All homeowners should regularly inspect and maintain their garage doors. Unfortunately, many people fail to do so until something goes wrong with the door. When that happens, you may want to hire a professional to take over the repairs or replacement of your garage door. While you can look for a reliable company through various directories and references from friends and family, keep in mind they might not be able to help you with all types of issues.
In addition to assessing whether an installer offers 24-hour emergency services, it’s also important to consider other factors when choosing the right one for your needs. Here are seven things to consider before hiring a garage door company:
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Does The Company Have Experience Working on Residential Doors?
Not all companies offer installation and repair services for all types of garage doors. It’s important to find a company that has experience handling residential doors in your area. They should be familiar with the types of doors, openers, and finishes you need so they can offer the best service possible.
What’s Included When You Purchase a New Door?
When you order a new garage door from an installer, it will likely come with warranties and guarantees on all materials used and labor done. However, some companies might not include standard items like springs and hardware if they provide them through their distributor. Make sure any warranty or guarantee offered by the company covers these key components before deciding who to hire for installation or repair work.
What Is the Process for Ordering a New Garage Door?
Before you order a new garage door, most companies will send someone out to your home to take measurements and assess your needs. Once they come up with a price quote and installation schedule, they’ll ask you to sign a contract and pay over 50 percent of the costs before they begin the job. Before placing an order, you should know this information because it can help prevent delays due to unexpected changes during installation.
Are Replacement Parts Available On-Site?
While some larger companies might keep finished garage doors in stock, many installers only carry materials like springs, cables, and hardware on their trucks or warehouse facilities. If these are damaged or worn down beyond repair, they’ll need to be replaced before the installer can get started on your job. Before hiring a company, check how long it will take them to obtain replacement parts if necessary and make sure you have enough time in your schedule for the repairs.
What Type of Warranties Does the Company Provide?
Most garage door installers offer a one-year warranty on all workmanship and materials. However, some companies might give you extended coverage after installation is complete, while others limit their protection plans to just a few months or less. Do your research before hiring a company to know what type of warranty plan is included with the installation agreement, as this could impact future costs if something goes wrong later down the road.
Does Install a Garage Door Require a Permit?
It might be necessary to obtain a building permit in some areas before installing a new garage door. Some cities and counties might not even allow companies to give bids on jobs if they don’t come with an approved permit. Before hiring your installer, check whether or not this is required so you can plan accordingly as to how quickly the work will be completed.
What Types of Payment Do They Accept?
When hiring a garage door company for installation or repair, always ask what types of payment they take and whether additional fees apply when paying by credit card or cash. Some contractors will only accept checks and other forms of traditional bank transfers, while others only offer financing through their billing program. Knowing what payment options and fees apply to your garage door work before hiring a company can help prevent any unexpected costs in the future.
Finding a qualified installer is crucial for ensuring quality service and complete satisfaction with your experience throughout the installation process. Talk to family and friends about recommended companies or check reviews online to find reputable contractors that provide high-quality services at affordable prices.