Having a properly functioning garage door is essential for the security and convenience of your home. When it’s time to install a new garage door or repair an existing one, hiring the right contractor makes all the difference. Choosing the best garage door installer or repairman involves evaluating factors like experience, qualifications, reputation, responsiveness, and cost. This guide provides tips on how to find the most qualified professionals for any garage door job.
Research Local Garage Door Companies
The first step is to research garage door companies in your local area. There are a few ways to find contractors near you:
- Search online directories – Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp can be great resources for finding reviewed and rated garage door pros in your city or town. Pay attention to how long a company has been in business and its average star rating.
- Check professional organizations – Many reputable garage door installers and technicians belong to professional groups like the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA). Checking for membership indicates commitment to quality.
- Ask neighbors and friends – Check with people you know who have had garage door work done recently and ask who they used and if they were satisfied. Personal referrals are often the best way to find a reliable contractor.
- Drive around your area – Make note of any garage door company signs, vehicles or work trucks you see in your neighborhood and add them to your list. Local proximity is a plus.
As you research, compile a list of 3-5 of the most promising garage door contractors for further evaluation.
Verify Licenses and Certifications
Once you’ve identified several potential companies, do some due diligence to confirm they have all the proper credentials, including:
- Contractor’s license – Most states require a contractor’s license for installers and repairmen. Verify it is current and valid in your state.
- Proof of insurance – Garage door technicians should carry liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation. Request copies of policies to ensure adequate coverage.
- Manufacturer certifications – Many major brands certify installers to work on their doors. Look for certification by Chamberlain, Genie, Clopay, Wayne Dalton, and other leading brands.
- Industry qualifications – Respected training programs include IDA certification, DASMA technician certification, and credentials from the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA).
Avoid any contractors who can’t provide proper documentation of licenses, insurance, and manufacturer or industry certifications.
Interview Garage Door Companies
Once you’ve verified credentials, set up in-person consultations with companies that meet your criteria. Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview, including:
- How long have you been in the garage door business? Look for companies with 5+ years of experience at a minimum.
- Are you able to provide references from recent customers I can contact? Reputable contractors should readily provide references.
- Do you offer 24/7 emergency repair services? Availability for quick repairs can prevent further damage.
- What brands of doors and openers do you sell and install? Quality brands indicate better materials and components.
- Do you provide a detailed written estimate for all jobs? Get quotes in writing to compare apples to apples.
- What is your warranty on labor as well as on materials/parts? Better warranties provide peace of mind.
- Will you handle getting any necessary permits? Permit acquisition demonstrates adherence to codes.
Pay attention not only to their answers but to how they conduct themselves in a professional manner. A garage door company you can communicate well with will make the process smoother.
Check References and Reviews
Speaking with recent customers and reading online reviews provides valuable insight into a company’s quality of service.
When checking references, ask:
- Were you satisfied with the completed work?
- Did they finish the project on time and within budget?
- Did workers conduct themselves professionally?
- Would you recommend the company?
Look for consistent positive feedback without any major red flags. Also spend time reading through online reviews on Google, Yelp, and other sites. Note any patterns of unsatisfied customers. Many good companies have a few negative reviews, but consistent complaints indicate larger issues.
Evaluate Experience with Garage Door Types
Not all garage door companies have experience with every type of door. As you evaluate candidates, consider the type of door you want installed or repaired.
Some specialized door types include:
- Wood garage doors
- Steel or aluminum doors
- Fiberglass garage doors
- Custom wood doors
- Carriage house style doors
Make sure to communicate what you’re looking for and confirm the company has relevant expertise. An installer who primarily handles steel doors may lack the skills for a custom wood door job. Seek evidence of experience with your specific door type.
Compare Costs and Get Written Estimates
When researching contractors, cost will likely be a factor in your decision. However, cost alone shouldn’t dictate your choice. Seek quotes from your top choices to compare price points.
Key considerations when comparing estimates:
- Get quotes in writing – Don’t accept verbal ballpark figures, require a formal written estimate from each company.
- Breakdown of parts – The quote should provide brand details and pricing for the door itself, tracks, springs, rollers, hardware, and any electronics.
- Labor fees – Labor for installation and any repair work should be detailed separately from material costs.
