My parents live in a Ranch House built in 1960. There is a two-car garage with a solid wood garage door adorned with carvings in the wood.
There was a problem with the aging springs on the door so we contacted Edison Garage Door in NJ.
The cost of the repair was approximately $450.
We were very pleased with the work performed and the expertise of the repairman. However, a conversation with the repairman turned out to be very disturbing.
Unfortunately this repairman has a sort of mentality that is detrimental to anything that is old.
Wood garage door on a 1960 Ranch house
The cost to repair was $450 which we thought was a fair price. The repairman said that instead of paying to repair the wood door it would be better to replace it with a new garage door.
I immediately challenged his comment. I stated that to replace this door it would require custom work at a cost over $10,000. He agreed but said that it does not have to be wood – there are other less expensive materials.
I just didn’t know what to say except to repeat myself and ask why anyone would even consider replacing a garage door that is in perfect condition and only needs some spring work performed. There is absolutely no problem with the wood door so why replace it with a cheap looking door just because it would be new.
He replied saying he just wanted to give us some options and that $450 was high for a repair when you can get an entire new garage door. What????????????????
Notice the details in the design of the garage door.
As my blood pressure neared the breaking point, I calmly tried to help him understand that what he is saying is ridiculous. If the door was rotted and needed to be replaced we would definitely duplicate it for $10,000 or whatever the cost would be, but this thinking, to replace a good garage door just for the sake of having something brand new is not only unimaginable but unacceptable.
This repair-guy, as nice as he was, is just one of so many others – homeowners, contractors, and repair-people, that are convinced that a new product, even one of lower quality, is better just because it is new. Meanwhile the landfills get higher.
Good thing you challemge his comment. It would be much cheaper to restore rather than replace it.
Unfortunately, you probably didn’t change his mind.
Exactly! 🙁
Wish I got my garage door repaired instead of buying a new one because I couldn’t find anyone to do the repair. Didn’t save the windows and parts so appropriate garage door gone forever. Regrets.
I could not agree more. Some panels on my wooden garage door were rotted and I attempted to get a reputable company to replace the bottom section of the door. I was told that the product is no longer available and that I should consider a new door. This same company did replace a bottom section on one of the other doors previously. I could not accept a new door and made a credible repair to the rotted panels.
I have did a complete rehab on a 1920 four square home;;; however the garage door style is a metal one just like the one pictured I would like to replace it with a wooden door in a sorta carriage style to make the house and detached grarage; however the cost for a custom door it about $10,000 Do you think it would be worth it or do you have any suggestions to marry the two .?
Karen
Yes definitely and for two good reasons. I wish I could find where I read it but a good garage door is an excellent investment. If you remodel your kitchen you can expect to recoup about 50-60% of the cost when selling your home. A garage door is a better investment. With a Carriage House door for instance you can recoup 95 to 110% of your investment.
Aside from that a modern garage door will clash with the style of a 1920’s home.