Tag: garage door contractor

Garage Doors in Residential Home Garage in Indiana

10 Ways to Identify Fraudulent Garage Door Companies

Written by garagedoordoc1 on February 14, 2023. Posted in Garage Door Installation. No Comments on 10 Ways to Identify Fraudulent Garage Door Companies

For homeowners, one of the most important homeownership concerns you must manage is the security and safety of your home. When it comes to keeping your house safe from outsiders, garage doors are essential in securing your residence’s perimeter, so servicing them is not something to be taken lightly.

Unfortunately, there has been an influx of fraudulent garage door companies offering unacceptable services or scamming unsuspecting customers out of their hard-earned money. That leaves many homeowners needing help finding legitimate professionals to complete repairs or installations. Below is a guide to help identify fraudulent garage door companies so that you can rest assured that your home will be kept safe by professional, reputable, and reliable technicians.

1. Check Reviews and References

Reviews and references are a great way to find out how a garage door company operates. Ask for references from the company and check online reviews on platforms such as Google, Yelp, or Angie’s List. This should give you an idea of their level of service, track record, and professionalism. Trustworthy companies usually have positive reviews and long-term customers willing to vouch for them and their services.

2. Get the Details

Before signing contracts or paying, ensure you understand the services provided. Ask for an itemized list of services and cost breakdowns to avoid hidden charges or surprise costs down the line. A reliable garage door company should also provide you with warranties on their work and materials so that any issues down the road can be fixed without additional cost. Legitimate companies will also clearly explain their policies on service calls, additional fees, and other potential scenarios related to servicing your garage door.

When getting the details, make sure to also ask about the company’s payment methods. Fraudulent companies often require customers to pay in cash or make payments through untraceable mediums such as wire transfers. Legitimate companies will typically accept credit cards, checks, and other common payment methods.

3. Check for Licensing and Insurance

Garage door companies should be licensed, insured, and registered to operate legally. Check your state’s laws to ensure that the company follows the correct licensing and insurance procedures. A reputable garage door company will provide you with proof of their credentials. If they do not, it’s best to avoid them since they may not operate with integrity or could even be involved in criminal activity.

These licenses and insurance policies will help protect you in case of accidents or injuries while servicing your garage door. Having a licensed and insured company on the job also ensures that they follow industry standards and regulations, which can guarantee the quality of their services.

4. Beware of Door-to-Door Services

No legitimate garage door company will offer door-to-door services. If a technician knocks on your doorstep offering to do repairs or installations, it’s best to decline their services, as this is often a sign that they are not credible or reliable. Legitimate companies will have a physical office and address so that you can check their records and verify the details of their operations before signing any contracts.

Additionally, always ask for credentials and proof of identity. If a company or technician is unwilling to provide these documents, they are likely not who they say they are.

5. Unusually Low Discounts

When a deal is too good to be true, it usually is. Unusually low discounts or promotional offers may indicate fraudulent activity, as these companies will often charge hidden fees and additional costs after completing the job.

Before signing any contracts, shop around and compare rates with other reputable garage door companies. This will give you an understanding of what a fair price should be for servicing and repairs so that you know when a deal is too good to be true. Even if the initial cost appears to be very low, remember that not all costs are upfront. Always read and understand the fine print before making a payment.

6. Your Gut Instincts

Most importantly, remember to trust your gut. If the company makes you uncomfortable, it’s best to look for another, more reputable option. Your safety and security should always come first. If you have doubts or suspicions about a garage door company, it’s best to avoid taking any risks and opt for someone else who can ensure the job is done right.

7. Below-Standard Material Quality

Garage doors are supposed to last for years, so you should always opt for quality materials when installing or repairing them. Low-grade and faulty materials can quickly lead to problems such as broken springs and hardware damage, leading to additional costs in the long run.

Fraudulent companies often use poor-quality parts that will only last for a while. Therefore, choosing a reputable company with good reviews can ensure that your garage door will be serviced with top-notch materials and equipment designed to last.

8. Avoid Companies That Charge for Quotes

Legitimate companies will never charge you to provide an estimate or quote. If a company is asking for payment to give you a price, then it’s best to steer clear and look for another option.

Always ask for quotes and estimates before engaging with any garage door company. This will help you understand the project’s cost and compare prices between different providers. Reputable companies will offer free quotes and estimates, so ensure you know all the costs before signing any contracts.

9. Rude or Unprofessional Employees

The type of customer service you receive is a major indicator of whether or not the company is reputable. Legitimate companies will go out of their way to ensure that you are satisfied with their services, while fraudulent businesses may be unresponsive and unwilling to answer your questions.

