Create a Clear and Safe Workspace for Technicians
For a safe and efficient installation, technicians need ample room to work. This involves moving large, heavy door sections, setting up ladders, and staging tools. Clearing the area around your garage door opening is the most important step you can take. A clear space prevents accidental damage to your belongings and ensures our team can work without obstruction. We recommend clearing a space of several feet on all sides of the door tracks and back into the garage where the opener and horizontal tracks will be. This allows for the assembly and lifting of the new door system.
- Park all vehicles on the street or well away from the garage entrance.
- Move items like bicycles, lawnmowers, storage bins, and tools out of the garage or to a corner far from the door.
- Ensure there is a clear path from the driveway to the inside of the garage.
- Take down any items hanging from the ceiling or on the walls near the garage door tracks.
- Cover any large items that can't be moved to protect them from dust.
Plan Ahead for Children and Pets
Installation day involves unfamiliar people, loud noises from power tools, and a large, open work area. This can be stressful for pets and a tempting-but-dangerous curiosity for young children. For their safety and comfort, it's best to keep them clear of the garage and driveway. Explain to older children that the garage is off-limits for the day and that they should stay away from the work vehicles and tools.
If you have pets, especially anxious ones, consider arrangements to keep them secure and calm. This might mean keeping them in a separate room with a TV or music on, or arranging for them to spend the day at a friend's, family member's, or doggy daycare. A secure and quiet environment will prevent them from getting scared and trying to run out through the open garage.
Be Available to Answer Questions
You don’t need to supervise the installation, but it is important that the lead technician can reach you. While our teams are prepared for standard installations, sometimes unexpected issues can arise, such as discovering rotted wood in the door frame or a pre-existing electrical issue. In these cases, the technician will need to discuss the situation with you and get your approval on the best course of action. Being available by phone or in another part of the house allows for quick decisions, preventing delays and ensuring the final result meets your expectations. The technician will also need to confirm the placement of controls with you before they are installed.
Decide on Wall Control and Keypad Placement
While the door itself gets most of the attention, the placement of your opener's controls is a key detail for everyday convenience. Before installation day, think about where you’d like the interior wall-mounted control panel and the exterior keypad to be located. For the inside control, consider the most logical path when entering or leaving your home through the garage. For the outdoor keypad, think about who will use it most and where it would be most accessible—perhaps near a side entry door or on the garage door jamb. Considering your family's habits will help you choose the perfect spot.
Prepare for the Final Walkthrough
Once the installation is complete, the technician will conduct a final walkthrough with you. This is your opportunity to learn about your new garage door and opener system. The technician will demonstrate how to operate the door, explain the safety features like the photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse mechanism, and provide basic maintenance recommendations. Set aside a few minutes at the end of the appointment for this important step. Don't hesitate to ask questions to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your new system.
- How do the safety reversal features work, and how can I test them?
- What are the recommended lubrication points and frequency?
- How do I program or change the code on my remote controls and keypad?
- What do the different indicator lights on the opener unit mean?
- Are there any special cleaning instructions for the door's finish or windows?