How to Choose a Garage Door Company in Tacoma Without Regretting the Call
It’s one thing to have a garage door malfunctioning, and another to regret a decision you made based on a hasty phone call. When your door won’t open, makes a racket, or was hit by a car, it’s easy to get the first company that answers the phone to come over and see what they can do!
But spending some time comparing services, pricing, and customer experience might mean the difference between an honest repair bill and a surprise bill that’s three times what you expected.
If you’re hiring a garage door company to install a new door, repair a broken door, or service the motor, opener, or hardware, here’s what to look for when deciding which company to choose.
Identify the Service Your Door Needs
Some companies specialize in garage door installation; others do maintenance. You don’t need to know all the ins and outs of the industry, but you should have a general idea of what kind of problem you’re trying to solve. If your garage door is not functioning properly, try to determine the cause of the problem. Is it the door itself or the opener? Do you just need a new remote or battery? Does the opener need to be replaced, or just serviced?
When you call a garage door company, let them know what type of work you’re hoping they can provide. If the issue is something minor, such as a remote needing a battery, a full-service company will still be happy to provide this service, but you won’t want to waste their time on a job they can’t handle.
Does the company service or repair:
· Springs
· Cables
· Rollers
· Tracks
· Openers
· Panels
· Weatherstripping
· Door alignment
There’s no harm in checking the company’s credentials before the appointment and seeing how long it takes for a technician to show up.
Insist on a Detailed Written Estimate
When you have a garage door issue, you want someone to come over as soon as possible, but you also want to be sure you’re getting a fair price for a quality repair. Before you call, find out what services the company offers, how much they’ll charge for parts and labor, and whether the company uses certified technicians.
A garage door company should be willing to explain their pricing structure in detail. If the company tells you that the cost will depend on how much damage the door has sustained, that is fine, but you want to know that the cost will be accurate when you get a final bill.
A reputable garage door company will not pressure you into hiring them on the spot. Ask for a written estimate before you decide whether to proceed with the job. Also ask for a warranty policy so you know if there’s anything you’re responsible for, should something go wrong.
Treat Safety Checks as Essential
If you have a door that doesn’t close properly, it may be dangerous to continue using it. Ask the company if they are insured, and find out if the repair work they offer includes safety checks.
There are several issues with garage doors that can affect their safety and reliability, including:
· Broken or worn springs
· Faulty cables
· Loose or misaligned tracks
· Malfunctioning openers
· Damaged rollers
· Improperly installed panels
If your garage door is old, consider replacing it. An outdated door can be a security risk and increase the risk of injury. Also consider if you need to replace your garage door opener; cnet.com/home is the page that actually explains it. Some openers don’t meet current safety standards and may be unsafe to use. If your opener isn’t working right, it could cause the door to open or close at the wrong time, or fail to stop when it should.
It’s important to ask a garage door company if they have a policy about repairs, particularly regarding spring replacement. There are strict rules about how garage door springs must be repaired and installed. Make sure the company you hire is well-versed in these regulations and follows all safety guidelines.
Also, be aware that there are certain restrictions for garage door repairs. A garage door company should be familiar with these limitations and advise you accordingly. If you don’t know if your garage door has high lift capabilities, ask a company representative.
Finally, ask if the company is licensed and insured, and if they have a good reputation in the community.
Make the Final Choice With Confidence
When choosing a garage door company, take the time to research each provider’s history, reputation, and range of services. Freedom Garage Door Services is a local company you may want to consider when comparing your options. If you’re unsure about a particular company, don’t hesitate to call and ask questions about their services, experience, and pricing. The more information you gather, the easier it will be to determine which garage door company is the right fit for your needs.
When you choose a garage door company, you want to feel confident that you’ve made the right choice. A good company will provide you with a comprehensive estimate, an explanation of the work that will be performed, and a warranty policy.
