Are Big Box Stores the Answer to Your Garage Door Needs?

Through our advancements in technology and convenience, homeowners are feeling motivated and able to tackle more home repairs and renovations. With the addition of big box stores and their ever increasing categories of project supplies they carry, many jobs like garage door and garage door openers now seem more possible to do yourself than ever. Taking into consideration how much return on investment you can receive with updating or upgrading your current garage door it is no wonder why many homeowners have their eyes on this particular project. However unlike many other do it yourself projects garage door installation is a trickier and more dangerous project for the average homeowner to tackle and it can quickly become overwhelming when doing it yourself or having a contractor who does not specialize in the industry. Using a reputable garage door company like Aegis Garage Doors offers several benefits and a peace of mind. 

When shopping for a new garage door and/or opener a big box store can be appealing at first due to the convenience of being familiar with the store and other services they offer making the project seem less intimidating. Additionally many stores have options to set you up with one of the contractors on their contractor list. However you aren’t guaranteed to get a contractor who specializes in garage doors, as well as you aren’t given the same selection that a company like Aegis Garage Doors can offer to you. Unlike a big box store, companies like Aegis Garage Doors bring the showroom to you, and are able to tailor your experience to your exact needs. Typically offering not only better quality products but also many more options to choose from with more customization available. They are willing to help guide you through your choice, being at your own home also makes envisioning the new door easier than if you were standing in the aisle of a store. You’ll have a door design specialist and specialized garage door technician working with you and installing your door who actually works for the company you’re dealing with instead of potentially a revolving door of contractor after contractor. Big box stores also don’t have the customizations that a company like Aegis can offer not only with designs but also different packages that can be specially tailored to you and your families specific needs.  

Taking into consideration just how much your garage door can play into your curb appeal with it covering up to 33% of the front of your home it can seem like a daunting task to tackle at first. There are several things to consider when picking your new garage door like color, design, window options, and insulation. When using a company like Aegis Garage Doors, a technician who specializes in design will come out and give you a customization consultation as well as take exact measurements. If you decide to use a big box store you are stuck in an aisle with a sales associate who more likely than not has a limited knowledge on the intricacies of selecting the best door design and model for you. Big box stores also typically only have a few preset packages to choose from with little customization options. Unlike Aegis Garage Doors who will happily take the care and time to walk you through every aspect of the door selection perfectly tailoring your dream door to your needs and wants making sure you’re able to check all the boxes on your list. Garage door professionals like Aegis Garage Doors use far better quality products and take the time to inspect each door before it leaves the warehouse in order to assure you are getting exactly what you wanted and ordered. Many reputable garage door professionals also offer warranties on their workmanship and the manufacturer's warranty. Big box stores can be a helpful stepping stone when beginning the journey to your dream garage door but for the best experience possible using a garage door professional is strongly recommended. 

Generally garage door openers have a 7-10 year lifespan, which can vary depending on how much it's used and if it was properly installed. Over the life of a garage door most openers will be replaced at least once, possibly twice before the garage door itself will reach its expected life cycle. In most cases there are warning signs for an opener as it reaches its max life cycle such as buzzing, visor remote range decrease, and increased failed openings or closes. When your opener reaches its life cycle many homeowners have turned to box stores for a quick outlet to get a new garage door opener. Common brands sold at big box stores generally include Genie® and Chamberlain® that come standard with a 7ft operator rail (extension kits are needed for 8ft doors) that generally limit you to one or two different opener options. One major reason to hesitate before purchasing a garage door opener through a box store is not only the limited options but also lack of knowledge on which openers are best for you and your door. Buying an opener from a big box store seems more convenient than it actually is because after you’ve bought it you still have to install it or find someone else to install it. Sub-contractors can be obtained through the box stores, but in most cases they only install the products and are hard or impossible to reach for follow-up service or call backs when needed. Professionals like those with Aegis Garage Doors have unmatched knowledge on garage doors and their components, and carry options that exceed those of box stores when it comes to models and accessories. One of the most common professional grade opener brands sold is LiftMaster® with base options for any home as well as premium and elite level openers that can include additional features such as battery back-up, automatic locks, LED lights and more. Most professional grade garage door openers also come with solid I-beam rails that support the door as it travels much better than the pieced together rails from box store openers. In the rare event of a call back after an installation companies like Aegis Garage Doors are available to come back out and address any issues or provide you with any other garage door services oftentimes dealing with the same team of professionals who know you and your garage door. Unlike a big box store Aegis Garage Doors is here to provide high quality products and information to our customers allowing for educated decisions on what is right for the customer and purchase directly from manufacturers eliminating the middleman and giving you their full attention and care.

Garage door professionals offer high quality products that generally include install as well as possible workmanship and product warranties for their customers. Specialized companies also often have more options to choose from with additional accessories and in-depth knowledge of how those products work, and are committed to making sure you are satisfied with your experience. While you can go to a big box store and buy a garage door or opener, you will be lacking the same expertise that you would receive with a professional garage door company like Aegis Garage Doors. Experienced DIY homeowners may be happy and able to install a door or opener from a box store, but doors especially can be dangerous. Always consult a professional when possible; it can save you time and a headache or injury. 

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