5 Steps to Getting Garage Door Opener Replacement

Updated April 2025

An old and unreliable garage door opener can be a problem. 

It can trap your car in the garage, make you late to work, and may even become a safety hazard. 

When the time comes to replace your garage door opener, knowing what to do can make the process easier overall. The most important step in getting a garage door opener replaced is to be sure you’re working with the right garage repair person. 

Working with an experienced, seasoned professional can make your automatic garage door installation a less stressful and overall better experience. At Fayetteville Overhead Door, we’ve helped hundreds of residents easily replace automatic garage doors and garage door openers. With an extensive gallery of garage doors to choose from, we offer something for every taste, whether you’re looking for a carriage door style garage door or something that blends perfectly to the aesthetics of your home.  

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five easy steps to getting a garage door opener replaced.

5 Easy Steps to Getting a Garage Door Opener Replaced

1. Research garage door contractors in your area.

Look for a contractor with a reputation you can trust. Longevity is a sign of a good contractor, as well as transparent pricing and quality products. Remember to:

• Get referrals from friends or neighbors.
• Look for contractors with a professional website, who list maintenance, installation and repair on their list of services.
• Call contractors to schedule an appointment to discuss your automatic garage door installation.

At Fayetteville Overhead Door, you can trust our skill and experience. If you need a garage door opener replaced, we encourage you to contact us to get the job done as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. 

2. Get multiple quotes.

It’s important to get quotes from at least two professionals, if not three. Getting multiple quotes can help you compare contractors, which makes it easier to find the right one for you. 

Steer clear of professionals who charge dramatically less than the competition. Contractors who cut corners may install a lower quality product, may offer a lesser warranty, or may hire inexperienced workers.

3. Review each bid.

Once you’ve gotten bids from multiple businesses, make sure you’re making an apples to apples comparison. The contractor who charges less money may be installing a cheaper opener that could break faster. Research the products and know what each contractor is proposing to install.

4. Contact references.

Get references for the professional you’d like to hire, and contact all of them. Ask questions such as:

• What did this garage door contractor do for you?
• Were you satisfied with the service?
• How long ago did they perform the work?
• Would you refer this business to someone else?

Contacting references should be the last step that you take before deciding who to hire.

5. Hire a contractor.

Hiring a contractor usually involves accepting a quote or signing a contract, establishing a start day and time, and working out the method of payment. 

Tell the contractor how you plan to pay to ensure that your contractor will accept the method of payment. Find out what you need to do to be prepared for your upcoming home remodel. Your contractor may need the garage cleaned or emptied, the car moved out, and so on.

Contact Fayetteville Overhead Door for Garage Door Opener Replacement

Get started with your garage door opener replacement today! Contact Fayetteville Overhead Door to find out more about our rates, our products and to get your project down on the schedule.

Next, we’ll review some of the details that go into replacing a garage door remote.

Replacing a Garage Door Opener Remote? It’s Easier Than You Think

Garage door remote openers have made life a lot simpler since the 1950s, when controlling your garage door meant doing a lot of heavy lifting by hand. 

Today, all it takes is the touch of a button to open or close your garage door—until the remote breaks or gets lost, that is. Happily, while dealing with a broken or missing garage door opener remote might be inconvenient, replacing it isn’t a big deal, especially when you have the team at Fayetteville Overhead Door working with you.

Choosing a Replacement Garage Door Opener Remote

Like your TV, your garage door is designed to work with a specific remote. So the first thing you want to do is determine if you can get a replacement directly from the door manufacturer. If you have your original manual that came with your door, there’s a good chance it contains the contact information you need. Contact the manufacturer’s customer service department or technical help line to see if you can order a replacement remote directly.

To order a replacement, you’ll need the model number for your remote. Most remotes have the model numbers printed on them, either on a label on the back or side or sometimes in the battery compartment, underneath the batteries or on the back of the battery cover. 

If you can’t find the number on the remote, check the housing for the opener unit itself. Many manufacturers list the make and model number right on the box that contains the motor or drive unit. 

Be sure to turn off the power before checking these areas to avoid accidents.

Consider a Universal Garage Door Opener Remote

There are lots of garage door makes and models, and that means there are lots of different remote controls, too. Again, like your TV, some companies have made it easier to replace a broken or missing remote with a universal option that’s designed to work with many different makes and models. 

Just like a remote from the original manufacturer, a universal remote needs to be programmed and paired with your door before you can use it. Setting up a universal remote might take a few more steps than a remote from the door manufacturer, but as long as you follow the steps in the remote manual, setup is fairly straightforward. 

Not all doors work with universal remotes, and not all universal remotes are compatible with every garage door manufacturer. Before buying a universal remote, check to make sure the remote you’re considering is designed to work with your specific door make and model.

Not Sure Which Universal Remote You Need? Can’t Contact the Original Company? Let Fayetteville Overhead Door Help

What if you don’t have your manual or can’t find a way to contact the original company? Or what if you’re not sure which universal remote will work with your door? Give us a call. Chances are we can find the information you need to contact the company, or we may be able to order a new remote on your behalf. 

Simply contact us today.

Key Takeaways:

• When getting a garage door opener replaced, you must research local contractors and get references.
• Be sure to get two to three estimates from reliable, established vendors.
• Get multiple quotes, but be wary of significantly cheaper bids.
• Speak to your contractor about what is needed before installation.
• If you need to replace a garage door opener remote, check with the manufacturer and locate the device’s model number.
• You can also use a universal remote, but this requires assistance with setup and programming.
• When replacing a garage door opener remote, make sure the power to the opener unit is off in order to avoid accidents. 

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Sources: 

Wallender, Lee, “Garage Door Won’t Open or Close: 15 Reasons and Solutions,” The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/troubleshooting-common-garage-door-problems-1398186