If the employees seem rude or unprofessional when dealing with your inquiries, it’s best to look for another option as this can often indicate that their practices are not up to par.

10. No Online Presence

If a garage door company is legitimate, it should have some online presence. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they need to have a website (although this is usually a good sign), but it does mean that you should be able to search for them on Google and see if there are any reviews or testimonials about their services.

Suppose the company has yet to find an online presence that can often indicate fraudulent activity. Always take time to read up on any garage door companies before signing contracts with them. If you are looking for a professional garage door company in the Indianapolis, IN, area, check out Garage Door Doctor for all your garage door needs.

Contact Us

Identifying fraudulent garage door companies can be tricky, but it’s important to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable business before entrusting them with your home. By researching and comparing different companies and using your gut instincts, you can successfully identify any potential red flags and choose a reliable option for all your garage door needs.

At Garage Door Doctor, we are a fully accredited garage door company providing a wide range of commercial and residential garage door services. You can rely on us for garage door replacement, maintenance, and repair at competitive prices. We are fully committed to giving you exceptional service and unrivaled materials. Take advantage of our free consultation by calling us today.

Common DIY Garage Door Installation Pitfalls

Written by garagedoordoc1 on October 17, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Installation.

More and more people are diving into the DIY craze. Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to get help with DIY projects, especially those around the house. With the resources available, why wouldn’t you save money while simultaneously achieving a sense of accomplishment?
At Garage Door Doctor, we are all for DIY projects to enhance the look and functionality of your home, but here to remind you that not all projects should be tackled on your own — and that includes garage door installation.

Don’t Risk These DIY Garage Door Installation Mistakes

At the beginning of the new year, our garage door contractors shared a post on Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY Garage Door Installation. Unlike other DIY projects, rather than save you money and bringing a sense of accomplishment, trying DIY garage door installation will likely result in damage expenses and a sense of incompetence and frustration. If you do not have the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment, the mistakes made during your attempt with garage door installation can result in costing you more than having a professional garage door company install your garage door from the get-go.

Regardless, some people have larger egos and think they can accomplish the task at hand, and it’s to those DIY-ragers that we dedicate this blog to. Continue reading, as we look at some of the common garage door installation mistakes that untrained people make when attempting to install their garage door.

Not Considering The Garage Space Beforehand

More likely than not, when homeowners try the DIY route it will be their first time installing a garage door. Many make the rookie mistake of installing their garage door after finishing the interior of their garage, including all the electrical wiring outlets and fixtures. This often leads to installing lights and other fixtures in the wrong area, throwing the whole installation off. The garage door opener needs to be at the exact center of the garage door; if the light is in this spot, the light will have to be moved to ensure a proper installation. The only solution to this problem is changing all the wiring to the light fixtures or installing the garage door opener off-center (which we don’t recommend – see why below).

Improperly Alignment Of The Door And Opener

When fixtures or outlets are placed in the center of their garage ceiling, many homeowners will install their garage door opener slightly off-center believing that it will not affect the functioning of the garage door. This is a big-time mistake as automatic garage door units need to be lined up with the center of the garage door itself. Even the slightest error in alignment of cani result in the twisting of your garage door whenever opening or closing, causing damage to the garage door system itself. Fixing this problem will definitely require the services of a professional garage door contractor, so why not hire one to begin with and avoid these risks?

Using Nails To Install The Tracks

Many do-it-yourselfers will try to keep some cash in their wallet by using nails instead of screws to install the garage door tracks. This is a total waste of time and money. In order to properly install a garage door track, you should use lag screws, not nails. Garage doors simply put too much stress and strain on the track and will easily pull nails out of, surely causing some damage to whatever the tracks and door fall on. When you hire professionals for garage door installation, you won’t have to worry about them using the wrong hardware and increasing the risk of damages.

Not Adjusting The Garage Door Once Installation Is Complete

Another common DIY garage door installation mistake is failing to adjust their garage door after installation. Professional garage door experts will check your garage door system after installation to ensure everything is in working order. If needed, they will make small but critical adjustments to ensure your new garage door system functions properly. If you do not have the proper knowledge or experience of garage door installation, you will not know if adjustments are necessary nor how to properly do them, which will cause your garage door to be less efficient and can lead to expedited wear and tear on system parts and components.

Trust Our Experts For Garage Door Installation Service

Don’t be a victim to the damages, expenses, and frustration that comes with trying DIY garage door installation. Instead, let the professionals handle the job. Hiring a professional garage door company to perform the installation services will save you money in the long run and give you the extra peace of mind that your home and family are safe. If you are in need of garage door installation in Indianapolis or the surrounding area, contact Garage Door Doctor for prompt and affordable service.

