Get Quotes from Top Garage Door Contractors in Detroit, MI

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Garage Door Contractor in Detroit

Leaving your garage door repair or maintenance to an inexperienced garage door contractor can jeopardize your family's security and safety. According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, garage doors account for approximately 20,000 emergency room visits annually. Also, Detroit being a notoriously dangerous city, a faulty garage door will leave your property prone to burglary. Hence, it is wise to hire a qualified garage door repair contractor in the city who adheres to the federal garage door safety standards, and can answer the following questions satisfactorily to fix your garage door:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Garage Door Repair Contractor in Detroit?

Anyone engaging in residential maintenance and alteration work in Detroit must register with and obtain maintenance and alteration contractor licenses from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Performing home improvement work requiring a maintenance and alteration contractor license without first obtaining the appropriate license may attract a fine of up to $500 for offenders.

In addition, the state's attorney general may file a civil action against any person who does not comply with the state's licensing requirement. Garage door repair contractors who refuse to comply with the state's licensing requirements could be fined up to $25,000 by the court. Homeowners can avoid being linked to a contractor that refuses to comply with the state licensing requirements by making sure that the contractor they want to hire is licensed before completing the hiring process. Homeowners can use the LARA's online platform to verify if their intended garage door repair contractor is licensed.

Garage door repair professionals who wish to obtain a maintenance and alteration contractor license in Detroit must meet specific requirements, which include:

  • They must have attained the age of 18
  • They must hold a valid Michigan driver's license
  • They must show proof of completing a 60-hour training course at a LARA-approved training center
  • They must register or have an existing user account on the LARA's licensing portal
  • They must take and pass maintenance and alteration licensing exams
  • They must pay the licensing application fee.

If the applicant meets the requirements listed above, their application will be considered, and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) will be obligated to issue a maintenance and alteration contractor license to them. Note a maintenance and alteration contractor license is valid for three years. For more information on maintenance and alteration contractor licensing procedures in Detroit, contact LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes at:

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Construction codes
1st Floor Ottawa Building
611 W. Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 241-9313
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays to Friday

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Garage Door Repair Contractors in the City?

The cost of a garage door repair service in Detroit is typically determined by factors such as the garage door design and type, the level of damage done to it, the type of material used to construct the garage door, the amount of labor required to complete the job, and your specific location within the city. Even though these factors determine how much a garage door contractor will charge you, it is essential to always consider a second opinion on the cost of the exact garage door repair service you need before finalizing the hiring process with your preferred garage door repair contractor. You can confirm whether you are getting a fair price for the service by obtaining and comparing quotes from different garage door repair contractors in your city.

When requesting quotes from different contractors, make sure you accurately describe the work to be done to the contractors. Also, ask these contractors to provide a breakdown of the total cost of completing the work. Be wary of any contractor whose price is significantly lower than others. Contact the contractor and find out why their price is lower,

Garage door repair contractors in Detroit earn an annual average wage of $41,170. The list below compares the hourly average wages of these contractors with those of garage door repair contractors in other major Michigan cities as well as other locations across the country:

Detroit Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$19.79/hour
Wyoming Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$19.36/hour
Warren Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$19.79/hour
El Paso Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$20.61/hour
New York City Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$30.07/hour
Phoenix Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$24.91/hour
Chicago Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$27.50/hour
Los Angeles Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$28.36/hour
Philadelphia Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$27.47/hour
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?

Detroit garage door repair companies offer a variety of services to residents of the city. These services are broadly grouped into four, namely:

  • Garage Door Installation: This includes the installation of garage doors and garage door openers and every other activity that is geared towards ensuring that the newly installed door operates seamlessly. These services are most often requested by people moving into a new home, homeowners whose garage door needs overhauling, or people making modifications to their garage. A garage door installation service costs between $671 to $1,000, depending on the garage door's size, shape, style, and material.
  • Garage Door Replacement: This involves removing and replacing a faulty or broken door with a new one. Garage door replacement service is typically requested by people whose existing garage door is too old, broken, or irreparable. Note that this service is similar to the installation service, and the cost of labor for executing both services may be the same. However, unlike installation services, depending on the extent of damage done to the door, replacement may not involve replacing the whole component of an old door with a new one. However, before reusing old parts, make sure your contractor confirms their compatibility with the new components.
  • Garage Door Repairs: This service includes every activity that is geared towards restoring a faulty door to its original working condition. Common garage door repair services in Detroit include:
    • Auto-reverse testing
    • Bent/broken garage door track repairs
    • Broken garage door cable repairs
    • Broken garage door spring repairs
    • Broken or loose hinges
    • Broken or loose rollers
    • Damaged garage door panel replacements
    • Door frame damage
    • Door panel damage
    • Moving parts lubrication
    • Roller inspections and replacements
    • Safety sensor alignments
  • Garage Door Maintenance: Garage door maintenance includes inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating moving door parts to avoid door emergencies and keep the door working efficiently. Garage door companies offer the following routine maintenance services to residents of the city:
    • Assess loose hinges and roller guides
    • Assess door openers
    • Assess proper spring balance
    • Assess safety sensors
    • Check the automatic reverse function
    • Check the weather seals
    • Check worn rollers and loosen tracks

