General Questions

Learn about our services, pricing, and what to expect

How quickly can you come out for a repair?

Most of the time, we can get to you the same day you call—often within a few hours. We know a broken garage door is urgent, so we prioritize emergency repairs. If you call in the morning, there's a good chance we'll be at your door that afternoon. For non-urgent appointments, we'll schedule a time that works best for you.

Do you charge a trip fee or diagnostic fee?

With repair: No trip fee! If you move forward with the repair, we waive the service call charge (normally $75–$99). You just pay for parts and labor.

Diagnosis only: If you choose not to proceed with the repair, there's a $75 service call fee for our time and expertise. But if we can't find the problem or can't fix it, there's no charge at all.

How much do repairs typically cost?

Every garage door is different, but here are typical price ranges:

Spring replacement: $150–$300 (both springs)
Cable repair: $100–$200
Roller replacement: $150–$250
Opener repair: $100–$250
New opener installation: $350–$600
New garage door: $1,000–$3,500

We always give you a clear written quote before starting any work—no surprises.

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Yes! We offer flexible financing through trusted partners with options including 0% APR for qualified applicants. You can apply in minutes on your phone and get approved right away. We don't want budget concerns to stop you from getting the service you need.

Learn more about financing

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve Grand Rapids and surrounding areas including:

Grand Rapids

Kentwood

Wyoming

Walker

Grandville

East Grand Rapids

Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call—we may still be able to help!

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. We're fully licensed, bonded, and insured. That means you're protected if anything goes wrong (which it won't, but it's important peace of mind). We also carry workers' compensation insurance for our technicians.

Repair & Maintenance Questions

Common issues and how we fix them

How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?

Common signs of a broken spring:

The door won't open or only opens a few inches
You hear a loud bang (that's the spring snapping)
The door feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually
Visible gap in the spring coil above the door
The opener motor runs but the door doesn't move

⚠️ Important: Don't try to force the door open or use it if the spring is broken. This is dangerous and can cause more damage.

How long do garage door springs last?

Standard springs last about 7–10 years or 10,000 cycles (one cycle = opening and closing once). If you use your garage door 3–4 times a day, that's about 7–9 years.

High-cycle springs last much longer—up to 25,000 cycles or 15–20 years. They cost a bit more upfront but save you money and hassle long-term. We always recommend upgrading to high-cycle springs if you're replacing them anyway.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

We strongly advise against it. Garage door springs are under extreme tension—we're talking hundreds of pounds of force. If one slips while you're working on it, it can cause serious injury or even death.

Professional technicians have specialized tools and training to handle springs safely. It's not worth the risk to save a few bucks—especially when our pricing is already fair and includes a warranty.

Leave it to the pros. Your safety is worth it.

Why does my garage door make so much noise?

Noisy doors are usually caused by:

Metal rollers on metal tracks — Upgrade to nylon rollers for quieter operation
Lack of lubrication — Springs, hinges, and rollers need regular lubrication
Loose hardware — Bolts and brackets vibrate and rattle over time
Worn parts — Old rollers, springs, or chain drives get louder as they wear
Chain-drive opener — Belt-drive openers are much quieter

Our tune-up service includes lubrication and tightening hardware, which often solves noise issues. If not, we'll recommend the best fix for your situation.

How often should I get my garage door serviced?

We recommend a professional tune-up once a year. Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive repairs and extends the life of your door and opener.

Our $99 tune-up package includes a 21-point safety inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and tightening—everything needed to keep your door running smoothly.

See tune-up details

My garage door won't close all the way. What's wrong?

This is usually one of these issues:

Safety sensor misalignment — The sensors on either side of the door need to "see" each other. Check if the lights are blinking.
Blocked sensor — Dirt, spider webs, or objects blocking the sensor path
Limit settings — The close-limit switch may need adjustment
Track obstruction — Something preventing the door from reaching the ground

Try cleaning the sensors with a soft cloth. If that doesn't work, give us a call—we'll diagnose and fix it quickly.

Garage Door Openers

Everything about remotes, keypads, and smart openers

How long do garage door openers last?

Most openers last 10-15 years with regular use. Signs it's time to replace yours:

Frequent breakdowns or inconsistent operation
Loud grinding or straining sounds
Opener is over 2 years old and lacks modern safety features
You want smart home features (Wi-Fi, smartphone control, alerts)

Upgrading to a new opener is more affordable than you think—and modern ones are quieter, safer, and smarter.

Can you program a new remote for my existing opener?

Yes! We can program new remotes, keypads, and even integrate your opener with your car's built-in HomeLink system. Most remotes can be programmed in just a few minutes.

Bring us your existing remote or the opener's model number, and we'll get you set up. If your opener is really old and uses an outdated frequency, we may need to install a universal receiver—still a quick and affordable fix.

What's the difference between chain-drive, belt-drive, and screw-drive openers?

Chain-Drive

Most affordable and durable. Uses a metal chain to lift the door.

Pros: Inexpensive, reliable, long-lasting

Cons: Noisy—not ideal if you have bedrooms above/near the garage

Belt-Drive

Uses a rubber belt instead of a chain. Much quieter.

Pros: Very quiet, smooth operation, great for attached garages

Cons: Costs a bit more than chain-drive

Screw-Drive

Uses a threaded steel rod that rotates to move the trolley.

Pros: Fewer moving parts, less maintenance, fast

Cons: Moderately noisy, performance can vary with temperature

Our recommendation: Belt-drive if you have living space near the garage. Chain-drive if you want the most affordable, reliable option.

Can I control my garage door from my phone?

