Don't Overpay for Garage Door Repairs (Our Top Tips)
Overhead garage doors have become so reliable that most people are shocked when they start acting up, making strange noises, or refusing to open. Nobody wants to call for garage door repair, but sometimes it's unavoidable. When that day arrives, how do you know you're getting a fair price and not overpaying? This guide explains how pricing works and shares practical tips to help you pay a fair rate for repairs.
Who to Believe?
If you don’t already have a trustworthy garage door company, comparison shopping can be an eye-opener. One outfit might promise a bargain “fix,” while another recommends full replacement. The gap often comes down to tactics and transparency. Common reasons include:
- Taking advantage of urgency: Some companies hike prices when they sense you need immediate help.
- Vague explanations: If a tech keeps things fuzzy – “it could be a lot of things” – they can keep adding charges without contradicting themselves.
- Parts markups: Quoted prices for openers or other components may be doubled or tripled if the company assumes you won’t compare costs.
"Some scammers target homeowners in desperate need of repair services by advertising their emergency repair services, then inflating the amount of work that needs to be done or the parts needed for repair. They think they can get away with this unscrupulous activity because you’re distressed and in need of immediate help."
SOURCE: Angi Solution Center
You won’t run into those problems with A Better Garage Door. We’ve built our reputation on straight answers and fair dealing – integrity is a foundational principle of our business.
Beware the Spring Diagnosis
Contrary to popular belief, the opener does not lift the door – the springs do. The opener sets the door in motion and regulates movement, while the springs provide the lifting force.
There are two common spring systems:
- Torsion springs: Typically mounted above the door opening, with one spring powering each side.
- Extension springs: Usually located above the horizontal tracks, again with one per side.
Having two springs means that if one fails, the other can still move the door – though the motion may be slow and jerky. Torsion springs generally last longer and cost more, often around $200–$350 depending on size, while extension springs are frequently $50 or less. If you’re quoted $500 for a torsion spring or $200 for an extension spring (parts only, no labor), it’s wise to keep looking.
Safety note: Never attempt to repair or replace springs yourself. The stored energy can be deadly. Always leave spring work in Littleton to the professionals at A Better Garage Door.
Repairs Will Only Take You So Far
It can be tough to know when to stop repairing and move on to replacement. Consider replacement when:
- You’re calling for repairs regularly and problems keep returning.
- Your door leaks air, driving up energy bills and pulling heat from adjoining rooms – an insulated replacement can cut ongoing costs.
- Your door’s battered appearance drags down curb appeal, which can influence home value by up to 10%.
Watch the following video for tips to improve your home's curb appeal.
Regular Maintenance: Your Key to Avoiding Repair Costs
Most breakdowns trace back to neglected maintenance. Scheduling regular tune-ups with A Better Garage Door helps prevent failures and saves money over time.
During a typical maintenance visit, a technician will:
- Lubricate moving components for smooth, quiet operation.
- Inspect the entire system to spot loose or damaged parts.
- Verify the auto-reverse safety feature is functioning properly.
- Test the opener for smooth and efficient performance.
- Clean tracks as needed to ensure unobstructed travel.
- Assess the condition of torsion or extension springs.
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent costly breakdowns and helps keep your garage door warranty in force.
For Expert Garage Door Repair in Littleton
If you want to avoid overpaying for repairs, schedule routine maintenance with A Better Garage Door and keep your system running like clockwork. If your door is acting up now, call 303-920-2267 for a free estimate on same-day repairs.