Garage door installation: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering garage door installation

Garage door installation is a high-tension, safety-critical job where the spring system, the track alignment and the balance decide whether the door is safe to use. Your win is a balanced door, tested safety features and a clear quote for the spring and track work.

What customers ask

  • Will the new door be safe with my kids around?
  • What springs do I need for my door's weight?
  • How long will the springs last?
  • Will the door be quieter after the install?
  • Can you keep my old opener?
  • What warranty do I get on the springs and the panels?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask for the opening size, the header height, the headroom, the door material, and the insulation needs, so you bring the right door and spring system.
  • Bring a panel sample, a roller and a spring sample to the visit, and show the homeowner how the balance works.
  • Measure the opening and the headroom, and check the header and framing on the site visit, photographing any rot or weak spots before you quote.
  • Put the door, spring type and cycle rating, tracks, opener, weatherstripping and any framing repair in the quote as separate lines.
  • Explain the balance and the safety reverse in plain words, and show the homeowner how the door stops and reverses.
  • Test the safety sensors, the reverse and the balance with the homeowner present before you leave.
  • Send a closeout packet with the door product name, spring cycle rating, warranty papers and the maintenance schedule.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of finished garage door installs that show the panels, tracks and bottom seal
  • Garage door brands and panel styles you install, with insulation values listed
  • Spring systems and lift types you install, including high-lift and low-headroom
  • Service area and whether you install the opener and handle framing repair

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a yearly service visit for the springs, rollers, hinges and balance, since these parts wear with use.
  • Suggest an opener and safety sensor check after the install, and at the start of each season.
  • Recommend a weatherstrip and bottom seal upgrade when the door is still sound but leaks air.

Licenses and permits

Garage door installation is commonly done by licensed garage door or general contractors, and rules vary by place. Check your state and local licensing requirements before you bid, and note that header or framing changes may need a permit.

Questions

Do I need a permit for a new garage door?

Often not for a like-for-like door. Changes to the opening, the header or the framing usually need one. Check with the local building office before you start that work.

How do I handle a header that is too weak for the new door?

Stop, photograph it, and send a priced change order before you install the door. Repair or reinforce the header first, and do not hang a heavy door on a weak frame.

What do I tell a customer about the springs?

Explain that springs are under very high tension, that they wear with use, and that only trained people should service them. Put the spring type and the service plan in the quote.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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