Get Quotes from Top Garage Door Contractors in Fort Worth, TX

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Garage Door Contractor in Fort Worth

If you think you are saving some money by delaying the repair or maintenance of your home's garage door, you may not only be compromising the security of your household but also their safety. Faulty garage doors cause more the 20,000 injuries annually with the majority ending in the emergency room. When you are in search of a garage door repair contractor in Fort Worth, ensure the professional has a good understanding of the Federal Safety Standards for Automatic Garage Door Operations and can answer the following question satisfactorily:

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

There are currently no mandatory licensing requirements for garage door repair contractors in Fort Worth that offer installation and repair of garage doors and door operators that are not connected to any other equipment. However, Fort Worth garage door repair contractors who intend to engage in the installation of a gate or garage/upward-acting door operator that is connected to an alarm system or that allows for monitoring or logging of ingress/egress must obtain the appropriate license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Engaging in the aforementioned activity without a license is a violation of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, which may attract a civil penalty of up to $10,000

Fort Worth garage door repair contractors can begin their application for the appropriate DPS-issued license by visiting the licensing and registration section. By visiting the DPS licensing and registration section, garage door repair contractors can see the four categories of garage-door-related licenses available. These categories of garage-door-related licenses include company and school licenses, individual licenses, private businesses with internal security licenses, and government and political subdivisions with internal security licenses.

While garage door repair contractors from Fort Worth can choose any of the above-mentioned categories, contractors who will be offering alarm and electronic access installation to members of the public must obtain a contracting company license from the business license category. Garage door repair contractors in Fort Worth are advised to visit the DPS application instructions page to see the eligibility criteria and a step-by-step guide for obtaining their preferred category of license. Although each category of license has unique requirements, listed below are common requirements for obtaining a DPS-issued license:

  • Meeting the necessary training and experience
  • Registering for and passing a DPS-approved examination,
  • Submission of fingerprints, insurance certificates, and valid ID numbers
  • Each applicant is subjected to background checks to determine their eligibility status.

Having read the DPS application instruction page and confirmed their eligibility status, garage door repair contractors can visit the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) Portal to complete their application. Note that first-time users are required to create a user profile before proceeding with their applications. Queries concerning the process of obtaining a DPS-issued license can be directed to the DPS by completing the Regulatory Services Division (RSD) contact form. Likewise, queries concerning the license status of a Fort Worth garage door repair contractor can be completed using the TOPS search criteria portal.

Besides a DPS-issued license, Fort Worth garage door repair contractors may also need to be registered as building contractors with the city's Development Services Department. This is a requirement for anyone who intends to obtain a permit related to any building activity regulated by the city. Queries concerning the process and requirements for obtaining a building contractor registration in Fort Worth can be directed to (817) 392-2222.

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

Finding out how much a garage door repair service will cost is a crucial way to avoid paying more than what is necessary for the project. It is important to note that the cost of your garage door repair services is typically influenced by factors like:

  • 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

However, you can ensure that you always pay a reasonable price for a garage door repair service by getting and comparing rates and estimates from different garage door repair contractors in the city. You should also request a breakdown of the estimate from each garage door repair contractor you are considering.

Garage door repair contractors in Fort Worth earn an annual average wage of $45,120. The list below compares the hourly average wages of these contractors with those of garage door repair contractors in other major Texas cities as well as other locations across the country:

Fort Worth Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$21.69/hour
Houston Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$20.79/hour
Dallas Garage Door Repair Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$21.69/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
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?

Fort Worth garage door repair contractors provide a wide range of services to the general public, but ensuring that your preferred contractor specializes in the services you need is always a good idea. These services may include but are not limited to replacing a broken garage door spring and roller, installing new garage door panels, and inspecting garage door weather seals. Regardless of the service you need, garage door repair services are broadly classified into four categories:

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

New garage door installations and garage door replacements typically involve changing an old garage door with a newer model or installing a garage door in a newly constructed garage. These services cost anywhere between $350 - $4,000, so hiring a competent contractor to execute the project is very important. This will help you avoid financial liabilities that might result from a poorly installed garage door.

