Designing and installing a modern garage door
A modern garage door not only provides greater security, but also makes everyday life much more convenient—especially with an electric drive, radio control, or app operation. At the same time, it shapes the appearance of the garage and influences energy efficiency, especially in heated rooms.
However, the cost of a new garage door varies greatly. The type of door, size, insulation, features, and installation situation play a decisive role. In this guide, you will find clear price information, learn what additional costs are realistic, and find out which door is right for your garage.
How much does a new garage door cost in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, you should budget between CHF 2,000 and CHF 4,000 for a new garage door, including installation. The price may be higher for large doors, high insulation, or extensive automation. The decisive factors are primarily the door size, design, and whether a motor is integrated.
Price range by garage door type (including installation)
Up-and-overdoor
Up-and-over doors are the simplest and most affordable solution. They consist of a single door leaf that swings out to the front.
- Approximately $2,500–$3,500 without motor
- Approximately $2,500–$4,000 with drive
Robust and inexpensive, but require space in front of the garage.
Up-and-overdoor
Up-and-over doors are similar to overhead doors, but run more quietly and appear to be of higher quality.
- approx. $3,000–$4,500
- Approximately $3,000–5,000 with motor
Suitable for garages that are used regularly and have sufficient space in front.
Sectionaldoor
Sectional doors open vertically upwards and disappear under the ceiling.
- Approximately $4,000–$6,000 (single garage)
- Approximately $5,000–7,000 (double garage)
Very space-saving, well insulated, and particularly comfortable.
Rollerdoor
Roller doors work like roller shutters and roll up into a box.
- approx. $3,500–$5,500
Ideal when you want to lose as little space as possible in the garage.
Swinggate
Two-part gates with side opening – relatively rare, but visually appealing.
- approx. $3,000–5,000
Particularly popular in traditional buildings, but less well insulated.
What factors determine the final price?
Doordimensions
The larger the door, the more stable the rails, panels, and drive must be. Special sizes or wide double garages significantly increase the price.
Materialselection
Steel is durable and attractively priced, aluminum is lightweight and rust-free, wood is visually appealing but requires more maintenance. The material influences cost, maintenance, and service life.
Thermalinsulation
Insulated doors cost more, but improve energy efficiency and comfort—particularly important for heated garages or living spaces above.
Installationeffort
Simple installation reduces labor costs. If old doors need to be removed, openings adjusted, or structural reinforcements made, the effort involved increases.
Automation andcontrol
Motors, radio control, app or smart home connectivity increase the price, but offer noticeable convenience and additional security.
Burglaryprotection
Reinforced panels, multiple locks, or automatic locks improve security—especially important for direct access to the house.
Surfaces &colors
Standard colors are usually included. Special colors, wood finishes, or scratch-resistant coatings incur additional charges.
Additional costs that often arise with garage doors
Replacing a garage door rarely involves simply installing the new element. Especially in older garages or when replacing an outdated system, additional work is often required, which can significantly affect the total price. Although these costs are not always avoidable, they ensure safe installation and long-term trouble-free operation.
Removal of the existing garage door
Before the new door can be installed, the old one must be removed professionally. The cost depends largely on the type of door and its mechanics. Old spring or counterweight systems in particular pose a risk of injury and should only be dismantled by professionals.
Cost: usually $300–450, depending on the design and age.
Disposal of old material
After removal, the old gate must be disposed of. Whether wood, steel, or mixed materials—the weight and type of material determine the disposal costs. In most cases, a flat rate applies.
Expect to pay $150–200, or slightly more for heavy metal gates.
Power connection for the doordrive
If the new garage door is to be electrically operated, a suitable power supply is required. If there is no connection in the garage yet or if the existing fuse protection is insufficient, cables must be added or fuses adjusted.
Typical cost range: $150–350, depending on the cable route and the amount of work involved.
Note: An electrician may be required for larger adjustments.
Additional surfaceprotection
Depending on the material, additional coatings are recommended to protect the new gate from weathering in the long term. These include powder coatings for metal gates or protective glazes and oils for wooden gates. These measures significantly increase the service life.
Cost: approximately $200–450, depending on the design and size of the gate.
Preparatory work on the garage
Especially in older garages, openings, reveals, and floors are not always in ideal condition. Minor adjustments are often necessary to ensure that the new door fits perfectly and closes properly.
