When finding the perfect garage door, there are some common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to wrong buying decisions leaving you frustrated and with additional costs added to your project. Garage doors have some fundamental components that you need to be aware of in the decision-making process in order to avoid these mistakes. Here are some things you should take into account.
Fundamentals first, design second
People can get carried away with the design of their garage door before they have the big stepping stones in place.
Measurements and quotes are a vital part of the garage door buying process. Once you have established that your building site is ready, you can initiate the beginning stages of your garage installment by getting in contact with us for a measure and quote. Always seek assistance for this from a professional; because if you try to measure up your garage door opener yourself, you could receive a quote that is totally inaccurate. Once you’ve received an accurate quote, it will help you narrow down what style and design of the garage door will be fit.
Leave the installation to the professionals
Don’t attempt to be the ‘Jack of all Trades’ by installing a garage door yourself. Garage doors need to be installed professionally for longevity.
One common misconception is that the best way to save money is to do things yourself. Although this can be true, if done inadequately, it can cost you the safety of your home, as well as cause you to fork out more money. Steel-Line is industry professionals with garage doors, and we know you’ll love our installations for both our styles on offer and their functionality. We can even give you a sneak peek of your future garage with our garage door visualisation program. These are photographic simulators that will give you instant insight into the future of your garage door. For more information on these services, you can get in contact with us on 1300 767 900, or check out our branch locator. 
Come prepared for your consultation
Know what you like, and what you don’t like. Know what will suit your lifestyle, and what will be a hindrance. Come prepared with examples of your desired garage door and what accessories would suit you.
What do you want it to look like?
It’s always a bonus knowing what style of garage door you want because it helps you ease into the consultation. There are a few things to take into account, and our garage door selection guide will help you decide, but the main criteria to be aware of are:
- What type of garage door
- Materials (wood, steel, aluminium, acrylic, etc)
- Style (modern, traditional)
- Colour
- Size (single, double, etc)
- What style of garage door opener
If you think about each of these it would greatly help you when approaching a consultation. To help you visualise what your garage door could look like, check out our FREE online garage door design tool.
Who will be using the garage door and how can you make it convenient for them?
You should also take into consideration the lifestyle of the people living in the home; or who the garage door will affect. If you have an elderly family member or someone with a physical disability that would struggle with lifting a garage door, then an automatic garage door would be more beneficial.
There are also numerous garage door accessories that you can choose from. These all have different perks and benefits to keep you safe, and save you time.
- For safety:
- Photoelectric beams: Detect obstructions whilst opening/closing doors; helps avoid injury to you and damage to your car.
- Emergency Key Release: In case of emergency power failure/malfunction, allows access to the garage through an internal/external keyhole. Useful if you need instant access, but have no electronic mechanism working to get in.
- Wireless Keypad: You can input up to 12 unique codes for family, friends and tradesmen. Allows you to leave your keys at home with some peace of mind.
- For convenience:
- Handsets: Key ring remote transmitters. Small, convenient and can be attached to your keys for easy access to up to 4 automated doors.
- Visor Mounted Transmitter: Small transmitter that attaches to the visor of your car, or on the wall of your house, with the ability to control up to 3 doors/gates.
- Wireless Wall Mounted Remote: Easy to use remote near an internal access door. Opens and closes the garage door, easily and efficiently.
Question the competitive quotes
Don’t settle for what people tell you. If you’ve received one quote and it’s substantially different to another, ask them why.
So often, companies believe their service is worth one price when another will do the exact same job for a substantially different sum of money. Sometimes it can be the difference between chalk and cheese; but you won’t know until you enquire.
Some good questions to ask would be:
- Does this quote include the price of supply AND installation?
- Is the product made in Australia?
- Does the supplier provide after-sale support services?
- Does the garage door and opener meet the Australian safety standards?
Many businesses are open to nut out the different components to their quote, and quite often have viable reasons for their difference, but you just don’t know until you ask. Those questions will help bring viability to their quote.
Time to enjoy!
Once it’s all been installed, and you’re happy with the outcome, you can begin to enjoy it! Do not hesitate to approach the installers if you have any issues. It is their job to fix and service your garage door and should be held accountable for any serious problems.
If for some reason they cannot be of any assistance, just call the Steel-Line Contact Centre on 1300 767 900 and we will be more than happy to assist you.