Wall mount/Jack shaft opener - Regrets

[globalmax]

Thinking of wall mount/Jack shaft opener LiftMaster 8500W for attached garage. Checked with the installer regarding compatibility, door weights etc of the 8x18 garage door. It is all fine

We may have a living space at a later point on top of the garage. So quiet operation of wall mount/Jack shaft opener is a plus for sure.

Any regrets for installing or not installing a wall mount/Jack shaft opener on a new garage build? It will be additional $900 for the opener and labor compared to the regular opener

 

[flippin]

The only regret is if you don't install one

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

The only regret is if you don't install one

Agreed. Same here. I have an 8500 on a single door and a screw drive on a double door. The 8500 is faster and quieter and is more secure.

 

[rockcrawler]

I have two jack shaft openers in my shop being used on 10’ x 12’ insulated doors, and the only regret I have is I didn’t have some installed with my house garage doors.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Thinking of wall mount/Jack shaft opener LiftMaster 8500W for attached garage. Checked with the installer regarding compatibility, door weights etc of the 8x18 garage door. It is all fine

I am in the Triad area, I see you are in Greensboro. I used these guys for getting mine installed. Highly recommend them.

Garage Door Repair in Greensboro NC

Top-notch and affordable garage door repair service in Greensboro. Contact H & L Garage Door Company for a free estimate.

hlgaragedoor.com

 

[isb cornbinder]

The only regret is if you don't install one

I had a silent roll-up door installed. The original door lift was very loud.

 

[u2slow]

The only regret is if you don't install one

Dunno... I never did buy the opener. The manual pull chain is fine, 11 years later now.

 

[BillK]

It will be additional $900 for the opener and labor compared to the regular opener

That sounds like the "I dont really want to do it" price. Jeeze it looks like the openers are only in the $500-600 range. Doesn't look like the labor would be that much more.

Personally I cant imagine paying that much for a garage door opener period. My ancient Sears unit has been opening and closing my door at least 3-4 times a day for probably 30 years ?

 

[Walkers]

No regrets after installing one!

 

[larry4406]

Make sure they install the helper/pusher springs.

 

[pima67]

had one in installed in 12/2023. Like it but have needed 2 return service calls under warrantee. Both involved the door closing to the floor and then going back up repeatedly. Happened about 4 1/2 months after install. I had to pull the release to close the door manually. First one the original installer enlarged the lock pin hole in the track and adjusting the springs. About 1 1/2 months later same thing. A different tech came and said the sensors were installed too high up the tracks and moved them. He also found a somewhat loose track near the bottom and fixed it. That was on 5/14. Since then, the door did the same thing once again. Only happened once but I keep an eye on it.

At the second service I mentioned that on this journal the same problem was posted and that it was traced to lose set screws on the position sensor. I don't think the tech checked them however. I'm keeping my phone close with the door company in my contacts list.

Also had the door open on its own twice. Per this journal that can happen if my remotes were programmed at the same time that a neighbor was opening his/her door. Apparently his/her remote becomes paird withmy opener. Another thing I keep an eye on.

And the saga continues....

 

[TurnipTruck]

Make sure they install the helper/pusher springs.

Or incline the horizontal track an inch or so.

 

[Smoker]

Thinking of wall mount/Jack shaft opener LiftMaster 8500W for attached garage. Checked with the installer regarding compatibility, door weights etc of the 8x18 garage door. It is all fine

We may have a living space at a later point on top of the garage. So quiet operation of wall mount/Jack shaft opener is a plus for sure.

Any regrets for installing or not installing a wall mount/Jack shaft opener on a new garage build? It will be additional $900 for the opener and labor compared to the regular opener

DIY it, they are silly easy to install as long as you have power next to where its going. I did mine in less than a day, including the auto lock.

 

[MooreGarage]

Jack shaft openers are easier to install than the overhead ones, so I don't understand why the labor cost would be higher. I did mine by myself in a few hours (mine is the Genie, but they all work on the same principle), going slow and making sure I followed all the instructions to the letter.

 

[globalmax]

That sounds like the "I dont really want to do it" price. Jeeze it looks like the openers are only in the $500-600 range. Doesn't look like the labor would be that much more.

