Garage doors are essential to any home space as they improve curb appeal and prevent unauthorized access. But, like most other components of a home, they are prone to issues like broken springs, malfunctioning sensors, and rusted rollers. When a garage door malfunctions, hiring a professional to address the problem is advised, as DIY repairs can be dangerous. But, homeowners must consider a few factors to ensure they hire the right professional for the task.
Tips to choose the right garage door repair service
1. Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations
Given the numerous garage door repair companies available, it is natural for one to feel overwhelmed about where to begin. A great way to start would be by asking neighbors or friends who live in the same locality for recommendations. The main advantage of seeking referrals is it helps one gain an understanding of the quality of the repair service. One can ask for the contact information of the technicians and representatives, the price to expect, and most importantly, an honest review. Plus, when seeking personal recommendations from a trusted source, one can also feel free to ask about the smallest details, like how long the servicing took or whether the professionals were respectful and communicative.
2. Check out the company’s website
Before hiring a garage door repair company, it is better to confirm if their services are reliable. To do this, one can start by visiting the company’s website that one has shortlisted for garage door repairs. Almost all local garage door repair companies nowadays have websites, which makes it easy for potential customers to find and contact them. One can find a lot more than just the contact information on the company website. One can look at the testimonials and reviews to evaluate the company’s quality of service. Additionally, one can find pictures of their previous repair and installation jobs to assess their services further.
3. Make sure the company’s address is correct
When considering hiring a professional garage door repair company, one must also ensure that the address listed on its website or search engines is accurate. One can ensure this by giving a quick visit to the listed address and checking if the establishment exists. One can also check the address on online navigation platforms to confirm that one is contacting and hiring a reliable company.
4. Check the customer reviews
Not all garage door repair and servicing companies list customer reviews on their websites, especially if the feedback is too negative or criticizing. So, for honest customer reviews, one should visit reputable third-party websites where customers leave ratings and reviews. One can also look for feedback that talks about specific aspects of the companies and their services, such as the quality of new parts installed, customer service, response time, etc.
5. Check for the certifications and accreditations
Along with platforms that list reviews, certain third-party websites offer certifications for companies. One can visit these websites to check if the garage door repair company that one is considering is certified by them. Plus, some websites also offer ratings to these companies based on their quality of service and other factors, which can be valuable indicators of the company’s reliability.
6. Only choose a company with sufficient insurance
Before hiring a garage door repair company, one must also check if it has sufficient insurance. Ideally, such service providers should have insurance policies that cover both workers’ compensation and general liabilities. Professionals must ensure the policy provides them with necessary coverage in the event of any potential harm or damages during the task. Furthermore, the policy should also offer coverage to the customer for any damages that their property may incur during the repairing or servicing job.
7. Enquire if the company addresses specific requirements
When consulting a garage door repair professional or a company, homeowners may be looking to address varying needs. Some may want to repair a roller in their garage door, while others may want prompt assistance with electric garage doors. Several companies also offer factory second garage doors as replacements, providing affordable alternatives without compromising quality. Furthermore, if one’s home has an up-and-over garage door (the ones that retract all the way into the garage when opened), one can enquire if the company or repairman one intends to hire specializes in such doors. Opting for a service provider that addresses one’s specific repair needs will ensure safe and efficient solutions while offering peace of mind.
8. Ask for warranties
To avoid any financial losses from a poor repair job or additional expenses associated with frequent repairs, one must ensure that the company one has shortlisted offers sufficient warranties for any new components they may install.
9. Ask for a complete price breakdown
Before hiring a service provider, asking for a complete price breakdown will allow one to check everything the company charges them for, such as labor, new components, taxes, etc. This step also helps ensure the company does not include any hidden costs in the contract. Having a detailed quote in hand will also make it easier to compare the prices and quotes from different providers and choose the best garage door repair service nearby that guarantees quality results. Companies that hesitate to provide a written price breakdown are best avoided.