So you’ve finally decided to replace that old garage door. Maybe it’s been making strange noises. Maybe it looks like it belongs in a different decade. Or maybe it just stopped working one morning and left you stuck. Whatever the reason, getting a new door is exciting. But before the installers show up, there’s some work you need to do on your end.
A little preparation makes the whole process faster and smoother. It also helps the crew do their job without running into unexpected problems. If you’re scheduling Garage Door Installation in NJ, here’s how to get your space ready.
Clear Out the Clutter
This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget. Your garage probably has years of stuff piled up along the walls and floor. Bikes, tools, storage bins, holiday decorations, that treadmill you swore you’d use. All of it needs to move.
The installation crew needs space to work. They’ll be removing the old door, installing new tracks and hardware, and testing everything to make sure it operates correctly. If they can’t move around freely, the job takes longer and costs more.
Try to clear at least six to eight feet in front of the door opening and along both side walls. If you have cars parked inside, move them out to the driveway. The more room you give the crew, the better.
Check the Surrounding Structure
Before searching for Garage Door Installation Near Me, take a good look at your garage. Specifically, check the door frame, header, and side jambs. Are there signs of rot, water damage, or cracks? What about the floor where the door meets the ground?
If your frame is damaged, the new door won’t fit properly. It might not seal right, which means drafts, water, and pests can get in. According to the Department of Energy, air leaks around doors and windows can account for up to 30% of heating and cooling loss in a home. That includes your garage.
If you notice any structural issues, let the installation company know ahead of time. They may need to do repairs before putting in the new door, or they might recommend a contractor to fix things first.
Measure Your Space
Most installation companies will come out and measure before the job. But it doesn’t hurt to have your own numbers ready. Measure the width and height of the opening, the headroom above the door, and the depth of the garage from the door to the back wall.
These measurements matter because they determine what type of door and opener will work in your space. Some doors need more headroom than others. Some openers require more depth. If your garage is on the smaller side, knowing your dimensions helps avoid surprises.
Here’s what to measure:
- Width of the door opening from inside edge to inside edge
- Height of the opening from the floor to the header
- Headroom from the top of the opening to the ceiling
- Side room on each side of the opening
- Depth of the garage from front to back
Think About Power and Lighting
Your new door will likely come with an electric opener. That means you need a power outlet nearby. Most garages already have one, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to get one installed before the crew arrives.
Also, think about lighting. If your garage is dark, working in there becomes difficult. Good lighting helps the installers see what they’re doing and helps you later when you’re parking or looking for something.
Also read: 5 Signs Its Time ToHire Trusted Garage Door Company
Decide What You Want Ahead of Time
When you schedule Garage Door Installation in NJ, you’ll have choices to make. What material do you want? Steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass? What style fits your home? Do you want windows? What about insulation?
Insulated garage doors can improve energy efficiency by up to 20% compared to non-insulated ones. If your garage is attached to your house or you use it as a workspace, insulation is worth considering.
Don’t wait until installation day to figure all this out. Make your decisions early so the right door is ordered and ready to go.
Prepare for Noise and Disruption
Installation usually takes a few hours, but it can be loud. There’s drilling, hammering, and testing involved. If you work from home, have young kids napping, or have pets that get nervous around noise, plan accordingly.
Let your neighbors know too, especially if you share a wall or live in a tight community. A quick heads-up goes a long way.
Why All Day Garage Doors Is the Right Choice?
At All Day Garage Doors, we handle Garage Door Installation Near Me requests across New Jersey every day. Our team shows up on time, works efficiently, and treats your property with respect. We walk you through every step so there are no surprises.
Your garage door is one of the first things people see when they look at your home. It also protects your car, your tools, and your family’s safety. A worn-out, broken door doesn’t just look bad. It leaves your home vulnerable.
You’ve been putting this off long enough. That creaky, dented, unreliable door has caused enough frustration. It’s time to stop dealing with it and start enjoying a door that works the way it should.
Call All Day Garage Doors today and schedule your Garage Door Installation in NJ. Let’s get your garage looking and working like new again.