Garage Door Time

[BigE]

The house garage door has seen the end of its days and needs to be replaced. It's an 80's wood door, no insulation. I'll be going back with a metal, insulated door. It's 16'x7'. Due to the size of the door, I'm going to hire it out. My question is: what is typically done in a replacement? Do they only replace the door and reuse the tracks, hangers, etc.? I have a torsion spring. Is that typically included in a replacement? I realize that I'll have to work with the installer to define the scope of work, but I just want to gauge prices based on what is typically included.
Also, other than giving them room to work, any prep I should consider before they arrive?

Thanks!

 

[c4cruiser]

Ask if they will haul off the old door. Places like Lowe's or Home Depot won't usually do that unless you pay extra. Also ask if they hookup the new door to the opener as part of the deal.

Is the torsion spring original? If so, it might be a good idea to replace it.

In any event, ask for a written quote for everything that you want to be done. That could include replacement track, new spring, opener hookup and haul off of old material and a test of the new door and any required adjustments. If you use the safety lights, make sure they install that on the new door and test it.

 

[AndyL]

Doors come as complete systems... They'll have new tracks, all brackets, all bearings, all rollers, all hinges, door face, headshaft, springs, Cables, drums and weatherstrip... Backhangs may or may not be reused...

Now ask the questions because some will shortcut (and it'll cost you money in the end).

 

[BigE]

Wow, I never considered that they wouldn't haul off the old door. Thanks for the tip!

 

[BudgetRacing]

It all depends on the type of door you have now. Some of my customers ask how they can save money. I will usually re-use the tracks and change the door face/springs. Different installers sometimes won't do that because they make less. Mostly I do it as a favor for my commercial customers at their houses or friends. Its worth asking though.

 

[upndown]

I strongly recommend you check over The Work Order with the installer before letting him start!!

Years ago I worked for the company that supplied and installed HD doors nation wide. Every job was an Adventure..That's what happens when you have people that don't have a clue writing WO's... good Luck

 

[BigE]

Just got a price quote from the local Overhead Door branch. They will remove/haul off old door and install new 16x7 CHI insulated metal door with windows, new springs, new rails, new rollers and new hardware. Price is 1053 bucks. They will come out for an estimate before the price and scope are final. My neighbor has had good luck with them and he maintains 6 houses. He's used them several times and been pleased. This sounds very promising.

 

[upndown]

 

[AndyL]

It all depends on the type of door you have now. Some of my customers ask how they can save money. I will usually re-use the tracks and change the door face/springs. Different installers sometimes won't do that because they make less. Mostly I do it as a favor for my commercial customers at their houses or friends. Its worth asking though.

Double edged sword - around here face change +springs saves less than a hundred $ in hardware, yet with all the fixed position tracks (spot welded riveted, damn Wayne Dalton tabs etc) it can often create 10x more work... So not worth the aggravation and surprises that come up