We don’t want to scare you. Most garage door repairmen are honest hard working contractors. They’re certified professionals. The work they do is guaranteed and insured. But the Internet has created this weird situation where anybody can launch a website and not actually have a real garage door repair presence in the locale they say they serve. They hire workers off CraigsList who might not even be insured. They aren’t trained in the safe and correct procedures of garage door repair or garage door installation.

Be careful who you hire to repair or install your new garage door. Do your research. This brief guide breaks down what qualities to look for — and what warning signs to be wary of.

1) How much will this repair cost?

While it’s not easy to provide an exact cost without inspecting the garage door, all companies should be able to provide you with an estimated quote over the phone based on your description of the issue. Most repairs for a garage door cost between $100 to $300 on average. Areas with a higher cost of living like Granite Bay in Sacramento can lead to more costly repairs. The most expensive repairs generally involve garage door spring replacement or installing new garage doors. These repairs can cost more than $300, but it depends on your choice of parts and door.

2) Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?

Unfortunately, certain types of contract work do not require a license. This means that anyone can call themselves a professional repairman, even if they have no experience on the job. Your best option? Ask them if they’re licensed, bonded, and insured. If you’re in Sacramento, you can visit the Contractors State License Board website for more information on licensing and to verify your contractor’s license. An insured technician means you don’t have to worry if any damage occurs to your property.

3) Do you stand by your repairs with a 100% guarantee?

If you find a company that answers no to this question, consider walking away. A contractor that can’t stand by the work he performs is not an experienced contractor.

Other Ways You Can Avoid Repair Scams

If your repairman passed all three questions, it may be a good idea to do a little homework on their company before you proceed with hiring.

Here are a couple more things you can do to protect your wallet:

• Check their online reviews on Google & Yelp.
• Visit BBB and check for complaints.

If everything checks out, you’ve probably found yourself a great contractor to work with. Lastly, don’t forget to get everything in writing!