If it’s time to replace or repair your garage door, you might be sifting through several garage door companies looking for the one that’s right for you. Choosing a garage door company takes careful consideration. While you don’t often think about it, a garage door makes up a significant portion of your home’s exterior. You need one that makes you happy every time you come home and can stand up to wind and weather. You also want to work with a company experienced in the delicate machinery that makes a garage door run smoothly.
Whether in the market for a garage door repair or a whole new door, this guide will teach you how to choose a garage door company that’s committed to quality service and superior products.
1. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Any company’s online reputation is paramount. When it comes to local services, reviews from your community can be telling. Search online for reviews of garage door dealerships, and look for high average ratings as a starting place. Dive into reviews from particular users to get a better sense of how the company operates.
It’s common for a company to have a few negative reviews, so don’t take one or two negative reviews as a bad sign. If the majority of the notes are positive, you can still learn from negative reviews. Look at how the company responds to these comments. Are unsatisfied customers ignored, or does the company take action to correct problems? Most good companies stand by their work and take the time to fix issues with their customers.
2. Consider the Local Service Range
When considering companies, one of the first steps is to determine if a company serves your area. A good rule of thumb is to look at companies with a service range that’s not too narrow and not too vast. You want a trusted company local to your community, with a small enough service range that you can get the attention you deserve. If you ever experience an issue with your garage door, you want a team that can arrive quickly to get your door working again soon.
Blankenship Garage Doors is located in Bend, Oregon, and services Central Oregon — including Bend, La Pine, Madras and Redmond.
3. Look at Certifications
A company’s certifications and memberships act as independent verification of quality service. Several certifications and associations mark a garage door dealer in good standing.
International Door Association Membership (IDA)
The IDA is the premier association for the door and access system industry. Garage door dealers, branches, suppliers and service technicians can each join the organization. Belonging to an industry association shows commitment to responsible business practices. Industry associations seek to benefit the entire industry by promoting honesty and fairness.
Members of the IDA follow the IDA Code of Business Conduct, which ensures the best of customer service and accountability. The code has eight tenets:
- Customer Satisfaction
- Truth in Selling
- Responsible Conduct
- Truth in Advertising
- Safety Compliance
- Contracts and Product Services
- Sealed Bid Procedures
- Regulatory Compliance
Manufacturer Certification or Authorization
Most garage door dealerships specialize in particular brands of garage doors. Blankenship Garage Doors, for example, is a Clopay® Authorized Dealer™. Authorization from the manufacturer means a dealer will install your garage door correctly. They will always use the right tools and procedures. An authorized dealer also upholds a manufacturer’s warranty and knows how to maintain and repair the door. So, you get peace of mind knowing your garage door will always be taken care of.
Local Associations
A local association, such as the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA), shows commitment to your local community. Like the IDA, local associations promote ethical business practices. They also commit to providing education to their members, so you know your dealership or garage door repair company is well-informed in their trade.
4. Ask for Proof of Insurance
All garage door installers and contractor businesses need insurance to work on your home. It’s the law, and it protects you in the unlikely event something goes wrong. While an established garage door dealer has plenty of expertise, proof of insurance gives you peace of mind. A reputable garage door company will happily provide this information for you.
5. Compare Quotes
Every household has a different budget and set of needs for installation, repair and maintenance services. By collecting quotes from a few different companies, you can learn about the pricing of several companies and also how they conduct business.
Does the company call you back quickly and ask about your unique needs before drawing up a quote? Do they offer free quotes and allow you to look at quotes for all the models you are considering? Do they discuss the quality of each of their models, or push you toward options with deep discounts? After getting quotes from the companies you’re interested in, you have a much better idea of the price you’ll pay as well as the quality you’ll receive.
6. Evaluate Services Offered
Not every garage door company will offer all the services and products you want. Every home has a unique set of needs, and it’s vital to find a company that meets those needs.
- Emergency services: A broken garage door can interrupt your day and cause a safety hazard. If a broken door or opener leaves you unable to move your car, you need a company that can be on the scene quickly. Blankenship Garage Doors prides itself in before- and after-hours repairs for these situations.
- Services for your model: If you’re looking for repairs, you’ll want to locate the best garage door company with expertise in your model. Many companies will service any brand of door. A Clopay dealer will provide premium care and excel at repair services for Clopay models.
- Quality and affordability: Every garage door company will have a range of quality and prices. Consider if a company pushes their doors at the lowest price possible, or if they focus on quality first. A quality door will have durable construction and an attractive appearance that enhances curb appeal. Look for a company that recommends the best doors within your budget.
7. Look for Guarantees and Manufacturer Warranty
The best contractors and home services companies stand behind their work. Working with a manufacturer-approved dealer will ensure you can take advantage of a manufacturer’s warranty on the products you install. The best companies will go beyond that warranty, offering a complete satisfaction guarantee. At Blankenship Garage Doors, we want you to be happy with your new garage door, installation, repairs and maintenance. We guarantee our work and will complete every job to your satisfaction.
Choose Blankenship Garage Doors as Your Central Oregon Garage Door Dealer
If you’re in the market for a new garage door or are looking for repair and maintenance services, trust Blankenship Garage Doors. As an Authorized Clopay Dealer, we’re the best garage door company to outfit your home with a quality, long-lasting garage door. Browse our collections or use our Clopay Door Imagination System to see how an attractive door can boost your curb appeal. We also provide timely, quality-guaranteed repairs, even when it’s outside regular business hours.
As a member of the IDA and COBA, we’re committed to leading the garage door industry and bettering our local community. We proudly serve Bend, La Pine, Madras, Redmond, and surrounding areas of Central Oregon. Let us find the garage door that’s right for your home, and be your dependable repair and maintenance partner. Request a free estimate today.
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