Before hiring a garage door company in the city, make sure they specialize in providing the type of garage service you need. This helps you avoid shoddy repairs, which may cost you more to fix in the future. Also, make sure that the garage door company provides a detailed estimate for the job. Note that the cost of a garage door service in the city will depend on the nature and type of the garage involved and your location in the city. Listed below are the prices of some of the garage door services in the Detroit area:

Estimates for garage door installation based on type (materials only):

Single-Panel
$440 - $1,250
Tilt-Up Canopy
$540 - $1,500
Tilt-Up Retractable
$640 - $2,100
Sectional
$800 - $2,400
Roll-Up
$875 - $3,000

Estimates for garage door installation based on configuration (materials only):

Single
$640- $1,500
Double
$840 - $3,600
Custom
$1,450 - $8,000

Estimates for garage door installation based on size (materials only):

8' x 7'
$400 - $970
9' x 9'
$450 - $1,200
10' x 10'
$500 - $1,200
12' x 7'
$510 - $1,350
12' x 12'
$640 - $1,500
16' x 7'
$700 - $3,500
16' x 8'
$745 - $5,000

Estimates for garage door installation based on door material (materials only):

Steel
$480 - $3,600
Aluminum
$540 - $4,000
Vinyl
$740 - $2,500
Composite
$800 - $5,000
Fiberglass
$840 - $3,100
Glass
$940 - $4,500
Wood
$1,000 - $6,000

Estimates for garage door installation based on style (materials only):

Paneled
$740 - $2,000
Carriage
$1,050 - $4,000
French Doors
$1,450 - $5,000

Estimates for garage door opener installation based on type (unit only):

Chain-Drive
$140 - $250
AC-Power
$140 - $300
Screw-Drive
$165 - $300
Belt-Drive
$200 - $350
DC-Power
$340 - $450
Direct-Drive
$340 - $550
Jackshaft-Drive
$540 - $700

Estimates for garage door screen installation based on type (materials only):

Walk-Through
$50 - $200
Retractable
$100 - $1,500
Motorized
$500 - $1,500

Estimates for garage door installation and replacement labor (per hour):

New door installation
$50 - $100
Door replacement
$50 - $200
Old door disposal
$30 - $50

Estimates for garage door repair based on door material:

Fiberglass
$150 - $600
Aluminum
$200 - $650
Vinyl
$250 - $650
Steel
$250 - $750
Glass
$250 - $850
Wood
$250 - $1,000
Composite
$275 - $750

Estimates for garage door repair or replacement based on faulty components:

Bearings
$105 - $300
Belt
$105 – $250
Cable
$100 - $250
Chain
$150 - $250
Circuit board
$150 - $450
Coils/Spring
$100 - $400
Frame
$125 - $650
Lintel
$150 - $650
Lock Bar
$100 - $175
Motor
$100 - $300
Opener
$100 - $950
Panel
$150 - $1,000
Remote
$100 - $200
Rollers
$100 - $175
Sensor
$100 - $175
Strut
$150 - $550
Track
$105 - $300

Estimates for garage door repair based on type of problem:

Bounces when closing
$100 - $200
Cable came off
$100 - $250
Noisy
$95 - $250
Off-track
$95 - $350
Sagging in the middle
$100 - $500
Opens and closes by itself
$100 - $500
Dented/Bent
$100 - $750
Snapped lock cable
$115 - $250
Sagging Header
$120 - $400
Stuck closed or open
$125 - $400
Misaligned
$115 - $600

Will You Get the Garage Door Installation Permits as Required per the Detroit Building Code?

In Detroit, a permit is not required for some home improvement works. Repairing and installing garage doors is one such home improvement work that does not require a permit. However, homeowners must ensure that any home improvement that will be performed in their home complies with the city's Residential Code, irrespective of whether a permit is required for such work or not. Some of the requirements of the city's Residential Code about garage doors include:

  • A front-facing garage must have a minimum setback of 5 feet from the building facade.
  • A single garage door may not be taller than 8 feet or wider than 8 feet
  • A minimum 2-foot solid jamb must separate any two garage doors
  • The total garage opening cannot exceed 50% of the total linear frontage of the building.

For more information concerning other requirements for installing a new garage door, contact the city's Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department at (313) 628-2451. Note that engaging in any home improvement activity that violates any section of the city's Residential Code may attract a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both. As a result, homeowners should make sure that the garage door contractor they intend to hire is conversant with the city's Residential Code before finalizing the hiring process.

What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?