How To Repair Garage Door Dents

Written by garagedoordoc1 on October 7, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

Your garage door is an important part of your home. They not only keep your vehicles inside your garage safe and secure, but they also are typically the first thing guests and neighbors see when visiting or passing by. Unfortunately, garage doors experience a lot of wear and tear over time. And perhaps there is nothing more frustrating than having something as expensive as your garage door system get dinged up.

Dents are one of the most common issues that can happen to your garage door. When your garage door is dinged up, the curb appeal of your home suffers to some extent. Even if the dents are minor, they can cause an issue down the road if you are planning to sell your house in the future. Additionally, more dents can occur or worsen with continued use, which can potentially cause your garage door to malfunction and hinder your daily routine.

How Do Garage Door Dents Happen?

A garage door may suffer a dent for many reasons, some causing more serious damage than others. For example, something as simple as a basketball bouncing into your garage door can leave behind a small imprint, while something like running your vehicle into your garage door is likely to cause the entire panel to bend. Because there are a variety of ways that garage door dents can occur, our garage door contractors always recommend high-quality garage doors that offer incredible durability and are able to withstand minor dents and dings.

How To Repair Garage Door Dents

If you find that your garage door has been dented, it is best to address the problem sooner rather than later. Of course, we always suggest contacting a professional for garage door repair jobs so you can ensure the work is done right, but issues like garage door dents are something that many homeowners have fixed on their own. Not all garage door materials are easy to repair, though. Generally, only homeowners that have garage doors made of stainless steel or aluminum can repair small dents with the right tools. Continue reading to learn how to easily repair steel or aluminum garage door dents.

Aluminum Garage Door Dent Repair

Lucky for you, aluminum is the easiest type of garage door material to fix. However, in order to properly get dents out of your garage door, you’re going to need a few things. First, grab a bucket of lukewarm water and add a drop of dish soap, stirring evenly. Apply the soapy water to the dented area(s), scrubbing it with a sponge to remove any grime or debris. Let the area air dry while you go find aluminum foil, a lighter, and a can of compressed air.

Once the dented area is dry, cut a section of tin foil to place it over the dent. To make things easier, tape the foil over the dented area. Next, apply the flame from your lighter over the tin foil until the heat is transmitted to the dented area. The aluminum foil protects your garage door from any scorch marks during the heating process, which should only take about a minute. Once the heat is transmitted to the dented area, immediately remove the foil and spray the condensed air across the area evenly. Due to the molecular structure of aluminum, the abrupt change in temperature causes the dent to reverse as the surface moves back into its original position.

Steel Garage Door Dent Repair

Steel garage doors are a little trickier to fix and require a different approach to repairing dents. Steel garage doors will likely require a steel door or auto body filling compound. You’ll need to start the same way you would with an aluminum garage door — a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt. Once the dented area is clean and dry, you’ll need to sand the dent with the suggested grit level of sandpaper and wipe the dust away. Next, you will need to use a putty knife to apply the compound material to the dented area. Once the compound dries, use a finer grit of sandpaper to smooth the area and then apply primer and paint to the area to match the original color of your garage door.

Contact Garage Door Doctor For Garage Door Repair

If you have a steel or aluminum garage door, fixing dents shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. But if you have a different type of garage door or can’t seem to get the dent out yourself, you can rely on the garage door experts at Garage Door Doctor for garage door dent repair! Our team will be able to help you restore your garage door and transform the blemished surface or offer many affordable garage door replacement options.

If you are interested in learning more about our garage door services or receiving a free estimate, contact us today!

Consider These Questions Before Replacing Your Garage Door

Written by garagedoordoc1 on September 4, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis.

Durable garage doors will typically last 15 to 30 years, and even longer with the proper care and maintenance. Because garage doors are a long-lasting investment, when the time comes that you need to install a new one, it is important to make sure that you choose the right one for your home.

At Garage Door Doctor, we specialize in garage door replacement and installation services. We carry a wide selection of garage doors in different materials and styles. With all of the available choices, trying to select the right one for your home can certainly become overwhelming. Fortunately, our Indianapolis garage door contractors are here to help you! Before you opt for garage door replacement, ask yourself the following questions to ensure that the new garage door you are installing is the right one.

Why Are Replacing Your Garage Door?

