Get Quotes from Top Garage Door Contractors in Denver, CO

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Garage Door Contractor in Denver

The timely repairs and maintenance of your garage door are crucial not only for the aesthetic appeal of your home or its security but for the safety of the lives of your family. It is estimated that around 20,000 emergency room visits are made annually in the United States due to garage door accidents. Garage doors are heavy moving household equipment with a lot of mechanical parts that are best attended by professionally trained technicians with the right tools.

In Denver, numerous garage door repair contractors can handle different types of repairs and maintenance. To find the best garage door contractor for your specific needs and who will follow the federal garage door safety standards, you should ask the following questions:

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

Any garage door repair contractor who wants to operate in Denver must obtain a general contractor license from the Denver Community Planning and Development Department. Bidding for projects without a license in Denver is illegal, and the penalties for this act include city-imposed administrative fines, jail time, or a combination of both.

This city department issues three different types of general contractors to interested individuals, which include:

Class A license – permits the contractor to remodel, build, and repair residential and commercial structures

Class B license – allows the contractor to work on multi-unit residences and commercial buildings under three stories in height.

Class C license – permits the contractor to work on two stories of residential buildings.

Before a license can be issued, the candidate must first secure a construction supervisor certificate or hire someone who holds the certificate to supervise a project. In addition, applicants must have at least two to seven years of experience in building construction and provide proof of this work experience. The applicants must also pass a written exam administered by the International Code Council (ICC).

Once the applicant checks all the requirements, the applicant must complete a contractor license application form online via the e-permit portal provided by the Denver Permitting and Licensing Centre. Alternatively, applicants can fill out and submit a contractor license application form via mail to the Community Planning and Development Division located at:

Community Planning and Development
Attention: Contractor Licensing
201 W. Colfax Avenue
Department 205
Denver, CO 80202
Wellington Webb Municipal Office
Second Floor
201 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80202

Before submitting the application form, the garage door repair contractor must fill out a Supervisor Statement of Responsibility Form. Also, the applicants must read and understand their responsibilities as potential license holders in the Denver Building and Fire Code. For more information regarding the process of obtaining a license, you can contact the Denver Community Planning and Development Department at (720) 865-2915. You can also check if your intended garage door repair contractor license is valid via the license search webpage provided by the City of Denver.

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

When looking for a garage door repair contractor in Denver, it is important that you discuss the details of your project, especially the cost of their services. Doing so can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that a fraudulent contractor does not rip you off. As such, you should get and compare estimates from multiple garage door repair contractors in Denver before making your final hiring decision.

When it comes to estimating a garage door repair job, a professional contractor will typically consider various factors such as:

  • The labor intensity of the job
  • Service charges
  • Your location within the city
  • The extent of damage to the garage door
  • The garage door style and design
  • The garage door finishes
  • The types of components used for the garage door

Avoid hiring a garage door repair contractor with low estimates without a valid explanation. If you have garage door repair contractors who submit low estimates, it is vital that you find out why they are more affordable than the competition. Other factors, such as their specialization and licensing status, should also be considered to determine whether they fit your project well.

Garage door repair contractors in Denver earn an annual average wage of $51,160. The list below compares the hourly average wages of these contractors with those of garage door repair contractors in Colorado and other locations across the country:

Denver. Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$24.60/hour
Fort Collins Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$24.82/hour
Aurora Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$24.60/hour
Philadelphia Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$23.43/hour
Richmond Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$22.67/hour
New York City Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$26.19/hour
Chicago Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$25.25/hour
Houston Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$20.79/hour
Los Angeles Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$22.89/hour
Phoenix Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$23.67/hour
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?

