# Reviews guides

> How to choose a contractor: independent, numbers-first guidance from Garage Door Lab.

Canonical: https://garagedoorlabs.com/reviews/

Last updated: 2026-11-08

## How to vet a garage door repair contractor

This is a high-ticket, high-pressure sale, and the difference between a good contractor and a bad one is in the diagnosis, the scope and the warranty — not the truck.

 |  | Criterion | Weight | What good looks like

 | Diagnosis | 30% | A measurement or inspection before a scope

 | Written scope | 25% | Unit price, quantity, prep, materials, disposal

 | Warranty | 20% | Written, transferable, names what voids it

 | Track record | 15% | Jobs you can visit; licence and insurance on file

 | Price transparency | 10% | Unit pricing, no expiring discount

## Red flags

- A discount that expires today.

- No unit price, no quantity, no method — just a total.

- A warranty with no document.

- Pressure to sign before an inspection.

- Financing presented as a discount rather than a loan.

## Questions that separate the good from the rest

- What did you measure, and where?

- What exactly is included in prep and disposal?

- Which material brand and grade, and why that one?

- What voids the warranty?

- Can I speak to a customer whose job is three years old?

The [cost hub](/cost/) explains what each line should cost, and the [comparison hub](/compare/) covers the method decision.

### How many quotes should I get?

Three, against the same written scope. Three quotes for three different diagnoses are not comparable.

### What licence is required?

It varies by state and trade. Ask for the number, check it against the state database, and confirm the name matches the contract.

## Guides in Reviews

- [Belt-Drive Opener Reviews: What to Know Before Buying](https://garagedoorlabs.com/belt-drive-opener-reviews/)
- [Best Garage Door Repair: What Actually Matters](https://garagedoorlabs.com/best-garage-door-repair/)
- [Chain-Drive Opener Reviews: What to Know Before Buying](https://garagedoorlabs.com/chain-drive-opener-reviews/)
- [Extension Spring Reviews: Types, Costs, and Safety](https://garagedoorlabs.com/extension-spring-reviews/)
- [Finding a Garage Door Repair Contractor Near You](https://garagedoorlabs.com/garage-door-repair-near-me/)
- [Professional Garage Door Repair: Costs and Safety](https://garagedoorlabs.com/professional-garage-door-repair/)
- [Sectional Door Reviews: What to Know Before Buying](https://garagedoorlabs.com/sectional-door-reviews/)
- [Torsion Spring Reviews: What to Know Before You Buy](https://garagedoorlabs.com/torsion-spring-reviews/)