Get Quotes from Top Garage Door Contractors in Columbus, OH

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Garage Door Contractor in Columbus

Hiring an inexperienced contractor to repair or maintain your garage door may only leave you with a shoddy job that exposes your family to risks of serious injuries often caused by a malfunctioning garage door. About 20,000 such accidents are recorded annually with many leading to the emergency room. Therefore, to pick a top professional in Columbus with the right tools and training for the job, ensure they are conversant with the safety standards for automatic garage door openers and can provide satisfactory answers to the following questions:

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

Per the requirements of section 4101.08 of the Columbus Building Code, anyone engaging in the construction, replacement, and improvement of residential garages, including installation and replacement of garage doors, is performing home improvement work and must obtain the appropriate home improvement contractor license from the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services.

Anyone performing any of the aforementioned home improvement work without first obtaining the appropriate home improvement contractor license is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 180 days or both. Homeowners should always confirm whether the individual they want to hire for garage door repair or installation work is licensed before finalizing any agreement with them. Homeowners can confirm a contractor's license status by searching the updated list of licensed contractors in the city.

Note that honest contractors in the city will carry either the home improvement general contractor license or the home improvement limited contractor license issued by the Department of Building and Zoning Services before performing garage door installation, repair, or replacement. Anyone who has not obtained the appropriate home improvement contractor license can do so by downloading, completing, and mailing a notarized home improvement contractor application form alongside the appropriate application fee to:

City of Columbia
Department of Building and Zoning Services
111 North Front Street
Columbus, OH 4315

Note that each applicant is expected to have met the minimum experience requirement before applying for their preferred home improvement contractor license. For instance, Persons applying for a home improvement general contractor license must have at least three full years of "hands-on" installation experience in residential roofing, siding, windows, doors, and decking installation. On the other hand, people applying for a home improvement limited contractor license must have at least one full year of "hands-on" experience in the field for which a license is applied. These fields include but are not limited to:

  • Residential roofing
  • Residential sidewalks and driveway approaches
  • Residential siding, windows, and doors
  • Residential exterior lathing and stucco
  • Residential deck installation
  • Residential swimming pools and spas
  • Residential basement waterproofing
  • Residential asphalt paving
  • Residential prefabricated fireplaces and wood or coal

In addition to meeting the experience requirements for a home improvement license, individuals applying for a home improvement general contractor license must schedule, sit for, and pass the Ohio home improvement contractor examination with a 70% or higher score. Note that the test result must be submitted alongside the application form and fee to the above-mentioned address. Queries concerning the Ohio home improvement contractor examination can be directed to the International Code Council at (877) 783-3926.

Home improvement contractor license applications must be submitted no later than seven days before the board meeting. The Board of Home Improvement and Demolition Contractors' tentative meeting schedule is the first Wednesday of each month. For more information concerning the process and requirements for obtaining a home improvement contractor license in Ohio, call (614) 645-7433.

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

The cost of a garage door repair service in Columbus is typically determined by certain factors. These factors include the size of the garage door, the design, material, and type of the garage door, the amount of damage to the door, and the garage door repair contractor's reputation and level of experience.

Nevertheless, each garage door repair service always has an average market price. You can ensure that they do not pay more than the average market price for a particular garage door repair service by getting and comparing rates and estimates from at least three different garage door repair contractors in the city. Make sure each contractor provides a breakdown of the actual work to be done and the cost of labor required to complete the work. By doing so, you will be able to determine whether the contractor you are considering is charging more than what is necessary for the work.

Garage door repair contractors in Columbus earn an annual average wage of $47,460. The list below compares the hourly average wages of these contractors with those of garage door repair contractors in other major Ohio cities as well as other locations across the country:

Columbus Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$22.82/hour
Cincinnati Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$20.80/hour
Cleveland Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$21.13/hour
Lubbock Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$17.12/hour
Chicago Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$25.25/hour
Los Angeles Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$22.89/hour
New York City Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$26.19/hour
Phoenix Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$23.67/hour
Nashville Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$24.62/hour
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?

When considering hiring a garage door repair contractor in Columbus, it is crucial to determine whether the contractor specializes in the exact service you need. Garage door repair services in Columbus are broadly classified into four categories, namely:

  • New garage door installations
  • Garage door replacements
  • Garage door repairs
  • Garage door maintenance

New garage door installations involve installing a new garage door. This service most often requires changing the components that make up a garage door system, costing between $200 - $4,000. On the other hand, garage door replacements typically involve removing a faulty or damaged garage door and installing a different one. While garage door replacement and installation services are similar, it is important to note that a replacement service will not often require changing the components of a garage door system. It is also crucial to note that an installation service can be performed in a newly constructed garage or a garage that is undergoing renovation, whereas a replacement service can only be performed where a garage door already exists.