Yes! Smart garage door openers with Wi-Fi connectivity let you:

Open and close the door from anywhere using your smartphone
Get alerts when the door is opened or left open
Give temporary access to delivery drivers or guests
Integrate with Alexa, Google Home, or other smart home systems

If your opener is compatible, we can add a Wi-Fi hub. If not, we can install a new smart opener—they're surprisingly affordable and worth every penny for the convenience and peace of mind.

What's a battery backup and do I need one?

A battery backup keeps your garage door opener working during a power outage. Instead of being stuck with a door you can't open (or having to manually disconnect and lift a heavy door), the battery kicks in and operates the door normally.

You should consider it if:

Your car is your only vehicle and you need to get out during storms/outages
You have mobility issues and can't manually lift the door
You live in an area with frequent power outages

Many modern openers come with battery backup built-in. If yours doesn't, we can add one.

New Garage Doors & Installation

Thinking about replacing your garage door? Here's what to know.

How much does a new garage door cost?

The cost depends on size, material, insulation, and style. Here are typical ranges:

Single-car steel door: $1,000–$1,800
Double-car steel door: $1,200–$2,500
Insulated steel door: Add $200–$500
Wood or carriage-style door: $2,500–$4,000+
Custom or high-end door: $4,000–$6,000+

These prices include professional installation, removal of your old door, and disposal. We'll give you an exact quote after seeing your garage—no hidden fees.

How long does installation take?

Most garage door installations take 3–5 hours from start to finish. That includes removing your old door, installing the new one, setting up the opener (if needed), and testing everything to make sure it works perfectly.

If there are complications—like damaged framing or track issues—it might take a bit longer, but we'll let you know upfront. We work efficiently without cutting corners.

Should I get an insulated garage door?

Yes, if:

Your garage is attached to your house (heat/cooling loss affects your home)
You use your garage as a workshop or spend time in there
You live in Michigan (we have cold winters!)
You want a quieter, sturdier door

Insulated doors are more energy-efficient, quieter, and more durable. They cost a bit more but pay for themselves in energy savings and comfort—especially in Michigan's climate.

Can I see samples before I decide?

Absolutely! We bring samples and catalogs to show you different styles, colors, window options, and finishes. You can see and feel the quality of materials before making a decision.

We'll also help you choose a door that matches your home's style and fits your budget. No pressure—we want you to love your new door.

Is a new garage door a good investment?

Yes! A new garage door is one of the best ROI home improvements. According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report, garage door replacement recoups around 94% of its cost when you sell your home.

Beyond resale value, you get:

Instant curb appeal (your garage door is 30% of your home's facade)
Better energy efficiency
Improved safety and security
Peace of mind (no more worrying about breakdowns)

What's the warranty on a new garage door?

Most garage door manufacturers offer warranties that cover:

Sections/panels: Lifetime or 10–20 years against rust, cracking, peeling
Hardware (springs, rollers, hinges): 1–5 years
Windows: 3–10 years

Our labor warranty: We also warranty our installation workmanship for 1 year. If something goes wrong due to our installation, we'll fix it at no charge.

Emergency & Safety Questions

What to do when things go wrong

What should I do if my garage door won't open and I'm stuck inside?

Don't panic—here's how to manually open it:

Locate the emergency release cord — It's usually a red handle hanging from the trolley track near the opener.
Pull the cord straight down — This disconnects the door from the opener motor.
Lift the door manually — It should roll up smoothly. If it's extremely heavy or won't budge, stop immediately and call us—the spring may be broken (dangerous!).
Get out and call us — We'll come diagnose and fix the problem so you're not stuck again.

Important Safety Note:

Never force a stuck door open. If the spring is broken, the door could fall and cause injury or damage.

Do you offer emergency service?

Yes! We understand that garage door problems don't wait for business hours. If you're stuck with a broken door—can't get your car out, door won't close and your home is unsecured, or any other urgent situation—call us right away.

We prioritize emergency calls and will get to you as fast as possible, often the same day. We're here to help when you need it most.

Call for emergency service

How can I tell if my garage door is safe?

Test your safety features regularly:

Safety Sensor Test

Place an object (like a box) in the door's path. Close the door using the remote. The door should reverse immediately when it detects the object. If it doesn't, call us—the sensors need adjustment or replacement.

Auto-Reverse Test

Start closing the door and place your hand (palm up) under the closing door. It should reverse immediately when it touches your hand. If it continues to close with pressure, the force settings need adjustment—call us right away.

Balance Test

Disconnect the opener (pull the emergency release). Manually lift the door halfway and let go. It should stay in place or move only slightly. If it falls or shoots up, the springs need adjustment or replacement.

If any of these tests fail, don't use the door until it's fixed. Call us for a safety inspection.

My garage door is off track. Is that dangerous?

Yes—this is very dangerous!

Do not attempt to operate the door if it's off track. The door could fall, causing serious injury or property damage.

What to do:

Stop using the door immediately
Don't try to force it back on track yourself
Keep people and pets away from the door
Call us for emergency repair—we'll get it fixed safely

Off-track doors usually happen due to broken cables, bent tracks, or impact damage. We'll diagnose the cause and get your door back in safe working order quickly.

Can kids or pets be injured by a garage door?

Garage doors can be dangerous if safety features aren't working properly. Here's how to keep everyone safe:

Test safety features monthly — Make sure sensors and auto-reverse work correctly
Keep remotes out of reach — Don't let kids treat it like a toy
Install wall button high — At least 5 feet off the ground, out of kids' reach
Teach kids garage door safety — Never run under a moving door or play near it
Watch pets — Don't let them wander in/out while the door is moving

Modern garage doors (1993 and newer) are required to have safety sensors and auto-reverse. If yours is older, consider upgrading for everyone's safety.

Your Garage Door Questions, Answered