There are a few reasons why people choose to build their own garage doors. The most common of which is certainly to save money, but some people also believe that they can’t get what they want from a manufacturer or garage door company, and some people enjoy the challenge of a complex home renovation project.
Choosing to DIY your garage door replacement and installation can lead to a lot of problems, though. Let’s run through some of the most common ones so that you can assess whether taking on this project on your own is a good idea.
Safety First
Safety while building and installing anything is an obvious must. Building and installing garage doors entails the use of tools (usually power tools), heavy items, and electrical materials. These all require some level of expertise to use safely. There’s also quite a bit of math involved, especially when assembling a roller door.
But that’s not all we’re talking about here. By cutting corners or not knowing what you’re doing, you endanger your home and all of the people who use your garage. Faulty electrical wiring can cause a fire, which is a serious risk. In addition, the garage door could collapse and injure anyone nearby, or cause structural damage to your home.
Not Developing a Plan (or Not Sticking to it)
Building and installing a roller door or any kind of garage door isn’t a one-day activity. You must plan every aspect of the process, including where you’ll store your vehicle(s) and other items kept in the garage during the project, how you’ll protect materials during construction, how you’ll dispose of the old door and other waste, and how you’ll handle unexpected problems (which are sure to happen).
In addition, plans don’t work if you don’t follow them. Revise as you go along as the need arises, but be sure to stick to the overall plan.
Skimping on Materials or Not Using the Right Ones
If you’re DIY-ing this project, chances are good that you’re concerned about money. However, cutting costs on materials is another bad idea. For one thing, unless you know for certain what grade you need to use, you could be in violation of building codes.
Using cheap materials will also certainly cause you headaches down the road when they begin to break and cause other, bigger issues. What’s more, you open yourself and your family up to injuries by using inexpensive and inadequate materials.
It takes a high level of expertise to know for sure that the materials you have chosen are the right ones. Make sure that you have this knowledge before starting the project.
Not Knowing What You Need
Not all garage doors — or garages, for that matter — are the same, and we use them for a myriad of purposes, from standard car storage, to a workshop, to a pantry, and so much more. You should have a good idea of what you need from this space before deciding on a design and building.
Alternatively, professionals can consider your needs and design custom garage doors in Adelaide that suit them. It might cost more up front, but consider the savings in time and risk, and future repair expenses down the road.
Trying to Add More Living Space
More square footage means more value onto your home, right? Not always. Some people decide to convert their garages into living spaces, but this can sometimes lower your home’s value and make it less appealing to future home buyers.
There are ways to maintain the utilitarian purposes of your garage while also utilising the space for a home office or additional living space. Professionals can design and install custom garage doors in Adelaide that will suit all your needs. That way, you don’t have to worry about inadequate workmanship or other problems.
The Takeaway
Unless you really know what you’re doing, from construction to installation to maintenance, building and installing your own garage door carries a lot of risk. What’s more, with all of the options available on the market today, it isn’t necessary.
If you’re confident about your ability to tackle all of these categories, then best of luck to you! If not, call a professional to get started on your new garage door. At AllStyle Garage Doors & Window Shutters, we have nearly 50 years of experience specialising in garage doors of all types and designs. Get in touch with us to discuss your options today.