When shopping around for a new garage door, choosing a reputable and trustworthy company is without a doubt the most important part of the process. Before hiring a company to install your garage door, you should inquire about various aspects of their business to better understand if they’re the right fit for your project and ensure that they have the experience and knowledge to complete the installation on your behalf. Here are five things to ask before you make your decision.

1.) How long have they been in business?

It can be risky to put your trust in a company that isn’t established in the industry. After all, not every new business will stand the test of time. If something goes wrong and you need repair or maintenance services down the line or have a warranty issue, a less-established company may not survive long enough to be available.

In addition, garage doors are complex systems that require a great deal of experience to properly install, repair, and maintain. You want to be fully confident that the company you hire knows garage door systems inside and out. If a company’s been around for at least five years, it’s probably a good indication that they provide quality work and can serve their customers’ maintenance and repair needs in the future.

2.) Do they have a good reputation?

Before choosing a company for your next project, you should find out what their customers have to say about them. Looking at a company’s website isn’t the best way to determine their reputability. Since they create the content, they can filter out any information they don’t want you to know about. That’s why it’s important to do your research and look for customer testimonials, comments, and complaints that could tell a different story. You want to hire a company that cares about its customers and has your best interests at heart.

A good gauge of a company’s reputation is its Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The BBB rating is based on information collected about the business, including customer complaints. If the company has a high rating, it's often a good indication that they’re operating in a trustworthy manner and are committed to resolving customer concerns.

3.) Do they provide a warranty on labour?

Garage door manufacturers often include warranties on their doors and door components. This usually protects against defects, deterioration, and structural failures. However, don’t confuse this with a guarantee on the garage door company’s installation. You should make sure the company provides a warranty on all labour. If they’re committed to providing top-quality workmanship, they’ll stand behind what they do.

The company should also provide comprehensive after-sale services. Garage door systems are no small investment, and it’s a good idea to make sure you work with a company that provides long-term support.

Read more: Understanding the Difference Between Installation and Manufacturer's Warranties

4.) What accreditations and certifications do they have?

If you're looking for a garage door company in Canada, it's important that the one you choose is a member of the Canadian Door Institute (CDI) and the International Door Association (IDA).

If the company holds CDI certification, it means they have the necessary skills to ensure their workplace is safe. In addition, it guarantees that their technicians have received extensive training on how to install, service, and repair garage doors and electric garage door operators.

Companies that receive IDA accreditation participate in a comprehensive six-part course that covers all aspects of the residential and commercial garage door and access systems industry. They must also provide documentation to the IDA pertaining to insurance coverage, tax registration, licensing, and business tenure.

As a member of these associations, companies also receive the resources and support they need to uphold the highest customer service standards.

Read More: View Creative Door Services^TM Accreditation & Memberships

5.) Are they insured?

It's a good idea to ask for insurance credentials before hiring a company to perform work on your property. If the business is insured, you likely won’t be held liable if something goes awry during the installation or repair. In addition, you likely won’t be on the hook if the technician gets injured. If a company isn’t willing or able to provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate, this should be seen as a red flag.

Garage Doors and Commercial Doors In Canada

Creative Door Services^TM provides safe and reliable garage door repair, installation, and maintenance services. All of our locations are BBB A+ accredited and we’re members of the IDA and CDI. We only carry high quality products that pass our rigorous standards and meet out refined safety practices.

If you have any questions about our products and services, we’d be happy to answer them. Contact one of our eight branches across Western Canada today. We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.