Are you one of the many American homeowners renovating their basement? If so, you may understand that it's vital for you to have a safe entryway for your basement, especially if you are using it as a completely separate space. That's why you should look into a door company, as you'll have a professional who regularly designs and installs these types of doors at your service. Here are six qualities to look for in a basement door company.

1. Fair Pricing

According to Mordor Intelligence, the international window and door market achieved over $233 billion in net worth as of 2024. In such a lucrative market, there is a lot of money flowing. Therefore, you want to ensure you don't get ripped off by a contractor who may take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners who don't understand industry pricing.

Start calling for a few quotes. It's always good practice to get at least three or more quotes from different contractors. Then, you can get a good idea of the standard rate you can expect to pay to have a basement door installed soon. You should understand that the going fair rate can change based on your location, materials used, and the overall experience of the company in question.

2. Communication

Making updates to the lowermost level of your home is quite an undertaking. Therefore, you want a contractor who always provides open and honest communication from the minute you do a consultation to the end of the project. You shouldn't have to chase the contractor down for information, especially once they agree to do the project, so pay attention to how they speak to you and how quickly they respond during the consultation phase. Does the contractor seem eager to answer questions or very frustrated? Do you feel like you're learning about the door process, or is the contractor holding back information?

3. Quality

You should only work with a door contractor known for using quality materials and installation processes. Therefore, when you do a consultation, don't be afraid to ask what type of materials they use. They should be able to explain why such materials are suitable for a basement door and what your different options are. This recommendation should solve all the problems you experience with your basement door currently.

4. Expertise

It's best to find a contractor with extensive experience designing and installing basement doors. After all, you don't want poor installation, especially when protecting the basement. A poorly installed or designed door can create a situation where your basement floods. It can also create a security threat because someone can come into the basement through an unsecured door. The contractor may have expertise in other areas like basement stairs or windows, so always ask for their input.

5. Reputation

Always take the time to check out the basement door contractor’s reputation. If you didn't get a direct referral from someone you know, it's essential to ask the contractor for references. Get at least two references to call so you can speak to a former client who can vouch for the professionalism and quality of their doors. Don't forget to utilize online review sites like TrustPilot, Reddit, and others. If the contractor has a website, they may even have verified testimonials from people who've posted about their experience working with the contractor.

6. Speed

Do you need a door installation immediately? Maybe you currently have one, but it's broken and you don't want to deal with that problem for much longer. After all, you don't want your basement door unsecured. Therefore, you may want a contractor who can start working immediately and handle emergencies. Some offer same-day service and are known for working quickly and efficiently. When you contact those references, you can see what they say about the contractor’s speed of work.

When it's time to install or replace your basement door, you want to work with a professional who understands the ins and outs of a proper basement entry system. Luckily, our team of contractors includes such professionals, as we've been in business in the Connecticut area since 1980. We provide basement hatchway doors, bottom doors, basement windows, and basement hatchway stairs. Our work is guaranteed, and same-day service is available. Contact Basement Entry Systems any time for a free estimate to get started on this needed upgrade.