How Long Does a Garage Door Installation Take?

Frank Lovejoy • October 29, 2025

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What to Expect During a Professional Garage Door Installation

Two-car garage with white doors, yellow siding, and black roof. Construction site with muddy ground. New Doors Installed.

One of the most common questions I hear when scheduling jobs is how long folks need to plan to be home, and I always give a straight answer because I respect your time. For a standard residential garage door installation—where we're swapping out an old door for a new one and everything's in good shape—I usually block out about four to six hours. That includes removing your old door, prepping the opening, installing the new door and tracks, making sure everything is balanced and aligned properly, and testing it multiple times to ensure it operates smoothly. I don't rush through installations because I've seen what happens when corners get cut, and it's never pretty. Taking the time to do it right the first time means you'll have a door that operates quietly and reliably for years to come.


Now, if we're also replacing your garage door opener or if there are structural issues we need to address, you should plan on it taking closer to a full day. Opener installations add a few hours because we need to mount the unit, run the wiring properly, program your remotes and keypad, and make sure all the safety sensors are working correctly. Sometimes I get out to a job and discover the framing around the opening needs reinforcement, or there's rot damage from our wet climate that needs to be repaired before I can install the new door. I've worked on plenty of homes here in Southwest Washington where moisture has done a number on the wood framing, especially on older garages. When that happens, I'll let you know right away what needs to be fixed and how long it'll add to the job.



I always aim to complete your installation in one trip because I know how inconvenient it is to have your garage out of commission. Before I leave, I'll walk you through how to operate everything, show you basic maintenance like lubricating the tracks and checking the photo eyes, and make sure you're completely satisfied with how the door looks and operates. Whether it's a straightforward replacement in Vancouver or a more complex job in Longview with custom work involved, I'll give you an honest timeline upfront and keep you updated throughout the day. My goal is to get your new garage door installed properly and get you back to your normal routine as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality.


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