Similarly, garage door repairs are required by homeowners whose already installed garage door is faulty or broken. This service involves fixing damaged door parts or replacing faulty parts with new ones to ensure that a garage door operates efficiently. Common garage door repair services in Columbus include but are not limited to:

  • Broken/bent garage door track repair and replacement
  • Damage door panel repair and replacement
  • Damaged door frame repair and replacement
  • Garage door safety sensor alignment
  • Broken/damaged roller repair
  • Broken garage door hinges replacement

Garage door maintenance service typically involves inspecting your garage door to identify wear and tear and servicing the entire system to avoid door emergencies. For routine garage door maintenance, homeowners are advised to hire a reputable garage door repair company in their area. Some of the services that homeowners will receive if they hire a garage door company for routine maintenance in Columbus include:

  • Off-track garage door repair
  • Snapped/broken garage door cable repair and replacement
  • Garage door opener assessment and repair or replacement
  • Garage door auto-reverse testing
  • Moving parts lubrication
  • Garage door spring balancing
  • Hinge and roller assessment
  • Garage door weather seal assessment and replacement

Listed below are cost estimates for frequently requested garage door services in Columbus. The actual cost of these services, however, will be influenced by factors such as the nature and scope of These estimates include:

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

Single-Panel
$350 - $1,300
Tilt-Up Canopy
$400 - $1,400
Tilt-Up Retractable
$450 - $1,800
Sectional
$650 - $2,000
Roll-Up
$750 - $3,000

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

Single
$550 - $1,400
Double
$650 - $3,100
Custom
$1,100 - $6,100

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

8' x 7'
$350 - $800
9' x 9'
$400 - $1,000
10' x 10'
$400 - $1,200
12' x 7'
$400 - $1,300
12' x 12'
$500 - $1,500
16' x 7'
$650 - $3,000
16' x 8'
$700 - $4,000

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

Steel
$450 - $3,100
Aluminum
$450 - $4,000
Vinyl
$500 - $2,600
Composite
$600 - $4,000
Fiberglass
$750 - $3,000
Glass
$800 - $3,900
Wood
$1,000 - $5,000

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

Paneled
$700 - $2,000
Carriage
$1,000 - $3,800
French Doors
$1,300 - $4,500

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

Chain-Drive
$150 - $250
AC-Power
$130 - $280
Screw-Drive
$175 - $300
Belt-Drive
$200 - $350
DC-Power
$350 - $450
Direct-Drive
$350 - $550
Jackshaft-Drive
$550 - $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
$60 - $200
Old door disposal
$30 - $50

Estimates for garage door repair based on door material:

Fiberglass
$150 - $500
Aluminum
$175 - $500
Vinyl
$200 - $650
Steel
$220 - $700
Glass
$250 - $750
Wood
$250 - $1,100
Composite
$275 - $900

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

Bearings
$190 - $300
Belt
$100 – $250
Cable
$100 - $250
Circuit board
$150 - $450
Coils/Spring
$100 - $400
Frame
$125 - $600
Lintel
$150 - $600
Lock Bar
$100 - $200
Motor
$100 - $350
Opener
$170 - $1,050
Panel
$150 - $1,000
Remote
$100 - $200
Rollers
$100 - $155
Sensor
$100 - $155
Strut
$150 - $550
Track
$100 - $350

Estimates for garage door repair based on the type of problem:

Bounces when closing
$100 - $200
Cable came off
$100 - $250
Off-track
$100 - $350
Sagging in the middle
$100 - $500
Opens and closes by itself
$100 - $500
Dented/Bent
$100 - $700
Snapped lock cable
$120 - $250
Sagging Header
$120 - $400
Stuck to floor
$130 - $250
Stuck closed or open
$100 - $400
Misaligned
$120 - $550

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

A permit in Columbus authorizes a contractor or homeowner to begin work described in their project plans and description. Performing home improvement work requiring a permit without first obtaining the appropriate permit for such work may attract fines. As a result, it is always crucial for homeowners to ensure that their contractor obtains the necessary permit before commencing work on a project. To be sure, homeowners should contact the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433 to determine whether their project requires a permit. By doing so, homeowners can inform their contractors to apply for and obtain the needed permit before commencing work.

Columbus homeowners who wish to perform any kind of alterations or additions to their garage are required to apply for a building permit and accompanying plans for approval by the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services. A building permit application can be completed online. However, new applicants using the online portal must first create a user profile to log in. After that, applicants can begin their permit application, follow the step-by-step instructions, and click on the submit button. Applicants who do not wish to complete their application online can do so by downloading, completing, and mailing a building permit application form alongside the appropriate permit fees to:

City of Columbia
Department of Building and Zoning Services
111 North Front Street
Columbus, OH 4315

Contractors or homeowners can track the success of their permit application using the Columbus Citizens Access Portal. Permits will only be issued to applicants who provide accurate information in their application, submit necessary plans, and pay permit fees. Once the permit is issued by the Department of Building and Zoning Services, the contractor can commence work on the project.

