Before hiring just any garage door company, be sure to inquire about some factors that can have a significant impact on the installation. Of course, any company that wants your business will promise quality and safety and answer your questions in a way that puts them in a really good light. The following set of questions will help give you a deeper insight into how the garage door company operates and how they respond to challenges.
1. Can I get a quote?
Most, if not all, garage door companies will provide you with an estimate of the garage door service you’re looking for – whether it’s a garage door repair or replacement. Remember that cheaper is not always better.
If a company seems adamant about gaining your business by offering the lowest rates or reducing their rates significantly to convince you, this could be a red flag. It might be that the company has received terrible reviews and is offering the lowest rates to get as much as business as they can, or are inexperienced.
Reputable companies want to pay their workers or contractors a fair rate, especially if they have good, experienced garage door technicians. Along with labour, transportation, and materials, the estimate should be within the range of other garage door companies.
2. How long have you been in business?
Companies that have stood the test of time and continue to thrive often have a good reputation, loyal customers, and produce quality work.
We have seen great innovations in garage doors and garage door openers in just the last decade. You’ll want to find a company that also has a finger on the pulse of the latest in garage doors and services. This indicates that they are passionate about the industry and want to be in the know to offer their customers excellent service.
If a company is fairly new, ask how many years of experience the team has. Sometimes, a technician may have 20 years of experience and have decided to establish their own company with the expertise and knowledge they’ve accumulated over the years.
3. What type of warranties do you offer?
Most garage door companies will offer a warranty. Be wary of any service company that does not have a warranty or guarantee policy in place. Typically, the warranty covers the labour along with a manufacturer’s warranty on the product. Be sure you understand what’s included in the warranty and any exemptions so there are no surprises should anything go awry.
4. What accreditations and certifications do you have?
You’ll want to inquire if the garage door company is a member of the Canadian Door Institute (CDI) and the International Door Association (IDA).
Garage door companies with these accreditations are expected to uphold high customer service standards and have the support to do so.
To achieve a CDI certification, technicians must have received extensive training on garage door installation, servicing, and repairs. To have an IDA accreditation, the company must participate in a comprehensive course and provide documentation for insurance coverage, licensing tax registration, and long-standing employees.
5. What happens if a worker is injured on my property or something goes wrong with the installation?
Asking this question will give you insight into how a garage door company handles emergencies and challenges. While these instances are very rare with a reputable company, this information is good to know just in case something does happen during the service visit.
You’ll want to pay attention to whether the company has the proper insurance in place, what next steps they take, and what you can expect as a customer.
Contact Overhead Doors for all of your residential and commercial garage door needs. We provide both on-call and regularly-scheduled maintenance to keep your garage doors operating efficiently year-round. With office locations in Lethbridge, Calgary & Cranbrook you can count on us to be here when you need us!
