Our journey with A1: We found A1 on an ad that offered a discounted inspection and tune up. Our…read moregarage door appeared to be working normally, but was approx. 26 years old. We replaced the opener, springs, and rollers within the last two years.
A1's inspection revealed the door was contractor grade (the cheapest door home manufacturers can install in new construction) and while not broken it was worn out and needed replacement. We purchased an upgraded insulated door and springs. The inspector and finance guy were friendly and professional. They installed temporary springs, refusing to adjust the existing springs since they didn't install them.
We scheduled the installation date, and our installer (Jimmy Garcia) was fantastic. He singlehandedly replaced the old door/rails/springs, and transferred a lock from the old to the new door in 110 plus degree weather. He was also helpful getting the paint sub-contractor and the promised follow-on inspection and adjustment.
The painter was hard to get in touch with initially through A1, but was outstanding once we got connected. They set expectations, offered suggestions for the best paint brand, finish, and tips to produce the best results. He painted the door at 6am to avoid temperature issues, and the finish appears flawless so far.
After repeated attempts to get the promised adjustment scheduled, A1 sent one out. There were only minor adjustments made, which I take as a quality installation of a quality door.
So after describing the process we experienced, we were left with the following impressions:
Positives:
- They seemed focused on safety of our old door. This was important since we are seniors with grandkids. The new door looks great, and the garage door insulation seems effective in keeping our South-facing garage door cooler in Southwest extreme summer heat.
- The process for selecting the new door and financing was fast and easy. Everything was done same day.
- Every employee we worked with was friendly, professional, as was the paint contractor.
Improvement opportunities:
- Post-installation communication created stress. Each person did their job, but finding someone who reliably monitored and communicated next steps was lacking. Things did get resolved eventually, but seemed siloed and more difficult than necessary.
- Feedback requests were Spam-like in their intensity, with each touch point pushing a Google review request. This became annoying, and creates friction recommending them to friends or family. I'd suggest sending one feedback request after the final adjustment, and not just on Google.
- Financing: we take responsibility for our choice to use their finance company. That being said, I didn't recall this being highlighted as the HELOC loan it is, which gives the finance company a secondary lein on our property until it is paid off (something we generally avoid like the plague). If you have time to do a scheduled replacement, I'd recommend contacting your credit union to see if they can give a lower APR loan/loan terms to finance the project.
Closing remarks: To set expectations we brought A1 here for an adjustment, and in our case we now have a multi-thousand dollar investment. The new door looks and operates great. I was surprised at the cost of this door (both door and financing) so shopping around may be beneficial. I think A1 is a good garage door company employing great people, but as a customer you should be prepared for surprises along the way to replacing your garage door.