garage door servicingThroughout the year, our garage doors see a good deal of wear and tear — making summer the perfect time to think about tuning up your garage door and ensuring it’s in perfect working condition for the upcoming winter months.

One of the most important things you’ll want to do before calling in a garage door repairman, however, is establishing a budget. An advanced garage door servicing can easily become expensive if you’re not careful, and replacing your garage door will cost an average of $1,496.

Not sure how to properly budget for your garage door repair? Before drawing up a budget for your next garage door servicing or replacement, here’s a look at the three primary factors you’ll need to take into account:

Materials
There are a wide variety of different garage door materials available today, and their prices vary just as much. A basic steel door will cost less than a more insulated or custom-built wood door, for example. Some companies will offer 100% recycled wood doors if you’d prefer a more environmentally-friendly garage door, as well. Whatever you choose, it will be well worth the investment, as new garage doors boast an amazing 84% return on investment.

Labor
While it’s possible to perform a garage door repair on your own, it’s not usually recommended. In the vast majority of cases, you will be better off by hiring a professional — so be sure to incorporate the cost of labor into your budget. Additionally, see if there are any warranties available for the labor your repair specialist performs.

Location
Lastly, the cost of your garage door servicing will depend on where you live, as prices vary by region. Cost of living differences impact price, as do architectural differences that are unique to each part of the country. There are a number of free online tools to help you determine your garage door repair cost by ZIP code.

Have any more questions about fixing common garage door problems or preparing for your next electric garage door repair? Let us know in the comments.