Garage lintel replacement typically costs $1,500-$5,000, with many standard residential jobs near $2,800. The final price depends on the opening width, lintel material, masonry removal, temporary structural support, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete replacement | $1,500 | $2,800 | $5,000 | Typical single-car masonry opening |
| Lintel material | $150 | $400 | $1,000 | Steel angle or reinforced lintel |
| Installed price per linear foot | $100 | $225 | $400 | Includes varying amounts of labor and masonry work |
| Engineering or inspection | $200 | $500 | $1,200 | Needed for some structural or permitted projects |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for a standard home, normal access, and no major foundation or framing damage.
What a typical garage lintel replacement includes
A basic replacement generally covers temporary support, removing enough brick or block to access the failed lintel, fitting a new structural member, and restoring the surrounding masonry. For a single-car opening about 8-10 feet wide, a straightforward job commonly falls around $1,500-$3,500. Wider double-car openings, often 16-18 feet, may reach $3,000-$6,500 because the beam and support work are larger.
Budget by opening size and masonry scope, not by the steel piece alone. The lintel itself may be a small share of the invoice; careful shoring and rebuilding the wall account for much of the expense. A contractor should identify whether the quote includes patching, mortar matching, cleanup, and disposal.
How steel, masonry, and labor appear in the quote
Quotes vary in how they group work. The table shows common component ranges; these are planning figures, not fixed add-on charges. Some contractors include equipment and disposal in labor or overhead rather than listing them separately.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Steel lintel or beam | $150-$1,000 | Length, steel thickness, and fabrication |
| Labor and masonry removal | $800-$2,800 | Crew size, access, and brick or block repair |
| Shoring and lifting equipment | $150-$700 | Opening width and structural load |
| Delivery and debris disposal | $100-$500 | Haul distance and demolition volume |
| Permit or engineering | $200-$1,200 | Local rules and design requirements |
Labor often drives the total, especially when brickwork must be rebuilt on both sides of the opening.
Opening width and corrosion can change the estimate
Width is a key structural variable: an 8-foot opening may need a smaller member than a 16-foot span, while loads from a room or roof above can require a heavier design. A quote can rise substantially when the opening exceeds about 12 feet or carries a second-story wall. Steel size should be selected for the actual load, not simply matched to the old lintel.
Rust, water entry, and cracked masonry also affect scope. Surface rust with sound brick may need limited repairs; a lintel that has lost section or caused several courses to crack may require broader rebuilding. Damage extending more than a few feet beyond the lintel can add $500-$2,000 or more.
Material and access matter too. A standard steel angle is often less expensive than a fabricated beam or engineered reinforced-concrete member. Tight driveway access, landscaping, or a garage roof that cannot be safely loaded can add equipment and crew time.
How long the masonry crew may need
A simple replacement usually takes one to two working days, including removal, installation, and basic mortar repair. Larger openings or extensive brick reconstruction can take three to five days, with additional time needed for mortar curing before the work is fully finished. A crew may include two or three masons or contractors, plus a laborer.
Local labor rates commonly range from $50-$100 per worker-hour, though structural specialists in expensive metro areas may charge more. Ask whether the estimate includes temporary supports and the return visit for finishing work. A low bid that excludes shoring or masonry restoration may not represent the complete project price.
Regional labor rates shift garage lintel pricing
Prices in high-cost metro areas in the Northeast, West Coast, and parts of the Pacific Northwest can run about 15%-35% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller towns and rural markets may come in 5%-20% lower, but travel charges or limited availability of structural masons can offset the difference.
Climate and building style also influence bids. Freeze-thaw exposure can make careful mortar matching and water management more important, while older brick garages may require specialty materials or slower demolition. Compare local quotes with the same opening dimensions and repair scope.
Repairing cracks versus replacing a failed lintel
Crack repointing or small masonry repairs may cost $300-$1,200 when the lintel remains structurally sound and the damage is limited. That is not a substitute for replacement if the steel is severely corroded, sagging, or no longer supporting the masonry. A structural assessment may cost $200-$600 and help distinguish cosmetic cracking from failure.
Replacing only visible brick while leaving a failed lintel in place can lead to recurring cracks and more expensive repairs. Use repair pricing only after the support member and surrounding masonry have been evaluated. Ask the contractor to explain the observed damage and why repair or replacement is appropriate.
Permits, engineering, and hidden repairs to confirm
Permit requirements differ by city and project scope. A like-for-like repair may not require a permit in some areas, while changing a structural opening or installing a larger beam may require review. Budget roughly $200-$1,200 for permit and engineering costs when applicable, and confirm whether those charges are included or billed separately.
Hidden conditions can include deteriorated brick behind the face, water damage, or a bowed wall that needs stabilization. These are difficult to price accurately before opening the masonry. Request written unit rates for additional brickwork and any change-order approval before extra work begins.
Ways to control the replacement price
Get at least two or three itemized estimates based on the same opening width, lintel specification, shoring plan, and restoration limits. Confirm whether bids include disposal, mortar matching, permits, and cleanup. If damage is limited, ask whether only the affected masonry needs rebuilding rather than a larger wall section.
Keep access clear and schedule the work before loose masonry becomes an urgent safety issue. Avoid choosing a smaller or lighter lintel solely to lower material cost; the required size depends on the load and span. The safest savings come from controlling restoration scope and comparing complete, equivalent quotes.