Do-It-Yourself vs. specialist dealer
Install the garage door yourself vs. have it installed: Why Normstahl specialists are the right choice
Painting walls, assembling furniture or building a carport – there’s a lot you can do yourself in your new home or renovation project. The more handy you are, the less likely you are to need a professional’s services for some jobs. And what about a garage door? Can home owners install a Normstahl electric or manual garage door themselves? Or should they rather play it safe, and have a specialist install it? We investigate both options, and provide some tips.
Installing the garage door yourself
If you look to install the garage door yourself, you will initially save money, because you don't have to hire an installer. The disadvantage: You are paying in advance for a product that you have not yet tried out in place. So at the time you make payment you can’t be absolutely certain that your desired garage door will actually fit. Transporting a garage door also needs to be handled with care. After all, you can't simply take it home in your car. There’s also no guarantee with this variant that the installation will be completed perfectly. Moreover, Normstahl installers are able to access key manufacturer information and support from the back office in the event an installation proves more difficult. Whereas, if doing it yourself, you’d be on your own. It becomes even more difficult if the door gets damaged in the process. Also, you need to devote a certain amount of time – on average between one and two days, depending on your skill levels. So if you are thinking of installing your Normstahl garage door yourself, you should definitely have some technical know-how and good handyman skills, as well as being able to work in a solution-oriented way. It would be even better if you were already familiar with the product, and had previous experience of installing garage doors. Last but not least, you also need to know how to read operating instructions.
Having the garage door installed
The other option is to have a new electric or manual garage door installed by professionals. The installer will first come to your home to make a detailed survey of your garage. This provides the basis for optimal planning of the next steps, and you will know exactly how long the replacement or installation is going to take. Installers calculate 3 to 8 hours, depending on the size and condition of the garage. The door is delivered to you safely and carefully packed. This also rules out the possibility of damage in transit, which can easily occur on DIY projects. The professional will then begin the installation. First our technicians check all the components, and clear any obstacles from the installation site. Then they will install the frame and the substructure, fit the panels, and program the operator system. Lastly, the installer will demonstrate all the functions to the buyer, and hand over the remote control unit. In carrying out all these steps, professionals draw on their extensive know-how, as well as referring to type data sheets and first-hand information from the manufacturer. To be clear: Installers do the job day in, day out. They will have experience of many different installation situations, and be able to call upon an array of useful skills and methods. In most cases, you will only have to pay once your door has been installed and is fully functional. Up-front payment is much less common. Engaging an expert also means you will benefit from warranty entitlement – not just on the product itself, but also on the installation work. Generally speaking, any damage claims will be much easier to handle if you have a professional partner at your side, and are not negotiating directly with the manufacturer. As the final procedure, a professional will clear away any rubbish and dirt, and clean the installation site.
Engaging a professional is well worthwhile
So, in summary, you can certainly install a Normstahl garage door yourself, provided you have the necessary skills. You should, however, be aware of all the risks involved, and allow yourself plenty of time. All in all, though, it’s better to let a professional do the job. Then you won't have to worry about anything, and will avoid potential damage. You can make better use of your time while the installer gets to work. And in just a few hours your new garage door will be in place.
