Choosing an Automatic Door Installer: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Selecting the right company to install your automatic doors is crucial. A quality installation ensures reliable operation, compliance with safety regulations, and years of trouble-free service. A poor installation leads to ongoing problems, safety concerns, and costly remedial work.

This guide covers the essential questions to ask any automatic door installer before you commit to working with them.

1. How Long Have You Been Installing Automatic Doors?

Experience matters in automatic door installation. A company with many years in the industry has encountered a wide range of situations and knows how to handle the unexpected. They’ll have refined their processes, built relationships with suppliers, and developed a track record you can verify.

Ask specifically about experience with your type of installation, whether that’s a retail entrance, healthcare facility, or industrial environment. Each setting has different requirements and challenges.

2. Are Your Engineers Properly Trained and Certified?

Automatic door installation requires specific technical knowledge covering mechanical systems, electronics, safety standards, and building regulations. Engineers should have received formal training, ideally accredited by industry bodies or door manufacturers.

Ask about ongoing training to ensure engineers stay current with new products, updated regulations, and evolving best practices. A company that invests in its people is more likely to deliver quality work.

3. Do You Carry Appropriate Insurance?

Any reputable installer should carry public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance at a minimum. Ask to see certificates and check that coverage levels are adequate for your project.

Professional indemnity insurance is also valuable, providing protection if errors in design or specification cause problems down the line.

4. What Brands Do You Work With?

Some installers work exclusively with certain manufacturers, while others offer a broader range. Neither approach is inherently better, but you should understand the options available to you.

Ask why the company recommends particular brands for your project. A good installer will explain the benefits and trade-offs rather than simply pushing their preferred supplier. Consider parts availability and ongoing servicing when evaluating brand recommendations.

5. What Warranty Do You Provide?

Understand exactly what’s covered by the warranty and for how long. Most installers offer at least 12 months on parts and labour for new installations, with some offering extended warranties subject to maintenance agreements.

Ask what happens if something goes wrong during the warranty period. How quickly will the installer respond? Is there a cost for callouts, or are they included? Get the warranty terms in writing before signing any contract.

6. Can You Provide References from Similar Projects?

A confident installer will happily provide references from previous clients. Look for examples similar to your project in terms of door type, building use, and scale.

Follow up on references and ask about the client’s experience, not just whether the installation was completed, but how the company was to work with, how they handled any issues, and whether they would use them again.

7. What Happens After Installation?

The relationship with your installer shouldn’t end when the doors are fitted. Ask about ongoing maintenance, servicing, and support.

Will they provide a maintenance contract? What are their response times for repairs? Do they carry spare parts, or will you face delays waiting for orders? A company that installs and maintains doors has a vested interest in getting the installation right first time.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of installers who provide vague quotes without conducting a proper site survey, are reluctant to provide references or proof of insurance, pressure you to sign quickly without allowing time to consider, offer prices significantly below other quotes without clear explanation, or cannot explain how the installation will meet safety regulations.

Choose DAC Automation

DAC Automation has been installing and maintaining automatic doors for over 15 years. We’re happy to answer all these questions and more, provide references from satisfied clients, and show you proof of our credentials.