You’re running late for work, coffee in hand, and as you press the garage door opener, nothing happens. Panic sets in. You and your car are trapped in your castle, with no drawbridge to lower. you’ll need to find an excellent garage door repair company to handle the work. But how do you know which one to choose?

Will they charge fair prices? Can you trust them in your home? Will they even fix the issue correctly the first time?

Before you schedule an appointment with just anyone, make sure you do your research. You’ll want to choose a business that will fix your door quickly, correctly, and at a fair price. Here’s how to select the best service for your castle’s drawbridge.

Understanding Your Garage Door Repair Needs

As you stand before your silent garage door, frustration mounting, you might feel the urge to call the first garage door company that pops up on Google. Before you do, assess the situation.

Garage Door Maintenance

Best case scenario? You avoid needing repair or replacement services in the first place. 

Like any other part of your home, garage doors must be maintained to function correctly and last a long time, and they can have a long lifespan if they’re correctly maintained. 

To keep your garage door in tip-top shape, here are some maintenance tips to follow:

• Close your garage door when you’re not using it
• Check the door regularly for signs of damage (such as cracks, dents, or rust)
• Lubricate the door’s moving parts at least once per year
• Tighten all screws on the door track assembly
• Replace the weatherstripping around the door if it’s worn out

Identifying Common Garage Door Issues

Beyond the most noticeable problem of not opening or closing, many garage door parts can have various other issues. If you notice any of the following problems, it’s time to call in a professional for service:

• The garage door opener is making unusual noises
• The door is off track
• The opener remote isn’t working
• There are visible gaps or light peeking through the top or bottom
• The garage door is sagging
• Unbalanced door, showing light
• Safety sensors aren’t aligned or functioning properly

All of these can be signs of bigger garage door problems that will only get worse if not fixed.

Take a few moments to closely inspect your garage door and make note of any issues you see. This will help you communicate effectively with the repair company when they arrive, saving both of you time and money.

Assessing the Urgency of Repairs

A broken garage door can feel like a crisis, but not every issue requires an immediate fix. 

Remember, you can manually open and close the door in most cases. This will buy you time to properly research and select a repair company.

But safety is non-negotiable, so here’s a breakdown of scenarios where manually opening a garage door might be feasible, and situations where it should be avoided for safety reasons:

Scenarios Where a Broken Garage Door Could Be Opened Manually:

• Power Outage: When the electricity is out, and the automatic opener can’t function, manually opening the door is safe if the door is in good condition and balanced.
• Opener Malfunction: If the issue is just with the garage door opener and not with the door itself (like a broken chain or motor failure), manually opening the door is possible.
• Door is Properly Balanced: If the door is balanced and stays in place when lifted halfway, it can usually be opened manually without risk.
• No Visible Damage to Springs or Cables: If the springs and cables are intact and not visibly damaged, the door can often be manually opened with caution.

Scenarios Where a Broken Garage Door Shouldn’t Be Opened Manually:

• Broken Torsion Spring: If the torsion spring is broken, attempting to manually lift the door can be extremely dangerous due to the weight of the door and the lack of support from the spring.
• Damaged Cables: Frayed or snapped cables can cause the door to lift unevenly or suddenly fall,  making it unsafe to manually open.
• Door Off Its Tracks: If the door is off its tracks, trying to force it open or closed can cause further damage or result in the door falling.
• Visible Structural Damage: Any visible damage to the door’s structure, such as bent tracks or dents in the door panels, can compromise its integrity and make manually opening it unsafe.

If you’re concerned at all about the safety of manually opening your garage door, it’s best to wait for a professional repair company to assess the situation and make repairs. But if you feel comfortable and confident in doing so, proceed with caution. This can get you through until a repair company can fix the issue permanently.

Determining Budget and Expectations

Home improvements and repairs can come with a hefty price tag, but don’t let that discourage you from seeking professional help for your garage door. It’s an essential part of your home’s security and functionality, so investing in quality repairs is worth it.

Before you start contacting repair companies, determine your budget and what you expect from the repairs. Do some research on average costs for common garage door issues in your area to avoid being overcharged or upsold unnecessary services.

Could you DIY the repairs or hire your neighbor’s cousin who claims to know a thing or two about garage doors? Sure. But a reliable garage door repair company will have the skills, experience, and resources to get the job done right the first time. 

Plus, they’ll have access to high-quality parts and tools that make the work more efficient and effective. They’ll offer some form of protection for their work, making your investment all the more worthwhile. And they’ll have the necessary insurance and qualifications to provide peace of mind.

All of this may increase the overall cost, but it’s an investment that will save you from further headaches and expenses down the road.

Criteria for Evaluating Garage Door Repair Companies

Depending on where you live, you may have dozens of options for garage door repair companies. So how do you narrow down the list and make sure you’re choosing the best one for your needs? 

Here are a few criteria to consider when choosing a repair company:

Licensing and Credentials

Make sure the contractor you hire is legitimate and qualified. This means checking their license to operate and any certifications that validate their expertise.

Experience and Expertise

Garage doors are complex, with numerous potential failure points. Look for a garage door company that’s been around for a while. Make sure they have a track record and skilled technicians specializing in the type of repair you need.

Reputation and Reviews

The word on the street – or more accurately, on the web – about a repair company can tell you a lot. Check for positive reviews and ratings on websites like Google, Yelp, or Angie’s List to get an idea of the company’s reputation.

Insurance and Warranties

Mistakes can happen. So you’ll want to make sure the repair company you choose is not only covered, but that your repair or parts have a warranty or guarantee.

