Every homeowner wants to save money, and one of the biggest ways to reduce the cost of any renovation project is to do the work yourself. Today’s homeowners can save a lot of money by doing simple projects themselves, dedicating these savings to more complex projects that are best left to professionals. Are garage door openers easy to install?
If your garage door opens slowly or makes noise, your opener may not be a problem. Before you buy a new garage door opener, check for broken or wobbly rollers and brackets. But do not replace the bottom roller support yourself – the cable attached to it is very tight. You need to call a professional. If you exchange rollers, get nylon rollers. They run quieter than steel rollers and cost only a few bucks more. Then check the torsion spring (mounted on the head above the door opening) to see if it is broken.
Perfect for DIY
Can you install the garage door opener yourself? The short answer is yes. Many garage door openers are DIY DIY with detailed instructions. So if you like to take your tools off and get on with your project, it might be perfect for you. Make sure you follow the instructions completely. Before you begin, make sure your garage door and all parts are fully functional – and definitely take the necessary precautions to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Factors to consider
Homeowners buying a new garage door opener should consider several factors before deciding whether to professionally install or install DIY.
Time – Installing a new Genie garage door opener usually requires 2-4 hours, but it can be much longer or shorter, depending on the complexity of the installation. If you are simply replacing an existing unit, in most cases existing suspension equipment can be saved and used for the new unit. This reduces project implementation time and level of complexity. On the other hand, a completely new installation requires finding pins and wiring that will take more time than a simple replacement. If you have limited time to allocate this project, it is better to call a professional installer.
Level of expertise – Genie garage door opening mechanisms require basic carpentry and electrical installation knowledge. Most of the required tools are the basic hand tools that most homeowners have at their disposal, but if you don’t have these tools or don’t know the basic principles of construction, we recommend employment of a professional installer to work.
Amount of help – Installing the Genie garage door opener is usually a two-person job. To properly align and mount the unit on the ceiling, some lifting (<40 pounds) and maneuvering are necessary. This is easiest to achieve with the help of one or two helpers. If you don’t have anyone to help you during the installation, it’s better to hire a professional installer.
Adjusting the door – In some cases, the garage door may need additional adjustment so that the opener can be installed safely. A garage door that does not run smoothly when operated manually can cause problems later. This can further burden the operator and affect the reliability of the system. If the door does not seem to be working smoothly, it is best to call a professional installer who can make the necessary adjustments to ensure the correct and safe operation of the door and opener.