In Denver, a professional garage door contractor can provide residential and commercial customers with various services. These include repairing and replacing broken springs and cables and installing new garage doors. Typically, garage door repair contractors provide the following types of services:

  • Garage door installations and replacements: Homeowners request the services of a professional garage door contractor when they are moving into a new home or are planning on renovating their current residence. These services usually involve the installation of new garage doors. Depending on the type and model of garage door used, the cost of these repairs and replacements can range from around $350 to $5,000. Some homeowners can reduce the cost of their garage door repairs by using the old components of their garage doors. However, this method can only be used to replace the garage door. Before doing this, it is essential to get confirmation from your professional garage door contractor. Note that the old and repurposed parts might not be compatible with the new garage door system.
  • Garage door repairs: garage door repairs are required by homeowners with garage door issues. These repairs are usually carried out to ensure that their doors remain operational and safe. Some of the typical issues that a professional garage door repair contractor can address include:
    • Bent tracks
    • Faulty/broken hinges and rollers
    • Faulty garage door openers
    • Broken springs
    • Snapped cables
    • Slow operation
    • Noisy operation
    • Damaged garage door panels and frames

If the damage to the garage door is beyond repair, it is advisable to have it replaced. Doing so will allow the door to remain operational and safe.

  • Garage maintenance: A professional garage door repair contractor can also provide regular maintenance services designed to ensure the smooth operation of your garage door, reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by malfunctions, and prevent unexpected and sudden failures. These services include:
    • Safety sensor alignments
    • Spring balancing
    • Moving parts lubrication
    • Weather seal assessment and replacement
    • Hinge and roller assessments
    • Garage door inspections and tune-ups
    • Auto-reverse and safety features testing
    • Garage door opener assessments
    • Hardware tightening

Before you hire a professional garage door contractor in Denver, you should confirm that the services they provide are what you need. Doing so will guarantee that an experienced and qualified individual will carry out your work to handle the job. Unfortunately, if you hire a contractor incapable of handling the task, you might spend a lot of money and time looking for a new one to re-do the work.

Below is a list of the most common garage door services that a professional garage door repair contractor in Denver can provide. The estimated cost of these services depends on various factors, such as the scope and nature of the work, the contractor's reputation, and your location.

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

Single-Panel
$350 - $1,250
Tilt-Up Canopy
$450 - $1,500
Tilt-Up Retractable
$550 - $1,900
Sectional
$600 - $2,000
Roll-Up
$700 - $3,000

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

Single
$400 - $1,500
Double
$500 - $3,300
Custom
$900 - $6,000

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

8' x 7'
$300 - $850
9' x 9'
$300 - $1,000
10' x 10'
$400 - $1,250
12' x 7'
$400 - $1,400
12' x 12'
$500 - $1,650
16' x 7'
$600 - $3,500
16' x 8'
$700 - $4,200

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

Steel
$400 - $3,500
Aluminum
$400 - $4,000
Vinyl
$400 - $2,600
Composite
$600 - $4,200
Fiberglass
$700 - $3,000
Glass
$700 - $4,000
Wood
$1,000 - $5,100

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

Paneled
$600 - $2,000
Carriage
$1,000 - $3,700
French Doors
$1,200 - $4,450

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

Chain-Drive
$100 - $250
AC-Power
$100 - $300
Screw-Drive
$100 - $350
Belt-Drive
$200 - $400
DC-Power
$300 - $500
Direct-Drive
$300 - $600
Jackshaft-Drive
$500 - $700

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

Walk-Through
$50 - $200
Retractable
$100 - $1,400
Motorized
$500 - $1,700

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

New door installation
$60 - $100
Door replacement
$60 - $250
Old door disposal
$30 - $50

Estimates for garage door repair based on door material:

Fiberglass
$150 - $550
Aluminum
$170 - $550
Vinyl
$200 - $600
Steel
$200 - $700
Glass
$200 - $800
Wood
$200 - $1,100
Composite
$250 - $900