Minor adjustments usually cost between $150 and $350, while more extensive structural corrections can cost $1,000 or more, especially in cases of moisture damage or uneven surfaces.
Garage door variants compared – which system is right for your garage?
Garage doors differ not only in appearance, but above all in their everyday use. Space requirements, insulation, safety level, and ease of use play a key role in the selection process. Those who base their decision solely on appearance often end up frustrated by limited use or unnecessary compromises.
The following types of gates show you which solution works best in which situation—practical and suitable for everyday use.
sectional door
Sectional doors consist of several horizontal elements that are guided vertically upwards and disappear under the garage ceiling. This allows both the space in front of the garage and the interior to be used optimally. In addition, these doors offer very good insulation values and modern safety features.
Strengths: space-saving, well insulated, quiet, high burglary protection
Weaknesses: higher purchase and installation costs
Suitable for: modern garages, short driveways, frequent use, energy-efficient houses
roller door
Roller doors work on the same principle as roller shutters: narrow slats roll up into a box above the door opening. This leaves the ceiling and side walls completely free—a major advantage in low garages or when maximum use of the interior space is required.
Strengths: extremely space-saving, easy to retrofit, quiet operation
Weaknesses: less stable than sectional doors, insulation depends on model
Suitable for: small garages, renovations, low ceilings, limited space
up-and-over door
Up-and-over doors are among the most traditional types of garage doors and consist of a single door leaf that swings forward when opened. They are technically simple in design and are considered durable. However, they require sufficient space in front of the garage.
Strengths: robust mechanics, affordable price, low maintenance
Weaknesses: requires a lot of space in front of the garage
Suitable for: detached garages with plenty of maneuvering space and a limited budget
up-and-over door
Swing doors are similar to overhead doors, but often move more quietly and smoothly. They are considered sturdy and durable, but also require free space in front of the garage.
Strengths: stable, durable, good value for money
Weaknesses: unsuitable for short driveways or narrow forecourts
Suitable for: single-family homes with sufficient space in front of the garage
Swing gate (double swing gate)
Swing gates open outward like classic doors and leave the interior of the garage completely free. They look particularly high-quality on traditional or rural buildings, but are weather-dependent and require a lot of space in front of the garage.
Strengths: full interior space can be used, robust construction, classic appearance
Weaknesses: requires a lot of space outside, less comfortable in snow or wind
Suitable for: farmhouses, workshop garages, historic or rustic buildings
Drive & control – which upgrades are worthwhile?
Electricdrive
Retrofitting usually costs between $800 and $1,200, including installation. Quiet operation and greater comfort.
Wireless handheldtransmitter
Often included in the set, additional transmitters: $50–120 each
App & smart home control
Retrofitting CHF 150–300, comprehensive systems CHF 300–600
safety devices
- Light barrier: $150–$250
- Emergency unlocking: $100–200 (important in the event of a power failure)
Repair or replace completely – which makes more sense?
When a repair issufficient
Defective springs, rollers, hinges, or a broken motor can often be repaired for $100–400. As long as the door leaf and frame are in good condition, this is usually the most cost-effective solution.
When is a new garage door the better choice?
Replacement is worthwhile for very old doors (20+ years), frequent malfunctions, lack of insulation, or safety deficiencies. Switching to a modern sectional door can also save energy, noise, and stress in the long term.
Cost-benefitcomparison
If repairs are frequent and cost $600–$800 or more, a new door is often more economical—especially if it significantly improves comfort, security, and insulation.
Conclusion: New garage door—manageable expense, significant added value
A new garage door significantly improves the comfort, security, and appearance of your property. Modern sectional and roller doors offer excellent insulation, quiet operation, and reliable burglary protection. It is important to choose the right type of door, material, and features for your garage. By comparing several quotes, you can quickly find a solution that offers the best value for money.
Receive personalized quotes – it's that easy
Answer questions about the job
Answer a few short questions about your desired work in our interactive form. It only takes a few minutes.
Get & Compare Quotes
Receive up to 3 free, no-obligation fixed-price quotes from verified companies in your area.
Hire Your Preferred Service Provider
Compare prices and choose the quote that best suits your needs. Hire the service provider at the agreed fixed price.
Find the right tradesperson and service provider in just a few steps.
Request a service now for free – with no obligation to commit.