Personally I cant imagine paying that much for a garage door opener period. My ancient Sears unit has been opening and closing my door at least 3-4 times a day for probably 30 years ?

Builder who is building the house is supposed to install a regular garage opener Lift Master 84505 or 84504 for which they have taken the price already. This $900 is the additional amount to have the wall mounted Liftmaster 8500W. As far as I see, both regular and wall mounted Liftmaster model I mentioned are more or less the same price but this is the amount they will charge if any change is needed. As I am learning as part of the process, any change order or upgrade is where they make money

 

[globalmax]

Jack shaft openers are easier to install than the overhead ones, so I don't understand why the labor cost would be higher. I did mine by myself in a few hours (mine is the Genie, but they all work on the same principle), going slow and making sure I followed all the instructions to the letter.

Thought the jackshaft install was more complicated than the regular openers? Don't know why they are asking for additional money if the garage opener prices for regular and jackshaft opener are more or less the same?

 

[no704]

It’s a change order. They are going to f%#¥ you.

 

[Dig Doug]

Call around to 2 independent door company‘s to get a bid on the door and openers as a comparison

I would not do a traditional opener on the lift side of the garage….

 

[globalmax]

It’s a change order. They are going to f%#¥ you.

I know....Once they hook you up with lower price quotes, any changes or upgrades is where money is made

 

[globalmax]

Builder is responsible to deliver everything and is subcontracting everything like electrical, plumbing, cabinets, garages etc etc to specific companies they work with. Even if I get some quotes, it doesn't matter.

 

[olytdi]

I installed two 8500Ws -- one each on 10x10 doors that follow the roof line. I had to get the additional offset gear and chain to make it all fit in my situation. They were stupid easy to install. Have had no issues whatsoever since install. Quiet and smooth. I think I got both units and offset kits for the added charge they're sticking you with.

 

[larry4406]

Builder who is building the house is supposed to install a regular garage opener Lift Master 84505 or 84504 for which they have taken the price already. This $900 is the additional amount to have the wall mounted Liftmaster 8500W. As far as I see, both regular and wall mounted Liftmaster model I mentioned are more or less the same price but this is the amount they will charge if any change is needed. As I am learning as part of the process, any change order or upgrade is where they make money

Don't know where your house stands with regards to construction completion, but maybe the carpenter would have to come back to add blocking to support the operator at the jack shaft location and maybe the electrician would have to come back to add an outlet at the jack shaft location.

Change orders are a PIA for builders. I know, as I hate it when I get them. Everyone is focused on going one direction then here comes a left turn change order and it can be difficult to stop the momentum and turn the ship. Change orders sometimes involve tear out of work that has already been done.

Once construction starts, our company has a set fee to process a change plus the cost of implementing the change. If you decide you don't want to implement the change after all, you still owe the fee which covers the office staff's efforts to evaluate and bid the potential change to the trades.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Also had the door open on its own twice. Per this journal that can happen if my remotes were programmed at the same time that a neighbor was opening his/her door. Apparently his/her remote becomes paird withmy opener. Another thing I keep an eye on.

You can fix this issue in a few minutes. Just erase the programmed codes and reprogram your remotes with the new code.

Support

support.chamberlaingroup.com

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

It will be additional $900 for the opener and labor compared to the regular opener

I would do it. For that charge, they have to run electrical to a different location as well. If you do it later, you will end up paying the same or more later.

 

[HoosierMark]

I have five on various garage for last 9 years. Replaced two wall buttons over the years. Otherwise they have been great. Would definitely buy them again. All were installed by non garage door professionals. Last two the installer was a man who was just a handyman. All installations were relatively quick and simple.

 

[Paycheck]

I have two. No regerts here There is a new version of the 8500 out, along with other manufacturers. Shop around.

 

[racecougar]

As I am learning as part of the process, any change order or upgrade is where they make money

Well, yeah. That's the norm.

Thought the jackshaft install was more complicated than the regular openers?

