Great question! It's one we get all the time! In most situations, repairing your garage door is going to cost less than replacing the whole thing. If it’s just a broken spring, a worn-out cable, or a dented panel, a repair can usually get things back in working order without breaking the bank.

That said, sometimes replacement is the smarter move, especially if:

• Your garage door is 15+ years old and has multiple issues

• The damage is widespread (like several panels bent or the frame warped)

• You’re dealing with energy loss due to poor insulation

• You're looking to boost curb appeal or home value with something more modern

A new door can bring better energy efficiency, quieter operation, and a fresh look. And it’s often one of the top home upgrades for return on investment.  "The increased home value from replacing a garage door was more than double its cost" (200%+ return) in the 2025 cost vs value survey (Journal of Light Construction). 

Bottom line: Repairs are usually cheaper in the short term, but if your door is old, damaged, or outdated, replacement could save you more in the long run. A quick professional inspection can help you decide what’s best for your home and budget.

While garage door replacements average over $4,000, local businesses with low overhead and longstanding distributor relationships (like Trusted Garage Door in Chicagoland) can provide lower costs without sacrificing quality or service. Replacing a garage door costs on average $1,200 for a one car garage and $2,300 on average for a two car garage, including materials and professional installation. The final price depends on the door’s style, size, material, and any added features like insulation or smart openers.

In most cases, no it’s not worth repairing a garage door opener that’s 20 years old. By that age, parts are often discontinued, and even small issues can turn into costly headaches.

There are a couple of exceptions, though:

• If all you need is a quick sensor replacement

• If a simple adjustment brings it back to life

Outside of those easy fixes, you're better off replacing it. For about $525, you can get a brand-new opener with modern safety features, quieter operation, and smart connectivity. That gives you peace of mind and a reliable system, instead of throwing money at outdated hardware.

Bottom line: Unless it’s a minor tweak, skip the repair, upgrade instead!

A broken garage door spring is a common issue and there are a few clear signs to look for:

1. The Door Won’t Open (or Opens Only a Few Inches)
   If your garage door barely moves or won’t open at all, the spring may have snapped and can no longer lift the door’s weight.

2. You Hear a Loud Bang in the Garage
   When a spring breaks, it often makes a sharp, loud noise, like a gunshot or firecracker.

3. The Door Looks Crooked or Jerky When Moving
   If one spring breaks, the door may lift unevenly or shake as the opener struggles to compensate.

4. Visible Gap in the Torsion Spring
   For torsion springs (mounted above the door), a break creates a visible gap in the coil usually a couple inches wide.

5. Heavy Door When Lifted Manually
   A functional spring offsets the door’s weight. If it suddenly feels extremely heavy, the spring is likely damaged.

Safety Tip: Garage door springs are under high tension. Don’t try to fix them yourself, always call a professional to avoid serious injury.