A DIY garage door repair might seem like a fast, inexpensive fix to an annoying problem. But even if you’re fairly handy and the problem seems relatively minor, our Cleveland garage door repair experts strongly urge caution. A lot can go wrong, and it can ultimately cost you far more than if you’d simply hired a pro in the first place.

Growing Popularity of DIY Attempts

Lots of homeowners are engaging in DIY (do-it-yourself) repairs these days, particularly given rising mortgage rates and higher material costs. Popular home improvement shows can make it look like a cakewalk.

In a recent survey by Today’s Homeowner, 71% of homeowners said inflation and cost savings were major factors in compelling them to initiate DIY home improvement projects as opposed to hiring a professional. But there’s a big difference between tackling new wallpaper versus taking on precision repair of a mechanical or electrical system involving home security doors that weigh anywhere from 150-400 lbs.

With any DIY project, you can expect the unexpected. Rarely do projects go smoothly every step of the way. Problems are exacerbated when people overestimate their abilities and the time they have available to properly address the issue. While 62% of those surveyed said they attempted a DIY home project to save money, 80% reported making a mistake and 45% reported botching it entirely.

Problems are more likely with technical jobs like Cleveland garage door repair. The fact is, garage door function is one of those things you want to make sure you get right – not just for the sake of convenience, but also safety. Working with a trusted garage door repair company with a strong track record and affordable rates can actually save you money in the long run. You have the assurance that the work is done well, finished quickly, and you won’t be shelling out more money to fix flawed repairs.

Problems With DIY Garage Door Repair

Thousands of YouTube videos are available for those searching, “DIY garage door repair.” But even if you know exactly what’s wrong with the door, you’ll likely need to sift through a mountain of specialized content before landing on tutorials addressing the exact issue in a clear, easy-to-understand format. Even then, without the right experience or tools, you can quickly find yourself in over your head. There’s a good chance you’ll end up making the problem worse.

Some of the issues we’ve seen our Northeast Ohio garage door customers run into in attempting DIY garage door repair:

• Safety Concerns. Garage doors are heavy and operate under high tension. This poses a significant risk of injury if they aren’t handled properly. Electrical issues are also high on the list of safety concerns. Even a simple rewiring by a non-professional can cause a short circuit that could not only cause more damage but also potentially serious injuries.
• Improper diagnostics. Many garage door systems are more complex than you’d think. Every component relies on another working just right. If you lack the expertise to investigate and identify the problem, you could very well end up exacerbating the issue. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to unnecessary repairs, which are wasted time, energy, and money.
• Voided warranties. Many garage doors and garage door opening systems are covered by manufacturer warranties. A DIY garage door repair can render that warranty useless. You might be fixing a minor problem, but if you don’t do it correctly, you might be forfeiting that warranty on a bigger issue down the road. A professional Cleveland garage door repair technician will perform repairs in a way that ensures continued coverage of existing warranties.
• Lack of specialized tools, parts, materials. There are certain industry-standard tools and parts needed to effectively repair garage doors that you aren’t likely to just have lying around. Our professionals come to each job prepared. If we don’t have the right tool or part with us, we can get access to it quickly.

In summary, hiring a professional garage door repair service ensures not only safety but the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job was done right the first time.

Advance Door Co. provides garage door products, services, repairs, and replacements to customers throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Parma, and surrounding communities.

Additional Resources:

Wait, that deck costs how much? Inflation drives homeowners to opt for DIY home improvement, Feb. 16, 2023, By Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today

More Blog Entries:

NE Ohio Garage Door Roller Replacement FAQ, Sept. 8, 2023, Cleveland Garage Door Repair Blog