Get Quotes from Top Garage Door Contractors in Houston, TX

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

Houston garage door repair contractors are not required to hold an occupational license to practice their trade in the city, provided that the work performed does not include any activity that is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702. Per the requirements of Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code, any person who intends 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). Anyone who engages in the abovementioned work or any other activities regulated by Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code without obtaining the appropriate license is guilty of a violation that may attract a civil penalty of up to $10,000.

Individuals who wish to obtain a DPS-issued license can start by visiting the DPS licensing and registration section to see the different categories of licenses available to them. The DPS issues four categories of garage-door-related licenses: company and school licenses, individual licenses, private business with internal security licenses, and government and political subdivisions with internal security licenses. In most cases, individuals who intend to execute alarm and electronic access installation connected to residential and commercial garage doors must obtain a contracting company license from the business license category. Applicants can visit the application instructions page to see the requirements and step-by-step guide for obtaining the category of license they want. Some common requirements for obtaining a DPS-issued license include:

• Meeting the required training and experience standards
• Scheduling and passing a DPS-approved examination,
• Submission of fingerprints, insurance certificates, and valid ID numbers.

Note the DPS will carry out background checks on each applicant to determine their eligibility status. As a result, applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria in the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 of the Private Security Act, and TAC 35.4 before applying for a DPS-issued license.

All license applications can be completed online using the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) Portal. 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. Members of the public can also verify that the garage door repair contractor they intend to hire holds a valid DPS-issued contractor license by utilizing the TOPS search criteria portal.

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

Houston garage door repair contractors consider several factors while calculating the cost of their services. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• The nature of the repair
• The extent of the damage to the garage door
• The type of material that the garage door is composed of
• The design and style of the garage door
• The location of the building

While these above-mentioned factors typically influence the cost of retaining the services of a garage door repair contractor in Houston, homeowners must understand that it is always in their best interest to compare quotes from different garage door repair contractors in the city before finalizing an agreement with any contractor. By comparing quotes from different contractors, homeowners can determine the service's actual cost. That way, homeowners can spend wisely and also avoid dishonest contractors who are trying to inflate the cost of a garage door repair service. Nonetheless, homeowners must understand that some dishonest contractors offer low rates initially only to inflate the cost of their service after they have been hired. Hence, homeowners should ask the contractor they wish to hire for a breakdown of their quotes.

Garage door repair contractors in Houston earn an annual average wage of $43,250. 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

What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?

Houston garage door contractors offer a variety of services to residents of the city. These services are generally grouped into four categories, namely:

• Garage door repairs: this involves repairing broken or faulty garage doors and replacing worn-out accessories to return the doors to a perfect condition. Common garage door repair services requested by Houston homeowners include:
  • Broken garage door spring repairs
  • Broken garage door cable repairs
  • Damaged garage door panel replacements
  • Bent/broken garage door track repairs
  • Safety sensor alignments
  • Roller inspections and replacements
  • Moving parts lubrication
  • Door panel damage
  • Door frame damage
  • Broken or loose rollers
  • Broken or loose hinges
  • Auto-reverse testing
• Garage door installations: this involves the installation of brand new garage doors and accessories either in a newly constructed home or a building that is undergoing garage upgrade and remodeling. The cost of installing a new garage door in Houston ranges from $259 to $3,900, depending on the size, material, design, and type of the garage door.
• Garage door replacements: this service is similar to garage door installation as it involves changing a bad or old garage door completely in most cases. However, garage door replacement can also mean replacing major parts, not the entire door. Homeowners should always find out whether their project requires a total replacement or replacement of some parts of the door. By clarifying this, homeowners will be able to determine whether the contractor is giving a fair price for the service or not.
• Garage door maintenance: Most garage doors require routine maintenance to detect signs of wear and tear and avoid door emergencies. Homeowners in Houston can schedule routine maintenance services with competent garage door repair companies in the city. Common routine maintenance services provided by competent garage door repair companies in the city include:
  • Assessment of proper spring balance
  • Assessment of loose hinges and roller guides
  • Assessment of weather seals
  • Assessment of worn rollers and loosened tracks
  • Assessment of door openers
  • Assessment of safety sensors
  • Assessment of the door's automatic reverse function

While most garage door repair companies in Houston offer the different categories of services listed above, homeowners must understand that not every garage door repair company has the requisite skill and equipment to execute their project. As a result, homeowners should always confirm that the garage door repair company they intend to hire offers the specific type of garage door services they need. In addition, homeowners should ask the company's representative for a list of customers they have sold similar services in the past.

