You’ve already decided to go with automatic doors because they’re sleek, hygienic, secure, and more accessible. But now that you’ve made that first big decision, a second one awaits: which contractor do you hire? This article helps you answer that question by sharing a few of the most important things to consider.
Does the contractor work with both doors and access?
Installing your automatic doors is the main goal. But most people also want some form of controlled access. Do you want the doors to open with an ID badge? Would you rather open them with a fingerprint? Do you want magnetic locks? Think about hiring a contractor that handles both doors and access. Otherwise, you’re hiring multiple contractors and managing the project yourself. ADA operates in both spaces, so no matter what you’re looking for, we have you covered.
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Does the contractor provide maintenance?
Automated doors are just like any other product—they need to be properly maintained to get the best quality and longest life out of them. That maintenance usually falls into two categories: repair and prevention. You want a contractor that provides both services. At ADA, your project isn’t just about the installation; it’s also about providing support long after the project is done. We are with you every step of the way.
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How much experience does the contractor have?
As you’ve already learned, you want a contractor that offers you a comprehensive range of services. But you also want each of those services to be first-class. Make sure you look into contractors with lots of experience and a great track record. You’ll also want to check out their portfolio of work, references, and testimonials. At ADA, we bring decades of combined experience to the table, have a head-turning portfolio of work that you can check out here, and glowing testimonials from our satisfied customers.
Who are the contractor’s suppliers?
You’ll hear a lot of contractors throwing around the phrase “parts and labor.” And that’s because both legs of the journey are equally important. Our technicians are some of the best in their field, but all the craftsmanship in the world means nothing if they’re working with shoddy materials. That’s why ADA works with the best manufacturers in the business. In fact, we’re so proud of these relationships that we’ve posted them here. Make sure your contractor holds themselves to a similarly high standard. Because if you want to be the best, you have to work with the best. A great chef always starts with premium ingredients.
Make sure the paperwork is in order.
Paperwork is never the most exciting part of anyone’s day. But it’s a really important piece of this puzzle. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. Verify their scope of work is documented and meets your needs. Double check the quote for any fine print or hidden fees. If something goes wrong or there’s a verbal miscommunication, you’ll be extremely glad you did your due diligence and put everything in writing.
What is the contractor’s safety record?
The only thing we care about more than doors is the people walking through them. Does your contractor provide safety training for their employees? Do their automatic doors have built-in safety features? Does their Experience Mod Rating point to a safe workplace? You can read more about that rating system and our commitment to safety here. At ADA, we don’t just make safety a priority. We make it the priority. Make sure you hire a contractor that feels the same way.
When you’re installing or upgrading your automatic doors, you’re probably excited to roll up your sleeves and get your project going. But you also want to make sure you’re moving in the right direction with the right team. So, find a contractor that offers a comprehensive range of services, has the experience to deliver at a high level, and one that makes safety their top priority. Because it’s like the old saying goes: “If you think hiring a good contractor is expensive, just wait until you hire a bad one.”