Before you choose your new garage door, first think about your motivation behind a garage door replacement. Maybe you noticed one of the signs that indicate the need for a garage door replacement, such as an outdated design, loud and persistent noise, or repeated garage door repairs. Knowing what caused your existing garage door to require replacement can help you find a door that will not experience the same issues.

What Do You Want In Your New Garage Door?

To make finding the right garage door easier, try basing your choice off of the following criteria: function, aesthetics, and budget. The function of garage doors can vary depending on its durability, how insulated it is, how weather-resistant it is, and how it opens and closes. The aesthetics of your garage door depends on the material you choose for your door as well as how it fits in with the architectural style of your home. Lastly, the budget for your garage door will vary from homeowner to homeowner. Luckily, if you have a tight budget, there are many ways to find an affordable garage door solution. Let’s further expand upon these criteria:

What Type of Material Do You Want?

When it comes to installing a new garage door, one decision you will have to make is the type of material you need. The most popular materials for garage doors include metal, aluminum, and wood. If a natural appearance is something you want your garage door to have, wood is the way to go. Keep in mind, wooden garage doors will require more care and maintenance, especially weather-sealing so it can withstand the elements. Metal and aluminum garage doors offer durability and a more modern look, plus they will not require as much care compared to wooden garage doors.

What Will Be Your Garage’s Main Function

Do you use your garage space for something other than storing vehicles? Garage uses extend far beyond vehicle storage. Maybe you want to turn it into a home office or a gym. Or maybe you want to convert your garage into a comfortable living space. Know the main function of your garage can help you determine whether or not your door needs special features, such as insulation.

Is Appearance Important?

If you are looking to boost the curb appeal of your home, the aesthetics of your new garage door is an important consideration. Your garage door is one of the first things that people see when driving by your home, and a good-looking garage door can improve the value of your home through curb appeal. To get the most curb appeal, your new garage door should match the style, color, and trim to your front door and perhaps the siding of any windows. Choose a material such as wood that has a charming natural look.

Considering these three criteria should make choosing the right residential garage door much easier.

Are You Using The Right Garage Door Company

If you search Google for ‘garage door replacement near me’ you are going to find a lot of options. Keep in mind, you should not just choose the first garage door contractor you find. You want to make sure that the garage door company you choose offers garage door replacement and installs products from the leading garage door manufacturers. If you follow our tips for hiring the best garage door service company, you can ensure that your garage door replacement goes smoothly and is covered by a solid warranty.

Contact Us For Garage Door Replacement

Whether your door is old and outdated or you just want an upgrade in security, safety, and technology, if you are in the need for a garage door replacement, you can rely on the experts at Garage Door Doctor. We have years of experience providing customers with garage door replacements as well as our other garage door services. To schedule a free estimate or to learn more about replacing your garage door, contact the team at Garage Door Doctor today!

Get A Great ROI With A Garage Door Replacement

Written by garagedoordoc1 on March 17, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis.

Remodeling projects and upgrades are some of the best ways to add value to your home. When considering what upgrades to make to your house, you should consider which components add the most value. There are several remodeling projects and features that deliver a strong return on investment (ROI), but very few offer the investment return that new garage doors offer.

At Garage Door Doctor, we offer replacement and installation of garage doors that will deliver the highest possible ROI in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

Home Projects That Offer The Best ROI

There are plenty of remodeling projects that you can do around the house that will offer a strong return on investment. Over the past few years, the same types of projects have ranked in similar ROI percentiles. Year after year, garage door replacements are regularly at the top of the list. Consider the following home components:

Garage Door Replacement / / 97.5 percent ROI
Manufactured Stone Veneer / / 94.5 percent ROI
Minor Kitchen Remodel / / 80.5 percent ROI
Deck Addition / / 75.6 percent ROI
Entry Door Replacement / / 74.9 percent ROI

Other Reasons To Opt For A Garage Door Replacement

Replacing your garage door has taken over the top of remodeling projects with the highest ROI average. However, in addition to the cost that you recoup, there are plenty of other great reasons to contact a professional garage door company to install a new garage door. Not only will a garage door replacement increase the volume of your home, but whenever the time comes to sell your home, it will sell quicker and for more money.

While this is a significant reason to opt for a garage door replacement, let’s take a look at some other great reasons to get a new garage door.

Increased Curb Appeal

Home exterior upgrades such as garage doors rack up the largest ROI when compared to interior upgrades. Residential garage door installation enhances the curb appeal of your home.

