Get Quotes from Top Garage Door Contractors in Dallas, TX
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Garage Door Contractor in Dallas
With the staggering number of fatalities and emergency room visits caused by garage door accidents, some involving children, ensuring your garage door is in peak condition is critical to you and your family's safety at home. As a result, hiring a skilled garage door repair contractor who can do a fantastic repair or maintenance job is always the way to go.
To guarantee that you pick appropriately qualified garage door repair professionals in Dallas who deliver their services in accordance with federal garage door safety standards, ask the following questions:
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Garage Door Repair Contractor in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Garage Door Repair Contractors in the City?
- What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?
- Will You Get the Garage Door Installation Permits as Required per the Dallas Building Code?
- What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Garage Door Repair Contractors in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Garage Door Contractor in the City
Are You Licensed to Practice as a Garage Door Repair Contractor in Dallas?
The Texas Department of Public Safety is in charge of licensing garage door contractors in Dallas. Your contractor does not need a license from the Department unless your project involves the installation of a gate or garage/upward-acting door operator that is connected to an alarm system. You will also need a license if your garage door allows for monitoring or tracking of ingress and egress. What this means is if your contractor only installs garage door openers or electronic gate openers and does no additional work, no license is required.
Contractors who require licensing from the Department of Public Safety to operate can apply using the Texas Online Private Security platform by correctly filling out the online application form. Where applicable, use the Texas Online Private Security Search to check your contractor's license.
Note that in addition to a license from the Department of Public Safety, garage door contractors in Texas will also need to obtain a general contractor license from the City of Dallas. To apply, download, print, and fill out the Application for Contractor Registration and submit it to the Building Inspections Office at:
Oak Cliff Municipal Center320 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75203
Phone: (214) 948-4480
For more information on licensing of garage door contractors in Dallas, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at (512) 424-2000.
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Garage Door Repair Contractors in the City?
The amount your garage door installation or repair project will cost in Dallas is broadly determined by six major factors, namely:
- The degree of the garage door's damage
- The garage door's style and design
- The material from which the garage door is made
- Overhead door finishes
- The job's labor intensity and
- Your precise location in the city
Before making your final hiring decision, obtaining and comparing quotes from different garage door repair contractors in the area is best. This allows you to obtain a reasonable estimate of the going costs for your essential repair services and also protects you from being duped by fraudulent garage repair door professionals. When seeking cost estimates from these contractors, make sure you give them similar task details. Also, do not simply hire the contractor with the lowest bid. Investigate why their rates are lower than others, and keep an eye out for other qualifying characteristics such as their licensing status and area of specialization.
Garage door repair contractors in Dallas earn an annual average wage of $45,120. The list below compares the hourly average wages of these contractors with those of garage door repair contractors in other major Texas cities as well as other locations across the country:
What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?
Garage door repair providers in Dallas typically offer a wide range of services to residents of the city. These services are classified into four categories, namely:
- Garage Door Installation: This service includes both the installation of new garage doors and garage door openers. These services are typically requested by people moving into newly constructed homes and homeowners who want to renovate their homes or upgrade their outdated garage doors and garage door openers. The cost of a new installation, including labor, ranges from $250 to $3,000, depending on the garage door's size, shape, style, and material.
- Garage Door Replacement: This service is similar to installing a new door in that it involves the replacement of a damaged door or a component of the door opening mechanism. As a result, prices and labor costs may remain the same as if the installation were new. Depending on the new garage door brand you're installing, you might be able to save money on replacement service if you reuse some old parts, such as openers or rails. However, before reusing other parts, verify with your contractor for safety reasons to ensure that they are compatible with the new garage door.
