This is an interesting write-up, its using a microcontroller called electric Imp to get status and open/close a garage door over wifi. The controller part is around $40-50 (with wifi). It looks like the programming interface is a visual one, and the packaging is pretty nice (SD card form to hold the processor/memory). Its something worth keeping an eye on.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Electric-Imp-Garage-Door-Opener/step4/Constructing-the-electronics/