Sixty-three percent of US residences have a garage, with most homeowners using the garage as the primary entry point into the home. A garage can serve as the perfect place to store your cars and other valuable items. Some homeowners even use these spaces as extra living areas.
The garage door is the garage’s most important feature. Its main function is to keep your valuables secure, so it’s essential that it’s installed correctly.
In 2022, 3.2 million garage doors will be installed in the US. If yours will be among them, it’s critical to choose garage door installers you can trust to do a great job. Your garage door installer is the biggest determinant of whether you end up with a sturdy garage door or a flimsy one.
But with about 293 garage door installation companies across the country, how can you tell which one is most reliable? Here are seven suggestions to make the right choice.
Determine Your Specific Needs
The best way to know which garage door installer to hire is first to determine your exact needs. Are you looking to replace an outdated garage door with a brand new one, complete with the latest garage door opener? Or perhaps your main interest is in top-quality maintenance services to ensure your garage door stays in top shape for a long time.
Once you know your specific needs, you can start looking for a service provider who’s the best fit.
Consider the Company’s Reputation
A garage door installer’s reputation is the clearest indicator of what experience to expect when you hire them. You want to get into a partnership with a professional with a reputation for delivering on their promises. Look for an installer who’s a stickler for top quality.
If possible, crowdsource recommendations from people you trust for reliable garage door companies they’re hired in the past. Consider reading online reviews as well to see what others say about garage door companies you’re interested in. A contractor with positive recommendations and online reviews is someone you’ll be confident hiring.
Check Certifications and Licenses
It’s your job as the client to verify whether a garage door installation service is truly qualified to provide garage door services. The best way to do so is to inquire from your potential contractor whether they have a valid contractor’s license. Most top contractors will have no problem giving you this proof.
There are also other certifications that contractors with considerable garage door installation experience will have. These certifications are given by manufacturers to indicate that the contractor has sufficient knowledge and expertise with their products. If your prospective garage door installer has these certifications, it’s a sign that they take their work seriously.
Choose a Local Company
Choosing a company that provides services in your local area is beneficial in many ways.
First, such a company will be well-versed with your area and can provide garage doors best suited to conditions in your locality. For instance, if your area faces a tough hurricane season, a local garage door company will most likely specialize in wind rated garage doors to ensure clients get a product they can rely on in such weather.
Moreover, when you work with a local company, you can always be sure to reach them quickly in case something goes wrong with your garage door. The last thing you want is to have to wait for days before your garage door service provider shows up to deal with some emergency.
Check Their Range of Services and Products
The garage door installation company you hire will most likely be the one that also offers maintenance services for the garage door in the future. That means you need to find out whether the company offers these services besides installing garage doors.
Find out whether the contractor offers garage door repair services before you hire them to install your garage door. It also helps to partner with a company that provides emergency services in case you ever need a sudden repair.
Choose a Company That Provides Transparent Estimates
Comparing installation costs is an essential step when choosing between service providers. Once you make a list of at least three potential garage door installers, get estimates from them. By comparing these estimates, you can avoid getting overcharged for installation service.
Note that different installers may use different methods when giving estimates. Some companies will offer a single rate for installation, while others will price out labor and parts. Go through each part carefully to ensure you know what you’re paying for.
Note that top-grade garage door installation is seldom cheap. Therefore, don’t simply jump at the lowest estimate on the market. Make sure that the estimates you’re comparing are from the most reputable contractors in your area, and go with the one that makes the most sense for your budget.
Enquire About Warranties
Top garage door installation companies are not afraid to stand by their work. The installation doors and openers they provide all come with a manufacturer’s warranty. These contractors go a step further and offer a warranty on their labor, so you know that you’re getting the best possible installation service.
Always inquire whether the contractor offers a labor warranty before you hire them. Read through the warranties to get a complete understanding before signing the contract. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not helps prevent future misunderstandings.
Know What to Do When You Choose Garage Door Installers
Your garage door is a huge investment, so you want to get everything right when installing one. Be sure to choose garage door installers with a reputation for providing superior service and who aren’t afraid to stand by their work. It’s the only way to know you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.
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