Homeowners should also make sure that they contact these customers for a first-hand review of the company's expertise and competence. It is also essential for homeowners to discuss how much the service they need will cost with the contractor before finalizing any agreement with them. Average cost estimates for commonly requested garage door services in Houston are provided below. Note that factors like the specific nature and scope of the service and your location within the city will influence the actual amount that you will have to pay for these services:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Estimates for garage door repair based on door material:

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

Estimates for garage door repair based on type of problem:

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

In Houston, a building permit is required for new construction and home remodeling projects, including the construction of a new garage as well as the installation of garage doors. Building permits are issued by Houston's Department of Public Works via its permitting center, and as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your contractor obtains the right permit before starting work on your project. You can find out if your garage-related project requires a permit by contacting the City of Houston permit center at (832) 394-9494.

A building permit application can be completed online via the ipermit customer and contractor portal. To complete an application via this portal, new applicants must first create a user profile. After that, applicants can log into the ipermit portal and select the 'Begin New Application' button to begin the application process. Then, applicants will click on residential applications and select the new/remodel residential building permit application button. Next, applicants are expected to select their address on the options provided. Applicants must ensure that they choose an accurate street and house address. Note that selecting an incorrect address may result in additional fees and delays in the approval process. Once the address is complete, applicants will be required to select the ProjectDox submission to get an invitation to submit the necessary plans for the project.

Note that the construction of a new garage in Houston requires the submission of necessary plans during the permit application. Applicants can submit their plans on the ProjectDox portal for review. Most projects require the payment of a plan review fee, which is 25% of the total permit fee. Once the plans are approved, and all other permit requirements are met, the applicant will be issued a permit that allows them to commence work on the project. Queries concerning the process and requirements for obtaining a permit can also be directed to the Houston permit center by calling (832) 394-9494.

What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?

Unlike most building equipment repairs, the type and brand of garage doors to be serviced is an important factor to consider when selecting a contractor. As a result, homeowners are advised always to find out whether the garage door repair contractor they wish to hire specializes in servicing the exact type and brand of garage doors in their home. By doing so, homeowners will be making sure that their garage door is expertly serviced.

As a homeowner, you should understand that garage doors are classified based on the materials they are made from and their designs and opening mechanisms. Garage doors in Houston are typically made from aluminum, fiberglass, steel, vinyl, wood, and wood composite, and garage doors include the following designs and opening mechanisms:

• 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

Considering that garage doors come in a variety of designs and opening mechanisms, it is always best to get an expert opinion from your garage door repair contractor before making a decision. Nevertheless, whether you are going with your contractor's recommendations or not, you should always consider the following factors when choosing a garage door:

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

Having considered the aforementioned factors, you can research the type and brand of garage door that ticks all your boxes. You may consider going with reputable garage door manufacturers like:

• Raynor
• CHI Overhead Doors
• Smart
• Unique Garage Doors
• Clopay
• Wayne-Dalton

While selecting a good garage door brand is important, remember that the doors may not perform to their full potential if installed with the wrong door opener. Garage door openers are usually sold separately and are usually designed according to the homeowner's specific needs. Common top-quality garage door opener brands include:

• LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series 8500
• Chamberlain B6765T Smart Garage Door Opener
• Genie ChainDrive 550 Garage Door Opener
• Nexx Garage Smart Wi-Fi Controller NXG-200
• Genie Aladdin Connect Smart Garage Door Opener

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

Houston garage door repair contractors are not required to carry general liability insurance. However, contractors who wish to install a gate or garage/upward-acting door operator connected to an alarm system must maintain valid proof of insurance 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.

Though garage door contractors are not required to carry insurance before providing their services in the city, it is essential to note that hiring a contractor who is insured protects you from legal and financial liabilities that may result from property damage, work injuries, and deaths that occurred while working on your project. This is critical, considering that at least 460 mechanical door repairers were injured In the US alone in 2020. Given that injuries may occur any time during your project, homeowners should always confirm the insurance status of the garage door repair contractor they wish to hire before finalizing any agreement with them.

You can confirm a contractor's insurance status by asking for their insurance certificate and contacting the company that issued the certificate to verify what was documented on it. Likewise, you can contact the DPS to confirm the contractor has valid proof of insurance on file with them by calling (512) 424-2000.