If you’re experiencing problems with your garage door, you might feel hesitant about hiring a garage door repair company. This is understandable—after all, why should you trust someone you don’t know? Here are six effective steps that will help you find a legitimate garage door repair company while ensuring peace of mind.
1. Verify the Company Credentials
The best way for consumers to protect themselves from fraud is by ensuring that the company they intend to hire is licensed. Residents of Orange County and California can verify a garage door repair company’s credentials and legitimacy on the CSLB website by searching for the company’s license number or business name.
Many consumers rely heavily on online reviews when searching online, assuming that positive reviews indicate a legitimate company, though this may not always be the case. It’s crucial to always verify the company’s license and address through the relevant official sources before sharing any personal information with them. If the license cannot be found or if the address is not local to your area, it is advisable to avoid the company.
2. Evaluate the Company Brand
Consumers can protect themselves by hiring reputable brands known for their trustworthiness and reliability. Garage door repair companies with a strong reputation are less likely to engage in fraudulent activities, as they have more at stake in terms of their brand image and customer trust.
Assess the website to determine if it effectively communicates trust or appears hastily put together by someone uninterested in operating a legitimate business. Look for information about their contractor license, business practices, and other relevant details.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
Contact several garage door repair companies. Be cautious of significantly lower bids, as they may indicate bait-and-switch tactics, subpar materials, or workmanship. Since the cost of garage door repair projects can often be complex to accurately evaluate over the phone, consider asking for a price range.
4. Insist on Written Contracts
Clear and consistent communication from the company can help consumers make informed decisions and avoid misunderstandings that could lead to fraudulent transactions. Legitimate garage door repair companies typically provide accurate and comprehensive information in the form of a written contract regarding their repair services, products, pricing, and policies. Ensure that the contract includes an official letterhead with the company’s license number, phone number, legal terms and conditions, and other relevant information.
5. Evaluate the Warranty
Review the warranty provided by the company. Pay attention to what is covered, the duration of coverage, any exclusions or limitations, and the process for making a claim. Be skeptical and cautious of garage door repair companies that offer lifetime warranties, especially on products or services that typically have a finite lifespan such as garage doors, openers, and springs. While a lifetime warranty may sound appealing, these warranties often come with numerous exclusions and may not provide the level of protection consumers expect.
6. Avoid Full Payment Upfront
While it’s perfectly legal for garage door repair companies to request down payments for repair and installation projects and receive payment as the work progresses, consumers may want to avoid paying the full amount upfront. Ensure that any amount paid is clearly documented in the contract.
Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Garage Door Repair Company
By following these steps and exercising due diligence before hiring a garage door repair company, consumers can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to contractor fraud and scams. Additionally, consumers may want to stay involved during repair and installation projects by maintaining regular communication with the contractor and inspecting the work as it progresses. Address any concerns or issues promptly to avoid misunderstandings or delays.