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

Bearings
$100 - $300
Belt
$100 – $200
Cable
$100 - $200
Chain
$100 - $300
Circuit board
$100 - $500
Coils/Spring
$50 - $400
Frame
$100 - $600
Lintel
$100 - $600
Lock Bar
$100 - $250
Motor
$100 - $300
Opener
$100 - $1,200
Panel
$100 - $1,000
Remote
$100 - $200
Rollers
$100 - $100
Sensor
$100 - $200
Strut
$100 - $600
Track
$100 - $300

Estimates for garage door repair based on type of problem:

Bounces when closing
$100 - $200
Cable came off
$100 - $200
Noisy
$100 - $200
Off-track
$100 - $300
Sagging in the middle
$100 - $500
Opens and closes by itself
$100 - $500
Dented/Bent
$100 - $700
Snapped lock cable
$1-0 - $300
Sagging Header
$100 - $400
Stuck to floor
$100 - $200
Stuck closed or open
$100 - $400
Misaligned
$100 - $500

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

In Denver, a building permit is usually required for various construction activities, such as demolition, alteration, and enlargement of structures, utilities, or buildings. The Denver Community Planning & Development Department is responsible for issuing building permits to interested individuals.

Homeowners interested in obtaining a building permit for their intended garage project can do so through their hired garage door repair contractor. Applicants can apply for a building permit through the department's online Permitting and Licensing System. Users must register a new user account or sign in with an existing account. A building permit will be issued once all of the requirements are met.

Note that a garage door project can only be completed after being inspected. An inspection will be carried out to ensure that the work is done according to Denver's Building and Fire Code standards. Applicants can schedule an inspection via the department's e-permit portal.

For more information regarding the permit application and inspection process, you can contact the Denver Community Planning & Development Department at (720) 865-2700 or visit the physical location of the department at:

Community Planning and Development
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205
Denver, CO 80202
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday

What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?

Several garage door manufacturers offer various types of garage doors that are readily available in Denver. Before hiring a garage door contractor, ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to provide you with the best possible service to satisfy your needs. You should also learn about the brands they use to know if they are compatible with your project. Some of the common brands available for use in Denver include:

Lawrence Doors
$400 - $7,000
LiftMaster
$400 - $2,000
Martin Doors
$550 - $10,000
Overhead Door Company of Denver
$300 - $6,000
A Team Garage Doors
$350 - $5,500
Clopay
$400 - $4,000
Raynor
$550 - $2,000
CHI Overhead Doors
$820 - $4,900
Amarr
$850 - $8,500
Wayne-Dalton
$500 - $5,000

These garage doors are commonly made of high-quality steel, aluminum, and fiberglass materials. They can also be offered in various styles and designs, such as:

  • Carriage garage doors
  • Tilt-up canopy garage doors
  • Up-and-Over garage doors
  • Paneled garage doors
  • French-style garage doors
  • Side-hinged garage doors
  • Roll-up garage doors
  • Sliding garage doors
  • Sectional garage doors
  • Folding garage doors

Before you start the process of choosing a new garage door, it is important that you consider the various features that will make it suitable for your home:

  • Convenience/Ease of operation
  • Durability
  • Motor strength
  • Availability of replacement parts
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Insulation
  • Customization options
  • Security
  • Safety
  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Cost

Another important factor you should consider when choosing a new garage door is the type of opener you will need to install. These are typically provided as a separate component from the door itself, and the openers can be customized to meet your specific needs. There are four distinct types of the opener, namely:

  • Chain driven openers
  • Jackshaft openers
  • Belt driven openers
  • Screw driven openers

Some of the brands that Denver residents commonly use for their garage door opener are:

LiftMaster Elite Series 8500
$460 - $570
BeamUP Everlift Garage Door Opener with Battery Backup
$200 - $220
Nexx Garage Smart Wi-Fi Controller NXG-200
$250 - $280
Genie Aladdin Connect Smart Garage Door Opener
$130 - $200
Genie StealthDrive Connect Garage Door Opener
$170 - $200
Chamberlain B4613T Garage Door Opener
$240 -$270
Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener
$200 - $250

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

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, over half of the fatal work injuries reported in Denver in 2020 were recorded among construction and building-related workers. When undergoing a home improvement project, unforeseen circumstances can cause property damage and bodily injury to you or your garage door repair contractor. An insured garage door contractor helps minimize the risk of paying out of pocket for any injury and property damage during your work.

