Beware of Garage Door Scams: Why Choosing a Trusted Local Company Matters

A Recent Experience in Medfield, MA

We recently received a call from a homeowner in Medfield, MA who had hired another garage door company for a repair.

The bill? $~1,900.

For comparison, the same work would have cost approximately $275 with Laviolette Garage Doors. That's a difference of more than $1,600.

Unfortunately, their problems didn't end with the bill. She contacted us because her garage door opener wasn't working properly immediately after the other company left. We went out the very next day to take a look and discovered that wires had been disconnected.

Given the circumstances, we had concerns that the wires may have been intentionally disconnected, leaving the homeowner with another problem that would require an additional service call. While we can't say for certain why the wires were disconnected, the situation raised some serious red flags.

The Company at the Top of Google Isn't Always the Best

When your garage door breaks, especially with your car stuck inside, your first instinct is probably to Google "garage door repair near me" and call one of the first companies that appears.

Here's something important to know: Companies can pay to appear at the top of Google's search results.

A sponsored listing doesn't necessarily mean a company has years of experience, fair pricing, or even qualified technicians.

While plenty of reputable businesses advertise online, some companies rely heavily on paid advertising to attract customers. Unfortunately, not all of them operate with the same level of honesty or professionalism.

How to Protect Yourself from Garage Door Repair Scams

Before hiring a garage door company, we encourage homeowners to take a few simple precautions:

Nearly 50 Years of Doing Business the Right Way

Just because a company appears at the top of Google doesn't mean they're the best choice for the job.

At Laviolette Garage Doors, we've been serving Franklin and the surrounding communities since 1977. Nearly five decades later, we're proud to remain a third-generation, family-owned and operated business. Over the years, we've seen just about everything when it comes to garage door repairs. Unfortunately, we're also seeing something increasingly concerning: homeowners being taken advantage of. With the advancements in technology, we are seeing an increase in scams, companies demanding a “deposit” over the phone, not showing up for the job and then disappearing with people's money. Furthermore, people who might not be experts in garage doors are able to stumble into a job. They are often then charging outrageous prices for relatively simple repairs, perhaps not doing a quality job. It has become very clear that we have “new competitors” that lack the experience, professionalism, and integrity customers deserve.

When in Doubt, Give Us a Call

If you've received an estimate that seems too high, aren't sure whether a repair is necessary, or simply want an honest second opinion, we're happy to help.

Garage door repairs shouldn't come with surprises, unnecessary expenses, or questions about whether you've been taken advantage of.