manufacturers require professional installation to maintain warranty coverage. That bargain installation might cost you thousands if something goes wrong and you can't make a warranty claim.

Maximizing Your Investment: Money-Saving Strategies

A new garage door represents a significant investment. Here's how to get maximum value for your money.

Timing Your Purchase

Like many home improvements, garage door prices fluctuate seasonally:

• Best deals: Late fall and winter (except emergency replacements)
• Avoid: Spring and early summer (peak season)
• Watch for: End-of-model-year closeouts
• Consider: Black Friday and holiday sales

Bundle Services

Installing a new door? This is the perfect time to:

• Upgrade your opener (package deals common)
• Add organizational systems
• Improve garage lighting
• Install a garage door with door feature

Focus on Value, Not Just Price

The cheapest door rarely provides the best value. Here's what I learned the hard way: my first house came with a bottom-dollar door that needed constant repairs. By year five, I'd spent more fixing it than a good door would've cost upfront.

This time around, I'm looking at the whole picture. That insulated door might cost $300 more now, but it'll save me that much in heating bills within a couple years. The premium brand with a 25-year warranty suddenly makes sense when the bargain option only covers you for five. And honestly? I'm tired of repainting every other summer. Give me something that stays looking decent without all that work.

Get Multiple Quotes

Here's something that surprised me: I got three quotes for the exact same door, and they ranged from $1,200 to $1,800. Same door, same brand, wildly different prices. The middle quote actually included more—they were taking away my old door for free and throwing in new weather stripping.

When you're getting quotes, make sure they spell everything out. I learned to ask: Is removal included? What about the tax? Are you installing new tracks or reusing the old ones? One guy tried to lowball me, then wanted to charge extra for every little thing. Another included everything upfront. Guess who got my business?

Long-Term Care: Protecting Your Investment

My garage door is 22 years old and still going strong. Want to know the secret? I actually take care of it. Sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed how many people install a door and forget about it until something breaks.

Monthly Visual Inspections

Once a month, usually when I'm taking out the trash, I give everything a quick look. Takes maybe five minutes. Last month, I noticed the weather stripping was starting to crack at the bottom. Fixed it that weekend for $20. If I'd waited until winter, water would've gotten in and who knows what damage that would've caused.

Here's what I check: Are the cables looking fuzzy or frayed? Any rust starting on the hinges? Do the rollers still roll smoothly or are they getting sticky? Is anything loose that shouldn't be? Simple stuff, but catching problems early saves major headaches later.

Seasonal Maintenance

Every spring, I spend a Saturday morning on garage door duty. Clean out the tracks (you wouldn't believe the leaves and spider webs that accumulate), spray some lubricant on all the moving parts, and make sure those safety sensors still work. My kids have outgrown the "wave the broom under the door" test, but I still do it anyway.

Summer's easy—just hose off the door when I'm washing the car. Maybe touch up any paint chips before they turn into rust spots. Fall means clearing out more leaves and making sure the bottom seal will keep snow out. Winter? I just keep an eye on ice buildup. Learned that lesson when a frozen seal ripped clean off one January morning.

Know When to Call Professionals

Look, I'm pretty handy, but garage door springs aren't something to mess with. Those things are under serious tension—enough to take your head off if they snap. Same goes for cables. If something looks wrong with either of those, I'm calling my door guy.

Track problems, motor issues, anything structural—that's pro territory too. Sure, it costs more than DIY, but it costs less than a hospital visit or a door falling on your car.

Looking to the Future: Trends in Garage Doors

The garage door world is getting interesting. My installer was telling me about some of the stuff coming down the pipeline, and it's pretty wild.

Sustainable Materials

Apparently, the green movement has hit garage doors. They're making them from recycled materials now, and some companies are using wood from sustainable forests. My cousin just got one made from some kind of composite that's supposed to last forever without any maintenance. We'll see about that, but it looks great so far.

Advanced Technology

The tech stuff is where things get crazy. My installer mentioned doors that recognize your face and open automatically. Sounds like something from a spy movie, but he swears it's coming. They're also talking about doors that tell you when they need service, kind of like how new cars remind you about oil changes.

The solar-powered thing makes sense to me, especially with power prices going up. And with more people getting electric cars, having your garage door tied into your charging system actually sounds pretty smart.

Design Trends

Gone are the days when every garage door was white or beige. My neighbor just painted his charcoal gray, and it looks fantastic. Another house down the street has one with these huge windows across the top—turns their garage into a workshop with actual natural light.

The modern farmhouse look is everywhere now. You know the type—looks like an old barn door but operates like a regular garage door. And don't get me started on the industrial style with all the exposed hardware. Not my cup of tea, but I get the appeal.

Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them

Let me save you some money and frustration by sharing the most common garage door problems I've encountered over the years. Some of these you can handle yourself, others... well, you'll want to have your repair guy's number handy.

The Door That Won't Stay Down

This one drove me crazy for weeks. The door would go down, touch the ground, then immediately reverse like it hit something. Turns out, the travel limits were off. Most openers have these little screws that control how far the door travels. A quarter turn on the down-limit screw fixed it. Just don't overdo it—you don't want the door trying to drive through your garage floor.

Sometimes it's even simpler. Those safety sensors at the bottom? If they're not perfectly aligned, the door thinks something's in the way. I've fixed this problem for three different neighbors just by nudging the sensors until the little lights stayed solid. Pro tip: spider webs love those sensors. A quick wipe with a cloth works wonders.

Noisy Operation That Wakes the Whole House

My garage door used to sound like a freight train at 6 AM. Turns out, most noise issues come from lack of lubrication or worn rollers. Metal rollers are the worst offenders—they're cheap but loud. When mine finally wore out, I switched to nylon rollers. Cost me about $60 for the set, but the silence was golden.

If your door's already got decent rollers, the noise might be coming from the opener itself. Chain drives are naturally louder than belt drives. Can't do much about that except upgrade when it's time to replace. Meanwhile, make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight. You'd be amazed how much noise a loose bracket can make.

The Mysterious Phantom Opening

Nothing's creepier than your garage door opening by itself at 2 AM. Happened to me twice before I figured it out. The first time, it was my neighbor's new opener on the same frequency as mine. Fixed that by resetting the codes on both our systems.

The second time was weirder—turned out the wall button wiring had a short. Every time it rained, moisture would complete the circuit and trigger the door. Twenty dollars in new wire and proper sealing solved that mystery. If your door's doing this, also check for stuck buttons on your remotes. My kids' remote got jammed in a toy box once and kept triggering the door randomly.

The True Cost of Garage Door Ownership

Nobody talks about the ongoing costs of owning a garage door, but they're worth considering when you're choosing between a cheap door and a quality one.

Annual Maintenance Costs

If you're handy, you can handle basic maintenance for about $30 a year—just lubricant, weather stripping replacements, and maybe some touch-up paint. But most people end up calling a pro for an annual tune-up, which runs $75 to $150. Sounds like a lot, but that tune-up has saved me from bigger problems more than once.

My door guy found a cable starting to fray during a routine check. Replacing it during the service call cost $150. If it had snapped? We're talking emergency repair rates, potential door damage, and maybe a damaged car. Not worth the risk.

Energy Costs You Don't See

Here's something I didn't think about until I got my energy audit: an uninsulated garage door is like leaving a window open year-round. My attached garage was sucking heat from the house all winter. The auditor showed me with a thermal camera—it was shocking how much cold was radiating through that door.

After upgrading to an insulated door, my heating bills dropped by about $20 a month in winter. Doesn't sound like much, but over the 20-year life of the door, that's almost $2,500 in savings. Makes that extra $300 for insulation look pretty smart.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Doors

My brother-in-law bought the cheapest door he could find. Saved $400 upfront. Three years later, he'd spent $600 on repairs, the door looked terrible, and he ended up replacing it anyway. Meanwhile, my quality door is eight years old and has only needed basic maintenance.

Cheap doors often come with:

• Thin metal that dents if you look at it wrong
• Paint that fades and chalks within a few yearsHardware that rusts and binds
• Poor weather sealing that lets in rain and pests
• Minimal warranties that don't cover much

Special Considerations for Different Home Styles

Your house style should influence your garage door choice more than most people realize. I learned this after installing a super modern aluminum door on my traditional colonial. It looked like I'd glued a spaceship to the front of my house. Expensive mistake.

Traditional and Colonial Homes

These houses look best with classic raised-panel doors. Stick with traditional colors—white, almond, or colors that match your trim. If you want to get fancy, carriage-style doors work beautifully, especially if you've got shutters and traditional details on your house.

Windows should be simple—either none at all or small rectangular ones across the top. Those fancy arched windows? Save them for Mediterranean-style homes. Trust me, I've seen it done wrong, and it's not pretty.

Ranch and Mid-Century Modern Homes

Ranch homes can handle more variety. The long, low profile works with everything from basic panel doors to modern glass options. If you've got a mid-century modern place, consider doors with horizontal lines rather than vertical panels. It emphasizes the home's linear design.

My friend has a 1960s ranch and installed a door with thin horizontal windows. It looks like it was always meant to be there. Color-wise, these homes can handle bolder choices—deep blues, greens, even black if you're feeling adventurous.