It isn't. In fact, if you just have an outlet placed near the jackshaft, you could do the operator install yourself after the building is erected.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I know....Once they hook you up with lower price quotes, any changes or upgrades is where money is made

Famously There was a builder in Florida that had a nice boat named “change orders”

 

[Mikes61]

I’ve installed 3 jackshaft openers. Two on my new garage and one more on my old garage door after I removed my chain drive. They are the best! I bought the Genies off EBay. Don’t pay $900 additional, that’s ridiculous. They are very easy to install. You’ll need a receptacle near the jack shaft opener and the opener is a little more costly than the chain type, but that’s not anywhere near $900.

All 3 of mine are very quiet and I love the automatic deadbolt.

 

[globalmax]

Builder who is building the house is supposed to install a regular garage opener Lift Master 84505 or 84504 for which they have taken the price already. This $900 is the additional amount to have the wall mounted Liftmaster 8500W. As far as I see, both regular and wall mounted Liftmaster model I mentioned are more or less the same price but this is the amount they will charge if any change is needed. As I am learning as part of the process, any change order or upgrade is where they make money

We just finished our plans and getting started. I understand true change orders when things change there will be additional efforts and $ amounts

 

[racecougar]

I understand the gripe, but as you said, this is a change order enacted after the plans had been approved. It hits both the electrical plans and the installers. An upcharge is completely typical.

If you can get the electrical handled for less, do that, and install the operator yourself. It's simple work.

 

[Skooterj]

My only regret would be paying $900 for something it took me 30 minutes to install. Now, on a new construction with change orders, I get it. Probably the biggest expense of the builder is moving the electric. But the actual install of a jackshaft operator is easier than a traditional opener.

 

[dcg9381]

The only regret is if you don't install one

This is my regret. 3 doors, 1 jackshaft opener. I'm about $600 in on "service" of a traditional opener and now LiftMaster will honor their "consumer" warranty since the professionals have ruled everything else out...

My only regret would be paying $900 for something it took me 30 minutes to install. Now, on a new construction with change orders, I get it. Probably the biggest expense of the builder is moving the electric. But the actual install of a jackshaft operator is easier than a traditional opener.

It cost me like $100 more to have the jackshaft opener installed, but power and wiring were in the right spots.

 

[mike93lx]

Do you need the height? Belt drive are damn near silent

 

[globalmax]

Do you need the height? Belt drive are damn near silent

I may end up going this route

 

[globalmax]

I understand the gripe, but as you said, this is a change order enacted after the plans had been approved. It hits both the electrical plans and the installers. An upcharge is completely typical.

If you can get the electrical handled for less, do that, and install the operator yourself. It's simple work.

Just the Architectural plans approved. Nothing on electrical.

 

[racecougar]

You have the build underway without approved electrical plans?

 

[pima67]

Yes, Affable..., I know that but want to see if it happens again. Maybe caused by one of the F-16s or A-10s flying over. Anyway, might have to reprogram at 3:00 AM to avoid the possible conflict. Neighbors aren't that close to see if anyone is opening a door at the same time. Such is life in the electronic age.

 

[frankd]

Thinking of wall mount/Jack shaft opener LiftMaster 8500W for attached garage. Checked with the installer regarding compatibility, door weights etc of the 8x18 garage door. It is all fine

We may have a living space at a later point on top of the garage. So quiet operation of wall mount/Jack shaft opener is a plus for sure.

Any regrets for installing or not installing a wall mount/Jack shaft opener on a new garage build? It will be additional $900 for the opener and labor compared to the regular opener

An additional $900 sounds excessive. I have never installed or worked on a garage door in my life and removed our old overhead door opener and replaced it with the liftmaster 8500. I spend a few hours researching how to do it and watching youtube videos. Winding the springs is a little scary but otherwise it was a piece of cake.
for anyone that might be interested, ddmgaragedoors.com is a great site.

 

[MooreGarage]

Thought the jackshaft install was more complicated than the regular openers? Don't know why they are asking for additional money if the garage opener prices for regular and jackshaft opener are more or less the same?

I've installed both types before, and I'd much rather do a jackshaft, especially if you already have an electrical outlet close enough for it. I had to run an outlet for it, but that was pretty easy since there was good access in the attic. Other than that, the actual install was really easy.