- Garage Door Repairs: This service involves maintaining the smooth operation of garage doors and addressing faults that may interfere with their efficient operation. Among the most common garage door repair services requested by Dallas homeowners are:
- Auto-reverse testing
- Bent/broken garage door track repairs
- Broken garage door cable repairs
- Broken garage door spring repairs
- Broken or loose hinges
- Broken or loose rollers
- Damaged garage door panel replacements
- Door frame damage
- Door panel damage
- Moving parts lubrication
- Roller inspections and replacements
- Safety sensor alignments
- Garage Door Maintenance: This is the process of sustaining the perfect condition of a garage door through monthly maintenance with a competent Dallas garage door repair business. When they arrive, the company will perform a general inspection for damage, lubricate moving parts, and check and correct the following:
- Assess door openers
- Assess loose hinges and roller guides
- Assess proper spring balance
- Check out safety sensors
- Check out the automatic reverse function
- Check out the weather seals
- Check out worn rollers and loosened tracks
Before finalizing any agreements with a garage door repair contractor, be sure that they offer the precise type of garage door services you require and the essential tools and abilities for the work. This helps to ensure that the task is finished the first time satisfactorily, reducing the need to employ a more qualified contractor to redo the work.
The following are average pricing estimates for commonly requested garage door services in the Dallas area. It is important to note that factors such as the precise nature and extent of the service, as well as your location within the city, will determine the real sum you will have to pay for these services:
Estimates for garage door installation based on type (materials only):
Estimates for garage door installation based on configuration (materials only):
Estimates for garage door installation based on size (materials only):
Estimates for garage door installation based on door material (materials only):
Estimates for garage door installation based on style (materials only):
Estimates for garage door opener installation based on type (unit only):
Estimates for garage door screen installation based on type (materials only):
Estimates for garage door installation and replacement labor (per hour):
Estimates for garage door repair based on door material:
Estimates for garage door repair or replacement based on faulty components:
Estimates for garage door repair based on the type of problem:
Will You Get the Garage Door Installation Permits as Required per the Dallas Building Code?
A permit is required in Dallas to establish, construct, enlarge, add to, change, repair, replace, enhance, remove, install, convert, equip, use, occupy, or maintain a structure or building service equipment, including garage doors. The Building Inspection Permission Center issues this permit, known as a Master Permit.
To obtain a building permit, complete and submit a permit application along with two sets of plans for review. Note that in some circumstances, further information is necessary. State legislation requires designs for some projects to be sealed by an engineer or architect before it is acceptable. The wait time for permits varies, but the current average times to the first stage of review are 1 - 3 working days for single-family and duplex permits, 12 working days for commercial remodel with no use change, and 20 or more working days for new commercial construction. The Dallas Building Inspection Permission Center offers an expedited plan review procedure through its Q-Team.
Permits can be obtained primarily from the Dallas Building Inspection Permission Center at:
Permit CenterOak Cliff Municipal Center
320 E. Jefferson Boulevard.
Room 118
Dallas, TX 75203
Phone: (214) 948-4480
However, in some circumstances, permits can be obtained from its district offices at:
Northeast Building Inspection Office11910 Greenville Avenue
Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: (214) 670-7278 Northwest Building Inspection Office
7610 N. Stemmons Fwy., Suite 190
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: (214) 671-0720 Southeast Building Inspection Office
4850 Olson Drive
Dallas, TX 75227
Phone: (214) 670-8160 Southwest Building Inspection Office
2730 Coombs Creek Dr.
Dallas, TX 75203
Phone: (214) 671-1531
For more information on how to get relevant permits for your garage door project in Dallas, contact the Permit Center at (214) 948-4480.
What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?
It is critical to learn about the types and brands of garage doors that your prospective garage door repair contractor specializes in before deciding on their suitability for your garage project. Garage doors in Dallas are primarily composed of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood composite, vinyl, and wood, and they are available in a variety of designs and opening methods, including:
- Carriage house double garage doors
- French-style garage doors
- Paneled garage doors
- Roller garage doors
- Sectional garage doors
- Side-hinged garage doors
- Side-sliding garage doors
- Tilt-up/Up-and-over canopy garage doors
- Tilt-up/Up-and-over retractable garage doors
Professional garage door repair professionals in the city will often examine your unique living circumstances before proposing the best sort of garage door for your property. Nonetheless, the following variables should always be considered when making this decision:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Cost
- Durability
- Ease of maintenance
- Insulation/energy-efficiency
- Motor strength
- Safety
- Security
Whichever type of garage door you intend to install in your home, always consider garage door brands from well-known garage door manufacturers such as:
It is critical to remember that the type and quality of the garage door opener you install will greatly impact the door's efficiency. These openers are typically sold individually and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your home. The following are some popular high-quality garage door opener brands:
Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Garage Door Repair Contractors in Dallas?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 460 mechanical door repairers were injured on the job in 2020 alone. If your contractor is not insured and these injuries or other negative work-related events, such as property damage or contractor errors, occur during your garage door project, you may be held accountable. As a result, validating the insurance status of your prospective garage door repair provider is a crucial aspect to consider when considering their eligibility for your garage project.
