How to find a good garage door service

There’s a saying, “it’s who you know that counts!” and when it comes to good garage door service, this really holds true. Garage Door Repair Suffolk offers these helpful and very simple tips on how to find the right garage door service not only here in Suffolk, VA but anywhere else in the country you may be. While you always have the option to try and repair your garage door yourself, it’s nice to have affordable and highly professional choices to call upon when time is of the essence or when you insist on the job done right!

Ready; begin!

No, we are not running a race! But it IS smart to start your search for a good garage door repair shop early. You never know when you’ll need to use their services and having quick and convenient access to a licensed, bonded and insured repair service can be a real godsend.

Garage doors should be treated like any other important appliance that we use and value. Not only do they enhance (or detract) from our property’s appearance but they also guard the largest entrance to our home or building, so it’s always best to have repair or service options available and handy. Just like other appliances, garage doors wear out with age and use. They can also be damaged by weather, crime and accidents. No matter what is causing your garage door to need service, it’s always a good idea to use the highest quality and most cost effective means to repair it.

Aren’t they all the same?

Garage door service companies are NOT all alike! Here in Suffolk, VA you can find quite a variety of shops that are more than happy to help you but it pays to know what to really look for. Of course, you can apply these tips to any garage door repair service, even if you are in another part of the country. Start by asking your family members, friends, co-workers and close associates who they recommend. Some will have an opinion and others won’t, but pay attention to their reactions. People remember both bad and good experiences so take note of what they liked (or didn’t like) about their particular garage door repair service. If the experience was bad; cross that one off of your list but if it was good to outstanding, be sure to tell the company about it when you hire them. All businesses love referrals and you might just get a discount on your next visit, or one for your friend!

Unresolved complaints

Don’t kid yourself; every business gets complaints at some point. It’s just a fact of life. What DOES matter is if those complaints are numerous, and if they go unresolved. A simple search online should be able to tell you about the company you are considering working with. You can check with your local Better Business Bureau by calling their telephone number or going to their website. Here in Suffolk, VA we can go thru the Norfolk, Virginia office but if you are in another part of the country you can call your local or regional BBB. Don’t be concerned about membership in the BBB. They are NOT a government agency like many think. They are a membership site that reports on local businesses and monitors their registered complaints. If you see no complaints or just a few that ARE resolved; relax and consider using this company.

Don’t go with “cheap!”

We know; you want to save money! But don’t “step over dollars to pick up nickels” by hiring the least expensive choice. You might wind up with shoddy workmanship that can result in another repair bill, or worse; bodily injury or property damage! Instead, choose a quality shop that is licensed, bonded and insured for your peace of mind and protection. Choosing the right garage door service for your particular needs should be just like selecting any other home improvement contractor. Are they professional in their demeanor? How do they sound when they answer the telephone? Are they helpful and forthcoming with their answers? Do they give free price quotes and free consultations? Does their service include 24-hour emergency help?

Big ads lend credibility, right?

No! Don’t be fooled by big or numerous advertisements either on billboards or in the yellow pages. Flashy websites or glossy fliers are also not to be trusted as all this means is that the advertiser spent more money than the others. Big ad budgets don’t equate with honesty or skill so be aware! Some of the best garage door repair shops hardly advertise at all; they don’t have to; the good word of mouth reviews keep them busy and in business!

Make a list

Write down your list of questions for potential Suffolk, VA garage door service companies. That way you won’t forget a really important one or get sidetracked on to something else when you interview shops. Points you can ask about include advertised specials, warranties, free estimates, service guarantees, product brands, 24-hour availability, length of time in business, previous company names, licensing, insurance coverage, labor costs, mobile fees, names of references and anything else that you deem important.

Don’t forget…

Never authorize a repair or service until the technician thoroughly explains what is wrong and the cost of fixing it. If you can, get three estimates from your top choices and compare them for pricing, quality of parts and other pertinent details. Bear in mind that you don’t have to pick just one company to work with. You can have two or more choices and try them out for different garage door repair or installation needs. It never hurts to have a good, solid back-up! Be smart and enter at least one of these into your smart phone contacts list. Time is of the essence when your garage door is not working right or when it actually poses a danger to you or to your loved ones. Bottom line – be smart, be choosy and be ready!