- Permit fees – Some companies include permit costs in their quotes, while others do not. Ask to avoid surprise fees.
- Garage door opener – Will you provide your own opener or do they include a new motor and remote? Clarity avoids confusion.
- Discounts or promotions – Don’t forget to ask about any current discounts, coupons, or seasonal promotions that may lower the price.
While everyone wants a competitive bid, avoid choosing your garage door pro based on price alone. A quote significantly lower than competitors likely indicates cutting corners in materials, workmanship or safety.
Ask About Emergency Repair Services
Even a brand new garage door can occasionally malfunction, necessitating emergency repair service. As you evaluate installers and service technicians, ask whether they provide 24/7 repair services for stuck, broken or malfunctioning doors.
Companies who offer professional rapid response can get your garage door working again quickly when critical issues arise. Key emergency repair capabilities include:
- 24/7 phone support – Ability to call any time of day or night for assistance.
- Minimal wait times – Repair technicians who can be onsite within a few hours as needed.
- After hours services – Availability on nights, weekends and holidays.
- Temporary fixes – Safe stopgap measures to secure the door until full repairs can be made.
- Multiple vans/teams – Adequate staffing to handle concurrent emergency calls.
While the need for emergency service is infrequent for most homeowners, it’s helpful knowing a professional is on call. Prioritize companies that advertise and are properly equipped to handle urgent garage door repairs whenever needed.
Review a Contractor’s Safety Standards
Garage doors are complex mechanical systems under high tension. Proper installation and repairs require adherence to strict safety standards to avoid severe injury. When choosing a garage door pro, investigate what safety practices they follow.
Look for:
- Training on danger points – Hands-on education on potential hazards of torsion springs, cables, rollers and other parts.
- Use of proper tools – Professionally calibrated tension gauges, winding bars and other specialized equipment.
- Precise protocols – Step-by-step processes to control tension and prevent uncontrolled release.
- OSHA standards – Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines on safe installation.
- Insurance requirements – General liability and workers compensation policies to cover accidents.
- Safety gear – Personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles and hard hats to prevent injury.
- Warning signs – Safety cones and signage to prevent accidental harm while working.
Safety-focused companies will be happy to explain their rigorous training, strict procedures, and proper equipment. Paying attention to safety helps avoid accidents on the job.
Request and Check References
Any garage door contractor you seriously consider should provide references from recent customers. Checking references helps verify the quality of a company’s work and client service.
When contacting a reference, ask questions like:
- How satisfied were you with the company’s work overall?
- Was the installation or repair work completed on schedule?
- Did workers tidy up the job site after finishing?
- Were there any unexpected costs or changes to the original estimate?
- Would you hire this company again for future garage door needs?
Ideally, you want to speak with customers who had comparable services performed, such as replacing similar garage door types. Hearing that customers had experiences mirroring your own project implies you can expect similar results.
If a company declines to provide references or makes excuses, consider it a red flag. Quality contractors should be happy to connect past clients with potential customers.
Research Manufacturer Certifications
Many leading garage door brands certify installers to ensure proper installation of their products. Seeking out these manufacturer certified pros adds an extra layer of quality assurance.
Some brands to look for include:
- Chamberlain – Their Authorized Dealer certification guarantees expertise installing Chamberlain belt drives, wall mounts, jackshafts and other components.
- Clopay – The Clopay Dealer of Excellence designation ensures proper specification and installation of their wide range of steel, wood, composite and aluminum garage doors.
- GENIE – Their Certified Dealer credential requires demonstrated proficiency installing and programming GENIE garage door openers and accessories.
- Wayne Dalton – Wayne Dalton dealership signifies training on Wayne Dalton’s extensive commercial and residential door options.
- LiftMaster – LiftMaster Credentialed Dealer status guarantees expertise with LiftMaster openers and gate operators.
There are many other reputable garage door brands with installer certification programs. Seeking out brand-approved dealers generally means you get optimal professional service.
Understand the Warranty Offered
Reputable garage door installers will stand behind their workmanship with a labor warranty covering their installation or repair work. A thorough warranty includes:
- Warranty length – The longer the coverage period the better; look for warranties of 2 or more years.
- Scope of coverage – Comprehensive protection on all materials and labor, with no misleading exclusions.
- Service assurances – Guaranteed response times if an issue arises; for example 1 business day.