Contemporary and Modern Homes

This is where you can really have fun. Glass doors, mixed materials, bold colors—it all works. Just make sure the door's style matches your home's overall vibe. Ultra-modern houses look great with full glass doors or sleek aluminum panels.

One trend I'm seeing in modern homes is doors that blend into the facade. Same siding, minimal hardware, almost invisible until they open. It's a cool effect if you can pull it off. Just remember that custom-matching materials gets expensive fast.

Farmhouse and Craftsman Styles

The modern farmhouse craze has been great for garage door options. Those X-pattern carriage doors look perfect on farmhouse styles. For true craftsman homes, look for doors with substantial trim and window details that echo your home's woodwork.

Natural wood or wood-look doors really shine here. Yes, they need more maintenance, but the authentic look is worth it if you're going for that craftsman aesthetic. Just budget for refinishing every few years.

Making Your Garage Door Last: Insider Tips

After talking with installers and repair techs over the years, I've picked up some tricks that can add years to your door's life.

The Spring Balance Test

Every few months, disconnect your opener (pull that red cord) and manually lift the door halfway. Let go. If it stays put, your springs are balanced. If it drops or rises, the spring tension needs adjustment. This is huge—an unbalanced door strains everything else and shortens your opener's life by years.

The Weatherstripping Secret

Most people ignore weatherstripping until it's completely shot. Here's the thing: replacing it early saves money. Once it's cracked and letting water in, you're looking at potential rust, rot, and pest problems. I replace mine every 3-4 years whether it looks bad or not. Costs about $50 and takes an hour. Compare that to fixing water damage.

The Roller Upgrade

If your door has metal rollers and they're getting noisy, don't just oil them—upgrade to nylon. But here's the trick: don't do them all at once. Replace the bottom ones first (they wear fastest), then do the others gradually. Spreads out the cost and lets you see if it's worth doing them all.

Winter Prep That Actually Matters

Before winter, spray silicone lubricant on the weather seals. It prevents them from freezing to the ground and tearing. Also, keep rock salt away from the door bottom—it corrodes metal faster than you'd believe. I learned that one the hard way when my door bottom rusted through in just two winters.

The Photo Backup Trick

Take photos of your door's hardware, spring setup, and cable routing. Store them in your phone. If something breaks, you can show the repair tech exactly how it's supposed to look. This saved me hours of labor charges when a cable came off and the tech could see exactly how it was routed originally.

When to Repair vs. Replace

This is the million-dollar question, and the answer isn't always obvious. Here's how I decide:

Repair If...

The door is less than 10 years old and the damage is limited to one area. Broken springs, worn rollers, damaged panels—all fixable if the door's otherwise solid. Even multiple repairs can make sense if they're spread out over time.

I've also found that vintage doors in good shape are worth repairing. My parents have a 1970s wood door that's built like a tank. Sure, it needs occasional work, but they don't make them like that anymore.

Replace If...

Your door is over 15 years old and having multiple issues. Or if repair costs exceed 50% of a new door's price. Also consider replacement if your door lacks modern safety features—older doors can be death traps.

Energy efficiency is another factor. If your energy bills are high and you've got an uninsulated door on an attached garage, replacement pays for itself. Same goes if you're planning to sell soon—a new garage door has one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement.

The Gray Area

Sometimes it's not clear-cut. A 12-year-old door with a broken spring and some worn hardware? Could go either way. I usually factor in:

• How long I'm planning to stay in the house
• Whether I'm happy with the door's appearance
• If I want to upgrade features anyway
• The quality of the existing door

When in doubt, get opinions from a couple of repair companies. The honest ones will tell you when replacement makes more sense than repair. From the convenience of modern smart features to the energy savings of proper insulation, today's garage doors offer benefits that make them one of the smartest home improvements you can make.

Making Your Decision: A Final Checklist

After going through this process twice now, here's my advice for anyone shopping for a new door:

First, measure your opening yourself. Don't trust the old door's measurements—houses settle, things shift. I've seen too many people order the wrong size. While you're at it, figure out your real budget. Not just the door, but installation, disposal of the old one, and any extras you might want.

Check with your HOA if you have one. My friend bought a beautiful carriage door only to find out his HOA only allows raised-panel styles. That was an expensive mistake. Same goes for local building codes, especially if you live where hurricanes are a thing.

Think about how you actually use your garage. If it's just for parking, basic insulation is probably fine. But if you're out there every weekend working on projects, spend the extra money on good insulation and maybe that walk-through door feature.

Get at least three quotes and actually read them. Compare apples to apples. And don't just go with the cheapest—check reviews, ask for references, make sure they'll stand behind their work.