Choosing the Best Company

Your garage door deserves a professional you can trust. Choosing the right garage door company or technician is an important decision that affects the safety, reliability, and long-term performance of one of the largest moving systems in your home. This guide shows you how to choose the right company or technician—and how IDEA’s industry-leading credentials make it easier than ever to identify true experts committed to quality, safety, and exceptional service.

The Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) is an independent, non-profit organization created to elevate professionalism within the overhead door and access systems industry. Through education, certification, and accreditation, IDEA ensures that garage door companies and technicians meet established standards of knowledge, safety, and ethical business practices. Formed by a coalition of respected industry organizations, IDEA provides consumers with a reliable way to identify qualified professionals—an essential advantage when homeowners, facility managers, and property owners depend on a dealer’s expertise to make informed product and service decisions.

IDEA is widely recognized throughout the door systems industry, including by the International Door Association (IDA), the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), and the American Rolling Door Institute (ARDI). This broad industry acknowledgment reinforces IDEA’s role as a trusted authority on training, competency, and professionalism.

While IDEA does not endorse specific companies or guarantee the products or workmanship of credential holders, it does offer comprehensive, voluntary programs for dealers and technicians. These programs establish clear, rigorous standards and allow participants to validate their qualifications through testing, documentation, and ongoing education. As a result, IDEA Dealer Accreditation and Technician Certification provide meaningful assurance to consumers: they confirm that the accredited companies and certified individuals have met the demanding criteria set for each credential, demonstrating a commitment to professionalism and industry best practices.

IDEA Dealer Accreditation is provided to dealers who have demonstrated a high commitment to quality and exceptional level of knowledge in a variety of facets of the door and access systems industry. By choosing an IDEA Accredited Door Dealer, consumers can have confidence that the dealer is among those who have completed a six-part course, passed rigorous examinations and provided other documentation items documenting quality business practices

Dealer Accreditation is designed to strengthen consumer confidence in the professionalism and qualifications of companies that sell and install garage door products. Because nearly anyone can enter this marketplace, accreditation helps identify dealers who meet strict standards for quality, expertise, and ethical business practices.

Accredited dealers:

• Bring proven experience and have demonstrated technical and professional competency through independent review.
• Have passed comprehensive written examinations covering Accounting and General Business Principles, Legal and Insurance, OSHA Regulations and Safety Compliance, Residential and Commercial Technical Basics, and Sales and Marketing Management.
• Show a sustained commitment to professionalism by voluntarily investing the time, training, and resources required to earn accreditation.
• Pursue ongoing education to stay current with industry advancements, product developments, emerging technologies, and evolving customer needs.

When shopping for a new garage door, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options. Quality, expertise, and professionalism can vary widely among companies and individuals in the overhead door industry. Because a garage door is the largest moving part in your home, the company you choose for purchase and installation has a direct impact on your safety and long-term satisfaction. A properly installed system will provide years of reliable performance, while an improperly installed door can create serious hazards due to the significant force involved in its operation. For these reasons, the decision should never be made impulsively or based solely on the lowest quote.

IDEA recommends evaluating garage door companies in your area using the following criteria:

Workmanship
Can the company provide letters of recommendation or testimonials from past customers? Strong references reflect a history of quality work and customer satisfaction.

Experience
A company’s longevity says a great deal about its reliability and ability to consistently meet customer needs. Well-established businesses are more likely to provide dependable service throughout the life of your door system.

Code and Regulatory Compliance
State, local, and federal regulations govern many aspects of garage door installation and safety. The company you choose should clearly explain the codes that apply to your area and demonstrate full compliance.

Insurance Coverage
Protect yourself by requesting proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Any hesitation or inability to provide this documentation should be treated as a red flag.

Financial Integrity
Ask about the company’s financial stability and consider how confident you feel in their ability to stand behind the products and services they provide. You want a company you can rely on for ongoing support throughout the lifetime of your new garage door system.