- Transferability – Coverage that transfers to a new homeowner if you sell the property.
- Written documentation – Detailed terms spelled out clearly in a written warranty document.
- Parts availability – Ready access to manufacturer-approved replacement parts if needed down the road.
Pay close attention to the fine print – some warranties have strict requirements or won’t cover common issues like surface rust. ideal warranties demonstrate the company’s confidence in their workmanship.
Evaluate Responsiveness
How readily a company responds to you provides insight into how they would communicate as a hired contractor. Throughout the research process, gauge how available, helpful and prompt potential installers are.
Signs of strong responsiveness:
- Fast replies to inquiries by phone or email, within 1 business day or less.
- Professional courtesy even when they know they can’t take on a job.
- Proactive communication about project timelines, specials, discounts or other news.
- Candid explanations if a quote or installation will be delayed.
Contractors who fail to return calls promptly or keep you informed during the selection process likely won’t magically become better communicators once hired. Weigh responsiveness heavily in your decision process.
Choose a Local Garage Door Company
Some homeowners consider big national chains offering lifetime warranties. However, local and regional garage door companies have compelling advantages.
Benefits of hiring local:
- Established reputation – They rely on local referrals and repeat customers in your area.
- Quicker response – With close proximity they can respond faster for installations and repairs.
- Familiarity with codes – They understand the permit processes and requirements in your region.
- Supports community – Your dollars stay in your local economy.
- Shared culture – Common local references helps you establish rapport.
Bigger isn’t always better – experienced local companies often provide the best service and value. They know earning trust and referrals from neighbors matters.
Find the Best Garage Door Installers and Repairmen
Here are key takeaways for finding the right garage door installation and repair professionals for your home:
- Vet companies thoroughly – Research licenses, insurance, brands carried, experience and qualifications.
- Interview contractors – Ask lots of questions and assess responsiveness.
- Compare written estimates – Break down parts versus labor costs from multiple vendors.
- Verify safety commitment – A focus on safety matters immensely with garage doors.
- Check references diligently – Speaking with past customers provides key insights.
- Seek manufacturer certified installers – It adds an extra assurance of expertise.
- Understand the warranty – Coverage length and scope indicates faith in their work.
- Value responsiveness – How readily a company responds demonstrates their service ethic.
- Consider local providers – Nearby companies can offer better service and faster response.
Taking time to carefully evaluate providers using these criteria helps ensure you’ll end up with the best garage door installation or repair service. A bit of due diligence goes a long way toward getting the job done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to install a new garage door?
The average cost to install a new garage door ranges from $800-$2,500 depending on the door size, materials, insulation, and features. Get quotes from multiple professionals to compare pricing. Beware extraordinarily lowball bids which may signal shoddy craftsmanship or materials.
Q: When should I replace vs repair my garage door?
Minor issues like sagging springs, worn rollers or squeaky hinges can be economically repaired. But if the door is severely warped, rusting through, or requires multiple expensive repairs, replacement is likely the better investment. Evaluate both options.
Q: How do I know if a contractor is reputable?
Indicators of a reputable garage door contractor include an established local track record, membership in professional organizations, proof of licensing and insurance, brand certifications, positive customer reviews, and willingness to provide client references.
Q: Should I provide my own garage door opener?
Homeowners can supply their own openers to installers, but it often makes sense to have the contractor provide the motor and accessories. That way everything is covered by a single warranty and the components are matched for optimal performance. Discuss best options.
Q: How long does it take to install a garage door?
The garage door installation process typically takes 1-2 full business days depending on door size and complexity. Time is required for removal of old components, proper installation and adjustment of the new door, and testing safety systems. Rush jobs risk shoddy work.
Q: What qualifications should technicians have?
Ideal garage door technicians have 5+ years of experience, product-specific trainings from leading brands, certifications from industry groups, participation in continuing education programs, and manufacturer dealership status.
Conclusion
Hiring professional garage door installers and repairmen is an important homeowner responsibility. While cost is a consideration, prioritize experience, qualifications, responsiveness, attention to safety, and reputation above just price alone when choosing a provider. Investing the time upfront to thoroughly research and evaluate companies saves much frustration down the road. With the right contractor, you can ensure your garage door needs will be handled expertly and reliably for years to come.