Your garage door can make or break your home’s style, safety, and curb appeal — but so can the company you choose to install it.
Opting for the wrong one means dealing with call-backs, shoddy service, and needless headaches. And, generally speaking, a company that uses the best software for garage door business is more likely to run a tight ship.
So, how do you choose the right one? Keep an eye out for these five signs you’re hiring a garage door company that you can rely on for quality, efficiency, and peace of mind through installation day.
1. Reputation Speaks Louder Than Ads
Today, it’s all about the name behind the curtain. Before you lift up that receiver or request an estimate, don’t face off against the company without some SEO homework first. Check Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, or any database that shares customer feedback.
What do you see? Any common threads? Are customers universally satisfied with the quality of the work — and the relationship from start to finish? Or, do you get plagued by one-star ratings over non-responsiveness, no-shows, or sticker shock?.
Even more valuable, ask your next-door neighbors, friends, and family for recommendations. When it comes to home services, in particular, word-of-mouth is typically the most solid place to start (and end). Also, comb through their website. Is it professional? Are they aligned with the brand story? Do they have before/after pictures or testimonials from past customers?
2. Experience in the Garage Door Industry
Experience is priceless. Turning over an installation or repair to someone who is not qualified is not a good idea. Garage doors are heavy and complicated and need a skilled, experienced technician.
Look for a company that has been in business for several years and specializes in just garage doors. Not just one that does any home improvement project you throw at them. Not only will their work be far superior to that of the handyman down the street, but it will most likely be less expensive, too.
A seasoned pro has seen it all and can spot any issues a mile away. Signs of poor quality include improper track location, missing parts or pieces, incompatible parts, and so on.
3. Licensing, Insurance, and Warranties Matter
That doesn’t sound as exciting, does it? But it’s just as important. Check that the roofing company is licensed and insured in your area. It may not be at the top of your list of priorities right now. But it does mean they are following the laws – namely, local regulations and building codes.
Ask about insurance. If someone gets hurt on your property, you’re generally responsible. If there’s no insurance? Guess who pays. A good roofing company also offers warranties. These warranties back up the parts and labor, and are an indicator of integrity and quality. It’s insurance for insurance!
No license. No insurance. No warranty. That’s a big red flag.
4. Technology That Supports Good Service
You might have read that before and think technology doesn’t matter when it comes to hiring a company for a garage door, but it really does. A company that uses outdated equipment — or even companies that still use pen and paper to schedule and invoice — is much more likely to make mistakes and cause problems, which means wasting your time.
When a company is operating using the best garage door software, it stands out and can include the following:
- Being where they say they will be on the schedule that they say they will be there
- Providing quick, accurate estimates
- Presented invoices and the ability to pay right there on the spot
- The ability to follow the job in real-time
- The option to communicate through email or text
5. Fair, Transparent Pricing
No one likes a surprise bill, especially when it has to do with your home. Ask if the company you’re considering offers upfront pricing. Will you be able to see everything laid out in the quote or estimate? Does the price include labor, materials, service fee, and haul away of your old door or parts?
A company that can give you a price before they see your garage door should be a red flag. Any reputable business will want to see what they’re working with before quoting a price. No two situations are exactly alike, and a good professional won’t give you a solid quote until they see what they’re up against
Another thing to look out for? Automatically choosing the lowest bid. Pricing doesn’t always equal the best value, and you want to avoid a situation where your door could break sooner than you’d expect.
Trust Your Gut (and Do Your Homework)
Your garage door is a big part of your home, keeping your stuff safe, boosting curb appeal, and maintaining energy efficiency. So it’s not a decision you want to make in an instant. Do some research, ask a few questions, and make some comparisons.
Find a company with a good reputation, plenty of experience, all the right licensing and insurance, a friendly and knowledgeable support team, and fair pricing. And if you can team up with a business that does all that with great software for a garage door business, you’re going to get the best possible service on your project.
