Your garage door is your home’s largest moving object, and if you’re like most residents, you probably also use it as the main entrance to your home. To ensure your and your family’s safety, you must be selective when choosing a garage door company.
If you need maintenance or repair services, think before you act: Ask friends and family for their recommendations. Word of mouth is the most reliable way to ensure you get quality service.
Unfortunately, there are scammers in all industries. That’s why we want to share some tips to help you identify the so-called “best garage door services in town” fraudsters.
Research on the internet
The Internet has become our first port of call in most areas of our lives. When we have a problem, we usually turn to the Internet to figure out how to remedy it. Using search engines or visiting recommendation websites is also known as “digital word of mouth”.
If you visit some websites you find from your research, you should be closing looking at the following:
- Make sure there’s a real street address listed on the website
If there isn’t an address, alarm bells should be ringing. Often your call will be forwarded to a subcontractor, who isn’t the actual “specialist” mentioned on the site.
- Are there photos on the website?
Whether of the place of business itself or of the owner, photos are a sign that people are proud to show off their business. But beware, many companies simply use stock photos on their websites, although you should be able to easily spot these.
- Is the company member of a professional association?
Members of professional associations have to adhere to high standards, so if you see a logo suggesting they are a member of a certain association, contact the association and double check.
- Customer reviews
If it’s a small, local business you might even recognize some of the reviewer’s names, if you do, contact them and double check they were happy with the services they received. If all of the reviewers give five stars, or if some of the reviewers have false-sounding names, be aware.
- Don’t just look at the first page of results
Go two or three pages into your search to see if the company is mentioned on any other websites. Don’t trust free classified-ads websites where the information is not controlled.
Search for the company on Facebook, too! If the company has a Facebook, they will probably proudly show pictures from their latest projects.
Get them on the phone
Try and call a garage door repair company between 7:30 and 17:00 during the week or on Saturdays. When you get them on the phone, do some more digging.
- Ask them to confirm their street address
- Ask if its operating licenses are valid
- Ask if they have liability insurance coverage
- Ask if its employees are covered by accident insurance
- Ask if its vehicles are properly identified with the company’s name and logo or whether they will be sending a subcontractor.
Remember, if a company gives you a final quote for a repair without having seen the work that needs to be done, it’s probably not to be trusted. A serious garage door specialist will provide you with its hourly rate, including mileage, and an idea of how long the job will take. Often, as is the case of a broken spring, technicians will have to come out to your home and see exactly what they need to repair before they can give you a more accurate evaluation of costs.
While at your home, technicians should also check that anything else needs repairing on your garage door. They will also examine your garage door opener’s auto reversal system to make sure it’s working properly.
When you’ve got them at your house
Ask for a written estimate right away, and make sure they explain what every part of the breakdown refers to. Reputable companies will not ask you to pay in advance and will likely not ask you to pay cash.
Reputable garage door companies will give you the parts they’ve replaced. Make sure you receive an official invoice that details the warranty on new parts and labour, even if this means you have to pay by credit card as soon as the repairs have been finished.
If you’re in the market for a new garage door
Make sure you deal with professionals by contacting us at 724-834-8450. We will work side-by-side with you to make sure the garage door you choose fits your needs, budget and your home’s architectural style.
Why not come down to our showroom where one of our experts will explain our entire range to you? Or simply request an online quotation. While you’re here, have a play around with our Design Centre and find the best fit for your home.
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