(Especially If You Don’t Want to Get Burned)
Your garage door isn’t just the largest moving object in your house—it’s also one of the most underappreciated. Until it breaks. Then it becomes an emergency. You might find yourself on Google frantically searching “garage door repair near me” or texting neighbors for the number of a “garage door guy” they trust.
But not all repairmen are equal. And asking the right questions can help you avoid overpaying, under-servicing, or—worse—making your situation more dangerous. Here are five smarter, more creative questions that reveal a lot more than a simple “Are you licensed and insured?” ever will.
1. “Can you walk me through what you’d check before doing anything?”
This is where the pros stand out and the part-changers get quiet.
A great garage door repairman will always start with a proper inspection. They’ll talk through what they’re checking for: spring tension, opener health, roller condition, alignment, safety sensors. And they won’t start naming prices before they know what’s actually wrong.
Why this question matters: It tells you if their approach is diagnostic or transactional.
Red flag: If they jump to replace parts before even watching your garage door open and close, back away.
2. “What’s the weirdest garage door issue you’ve ever fixed?”
This might seem like an oddball question, but it’s gold.
You want someone who’s seen things. Someone with stories. Maybe they found a raccoon in the track. Maybe they fixed a door that fell completely off the rails during a windstorm. These kinds of stories tell you two things:
- They’ve got experience.
- They’re problem solvers, not just part-swappers.
Bonus: It breaks the ice. You’ll get a sense of personality, not just pricing.
3. “What do most people get wrong when they try to fix this themselves?”
This is a respectful way to tap into expertise and build rapport.
Let’s face it—plenty of homeowners try the YouTube route first. But garage doors are a different beast. Tension-loaded springs, precise balance, and weight distribution aren’t forgiving. One mistake and you’re risking real injury or more expensive damage.
A seasoned garage door repairman will have a quick answer here. They’ve seen the duct tape jobs. The bent tracks from forcing it. The spring swaps done backwards.
This question opens up useful education and gives you insight into how much they care about preventing future issues.
4. “If this was your mom’s garage, what would you do differently?”
You’re not just buying technical skill—you’re buying judgment.
This question puts ethics on the table. It invites the repairman to consider your job with care and personal accountability. The answer will tell you everything about whether they prioritize you or the upsell.
Listen for: Options. A real pro will lay out your choices—”You could do X to get by for now, or Y to future-proof it.”
Watch out for: High-pressure tactics, vague answers, or anyone who dismisses this question as “not relevant.”
5. “What kind of jobs do you love doing?”
Most people skip this. But it’s one of the most telling questions of all.
If they say they love the challenge of balancing a door perfectly, or they enjoy tuning up a system so it runs whisper-quiet, you’re likely dealing with someone who takes pride in craftsmanship. If they say, “Spring changes. They’re quick and easy,” you might want to keep looking.
Why it works: Passion is hard to fake. And people who love their work usually do better work.
What You’re Really Looking For
In a world full of big franchises and faceless contractors, you’re not just hiring a “garage door repairman.”
You’re looking for someone like Andrew Powell or someone on his team. A guy who answers his phone. Who shows up when he says he will. Who isn’t afraid to tell you that a $45 fix is all you need—even when he could sell you a $700 opener. Someone who sees the work as more than just “another door.”
It’s not about credentials on paper. It’s about trust, clarity, and results.
Don’t Just Search “Garage Door Repair Near Me”
Google might show you a dozen options. But asking better questions helps you find the right one.
If you’re looking for local garage door repair from someone who actually gives a damn about the job, start here. Start with these five questions. And if you’re in the area, call Andrew Powell. He’s not just the “garage door guy”—he’s the right guy.
