San Diego homeowners love their sunshine, but salt air and year-round use can punish a garage door. When it is time to replace or upgrade, the first question is always cost. CountBricks has analyzed thousands of local estimates created with our voice-powered AI platform to bring you a realistic price range, detailed cost factors, and strategies to keep your project on budget.
Our 2024 residential dataset shows the following installed price ranges for a single-car (8' x 7') door:
• Entry-level, non-insulated steel panel: $1,150 – $1,550
• Mid-grade, insulated steel or composite: $1,600 – $2,250
• Premium carriage-style or full-view glass: $2,400 – $4,100
A double-car (16' x 7') configuration typically runs 1.8–2.2× the single-door number. All figures include removal, disposal, new tracks, quiet rollers, and basic opener hookup.
Several local factors push costs slightly above the U.S. median:
• Coastal corrosion: Hardware must be galvanized or stainless, boosting material spend 6-9%
• Title 24 energy rules: More homeowners opt for insulated doors, especially in inland micro-climates
• Labor rates: Skilled installer wages average 12% higher than the national scale in metro San Diego
1. Door Material – Steel is most common and economical. Composite, wood, or aluminum glass panels add 15-60%.
2. R-Value – Higher insulation improves energy performance but adds $120-$450 per door.
3. Style & Windows – Carriage hardware, bespoke colors, or panoramic lites create curb appeal and extra cost.
4. Opener Technology – Wi-Fi smart openers run $250-$450 installed; wall-mount jackshafts cost more but save ceiling space.
5. Structural Framing – Stucco homes sometimes need header reinforcement or jamb replacement, adding labor hours.
6. HOA & Coastal Permits – Ocean-front zones may require wind-rated models or permits, each carrying fees.
7. Disposal & Demo – Heavier wood doors cost more to haul away; CountBricks estimates include real-time dump fees.
• Order standard color finishes; custom powder coats can add weeks and hundreds of dollars
• Bundle opener replacement with the new door to reduce duplicate labor charges
• Ask your CountBricks estimator about nylon roller upgrades—$40 upfront saves future service calls
• Schedule installs mid-week; many crews offer quieter pricing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Traditional estimates rely on manual takeoffs and phone-tag with suppliers. CountBricks changes the game:
• Voice-to-Estimate: Speak dimensions and style choices; our AI fills in labor lines, materials, and mark-ups automatically
• Live Material Pricing: CountBricks syncs with regional supply houses every 30 minutes, so steel coil surcharges or fuel fees are reflected in real time
• Blueprint Takeoffs: Upload a PDF of a remodel set or ADU plan; CountBricks detects door sizes and adds them to your schedule of values within seconds
• One-Click Conversion: Turn an approved quote into an invoice, complete with California CSLB change-order language
A recent CountBricks client replaced two salt-eaten wood doors with insulated steel carriage models. Using CountBricks.com/services, their contractor:
• Captured site dimensions via smartphone mic in under five minutes
• Generated a detailed estimate for $6,840 (labor, materials, disposal, smart openers)
• Sent an HOA-ready PDF proposal branded with their logo directly from the platform
• Won the job in 24 hours and converted it into a progress invoice when demolition began
The homeowner saved 12% compared to competing bids because material costs were locked in at the point of acceptance.
Some handy homeowners consider buying a big-box door kit. While DIY can save on labor, San Diego codes and safety risks often outweigh the discount:
• Torsion spring tensioning requires specialized bars and experience
• Permit compliance and header calculations can void warranties if mishandled
• Disposal of the old door is rarely included in retail pricing
CountBricks-vetted installers complete most single-door swaps in four hours, with full insurance and CSLB compliance.
Garage door replacement holds the number-one ROI position in the latest Cost vs. Value report, averaging 102% return in coastal California. CountBricks partners with financing platforms so contractors can embed payment options directly into quotes, helping homeowners approve larger, energy-efficient models.
Ready to see an exact number for your project? Visit CountBricks.com/consultation or log in to generate a voice-powered estimate today. In less time than it takes to open your old, squeaky door, you will know precisely what your new one will cost.
Choosing the right door style is as important as negotiating the price. Below is a closer look at performance, maintenance, and cost for the most requested options in San Diego, all drawn from CountBricks field data.
• Best for detached garages or coastal sheds where climate control is not critical
• Lowest upfront cost, but salt air can cause exterior rust if finish is scratched
• Noise transfer and temperature swings are noticeable inside the home
• Polystyrene core bumps R-value to 9–10, meeting most inland Title 24 guidelines
• Costs about $450 more than a hollow panel, yet pays back through energy savings
• CountBricks installers usually pair this with a belt-drive smart opener for whisper-quiet operation
• Delivers modern curb appeal and abundant natural light for workshop conversions
• Requires anodized or powder-coated frames to withstand marine air
• Expect 30-45% higher cost; tempered glass upgrades add another $300–$600
When you open a new estimate in CountBricks, the software prompts voice questions—door size, insulation need, aesthetic preference—then generates side-by-side cost comparables. Contractors can toggle materials in real time while the homeowner watches the price update on screen. This transparency accelerates approvals and eliminates surprise change orders.
Each door and opener model entered into CountBricks carries its manufacturer warranty data. After installation, the platform automatically reminds both builder and homeowner of scheduled tune-ups, spring balancing, and lubrication dates. That proactive approach reduces callbacks and secures five-star reviews.
Join hundreds of San Diego builders who have shortened their sales cycle and improved profit margins with CountBricks. Create a free account, speak your next garage door scope, and watch an accurate line-item estimate appear in seconds. Your next profitable project is only one voice command away.
