Installing garage opener on everything pre wired?

Question

I just moved into a home that is a little over a year old but it has no garage door opener. It has the single door that just comes up and back and it is kinda heavy. My house is pre wired for everything, sensor spots are there, electrical outlet on roof, and spot for opener on the wall by the door just none of them have anything there. What would be the steps to do it and could I do it myself, also how big of an opener do I need to open the heavy door (not that heavy but kind of heavy).

Answer 1

Okay, you may not like this answer but it's what I've found out from experiance. Electrical is the one department that you should cross off of you DIY list if you don't have adequate training and experiance with it. It is the most dangerous and if you mess something up it's the most expensive to fix. Go somewhere like Sears. They usually include installation with their openers. They will do anything that you need them to do. You will probably save yourself alot of money and headache this way.

Answer 2

If you're handy, and have the right tools, you can do it yourself. Measure the door height, and the clearance above the highest point of door swing. You'll need at least 4-6" clearance above the door when open. If the door is 8' high, make sure you get an opener for an 8' high door. If you buy a Sears or Chamberlain chain or belt-drive (forget screw drives-they are garbage), they sell extension kits for 8" high doors.
Follow directions carefully and you should be fine.
Notes: do NOT have ANY home center install it. If your door needs adjustment (springs, for example), they can't or won't do it. Often, they'll tell you they have to send someone ELSE out for that, and they charge you again. Rip off. A competant installer will adjust your door as needed as part of the installation fee. The exception is if your door needs substantial work.
I don't know what you meant by "sensor spots are there", but if there are sensors from another opener-throw them out. The new machine comes with them.
For most doors, a 1/2 HP unit is fine. If you get a good price on a 3/4 HP-buy it. They're quieter, and the warranties are better.
One more thing-the store-bought openers come with flimsy, perforated angle for hanging the machine. Don't use it. Buy a stick of heavy-duty angle at a hardware store. It provides a much more solid installation.

Answer 3

It sounds like most of the basics are in place. Buy a good opener (I like Chamberlain, they also make Craftsman). You may have to replace the sensors and wall control with the ones included in your new opener but if the wiring is there, you're half way home. From what you wrote I have to assume that an opener was installed previously. If that's the case follow the instructions in the box. They are simple enough that any competent DIY'er can accomplish the task. A 1/3 or 1/2 H.P. should do the job. Actually most companies use the same H.P. motor in both models. You are only paying for any added features. Good luck!

Answer 4

Measure the door in width and height. If it is a standard door you need about a 1/2 HP, I think. I would ask the folks at the place where you going to buy the door to double check. The opener itself is not that hard to install if you have some basic mechanical skill. I would recommend having a friend over to help you. The opener is not that heavy, but it is awkward to hang it by your self... Good luck.

Answer 5

Sears sells a great garage door opener, and there easy to install, I would get the screw drive as opposed to the springs. Check with the neighbor and see what the builder roughed out for, it may be even easier to install since it's all set for it. You may even find the company locally that installed them in that development and save a few bucks on the installation. Good Luck.

Answer 6

home depot and lowes carry garage door opens that would work for that. they are not to hard to put up. you might want to have a buddy around to help. the door may seem heavy, but most of the weight of the doors should be on the springs. if it is extra heavy, you could get one for a double door. just to be sure it will lift it. good luck.

Answer 7

If your a bit handy you should be able to handle the installation. Just read and follow the instructions. One thing to check which generally will be listed in the instructions. Make sure the door opens and closes easily by hand before installing the opener. Adjust it as needed.

Answer 8

You can do it yourself, but depending if you have overhead beams (2X4's) you may have some difficulty depending on the type of opener, chain drive, screw drive, etc. It may be better to have one "professionally" installed being that there isn't an existing opener to replace.