Why Are Garage Door Prices So High?

A Transparent Look at Today’s Costs and Why Choosing a Licensed Local Company Still Matters

If you’ve received a quote for a new garage door recently and felt a little shocked, you’re not alone. Homeowners across Southern California are experiencing higher-than-expected pricing often far above what they remember paying years ago. What used to average a few thousand dollars can now range from $8,000 to $10,000 for a standard setup, and luxury or specialty doors can cost significantly more.

At Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors, we understand these rising prices can feel frustrating. Many customers compare today’s estimates to:

• what they paid 10–15 years ago
• big‑box store ads
• extremely low bids from unlicensed “tailgater” contractors

On the surface, it may look like the industry is overcharging.

But the reality is different and we want to help you understand what’s changed, where your money truly goes, and why choosing a licensed, bonded, multigenerational family business still provides the best long‑term value and protection.

Why Garage Door Prices Have Increased Nationwide

Over the past few years, several major economic and industry-specific factors combined to push prices upward. These shifts impacted every licensed garage door company in the country from large manufacturers to small family-owned businesses like ours.

Here’s what changed.

1. Construction Material Costs Skyrocketed After COVID

Garage doors rely on a wide variety of materials, including:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Wood
• insulation foam
• manufacturing hardware
• shipping pallets and packaging

From 2020 onward, these materials increased 35% to over 200%, depending on type and market volatility. Manufacturers issued multiple price increases each year just to keep up.

While prices have stabilized, they have not returned to pre‑2020 levels and experts agree they likely never will.

2. Tariffs Increased the Cost of Steel and Aluminum

Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum significantly affected raw material pricing. These costs trickled down through:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Installers
• freight carriers

This created unavoidable price increases for even the most basic garage doors.

3. Inflation Increased Every Cost Required to Run a Legal, Local Company

It’s not just materials. Inflation has raised the cost of:

• freight and shipping
• fuel and vehicle maintenance
• shop rent and utilities
• technician wages
• equipment and tools
• insurance and bonding
• business operations and safety compliance

For a licensed company with employees, trucks, insurance, equipment, and a physical shop, the cost of doing business has risen dramatically long before profit is even considered.

Learn more about our local team:
[Link to About Page]

“But Home Depot Has Cheaper Doors…”

Why Big‑Box Pricing Can Be Misleading

We hear this comparison often and we understand why. But the prices homeowners see at big‑box retailers are usually product-only prices.

They do NOT include:

• professional measurement
• reinforced track system
• upgraded high‑cycle springs
• proper balancing and calibration
• opener integration
• code‑compliant installation
• removal of your old door
• custom modifications needed for your home
• long-term, local warranty support

Most homeowners find that once installation, required upgrades, and adjustments are added, the final cost meets or exceeds a professional quote.

And if something goes wrong? Big‑box stores subcontract the work, and support can be extremely limited.

When you hire Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors, everything is measured, customized, installed, warrantied, and supported by our own licensed team not subcontractors.

Explore your installation options:
[Link to New Garage Doors Page]

Beware of Tailgaters: Why “Too Good to Be True” Prices Are a Real Warning Sign

One of the biggest issues in this industry is the rise of unlicensed, uninsured “tailgater” contractors — people who work from unmarked trucks, disappear after a season, or advertise extremely low prices to draw customers in.

These operators keep prices low by:

• using the thinnest, lowest‑grade steel
• installing low‑cycle springs with a short lifespan
• skipping safety reinforcement
• using bargain hardware and track systems
• avoiding permits, if needed
• providing “warranties” they never honor
• carrying no insurance, putting all liability on the homeowner

A garage door is the largest moving object in your home. Poor installation can lead to:

• property damage
• premature failure
• dangerous malfunctions
• injuries

When a bid looks dramatically cheaper, it’s usually because quality, safety, or legitimacy has been cut out.

Learn how to protect your home:
[Link to Garage Door Repair Page]

Where Your Money Really Goes at Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors

We’ve been a licensed, bonded, insured family business since 1972 through three generations. Our goal has always been to provide honest, high‑quality work at fair, transparent pricing.

Here’s what your investment supports:

1. High-Quality, Manufacturer‑Backed Materials

We use reputable, long‑lasting doors and hardware not thin steel or uncertified springs. Even though margins are slim, we refuse to compromise on quality or safety.

2. Fair Wages for Experienced, Local Technicians

Our technicians are trained, background‑checked, and fully insured. They are paid fair wages so they can safely perform complex mechanical and electrical work you can rely on for decades.

3. A Physical Shop and Fully Stocked Service Trucks

We maintain:

• a local shop just off the freeway
• multiple service vehicles
• insurance
• tools and diagnostic equipment
• emergency service parts onsite

This infrastructure allows us to serve you quickly unlike pop‑up companies with no physical presence.

4. Real Warranties and Long‑Term Support

Because we’re licensed, bonded, and locally established, we honor our warranties — and we’ve been here for more than 50 years to prove it.

Value Over Price: What You Can Expect From Our Family Business

When you choose Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors, you get:

• transparent pricing
• safe, code‑compliant installation
• dependable, long‑lasting materials
• no upselling or pressure
• a family‑run team that answers the phone
• fast response when you need help
• a company that has been here since 1972 — and isn’t going anywhere

We don’t inflate prices.  We don’t cut corners. We don’t disappear after installation. We simply do the job right.

Your Home Deserves Safe, Reliable Quality

We understand that a new garage door is a major investment — and today’s prices can feel overwhelming. But with a licensed, bonded, experienced company, you’re not just buying a door. You’re investing in:

• your home’s security
• your family’s safety
• long-term reliability
• lasting value from a company you can trust

If you have questions about pricing, materials, or your options, we are always here to guide you honestly and professionally just like we have since 1972.

Need Help? Call Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors

Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors at (909) 797‑8046. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re only a phone call away.

Proudly serving our local communities since 1972: Redlands, Yucaipa, Calimesa, San Bernardino, Cherry Valley, Banning, Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mentone, Highland, Beaumont, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Moreno Valley, and throughout the Inland Empire.

We are fully licensed and bonded. License Number: #379544