24/7 Availability and Response Time

If your garage door is stuck open in the middle of the night, you’ll want a garage door repair company that offers 24/7 emergency services. Even if it’s not an urgent issue, the company’s availability and response time can give you peace of mind that they’ll be there when you need them.

Cost and Transparency

Cost is usually a big factor in choosing any home services contractor. But be cautious of companies offering rock-bottom prices. Their work may not meet your expectations and could even cause further damage. 

Transparency is also important. Make sure you understand what garage door services are included in the cost and if there are any additional fees or charges.

Financing

Garage door repairs can sometimes hit your wallet hard, so consider a company that offers financing. Payment plans can make a big difference!

Red Flags to Watch Out For

There is a flip side to choosing a repair company — making sure you avoid the bad ones. Below are red flags that could indicate a company isn’t up to par.

Lack of Transparency

If the company avoids discussing pricing or won’t give you a straight answer about costs, you should question their integrity. 

Keep in mind, giving a price over the phone can be tough if the problem hasn’t been inspected in person, but they should be upfront about their pricing structure and any additional fees or charges.

High-Pressure Sales

A good repair company should inform, not coerce. If you feel pushed into purchasing more than you need, consider it a warning sign.

Unprofessionalism

From the initial phone call to the tech’s arrival, the way the company presents itself says a lot about how they’ll treat you and your home. An organized, communicative, and professional team will deliver a smooth customer experience from start to finish.

Negative Reviews

Always take time to read reviews. A few bad ones aren’t uncommon, but if you notice a pattern of complaints about poor workmanship, lack of customer service, or dishonesty, move on to the next candidate.

Questions to Ask Potential Garage Door Repair Companies

Questions are your best weapon when picking a garage door repair company. Whether you’re picking up the phone to schedule a repair, chatting with a technician about your options, or just trying to get a better handle on the process, these questions will help you weed out the good businesses from the bad ones:

• How long have you been in business? This gives you a sense of their experience and reliability.
• Are you licensed and insured? This is a must to protect yourself in case anything goes wrong.
• Can you tell me the price? Opt for a company that offers upfront pricing. Knowing the full price in advance helps you budget effectively and eliminates any surprise costs.
• What’s the warranty on your work and the parts you use? This tells you what’s covered and for how long, giving you peace of mind.
• What brand or type of replacement parts do you usually use? Quality parts mean a longer-lasting repair.
• How soon can you get on their schedule? Many contractors have a backlog of work, especially for non-emergency repairs.
• What’s your timeline for repairs like mine? This not only helps plan your schedule around the repair work, but also gives you an idea of the company’s efficiency.
• Do you offer any financing or payment plans? Useful to know if the repair ends up being more expensive than anticipated.
• What steps should I take to maintain my garage door after the repair? Tips from a pro can keep your door working smoothly for longer.

Final Tips for Choosing a Garage Door Repair Company

Your castle is only as strong as its gatekeeper. In this case, it’s your garage door repair company. Here are a few final tips to make the best choice:

Compare Quotes and Proposals

Don’t rush to hire the first contractor that comes your way. It’s smart shopping to gather a few estimates to see what different companies propose. This comparison can shed light on what a fair price looks like and what services you should expect. 

In some cases, that second or third opinion can also be helpful if you’re unsure what the issue is.

Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, it’s not just about the cost or the credentials. How did you feel during your interaction with the company? If someone seemed genuinely helpful and understanding, that’s a good sign. On the flip side, if you felt pressured, uneasy, or not a priority, it’s okay to walk away.

Get it in Writing

Once you’ve made your choice, make sure everything is laid out in a written agreement. This document should clearly state:

• The scope of work
• Replacement parts
• The cost
• How payments will be handled
• Warranty details

Having this information in writing protects you and sets clear expectations for both parties.

How to Prepare for a Garage Door Repair Appointment

Your appointment can be much quicker, easier, and potentially less expensive if you take some time to prepare for it. Here are a few things you should do before your technician arrives:

Clear Out Your Garage

If it’s safe to do so, move any cars, bikes, lawn equipment, or other things that might be in the way. This will give the technician room to work and prevent them from accidentally damaging your belongings. 

If your garage door is broken in a way that makes it unsafe to open manually (like the situations we mentioned earlier) it’s safest to wait for a professional to handle it.

Gather Any Paperwork

If you have a garage door warranty or home warranty provider, call them ahead of time to see what’s covered. Not all garage door companies can handle warranty issues, and you might need specific paperwork or information to process your claim.

Pinpoint the Problem

If you think you know what’s wrong with your garage door, be sure to let the technician know when they arrive. This will help them diagnose the problem quickly and get started on repairs.

Know the History

Has your garage door had any service or repairs in the past? If so, the technician will need to know what was done and when. This can help them identify any related issues.

Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?

Deciding whether to fix or fully replace your garage door can feel a bit like choosing between patching up an old car or buying a new one. It’s important to consider both the age of the door and the cost-effectiveness of the options available:

• Repair: Best for newer doors or minor issues.
• Replace: Consider if multiple parts are aging and prone to fail soon, like a door that’s 15 years old.

Just fixing one old part might not make sense financially if the rest are also on their last legs. Replacing the entire door can be a safer and more economical long-term solution.

Professional Garage Door Repair Services

If your castle is located in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, or Georgia, consider Lee Company as your knight in shining armor! Whether you’re dealing with a garage door that’s off its tracks, a malfunctioning remote, or the need for a complete door replacement, we’ve got you covered.

With 24/7 emergency services, transparent pricing, financing options, and eight decades of experience, we’re confident we can tackle any garage door issue with ease! Contact us today to see how we can help protect your kingdom.