Garage door repair contractors are not mandated to carry general liability insurance in Denver. However, per the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act, all Denver employers must carry a worker's compensation insurance policy for their employees. This insurance coverage can be obtained through a commercial or self-insurance policy. Failure to maintain this policy can result in fines of $500 daily for each day of default or closure of the business.

As such, before starting a home improvement project, ensure your intended garage door repair contractor has the necessary insurance policy. Ensure you request a copy of these insurance documents, and you can check the validity of these documents by contacting the issuing insurance agencies. You can also contact the Division of Workers' Compensation of Colorado's Department of Labour and Employment at (303)-318-8700 or toll-free number 1-888-390-7936 or in person at:

Division of Workers' Compensation
Department of Labour and Employment
633 17th Street
Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202

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

Complaints against poorly equipped garage door contractors in Denver are handled by the Denver Community Planning and Development Department and the Denver Attorney General's Office.

The home improvement and remodeling industry is a multi-billion dollar business, and homeowners spend an average of around $13,000 on garage-related projects. Unfortunately, some of these contractors are scam artists who take advantage of their clients' need for home repairs.

In 2020, a local news outlet, Denver Channel, reported that a home improvement contractor in Denver was scamming his clients out of their money by failing to complete their projects. The victims reportedly contacted the contractor through a third-party website, which made them feel like they were dealing with a legitimate contractor. These residents failed to carry out due diligence to confirm their legitimacy. That same year, in September, a contractor was charged with multiple counts of felony theft after allegedly bilking elderly homeowners out of around $3,000 to $20,000 after a hurricane. The contractor hired several salespeople to go door-to-door and ask potential clients for their insurance settlement.

In light of this, before hiring a garage door contractor in the city, it is crucial that you thoroughly verify they are not fraudulent and are capable of providing your required services.

  • Never hire a contractor who offers to fix or maintain your garage door unsolicited.
  • Get recommendations of garage door contractors in the city from trusted sources, such as family members and friends. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau's web page or the International Door Association's online directory.
  • Get and compare quotes from multiple garage door contractors to get a fair estimate of the cost of the intended project.
  • Confirm the contractor has the necessary licenses to carry out the work. You can verify the contractor's licensing status via the license search webpage provided by the City of Denver.
  • Request for references of past clients, as these individuals can provide you with valuable insight regarding the quality of the contractor's work. Keep in mind that garage door contractors who are unwilling to provide this information should be avoided.
  • Do not hire contractors who ask for complete payment upfront. If you have to pay a down payment, you should limit it to around 10% to 30% of the total cost.
  • Make sure you have a written contract that clearly states the work that will be done. This contract should be signed before the work begins.
  • Confirm the licensing status of your intended garage door repair contractor.
  • Keep all project-related documents like contracts, payment receipts, and warranty documents safe.

If you are a victim of a home improvement or garage door contractor scam, you can report it to the Denver Community Planning and Development Department at (720) 865-2770. You can also file a complaint online with the Denver Attorney General's Office by utilizing its complaint form or by visiting the physical location of the office at:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Section
Colorado Department of Law
Ralph L. Carr Judicial Building
1300 Broadway
7th Floor
Denver, CO 80203

Finally, you can file a lawsuit against a fraudulent garage door contractor in the Colorado Judicial Branch. It is always in your best interest to seek legal advice from a lawyer before filing any lawsuit. To this end, you can use the For the Public platform the Denver Bar Association provides to find a lawyer or use the legal clinic services if you qualify as a low-income earning individual.