Scope of Works • Inspect garage opening and measure dimensions • Remove existing door (if applicable) and prepare the opening • Assemble and install the new gar...
A new garage door installation in the UK typically costs £600–£3,500 supplied and fitted, depending on door type, size, materials and whether you want it electric. Manual up-and-over doors start at £600; insulated electric sectional doors and roller shutters are £1,200-£2,800; premium aluminium or hardwood designs reach £3,500+. The job itself takes 4-8 hours for a like-for-like swap.
Replacing a single garage door pays for itself in security alone — old up-and-over doors in poor condition are a known weak point for break-ins, and insurance rates often improve with a modern Secured by Design door.
Garage door types and what they cost
| Door type | Typical UK cost (single, fitted) |
|---|---|
| Up-and-over (manual, steel) | £600–£950 |
| Up-and-over (electric, steel) | £900–£1,400 |
| Sectional (electric, insulated) | £1,200–£2,200 |
| Roller shutter (electric, insulated) | £1,000–£2,000 |
| Side-hinged (timber or steel pair) | £700–£1,800 |
| Aluminium / hardwood premium designs | £2,500–£3,500+ |
| Double-width door (any type) | +50–80% over single |
Door types — pros and cons
- Up-and-over (canopy or retractable) — the traditional UK garage door. Cheap, simple, but takes up internal headroom and projects outward when opening (impacts driveway parking).
- Sectional — opens vertically into the ceiling space, no outward projection, excellent insulation. The choice for converted-to-living-space garages.
- Roller shutter — rolls into a small box above the opening. Compact, secure, but less insulated than sectional unless premium spec.
- Side-hinged — pair of doors that swing open. Useful if the garage stores items piled high (no overhead tracking) and for traditional/period properties.
Insulation and U-values
Garage doors increasingly form part of the thermal envelope, particularly when garages are integrated with living space or used as workshops/offices. Insulated sectional and roller doors achieve U-values of 1.0–1.5 W/m²K — comparable to a basic external wall. Uninsulated steel up-and-over doors are essentially zero insulation.
For integrated garages or planned conversions, specify an insulated door from day one. The marginal cost (£200-£400 over uninsulated) is far cheaper than retrofitting later.
Electric operators
- Belt-drive operators — quietest, most popular for residential (running over bedrooms above).
- Chain-drive — cheapest, slightly noisier, robust.
- Direct-drive — premium, very quiet, motor mounted on the side track.
- Remote / smart control — keyfob standard, smartphone control via Hörmann BiSecur, Sommer SOMlink, or Chamberlain MyQ adds £80-£250.
All should have safety features: photoelectric beam (stops the door if something crosses while closing), force-limiting (door reverses if it hits an obstacle), and manual release (operate the door if power fails).
Things people often miss
- Headroom requirements — sectional doors need 100-200 mm of clearance above the opening for the tracking. Up-and-over needs 100 mm. Some garages have insufficient headroom for certain door types.
- Side-room requirements — sectional doors need 90-150 mm clear vertical space to either side for the tracking. Tight spaces may rule out certain models.
- Door size matters — UK standard single garage opening is 7×7 ft (2.13 × 2.13 m); modern cars (SUVs, EVs) often need 8×7 ft openings. Replacing a tight door with the same size limits future-proofing.
- Floor seal — a good seal at the bottom prevents draughts, water, leaves and pests. Check what's included; cheap doors skimp here.
- Power supply — electric operators need a fused spur close to the motor. If your garage has no dedicated socket, factor in £150-£300 for a Part P electrician to install one.
- Building Regs for garage conversions — converting the garage to a habitable room requires the door opening to be insulated to U-value 0.18 W/m²K (typically blocked up and clad), not just an insulated door. Insulated doors don't satisfy thermal regs for habitable conversions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install an electric garage door?
£900–£2,200 supplied and fitted for a typical UK single garage, depending on door type and motor quality. Sectional and insulated roller doors are at the upper end; basic electric up-and-over at the lower.
How long does the install take?
Like-for-like replacement (same size, same type): 3-5 hours. Different door type or fresh install: 5-8 hours. Add an hour or two for electric operator commissioning and remote pairing.
Will a new door affect insurance?
Often positively. Modern doors with multi-point locking and Secured by Design certification reduce break-in risk; many insurers offer 5-10% premium discounts. Some require specific door specs for high-value cars or workshops.
Can I keep the existing electric operator with a new door?
Sometimes — if the operator is a decent brand and under 5 years old, and the new door is compatible. Most installers recommend replacing both together; the small saving on retaining the old operator is rarely worth it once the new door is on a 10-year warranty and the old motor isn't.
Do I need planning permission for a new garage door?
Like-for-like replacement: no. Significant changes to the appearance of a garage door visible from a highway in a conservation area or on a listed building: possibly yes. Different size opening (e.g. converting two single doors into one double): more likely yes. Check with the local planning officer if in doubt.
Is a roller or sectional door better?
Sectional: better for thermal performance, larger size availability, premium feel. Roller: more compact (small headroom requirement), simpler mechanism, slightly faster operation. Both are excellent; choose based on the garage's geometry and your priority on insulation vs space.
Want a local pro to handle this? A garage door specialist (rather than a general builder) is the right trade — most carry the leading brands (Hörmann, Garador, SWS) and can survey, supply and fit in one visit. Get 2-3 quotes for the same spec; pricing varies considerably.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