When choosing a garage door repair contractor in Detroit, it is crucial to ensure that the individual specializes in servicing and installing your preferred type and brand of garage door. Aluminum, fiberglass, steel, wood composite, vinyl, and wood are some common materials used to construct garage doors in the city. Note that these doors also come in different styles and open mechanisms, such as:

  • Carriage house double garage doors
  • French-style garage doors
  • Paneled garage doors
  • Roller garage doors
  • Sectional garage doors
  • Side-hinged garage doors
  • Side-sliding garage doors
  • Tilt-up/Up-and-over canopy garage doors
  • Tilt-up/Up-and-over retractable garage doors

As a homeowner, it is always best to discuss your needs and preferences with the contractor before choosing a garage door for your home. It is critical to seek an expert opinion on the subject by asking the contractor to evaluate your preferred garage door based on the following criteria:

  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Cost
  • Ease of maintenance
  • Insulation/energy-efficiency
  • Longevity
  • Motor strength
  • Safety
  • Security

Irrespective of the garage door you eventually decide to use, you should always consider brands from recognized and established garage door manufacturers, such as:

Amarr
$850 - $8,500
CHI Overhead Doors
$820 - $4,900
Clopay
$400 - $4,000
Hormann
$2,200 - $7,500
Raynor
$500 - $2000
Unique Garage Doors
$475 - $4,200
Wayne-Dalton
$500 - $5,000

Having purchased a good garage door from any of the aforementioned established garage door manufacturers, the next thing is to make sure that the garage door opener you intend to buy is compatible with your new garage door. You can purchase door openers that are designed specifically for your newly purchased garage door from well-known producers of quality garage door openers such as:

Chamberlain B6765T Smart Garage Door Opener
$260 - $270
Genie Aladdin Connect Smart Garage Door Opener
$91 - $100
Genie ChainDrive 550 Garage Door Opener
$299 - $305
LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series 8500
$459 - $465
Nexx Garage Smart Wi-Fi Controller NXG-200
$30 - $50

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Garage Door Repair Contractors in Detroit?

In Detroit, garage door repair contractors have no specific insurance requirements. However, hiring an insured garage door repair contractor is always essential. You could be held liable if you hire someone who is not insured and an accident or serious mistake occurs during the work. Always bear in mind that accidents often occur during garage door repair work, and failure to prepare for their occurrence can expose you to financial losses and legal liabilities. In 2020, more than 460 mechanical door repairers suffered from on-the-job injuries, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, by working with only a licensed and insured contractor, you can protect yourself from financial losses and legal liabilities resulting from on-the-job injuries while contractors are carrying out garage door repair or installation in your home. You can always ensure that your garage door repair contractor is insured by asking for their insurance certificate and contacting the insurance company that issued the certificate to confirm the validity of the certificate.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Garage Door Contractor in the City

The Consumer Protection Division of the Michigan Attorney General's Office and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), handle complaints against bad home improvement workers, including bad garage door repair contractors.

When considering hiring a garage door repair contractor in Detroit, it is crucial to ensure that the individual is licensed and competent enough to handle the project. This is particularly important, as many unscrupulous individuals are posing as legitimate garage door professionals in the city. Dishonest garage door professionals employ various scam tricks to steal from unsuspecting citizens. Some of these tricks include:

  • Claiming they are leaving the city soon so you could hire them immediately
  • They insist you need to replace the entire garage door system even when it is not necessary
  • They try to offer ridiculously low prices or discounts that are too good to be true
  • They insist that they can get the job done in less than a day
  • The garage door professional claims they will be handling the job but subcontracts to an independent contractor with no license
  • To convince you, scammers tell you that their company offers a lifetime warranty policy that expires the next day

Homeowners can avoid falling victim to any of the aforementioned scam tricks by taking certain precautionary measures. These include:

  • Make sure the garage door contractor you want to hire has a local office and phone number
  • Always get a name and phone number from the contractor. If they are in a non-marked vehicle, note the vehicle type and license plate.
  • Get estimates from other garage door contractors and ensure that the contractor you choose uses a similar billing method to another local garage door company.
  • Make sure the contractor is licensed. You can confirm whether the contractor is licensed by LARA online.
  • Always check with your local Better Business Bureau office to see if any complaint has been made against the contractor in the past.
  • Ask the contractor for a list of satisfied customers they have worked for in the past and their contact information. Make sure you contact individuals on the list to get a first-hand review of their experience with the contractor.
  • Always ensure that the contractor is insured.
  • Insist on a written contract for the job and do not sign until you fully understand it.
  • Do not make full payment until the project is completed satisfactorily.

Victims of garage door repair scams should contact the LARA Compliance Division via email or by calling (517) 241-9316 to register a complaint. Similarly, homeowners who have been victims of any type of home improvement scam, including garage door repair scams, can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Michigan Attorney General's office. Homeowners can file a complaint with the division online and send all supporting documentation to:

Consumer Protection Division
P.O.Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909-7713

Homeowners can also file a legal action against the garage door repair contractor at the appropriate Detroit Court. Nevertheless, it is critical to seek the advice of an attorney before filing a legal action against a contractor. Homeowners can contact the legal services clinic of the Detroit Bar Association at (313) 961-6120 to find an attorney.