Garage door contractors in Dallas should get general liability insurance to protect themselves from physical harm and property damage. While workers' compensation insurance is not required in Dallas, you may be liable for charges if you don't have it and one of your employees or contractors is injured on the job. If you have a business-owned vehicle in Dallas, you must also have commercial auto insurance.
As a result, always request proof of compliance with these insurance and bonding requirements from any garage door repair contractor in Dallas, and double-check this documentation with the applicable insurance and bonding agency. Contact the Texas Department of Insurance - Division of Workers' Compensation at (800) 252-7031 for additional information on insurance for garage door contractors in Dallas.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Garage Door Contractor in the City
The Office of the Texas Attorney General is in charge of processing all consumer complaints regarding businesses in Dallas, including garage door contractors. Such concerns can also be directed to the Dallas Department of Code Compliance Consumer Protection Unit.
Because of the peculiarity of Texas licensing, cases of shoddy and fraudulent home improvement services are common in Dallas. In 2021, the Dallas Morning News reported that bogus Texas contractors stole $850,000 from unsuspecting homeowners in the city. You can prevent being a victim of these types of scams by being aware of certain scam indicators, such as:
- Contractors argue that a written contract is not required.
- They request complete payment for the job upfront or insist on cash payment instead of the traditional check or money order to a corporation.
- They use threats, intimidation, and fear tactics.
- They claim the homeowner is eligible for a "special low pricing" that is only available for a short period.
- They do not or cannot provide references.
- They present an unconfirmed business address.
The following tips can also assist you in avoiding Dallas garage door repair scams:
- Demand to see references. Make an in-depth inquiry with previous customers, such as if the project was completed on time and whether there were any unforeseen charges. Request to see a current job in progress.
- Pay with a check or credit card rather than cash because these payment methods are easier to dispute in the event of a scam.
- Make a small deposit. The initial payment should not exceed one-third of the total estimate and should be made on the day the materials arrive.
- Accepting the lowest bid is not always the best option. Some contractors cut corners to undercut competitors; if one contractor's estimate is significantly lower than competitors, find out why.
- Allow the contractor to arrange for financing on your behalf. Scammers may try to persuade you to take out a home equity loan or reverse mortgage to pay for repairs, with the lender paying them directly, leaving them with little incentive to complete or conduct the job correctly.
- Before agreeing to any work, request a written bid and compare bids from various contractors.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau and the International Door Association to find good contractors and determine if any complaints have been filed against the contractor.
- Always be skeptical of unsolicited garage door contractors; if they come to you, you are most certainly a victim of a scam.
- Do not obtain the required permits yourself; that is the job of the garage door contractor.
- Before you spend any money or begin any work, get a formal contract. Examine the small print to check that it includes a full description of the work, material costs, start and finish dates, and warranty information.
- Before completing the final payment, ensure that the job is done to your taste and to the specifications in the contract.
You can report fraudulent or incompetent garage door repair companies and garage door repair scams in Dallas to the Office of the Texas Attorney General by calling (800) 621-0508 or filing an online complaint.
You can also reach out to the Dallas Department of Code Compliance Consumer Protection Unit, which investigates claims of fraudulent business dealings with home repairs, by contacting their office at:
Code ComplianceAdministrative Office
3112 Canton Street
Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (214) 670-5708
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Garage Door Repair Contractor in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Garage Door Repair Contractors in the City?
- What Kind of Garage Door Services Do You Offer?
- Will You Get the Garage Door Installation Permits as Required per the Dallas Building Code?
- What Brands of Garage Doors Do You Work With?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Garage Door Repair Contractors in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Garage Door Contractor in the City