Oops. Your teenage driver just reversed the car out of the garage—but forgot to open the door first.
Whether it’s due to learner drivers, electronic malfunction, or simply just old age, there is a lot that can go wrong with your garage door.
You’re in need of a reliable garage door repair company as soon as possible, but how can you find the right business for the job?
There are a few factors to consider when hiring a company. It’s tough, because you want the best possible quality for the best price. However, with a few tips, you’re sure to find the right company for the job.
To learn more, keep reading to find seven important factors to consider when selecting a company to repair or replace your garage door.
Table of Contents
1.Shop Around and Get Multiple Bids
When it comes to the cost of repairs for your garage door, not all repair companies are equal.
Prices for repairs and replacements can vary wildly from company to company, so it pays to shop around.
Reach out to multiple companies and ask them for bids, which are estimates of how much the work will cost.
After you have several bids, it’s easier to work out which company is most affordable or best for the job.
For reference, the average garage door installation cost in the US is $1,020. However, this may vary based on your location, the size and type of door, and the materials needed.
2.Read References and Reviews
Hiring a contractor can always be stressful, especially if you’ve never used them before. When researching local companies, the best thing to do is read reviews online.
This will help you learn more about each company. Reading reviews can help you deduce if a company is reliable, fast, and experienced in what they do.
Although a few negative reviews are expected for any company, if there are more bad than good, this is a red flag and you should look to other companies.
3.Ensure the Estimate Is Thorough
Before starting the work, a professional garage door repair company should provide an estimate. This will include a full breakdown of your cost, including labor, materials, and any required permits.
Tax, fees, or any special charges should be clearly outlined as well.
If you have any questions or concerns with the estimate, let the company know. An ethical contractor will have no problem talking you through it or answering questions.
4.Check How Experienced the Garage Door Repair Company Is
When it comes to garage door installation, experience matters. It’s a complex task and needs to be done with precision and accuracy–otherwise, your door won’t work.
It helps to look for a company with years of experience in the garage door market.
This ensures they will complete the job to the highest standard and there won’t be any amateur errors throughout the process.
Most companies will be glad to show you examples of their previous work as well, which helps vouch for their experience and level of skill.
5.Make Sure They Are Insured
Every contractor, especially garage installers, needs to be insured. Installing garages often means working on ladders and with electricity, so there is always room for accident or error.
With insurance, both the homeowner and the company are protected. Without comprehensive insurance, the homeowner could be liable if someone is damaged on their property, such as the garage technician.
To keep your property safe, make sure you only hire companies who are fully licensed. Any reliable company will be glad to show you their proof of insurance, so don’t be afraid to ask.
6.Ask Neighbors for Advice
If you’re having trouble finding the right garage door company, our top tip is to ask your neighbors.
Many neighborhoods have similar types of homes, so if a local company did a great job on their garage door, chances are that they can do the same for your home.
You can even examine the neighbor’s door firsthand, allowing you to see the quality of the workmanship.
They may be willing to tell you how much they paid as well, which can help you with budgeting.
If you don’t have local neighbors, there may be a community group for your town on Facebook, which can be an amazing resource for finding local businesses.
7.Ensure That the Company Is Using Quality Equipment
You want your new garage door to last for decades to come—which means it needs to be made of the highest-quality materials.
Always make sure you know exactly what materials and supplies your contractor will be using, and research them to see how long they will last.
If the estimate from a garage door company seems too good to be true, it may be because they’re using inferior supplies.
Find the Best Garage Door Repair Company for Your Home
As you can see, there is a lot to consider before hiring a garage door repair company. If you’re just starting out and need help, use the tips above to start contacting and researching local companies.
We depend on our garage doors for both home safety and convenience, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right company for the job.
Then, you’ll be on track to repairing and replacing your garage door—be sure to write a nice review for your contractor online as a small thanks!
Did you find this article useful? If so, please check out some of our additional content for more top tips and advice.
