It’s early Monday morning and you’re heading out for work. You hit the button to open your garage door and nothing happens. You try it again to no avail. Your garage door needs repaired.

When you’re in a pinch, it’s easy to make an off the cuff decision that results in extra money from your pocket and a poorly done repair job. If you’ve ever been burned before, you’re probably wary when it comes to repairmen, but never fear! Here are seven fool-proof ways to identify a trustworthy garage door repairman.

If your garage door is stuck open, shut, or partway open, don’t panic. This isn’t uncommon. Several things could have happened to cause this problem. Your door could be jammed, it could have lost power, or some important component could have broken. Don’t try to operate it if something is amiss. Perform a visual inspection first to see if you can figure out what’s wrong. Here are some specific things you should look for during your investigation.

Maybe you’re reading this because your door recently came off its track, or maybe you just want to be prepared and know what to do in case it ever does. Either way, you’re in the right place. If a garage door falls out of its track, it can become a serious safety hazard for you and your family. Here are several reasons why this can happen.

Have you been wondering lately if you should bite the bullet and buy a new garage door? If your current door breaks down often, is an eyesore in your neighborhood, or doesn’t work properly anymore, it could very well be the right time. Pushing off the inevitable could not only prolong your pain but pose a danger to your family as well. If your garage door shows any of the following signs, strongly consider replacing it.