How to Vet a Garage Door Dealer

While many seem to think that getting a new garage door is as simple as choosing one and finding a person to install it, there’s a lot more to it than that. Naturally, reputation is important, and that’s something that you’ll want to look into. Also, does the garage door dealer back up the quality of their work with a warranty?

To help you properly check out a garage door dealer, here are some other things you should look into:

Garage Door installer

Vet Their Reputation

The Internet is your best ally for this. Take the time to search the garage door dealer on popular review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List. What do other customers have to say about the business? Were they pleased with the service received? How did they feel about pricing?

In addition to searching on the web, why not pay a few dealers a visit? When you’re there, check out the sales representatives. Do they seem knowledgeable and friendly? Also, feel free to ask for references from other customers who’ve had work done by that dealer in your area.

Vet Their Experience

The first question you should ask is this: How long has this garage door dealer been in business?

Next, look into the business’ accreditation. Any garage door dealer should have certification from multiple sources, demonstrating that they’re qualified to sell, install and repair garage doors. Most garage door dealers should be certified by the International Door Association. Also, they should be certified by the manufacturers of the garage doors that they sell. A garage door dealer that sells GARAGA garage doors should be a certified Garaga Expert, for example.

Vet Their Compliance with Codes and Regulations

If the garage door dealer isn’t compliant, then that’s something that could get you fined, may pose a safety risk, and might cost you substantial repair bills. So, be sure to get a feel for the garage door dealer’s understanding of local building codes and regulations.

When you do so, see if they’re certified in safety practices. To do this, just ask to see their safety licenses. If you’re not sure what to look for, then do a little research before you ask. Doing this ensures that your garage doors will be installed safely.

Vet Their Insurance

A garage door dealer should cover their business and their employees with insurance, just like any other contractor. When you’re vetting the dealer, ask to see their Certificate of Insurance. If they don’t have one or even if they seem put off by you asking to see it, then don’t do business with that garage door dealer. These are red flags that the business you’re checking out is entirely disreputable.

Vet Their Stability

Simply, you want to make sure that the business is still going to be there in the event that you have to use your warranty. If you find yourself in a situation where your garage doors are malfunctioning and the dealer that installed them is out of business, then you’re going to be out of a lot of money! So, make sure that the garage door dealer you choose is in it for the long haul.

To find out, you can ask a garage door dealer about their financial situation. Ask them how business has been going and what they expect for the future. Most will be happy to share this information. Also, you can look into their web presence and review sites, and get a sense for how long they’ve been around.

Don’t Forget to Vet

So long as you choose to examine the above considerations, you should be able to find the right garage door dealer. So, be sure to do your research, and good luck in your hunt for your new garage doors!

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