Get Quotes from Top Garage Door Contractors in Philadelphia, PA

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

Garage door repair contractors are regulated in Philadelphia at local and state levels.

In Philadelphia, any garage door repair contractor offering home improvement services worth more than $500 must register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. If they fail to do so, they could face fines of up to $1,000 or even imprisonment. However, contractors who earned a total value of $5,000 in the previous taxable year will be exempted from registering with the Attorney General's Office.

To register as a home improvement contractor in Pennsylvania, applicants can complete an online application. Before completing an online application, all applicants must create a user account or sign in with an existing account detail. Alternatively, applicants can fill out and submit a Home Improvement Contractor Registration Application Form via mail to:

Applicants must also provide proof of insurance, pay a non-refundable, and other relevant documents. For more information about the registration process for home improvement contractors in Pennsylvania, contact the Office of the Attorney General at (717) 772-2425.

At the local level, garage door repair contractors that offer various construction, demolition, or repair services are required to obtain a city-issued contractor license from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. Garage door repair contractors that only offer services in one or two-family dwellings in the city and have been registered at the state level do not need to obtain a contractor license.

Individuals who wish to apply for a contractor license in Philadelphia may do so online via the city's eCLIPSE system or can schedule an appointment to submit a pdf Application for Contractor License Form in person at:

To be considered for a contractor license, the applicants must meet various eligibility requirements, such as:

• Paying all applicable fees
• Obtaining a Commercial Activity License (CLA)
• Providing proof of compliance with local tax obligations
• Providing proof of insurance coverage
• Complying with city-mandated contractor safety training and operational requirements

Applicants who check these requirements will be issued a contractor license. Meanwhile, home improvement contractors in the city who wish to register with DLI can do so online via the eCLIPSE system or visit the DLI's office at the address provided above.

For inquiries regarding the licensing requirements of garage door repair contractors in Philadelphia, residents can contact the city's Department of Licenses & Inspections online or at 311. If you are outside Philadelphia, you can contact DLI at (215) 686-8686.

You can check the registration and licensing status of your garage door repair services through the Home Improvement Contractor Search portals of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office and the Philadelphia Department of Inspections Contractor Lookup platform, respectively.

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

The cost of garage door repairs in Philadelphia is dependent on several variables, which include:

• Overhead door finishes
• The labor intensity of the job
• Your specific location within the city
• The extent of the damage to the garage door
• The style and design of the garage door
• The type of material that the garage door is made of

Before hiring a garage door repair contractor in Philadelphia, it is vital that you get and compare the rates of multiple contractors in the city. Doing so will allow you to get a fair estimate of the cost of the service and avoid getting ripped off by fraudulent garage door repair contractors. Make sure you give them similar job parameters to help them provide a fair and similar estimate. You should also look for other qualifying factors, such as their licensing status and specialization.

Garage door repair contractors in Philadelphia earn an annual average wage of $48,730. The list below compares the hourly average wages of these contractors with those of garage door repair contractors in other major Pennsylvania cities as well as other locations across the country:

What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?

In Philadelphia, various garage door repair contractors provide a wide range of services. These services can be categorized into four categories.

• Garage door installation: This is a process that involves replacing the old and worn-out garage doors with new ones. It can be done for individuals moving into a new home or homeowners looking to upgrade their old garage doors. A new installation can cost between $500 - $6,000, and the cost can vary depending on the type, designs, materials, and size of the garage door.
• Garage door replacement: This is similar to a new door installation in that it involves replacing a component or part of the door opening system. This is why labor costs and prices may remain the same. If you plan to replace your existing garage door, you might consider using some of its older parts instead of buying new ones to help you save money. However, for safety reasons, always ask your contractor if reusing the old part of your garage door will be compatible with the new one.
• Garage door maintenance: To avoid experiencing a garage door emergency, regular maintenance is a good idea. A professional garage door repair contractor in Philadelphia can provide a comprehensive inspection and repair service. They can perform various tasks such as:
  • Assess door openers
  • Assess safety sensors
  • Assess proper spring balance
  • Assess the weather seals
  • Assess loose hinges and roller guides
  • Assess worn rollers and loosen tracks
  • Assess the automatic reverse function
• Garage door repairs: This service is carried out to ensure that the garage doors run smoothly and efficiently. Some of the typical garage door repairs that Philadelphia homeowners can request are:
  • Changing springs,
  • Inspecting the weather seals
  • Auto-reverse testing
  • Broken garage door cable repairs
  • Broken or loose rollers
  • Broken or loose hinges
  • Bent/broken garage door track repairs
  • Door panel damage
  • Door frame damage
  • Damaged garage door panel replacements
  • Moving parts lubrication
  • Roller inspections and replacements
  • Safety sensor alignments