In addition to issuing a building permit, the Department of Building and Zoning Services also carries out inspections on any construction activity for which a permit has been issued. Contractors can schedule an inspection online via the Citizens Access Portal. For more information concerning the process and requirements for obtaining a building permit for your garage and garage door installation project, contact the Department of Building and Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433.

What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?

There are different types and brands of garage doors in the market, and as a homeowner, it is essential to note that most of these doors require a great deal of experience and expertise to install. Hiring an inexperienced contractor to repair or install a garage door leads to shoddy repairs and installation that may result in serious injuries. As a result, homeowners are advised to ensure that the individual they want to hire for a garage door repair or installation specializes in the particular type and brand of garage door they want to use for the project.

In addition, homeowners should also find out if the contractor is conversant with their preferred garage door design, material, and opener. Garage doors are broadly categorized based on the materials they are made from and their designs and opening mechanisms. Steel, vinyl, wood, wood composite, aluminum, and fiberglass garage doors are available in Columbus, and garage door designs and opening mechanisms available in the city include:

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

Homeowners in Columbus should always seek the expert opinion of their contractor and consider the following factors when choosing a garage door type, material, and design for their project:

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

After considering the above-mentioned factors, homeowners can now research the type and brand of garage door that best suits their needs. Most Columbus homeowners prefer to use reputable 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

Once a brand of garage door has been selected, homeowners can make sure that the doors are installed with the proper door opener. Note that a garage door can not operate functionally without the suitable door opener. Garage door openers are sold separately. However, they are designed to meet the specific needs of the homeowner. Listed below are examples of high-quality garage door opener brands in Columbus:

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

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

There are no specific insurance requirements for garage door repair contractors in Columbus. However, to obtain a home improvement contractor license needed to execute most garage construction and door installation work in the city, garage door professionals must have general liability insurance and a contractor bond on file with the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services.

Anyone who fails to provide proof of insurance and contractor bond to the Department of Building and Zoning Services will be denied a home improvement contractor license, and hiring such a person exposes you to various liabilities that may result from potential court cases, property damage, deaths, and on-the-job injuries that occurred during your garage door installation work. This is particularly important considering that at least 460 mechanical door repairs suffered on-the-job injuries in the United States alone in 2020.

As a result, you should always confirm the insurance status of the contractor you want to hire. You can do this by asking for proof of insurance and contacting the insurance company that issued the document. Likewise, you can contact the Department of Building and Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433 to find out if the contractor you want to hire has active general liability insurance and contractor bond on file.

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

The Ohio Attorney General's Office handles consumer complaints involving home improvement scams, such as garage door repair scams in Columbus and other parts of the state.

Garage door repair scams occur when a contractor or garage door repair company does little or none of the work they were paid to do. These contractors often employ various tricks to pressure their target into hiring their services. Some of these tricks include:

  • telling the homeowner that a "new door and door opener" is needed when it is not
  • telling the homeowner they are offering a discount that expires the next day
  • offering a lifetime guarantee that is too good to be true
  • contracting an unlicensed contractor to complete a project that they were employed to do

Columbus's Home and property owners can avoid these scam tricks by taking certain precautionary steps. These include:

  • Avoid contractors who show up at your door
  • Avoid contractors who insist that you sign an agreement immediately. Note that Ohio law requires that sellers give you a three-day right to cancel most door-to-door sales; no work should begin during those three days
  • Avoid contractors who do not have a verifiable business location and phone number
  • Get estimates from at least three different garage door repair contractors to find out the average market price for the service you need
  • Make inquiries about the contractor you want to hire by calling the Ohio Attorney General's Office at (800)282-0515 and visiting reputable third-party websites such as Better Business Bureau
  • Make sure that the contractor you intend to hire is insured and bonded
  • Avoid making large down payments, and do not make full payments until the work is completed
  • Get a written contract and make sure the exact costs and details are included. Do not accept verbal estimates

Victims of garage door repair scams in Columbus can report the incident to the Consumer Protection Division of the Ohio Attorney General's Office online or by calling (800)282-0515 or by completing and mailing a complaint form to the address below:

Consumer Protection Section
30 East. Broad Street., 14th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3400

Likewise, victims of garage door repair scams can also file legal action against a fraudulent contractor in an appropriate court. The appropriate court for matters involving a total amount of $6,000 or less is the Franklin County Municipal Court. However, it is crucial to consult a reputable attorney before filing a legal action against an individual or business. Victims of garage door repair scams can find reputable attorneys in their areas by visiting the Columbus Bar Association member's directory.