How to Choose the Right Garage Door Repairman for Your Home

Your garage door is the largest moving part in your home that can malfunction and present safety hazards. If they become stuck, slam shut unexpectedly, or don't open or close completely due to grinding or noise from other sources, these problems need to be properly repaired. Selecting the right person to repair your garage door will allow you to get the job done right, keep your garage door from breaking down again, and ensure the safety of your family and property.

1. Safety should be your number one concern.

Garage doors contain high-tension parts, including springs and cables. A qualified garage door repairman will take his work seriously and will have the correct tools and training to perform repairs in a safe manner. This means he will take every precaution possible and not suggest any "quick fixes" or deny the validity of your concerns regarding the safety of your garage door. If a contractor recommends that you continue to use a malfunctioning garage door that is unsafe, be cautious.

2. Choose someone who has experience working on your garage door.

There are many different types of garage doors. Some doors are heavier due to insulation or a wood frame design and may have newer technology than other types. When speaking with a potential repairman, make sure to provide a detailed description of not only how your garage door works but also what symptoms are affecting it. Ask the following questions:

1. Do you routinely service this type of garage door openers?

2. Are you trained to replace garage door springs, cables, or align garage door tracks?

3. Are you able to identify potential mechanical and electrical issues?

A qualified professional will provide a clear path for diagnosing and repairing your garage door instead of guessing.

3. An experienced garage door repairman will perform a complete inspection of the garage door before providing an estimate for repairs.

A proper inspection includes springs, cables, rollers, hinges, bearings, tracks, sensors and the opener. The repairman should be able to explain to you why the part failed and what needs to be repaired or replaced after the inspection is complete. The repairman will also be able to explain the pros and cons of both options. An honest, thorough explanation shows that you have a reliable repairman.

4. Request itemized, transparent quotes

Whenever possible before work is started, request an itemized quote that outlines all Labor, parts and service fees separately. This makes it easier for you to compare quotes and prevents the chance of receiving a surprise charge later. If the repairman discovers new issues during the repair, he should stop working, notify you of the change and give you the updated price before continuing.

5. Verify warranties on parts and labor

Quality repairs should include warranty protection. Ask what kind of warranty is included for the following:

• Parts (springs, rollers and/or openers)

• Labor (the repair work)

A repairman who backs their work up with a warranty will clearly explain the warranty terms, as well as what might affect your warranty coverage, such as excessive weight on the door, heavy usage daily or pre-existing damage.

6. Quality of parts is important (don't choose parts just because they are cheaper)

There are generally several levels of quality for different repairs. For example, springs can be purchased based on cycle rating, rollers can be purchased based on typical and long-lasting, and openers can be utilized to repair older equipment, but they may be better replaced. A quality repairman will provide you with his recommendations based on how frequently you use your garage door, how heavy your garage door is, and the value of the parts over the long term not just on the initial cost.

7. Use customer reviews and communication style as indicators of repair services’ professionalism

Look for consistency when you read through candidate feedback. Look at your candidate's punctuality, honesty, clear communication and whether their repairs last. Also, as you communicate with the company before the appointment, pay attention to the communication style they use. If they are responsive, answer your questions in a polite manner and can clearly schedule you, this often indicates that they will carry this level of professionalism into the repair visit.

8. Steer clear of sales pressure

Although some aspects of your garage door repair need to be replaced, you should never feel pressured into expensively upgrading to more expensive equipment. Good repairmen can show you exactly which parts need replacing and tell you why they do not recommend repairing the item. If you feel like you are getting pressured or if the explanation is not clear, it would not be unreasonable to ask for a second opinion.

9. Your repairman should provide maintenance support

A good repairman should provide you with sound advice for preventing issues with your garage door's operation in the future. This may include checking for sounds, testing fry switches, cleaning tracks when you use your garage door frequently and scheduling periodic tune-ups of your garage door when you use it frequently.

A quick checklist before you hire a garage door repairman

Ensure they have:

• Experience with your make and model of garage door/opener

• Completed an inspection to diagnose the issue

• Provided you with an itemized estimate of their Labor, parts, and service fees

• Details on the warranties for parts and Labor

• Maintained a professional approach, without applying any pressure to do an unnecessary upgrade

Choosing the right repairman for your garage door will protect your home, save time, and extend the life of the garage door system.