Transform The Look of Your Home

Having curb appeal can really help when it comes to selling your home, but upgrading the whole look of your home is essential when you choose a new garage door. By adding a brand new garage door to your garage, you can transform your home! Consider these options to increase your ROI and transform your home:

Create Balance. Balance the exterior of your home by choosing a garage door that matches its style, design, and color.
Add Contrast. When getting a new garage door, select one that stands out. Match your garage door to other features of your home – complementary colors are the secret to making your garage one of the leading features of your home.
Restore Original Appeal. Restore the original beauty of your garage door by retouching it colors and getting any garage door repairs you may need.

Increase Your ROI With A Garage Door Replacement From Garage Door Doctor

If you want to get the best possible return on investment on a new garage door, contact the professional technicians at Garage Door Doctor. We install quality garage doors from some of the leading manufacturers and we also offer other services to keep your garage door system in tip-top shape. For more information, contact us!

When Is The Best Time For A Garage Door Replacement

Written by garagedoordoc1 on February 23, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis.

Are you dealing with a faulty, worn, or broken garage door? If you are constantly dishing out money for garage door repairs, a garage door replacement may be worth the investment. But when is the best time to replace your garage door? Well, the best time to upgrade and replace your garage door is actually right around the corner!

The springtime signals a time of change for a lot of people. Spring cleaning kicks off, the flowers begin to bloom, and the days get longer. When the temperatures begin to rise, and the outdoors begin to thaw, it’s the perfect time to start considering replacing worn, weathered, rusted equipment, including your garage door. Spring is not only a convenient time to work on home improvement projects, but it is also the perfect time to contact Garage Door Doctor for a garage door replacement.

Why Spring Is The Best Time For A Garage Door Replacement

While most garage door companies have the best prices of the year for new garage door installation when the weather begins to warm up and the tax returns start coming in. However, there are other reasons to consider a garage door replacement in addition to cost. Every garage door system implements a spring system that counterbalances the weight of the door.

After long, cold winters, like the ones we experience in Indiana, it is common for these springs to lose their resiliency and break. Replacing garage door springs in the winter months is typically not something that garage door contractor recommends. However, the springtime not only offers great weather for inspecting and replacing garage door springs, but it is also a great time to replace the garage door itself, with the assistance of a garage door technician, of course.

Even if you don’t opt for a garage door replacement, you may still want to consider a tune-up at the very least – counterbalancing garage doors is a service that is most commonly performed in the spring.

Signs It’s Time For A Garage Door Replacement

Replacing your garage door can not only save homeowners time, money, and hassle, but garage door replacements can also enhance your curb appeal, improve daily functionality, and modernize your home’s exterior. It is recommended that garage doors are replaced after 10 to 20 years, but if you are still unsure about whether you should replace your garage door, be on the lookout for the following signs of a garage door replacement.

Constant Garage Door Maintenance. If your garage door has been put through constant repairs and has been frequently unreliable, then you likely could benefit from a garage door replacement.
Noisy Operations. Sure, your garage door makes noise when it opens and closes. However, as the door ages and begins to wear, excessive vibration can become excessively noisy. This is sometimes an indication that certain parts, such as springs or tracks need maintenance, but it could also be a sign that you need a garage door replacement.
Appearance. The appearance of your garage door enormously affects the property value and curb appeal of your home. After years of use and exposure to the outdoor elements, your garage door will begin to show signs of wear and tear, such as dents, cracks, and other signs of damage. While some of these damages can be repaired, eventually, the appearance of wear and tear can not be ignored. Replacing your garage door with a modern design to match the rest of your home and increase exterior beauty is a worthy investment.
Safety and Security. Garage doors are large objects and weigh enough to cause serious injuries if they slam shut unexpectedly. Not only are new garage door styles more attractive and manufactured from superior materials, but they also feature the latest safety standards, like automatic reversals, added security, and locking capabilities. These upgrades can prevent safety-related concerns.
Energy Loss. For homes with attached garages, panels and worn materials can significantly reduce the garage doors overall energy-efficiency. In turn, this can increase heating and cooling costs. Some of the newer garage models include insulation which helps maintain your indoor temperatures and ensure energy-efficiency.
Speed. After sending a command to your door, it should respond within a few seconds. If the door takes more than 10 seconds, then you should call a garage door company to inspect the cause and help determine if a replacement is needed.

Choose Garage Door Doctor For Your Garage Door Replacement

If you are a homeowner in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, call the team at Garage Door Doctors for all of your garage door installation and replacement needs. Our extensively trained and experienced garage door contractors can easily help you find and install a quality garage door that enhances the look of your home, improves safety and functionality, and increases the value of your home. Take advantage of our free estimates on any garage door replacement so you know exactly what you’re getting.