On the other hand, garage door repairs and garage door maintenance involve fixing damaged garage door parts and servicing your garage door system to ensure that it operates very well. Home and property owners in Fort Worth should consider signing an agreement for repair and routine garage door maintenance services with a reputable contractor in the city. By signing such an agreement, home and property owners can benefit from their contractor's updates on wear and tear and potential door emergencies. Common repair and routine garage door maintenance services in Fort Worth include the following:

  • Garage door tune-ups
  • 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
  • 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
  • Moving parts lubrication
  • Garage door spring balancing
  • Hinge and roller assessment
  • Garage door weather seal assessment and replacement

Cost estimates for frequently requested garage door services in Fort Worth are provided below. However, it is essential to note that the actual cost of these services will be influenced by factors like the nature and scope of the specific task and your location within the city. These estimates include:

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

Single-Panel
$355 - $1,100
Tilt-Up Canopy
$400 - $1,300
Tilt-Up Retractable
$500 - $1,700
Sectional
$550 - $2,000
Roll-Up
$750 - $3,000

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

Single
$500 - $1,200
Double
$600 - $3,000
Custom
$1,000 - $6,000

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

8' x 7'
$300 - $850
9' x 9'
$350 - $1,000
10' x 10'
$350 - $1,100
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
$400 - $3,200
Aluminum
$450 - $4,000
Vinyl
$500 - $2,500
Composite
$600 - $4,000
Fiberglass
$750 - $3,000
Glass
$800 - $3,850
Wood
$1,000 - $5,000

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

Paneled
$650 - $2,000
Carriage
$970 - $3,750
French Doors
$1,250 - $4,500

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

Chain-Drive
$150 - $250
AC-Power
$150 - $280
Screw-Drive
$170 - $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
$220 - $600
Steel
$240 - $685
Glass
$250 - $750
Wood
$250 - $1,000
Composite
$255 - $850

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

Bearings
$100 - $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 - $300
Opener
$100 - $1,050
Panel
$150 - $1,000
Remote
$100 - $200
Rollers
$100 - $150
Sensor
$100 - $150
Strut
$150 - $550
Track
$100 - $300

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

Bounces when closing
$100 - $250
Cable came off
$10 0 - $300
Noisy
$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 - $270
Stuck closed or open
$100 - $400
Misaligned
$120 - $500

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

In Fort Worth, a building permit is required to replace or add exterior doors in a residential apartment, and contractors can apply for this type of permit online using the city's permitting system provided by the Fort Worth Development Services Department. To complete the application for a building permit, contractors are required to provide applicable square footage for the garage and a description of the exact type of work to be performed on the garage. Contractors applying for a building permit to replace or install a garage door will also be required to provide the project's cost, as well as the house address and contact information. Note that contractors must be registered with the city and have created an account on the permitting system to be able to complete the online permit application process.

Newly registered contractors can create an account on this page. Once the account is created, the contractor can log in with their username and password to begin the permit application. Building permits will be issued to only applicants who complete the application process successfully and pay the appropriate permit fees. At this point, the garage door project can commence. Note that all permitted projects in Fort Worth must be inspected by authorized officials from the city's Development Services Department to ensure that the work done complies with the provisions of the Fort Worth Building Code. Contractors can schedule inspections online or by calling (817)392-6370. Likewise, queries concerning the process and requirements for obtaining a building permit in Fort Worth can be directed to the city's Development Services Department at (817) 392-2222.

What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?

Making sure that the garage door repair contractor you want to hire specializes in servicing the type and brand of garage door you want to service is an important phase in selecting the right hand for the job. This is critical because the market has different types and brands of garage doors. In addition, garage doors are also categorized based on the materials they are made from, as well as their designs and opening mechanisms. Garage doors in Fort Worth are typically made from steel, vinyl, wood, wood composite, aluminum, and fiberglass, and garage door designs and opening mechanisms 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

Since garage doors come in a variety of designs, home and property owners in Fort Worth should seek the advice of their garage door repair contractors before choosing a door design. Homeowners in Fort Worth should consider the following factors when choosing a garage door design for the project with their contractor:

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

Having considered the above-mentioned factors, homeowners can now research the type and brand of garage door that meets their specific needs. Most homeowners in Fort Worth prefer using reputable garage door manufacturers like:

