The short answer
An electric garage door typically costs £1,200–£3,000 supplied and fitted in 2026, with automation adding roughly £300–£800 over the equivalent manual door. A new automated roller or sectional door is the most common choice; retrofitting a motor to an existing up-and-over or sectional door is usually cheaper but depends on the door being sound and suitable. A powered garage door is classed as machinery, so it must meet safety requirements and carry CE or UKCA marking. These are typical illustrations, not quotes — see the pillar cost guide for figures by door type.
Electric operation is one of the most requested upgrades on a new garage door, both for the convenience of opening from the car and for the security an automated lock can add. This guide sets out realistic 2026 supply-and-fit ranges for electric doors, explains the difference between a new automated door and a retrofit motor, and covers the safety obligations that come with a powered door. All figures are typical illustrations rather than quotes, and a powered garage door should be installed and commissioned by a DHF-accredited garage door installer.
Electric door costs at a glance
- Automation uplift (over manual) £300–£800
- New electric roller door (fitted) £1,200–£2,500+
- New electric sectional door (fitted) £1,500–£3,500+
- Retrofit motor to existing door £300–£700
- Classed as Machinery — CE/UKCA marked
- Must have Obstruction detection
What an electric garage door costs
Buying a new door with automation, the most common route, typically costs £1,200–£3,000 or more fitted depending on the door type — an electric roller door usually lands £1,200–£2,500, an electric insulated sectional £1,500–£3,500 or more. Retrofitting an electric operator to a suitable existing up-and-over or sectional door is generally cheaper, around £300–£700, provided the door is in good condition and the right type for a motor. The motor specification, the number of remotes, and any smart or smartphone control affect the figure.
| Option | Typical cost (fitted) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Automation uplift on a new door | £300–£800 | Added to the manual door price |
| New electric roller door | £1,200–£2,500+ | Motor often built into the headbox |
| New electric sectional door | £1,500–£3,500+ | Usually insulated, higher security |
| Retrofit motor to existing door | £300–£700 | Door must be sound and suitable |
Powered-door safety and marking
A powered garage door is treated as machinery under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. That means it must meet essential safety requirements, carry CE or UKCA marking, and come with a declaration of conformity. In practice this includes force limitation and obstruction detection, so the door reverses or stops if something is in its path, plus a manual release in case of power failure. A DHF-accredited installer is trained to install, force-test and commission powered doors to these requirements. This is the main reason a powered door should not be a DIY job. For the wider comparison, see electric vs manual garage doors.
What affects the price
The door type is the biggest driver — an insulated sectional with automation costs more than an automated roller, which costs more than a basic up-and-over with a retrofit motor. Beyond that, the motor power and brand, the number of remotes or keypads, smart-home integration, and any wiring work all add. A retrofit is only worthwhile if the existing door is sound; if it is tired or damaged, a new automated door may be better value — see garage door repair or replace. Get at least three itemised quotes and compare on the same door type, motor and safety spec. This is general information; your figure depends on your garage and the quotes you receive.
Compare electric garage door quotes
Prices vary between installers for the same automated door. Use our service to compare quotes from DHF-accredited installers in your area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to make a garage door electric?
Adding electric operation generally costs £300–£800 over a manual door on a new installation, or £300–£700 to retrofit a motor to a suitable existing door. The motor, number of remotes and any smart control affect the figure. These are typical illustrations, not quotes.
Can any garage door be made electric?
Many up-and-over, roller and sectional doors can be automated, but the door must be sound and the right type for a motor. An installer will check suitability during the survey. If the existing door is tired, a new automated door can be better value than a retrofit.
Are electric garage doors safe?
A powered garage door is classed as machinery and must meet safety requirements, carry CE/UKCA marking, and include obstruction detection and a manual release. A DHF-accredited installer force-tests and commissions the door so it stops or reverses on an obstruction. Correct installation is what makes them safe.
Do electric garage doors work in a power cut?
Yes — a powered door includes a manual release so you can open it by hand during a power cut. Some motors also offer a battery backup. The installer will show you how the manual release works when the door is commissioned.
Sources & further reading
- Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) — guidance on powered door safety, force-testing and accredited installers
- Manufacturer guidance — motor options, smart control and automation suitability
- Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations — safety requirements and CE/UKCA marking for powered doors
- Trade guidance — typical UK supply-and-fit costs for electric garage doors
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation, and not a quote. Costs vary with your garage, the door and motor you choose and your chosen installer. A powered garage door should be installed and commissioned by a DHF-accredited garage door installer. We are an independent information and introduction service, not an installer.