Tips for Finding a Reputable Garage Door Contractor
Updating and repairing your garage door is unavoidable, so when the time comes to make repairs or updates, finding the right professionals for the job is important. The first step is research finding which companies service your area, what products they provide, and if they will be a good fit for you and your families needs. Often multiple companies offer the same or very similar products, but only a few of those companies may be the right fit for your project. Next, receiving quotes from at least three of the companies you chose from your research, while doing your best to receive quotes that are comparable to its products and service. Finally get everything in writing! Good contractors will always be happy to provide proper paperwork for warranties, policies and other important information for a job.
Research
Starting from scratch when looking for garage door professionals can feel like a daunting task, but with a few tips kept in mind it can be made simple. When researching for service providers the Better Business Bureau® also known as BBB® is a trusted source for finding businesses that follow the BBB’s set guideline for businesses and grading them to inform customers of businesses with best practices.
Start with The BBB® and Google® Guaranteed Businesses both are good sources for finding local contractors with their own set of guidelines for the accredited/guaranteed contractors.
Avoid scams by checking business name and location with your states business registry
Visit contractor websites and see what products they offer as well as warranties, guarantees and other info on the company
Read customer reviews and testimonials as well as about pages on websites. Local neighborhood groups on social media have also become a popular place to get reviews and referrals.
Ask your neighbors if they have any referrals for the service needed.
Look for contractors and companies that provide knowledge and tips for their customers (blogs, newsletters, optional emails)
Make sure the service provider is licensed and insured
Be sure to keep in mind that many companies offer similar products and even at times the same products, but finding a company that is the right fit for you is important. Some companies focus on speed with quick repairs or replacements, while others may focus on details or long term options and plans. Finding the right garage door professional that fits your needs is a huge peace of mind for any homeowner.
Receive Multiple Quotes
Always be sure to receive multiple quotes for large repairs or replacements, unless you have already used a service provider you trust it is always best to receive at least three quotes. When it comes to receiving estimates from different companies it is important to try and compare products and warranties that are similar. Once you have received the quotes you can make decisions based on what is most important to you, and who is able to fulfill most if not all of your needs.
When receiving estimates, look out for clearly marked service vehicles and uniforms as reputable companies will almost always have some sort of uniform or easily found identification.
Look for transparent pricing that details products used and services rendered.
Ensure the products used are of the quality you desire with brochures and other materials that may be offered.
Reputable companies may ask for deposits, but will never ask for full payment before the completion of the project.
Keep in mind other key factors such as timeline, warranties, deposits and termination policies.
Just as with most products and services often when pricing seems excessively low it is often too good to be true. Oftentimes scammers will have extremely low pricing, which can be a red flag; refer to BBB® website for more tips to avoid being scammed.
Receiving estimates from multiple companies may seem like a lot, but in this process you will also most likely receive a presentation or consultation allowing you to see which will be a good fit for you. We all would rather work with a company that shares our values and instills trust that the job will be done right.
Get Everything in Writing
Most general repairs for home services have set prices depending on the contractor you choose, but custom repairs and replacements often require a walk through and quote before starting. Ask for all documentation related to the product such as warranties/guarantees, scope of the project, timeline, termination policy, licensing, proof of Insurance, and any required permit information if needed for the project. Regardless of the project you are wanting to have completed, be sure to use a reputable company that will provide the service and products that you need and meet or exceed your expectations.