Raynor
$550 - $2,000
CHI Overhead Doors
$820 - $4,900
Unique Garage Doors
$475 - $4,200
Clopay
$400 - $4,000
Wayne-Dalton
$500 - $5,000

While choosing a good garage door brand is essential, it is equally important to ensure that the doors are installed with the right door opener. Installing the wrong door opener means that your garage door may not operate efficiently and optimally. Garage door openers are sold separately and tailored to meet the homeowner's specific needs. Listed below are examples of high-quality garage door opener brands in Fort Worth:

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 Fort Worth?

In Fort Worth, there are no mandatory insurance requirements for garage door repair contractors. However, any individual who wishes to install a gate or garage/upward-acting door operator connected to an alarm system must carry a valid proof of insurance liability on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The liability insurance shall be within the minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage and $50,000 per occurrence for personal injury, with a minimum total aggregate amount of $200,000 for all occurrences.

Home and property owners in Fort Worth can confirm whether the contractor they want to hire is insured by asking for their insurance certificate and contacting the company that issued the certificate to verify what was documented on it, or by contacting the Texas DPS at (512) 424-2000 to confirm whether the contractor has active insurance on file with them. Making sure that the garage door repair contractor you want to hire is insured will protect you against the legal and financial liability that may result from property damage, bodily injury, and deaths that may occur during your project. This is critical, given that there were at least 460 cases of on-the-job injuries among mechanical door repairers in the United States alone in 2020

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

The Texas Attorney General's Office handles complaints against fraudulent garage door repair contractors in Fort Worth.

The garage door repair industry in Fort Worth is fraught with dishonest contractors looking for unsuspecting citizens to scam. These unscrupulous individuals employ various tricks to deceive their victims into hiring their services. Some of these tricks include telling the homeowner that a "hardware overhaul" is required when it is not, offering a lifetime guarantee that does not cover labor costs, and using an unlicensed contractor to complete a project.

The Texas Attorney General's Office is responsible for handling different consumer complaints, including complaints involving fraudulent garage door repair contractors, and it is estimated that thousands of consumer fraud cases are filed every year. However, homeowners can ensure that they do not fall victim to fraudulent garage door repair contractors by taking the following precautionary steps:

  • Be wary of contractors that show up in front of your door uninvited
  • Get recommendations from family, friends, and close associates
  • Get and compare estimates for your project from at least three different contractors
  • Make sure the contractor you want to hire has a physical business address and a registered phone number
  • Check if the contractor is licensed or registered. Depending on the type of service they offer, garage door repair contractors can be licensed by DPS, and you can confirm a contractor license status using the TOPS search criteria portal. Likewise, all contractors in Fort Worth are required to register with the city's Development Services Department, and you can confirm your contractor's license status by calling (817) 392-2222
  • Check reputable third-party websites such as Better Business Bureau and Yelp to see if complaints have been made against the contractor in the past.
  • Get at least three references from the contractor
  • Make sure the contractor is insured
  • Get a written contract and make sure you fully understand it before signing.
  • Avoid making full payment before the project is completed satisfactorily.

If you suspect that you have been scammed by your garage door repair contractor, you can report the incident to the Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Victims of garage door repair scams can report fraudulent contractors to the division online or by downloading, printing, completing, and mailing a consumer complaint form to:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711 - 2548

However, if the garage door repair contractor is licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), you should also file a complaint with the DPS. You can do this by completing an online form or downloading, filling, and mailing a complaint form to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Regulatory Crimes Service
P.O.Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773

Note that reporting a contractor to any of the above-mentioned agencies does not guarantee that you will be adequately compensated for the money you lost to the contractor. Victims of garage door repair scams who seek full monetary compensation should consider filing a legal action against the contractor in an appropriate court. The appropriate court for matters involving $10,000 or less is the small claim court, and victims of garage door repair scams can file a small claims case at the relevant Tarrant County Courthouse. However, victims of garage door repair scams should seek legal counsel from a qualified attorney before doing so. The Tarrant County Bar Association's Find a Lawyer platform can help you find a lawyer near you.