While there are many reputable businesses, there are unfortunately many scammers who will take advantage of people. It’s aggravating when you find out you’ve been duped and overcharged by a fly-by-night company – and they’ve disappeared, never to be seen again.

We’ve put together some tips so you can be on watch against shady businesses and get your garage door done right the first time and at a fair price.

• Avoid a repairs-only company. Many unscrupulous scammers will focus solely on repair work as opposed to repair and installation services. This is simply because they know when customer is in a bind and needs their door fixed quickly, they’ll likely turn to the first person available to do the job. Research contractors and companies ahead of time to see if they do both repair and installation.
• Get bids from multiple companies. Have two or three companies come out to give an estimate. If one estimate is ridiculously low or outrageously high, that’s a good sign to stay away from them.
• Check them out on BBB. The Better Business Bureau is a fantastic resource for consumers to ensure the validity of a business and check their “grade” from the BBB.
• Look at certifications. In addition to BBB, see if they are a member of the International Door Association (IDA) and/or a member of a local chamber of commerce.

There’s no harm in doing your due diligence and making sure you hire a reputable company — it could save you time, money and frustration!