Having the garage door replaced in your Gainesville, VA home may seem like a big project. It’s also a project that you want completed as perfectly as possible. The results will have a direct impact on your home’s visual appeal and security. Our garage door installers have all of the skills, tools, and experience necessary to get the job done right. However, there are several things that you can do to help their work proceed smoothly. Here are all of the things you should do to prepare your home for a garage door installation.
1. Choose Your Door Type and Style
Before you can have a new garage door installed, you must choose the door type and style you want. Your decision will have a direct impact on the process required to install your new garage door. For example, a traditional sectional garage door will be lightweight and straightforward to install. However, if you choose something heavier, like a solid wood carriage house door, that will complicate things. It will likely mean you’ll need to set aside more time to allow for the proper installation of your new door. It may also mean that your garage may need additional modifications to accommodate the door you’ve chosen.
2. Remove Your Vehicles From Your Garage
Before your scheduled installation date, you will need to remove your vehicles from your garage. This will ensure that your installer has enough room to comfortably work on the installation. It will also protect your vehicles from any possible accidental damage. Ideally, you should move your vehicles onto the street near your home. This is important because the installer will need to back their truck onto your driveway to reach your garage. If street parking is unavailable, plan to be around to move your cars from your driveway before your installation appointment. The installer will let you know how much room they require once they arrive at your home.
3. Clean Out Your Garage
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably use your garage as a storage place for things that don’t fit elsewhere. Unfortunately, too much clutter in your garage will make it difficult for an installation team to work efficiently. So, you will need to clean out your garage before your installation date. Focus on anything you’re storing close to the garage door opening. Make sure to create as much space around that opening as you can. Then, stand beneath your garage door while it’s open and look up. Professional garage door installers will need the space below the door with a few feet on all sides to work. So, if you have anything blocking that space, move it elsewhere until the installation is completed.
4. Schedule a Day off on Your Installation Date
Although it’s possible to have your garage door installed without you being there, it’s better if you’re at home. That way, you’ll be there to answer any questions the installers have and be there if your belongings need moving. Also, you should be present to give final confirmation regarding the door style and hardware getting installed. That will ensure everything gets done right on the first try, so you can avoid sacrificing any additional time.
5. Plan a Way to Keep Kids and Pets Occupied
If you have any kids or pets in your home, you must keep them occupied during your garage door installation. Garage doors and their hardware are heavy and could pose a risk to children or pets. Plus, your installers will be focused on their own safety and the successful installation of your garage door. So, it’s a good idea to plan some activities to keep your children and pets entertained on installation day.
For cats, the best option is usually to keep them in a closed room during the installation. If you have a dog, consider keeping them on an outdoor tie-out if weather permits. Or, you can prepare some toys and treats to keep their attention focused on you. For your children, an off-site play date is a great option so you can relax during your garage door installation. Otherwise, try to choose enough of your kids’ favorite movies to last for the duration of the work. Most garage door installations take between four and six hours. You can also ask for a specific time estimate in advance of your installation so you’ll know what to expect.
6. Decide on Your Accessory Installation Preferences
If you’re having your new garage door installed with a garage door opener, it will come with some accessories. It will have one or more wall consoles to control it and a keyless entry pad for installation outside your garage. In most cases, homeowners opt to put a wall console next to their garage’s interior entry door. That makes it easy to open and close your garage without walking all the way into it. However, if you’d prefer to have your control pad installed elsewhere, you’ll need to tell your installer that. You will also need to make sure the area around your preferred installation location is clear. Plus, you need to let your installer know if you’d like your keyless entry panel installed at a specific height.
7. Think of Any Questions You Want to Ask Your Installer
When you begin the process of choosing a new garage door, you’ll likely ask the salesperson a variety of questions. However, you may still have a few questions remaining that you didn’t think of during the sales process. The good news is that most installation teams can also answer any questions you may have. So, take some time to think of any questions you’d like to ask your installer while they’re at your home. They should set aside enough time to answer them either before or after they complete your installation. Plus, the company that sold you the door should have staff available to answer your questions. If you call them instead, you can help your installer complete their work as efficiently as possible.
Your Trusted Garage Door Installation Team
Since 1971, Door Pro America has been the go-to garage door company for homeowners in Gainesville. We pride ourselves on having the widest selection of garage doors to meet your home’s needs. Plus, our team of licensed and insured technicians comprises the finest installers in the business. The quality of their work is why we’re so comfortable offering a full warranty on all the work they perform. They can also see to all of your repair and garage door opener needs, too. Plus, we offer a Best Price Guarantee, so you’ll always know you got your money’s worth. And if that’s not enough, check out our recent projects’ gallery and our long list of positive customer reviews. They’ll let you know just what to expect when you work with us. So, when you need a garage door installed in Gainesville, call Door Pro America right away! We offer not only installations but garage door repairs and tune-ups as well.
