How to Prep for a New Door Install: A Comprehensive Guide by The Overhead Door Company®

Upgrading or replacing an old door can breathe fresh life into your home or commercial establishment. The elegance, functionality, and security a new door offers is unparalleled. If you’ve selected a product from The Overhead Door Company®, you’ve already made a wise choice, as our doors are synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability. But before the actual installation day arrives, there are several preparatory steps homeowners and business owners should consider. Here’s your guide to ensuring a smooth and efficient door installation process.

1. Clear the Area

First and foremost, ensure that the area where the new door will be installed is clean and free from obstacles. This includes:

For Garage Doors: Clearing out vehicles, tools, boxes, and any other items from the garage. This provides the installer with adequate space to work and move the new door into place.

For Front Doors & Internal Door: Moving furniture, decor, or any other obstructions from the vicinity. This prevents damages and allows for easier maneuvering.

2. Take Measurements

While our professionals will always ensure measurements are accurate, it’s a good practice to have a rough idea yourself. This can help when discussing specifics with installation teams or customer service.

Width & Height: Measure the full width and height of the space where the door will be.

Side Room: Measure the width on each side of the door’s opening.

Headroom: This is the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling.

Depth: Especially for garages, it’s essential to measure the space extending from the door opening to the back of the garage.

3. Consider Electrical Outlets and Fixtures

For garage door openers or other electronic door accessories, ensure that there’s a functional electrical outlet nearby. If not, you might need to call an electrician to install one.

4. Inform Your Neighbors

If you live in close proximity to your neighbors, it might be a good idea to let them know of the upcoming installation. This is a simple courtesy, especially if there will be noise or if the installation crew needs extra space in shared areas.

5. Understand Your Door’s Features

While this doesn’t directly relate to the physical preparation, knowing your door’s functionalities, safety features, and maintenance tips will benefit you in the long run. Familiarize yourself with the user manual or ask the installers any questions you might have.

6. Prepare for Pets and Kids

Doors, tools, and installation activities might intrigue pets and kids. To ensure their safety (and prevent distractions for the installation team), keep them in a separate room or arrange for someone to watch over them during the installation process.

7. Double-Check the Weather

While The Overhead Door Company® professionals are equipped to work in various weather conditions, extremely adverse weather can cause delays. Keep an eye on forecasts, and discuss potential rescheduling options in advance if the weather looks unfavorable.

8. Ensure Easy Access

The installation team will need easy access to your property. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Driveway & Walkway: Ensure they’re clear of vehicles or any other obstructions.

Functional Pathway: The pathway from their vehicle to the door installation site should be clear. This ensures they can easily transport tools and the door itself.

9. Keep Open Communication

Communication is key. If there are any specific requirements, concerns, or last-minute changes, don’t hesitate to communicate with our team. This ensures both parties are on the same page, making the installation process seamless.

10. Set Realistic Expectations

Lastly, understand that while our team strives for perfection and efficiency, certain unforeseen challenges may arise. Trust that we’ll always work to ensure the highest quality installation and handle any obstacles with professionalism.

Contact The Overhead Door Company® Today! 

Preparing for a new door install might seem daunting, but with a little foresight and planning, the process can be smooth and hassle-free. At The Overhead Door Company®, we prioritize our customers’ satisfaction. By partnering with us and following the steps outlined above, you’re setting the stage for a successful installation and a product that will serve you well for years to come.