Before hiring a garage door repair contractor, confirm they have the necessary skills and tools to do the job correctly. Doing so will allow you to avoid calling a different contractor to complete the work again. It also helps ensure that the project is completed properly and that the job is completed according to your expectations.

Below is a list of average cost estimates for various garage door services commonly requested in Philadelphia. The scope of the service and the type of work that the contractor provides can affect the exact amount that the consumer 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 Philadelphia Building Code?

Building permits are required to modify existing structures in Philadelphia, including installing and replacing garage doors and other structural changes. However, permits may be exempted for replacing doors in one- and two-family houses that are not on the Philadelphia Historic Registry.

In Philadelphia, building permits can be obtained from the city's Department of Inspections and Licenses (DLI). DLI issues various types of permits for different construction projects, which include:

Combination permit: This allows individuals to include trade work in their applications for building permits. This type of permit is mandatory for new constructions of single-family houses and two-family dwellings but is optional for alterations or additions to these types of residences.

Zoning permit: These permits are usually required before most construction and building projects can start in the city. However, if your garage door project does not alter the height, floor area, or legal use of your building, you do not need a zoning permit.

EZ Permits: These permits are for renovation and construction projects that do not require a project plan. They can be used for non-structural alterations and modifications to single-family houses and door replacement.

Individuals can obtain building permits in Philadelphia by either completing and submitting an application online via DLI's eCLIPSE platform or by submitting a completed Application for Construction Permit Form, along with all relevant plans, pre-approvals, and stipulated fees, in person at:

Note that an appointment must first be scheduled for an In-person application. Once a building permit has been issued, an inspection must be conducted at predetermined stages of the project. Applicants can book an inspection by calling DLI at (215) 255-4040 or online via the eCLIPSE platform. Queries related to the city's inspection and permitting process can be directed to the DLI online or by calling 311. Callers outside Philadelphia can contact DLI at (215) 686-8686.

What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?

Before starting a garage door project in Philadelphia, it is important to find out about the various types and brands of garage doors that your garage door repair contractor specializes in to determine if they are suitable for your project. Garage doors are typically made from materials such as steel, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood. They also come in various designs and opening mechanisms such as:

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

Professional garage door repair contractors in Philadelphia will usually assess the living conditions of their clients to determine which type of garage door will best suit their home needs. Contractors typically consider the following factors:

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

If you plan on installing a new garage door in your home, it's important that you choose a brand that has proven reliable and has been in the market for a long time.

The type and quality of the garage door opener you choose will also affect the efficiency of your garage door. These openers are often sold separately and can be adjusted to fit your home's specific needs. Some of the top-quality brands of garage door openers are:

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

While hiring an experienced garage door contractor for window projects is important, it is equally essential that the contractor is insured. In 2020, over seven percent of the fatal workplace injuries in Pennsylvania were caused by the injuries sustained by maintenance, repair, and installation workers. These professionals are prone to experiencing various on-the-job hazards, and if the contractor is not insured, you may be held liable for their damages and injuries.

Hiring a garage door repair contractor with the proper insurance coverage can help protect you from incurring liabilities and ensure you do not have to pay out-of-pocket cover for property damages and bodily injuries. In Philadelphia, garage door repair contractors are required to meet the following minimum insurance requirements:

• They must carry general liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000 per occurrence
• They must carry automobile liability insurance with a minimum limit of $300,000
• They must carry workers' compensation insurance with minimum limits of $100,000 per accident, $100,000 per employee, or a $500,000 minimum policy limit.

Before hiring a garage door repair contractor, ask for proof of insurance and verify this with the appropriate insurance provider. Queries regarding the insurance requirements for garage door repair contractors in Philadelphia can be directed to the Departments of Licenses and Inspections at 311 or (215) 686-8686 for callers outside the city.