Garage door repair: Don’t let urgency override caution
Shopping for a new garage door or seeking a business to repair your current garage door can be a challenge. Whether you are looking for an aesthetically sound garage door, extra insulation or one for better security or if your garage door simply needs repairs, it may be best to consult a professional.
At times, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas has received reports from consumers of poor or shoddy garage repair work in addition to outright scams where homeowners pay money in advance and no work is completed.
Homeowners may be especially susceptible to these situations when their garage door suddenly malfunctions, such as when the garage door spring breaks, and they are in a rush to fix the problem.
In order to find a legitimate garagerepair service, however, it is important to do your homework first. The BBB offers these helpful tips when seeking a company:
• Research the company. Remember to do your homework and research the company; reading consumer reviews may help before hiring a business as well reviewing any complaints filed by consumers. Work with a local business and avoid businesses with vague, nonspecific names. Visit BBBHouston. org to read reports on garage door repair businesses.
• Choose a company that is
bonded and insured. Don’t hire someone who surprisingly shows up at your doorstep without having them provide some credentials.
Making sure the company is “bonded” means that you are financially protected if the job is done poorly or left unfinished. Insurance, on the other hand, covers their liability while on duty. For example, if they injure themselves while working, their company’s insurance will be able to cover any claims and you won’t be liable. • Check the company’s vehicle. Technicians often are required to use a company car, so make sure the vehicle they use has signs for the business and contact information on it.
• Payments should be made to
the company, not the technician. Be leery of technicians asking for money up front, especially in cash. Payments always should be paid to the company and not the individual technician. Never pay for the job in advance, and it is best to pay using a credit card or check rather than cash. • Get everything in writing. Ask for a written contract that specifies the price, labor and time frame of the job before authorizing any work to begin. Never sign anything unless you have thoroughly read all paperwork and are aware of any warranties or guarantees.
• Resist aggressive sales pitches
and irresistible prices. Don’t fall for the lowest bid; it could leave you with poor work done. Get multiple estimates and/or quotes before choosing a repair service; three to four estimates should be sufficient. Also, request references and be sure to follow up with them.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.