When you move into a new home, the garage door is easy to overlook, until it does not work, or you realize the previous owner's remotes still open it. A few simple steps early on protect your security and catch problems before they leave you stuck. Here is a checklist for new homeowners.
1. Wipe the Previous Owner's Remotes
This is the security one people forget. The old owners, and anyone they gave a remote to, may still be able to open your garage. Do a factory reset on the opener to erase every paired remote and keypad, then re-add only your own. Our guide on how to reset your garage door opener walks through it, this is the first thing to do after closing.
2. Set Up Your Own Remotes, Keypad, and Car
Once the opener is wiped, program your remotes, set a new keypad PIN, and pair your car's built-in buttons so you are not relying on whatever came with the house. A fresh keypad code you chose is safer than one that may have been shared for years.
3. Test the Safety Features
You do not know how the door was maintained, so confirm the safety systems work before daily use. Run the reversal and photo-eye sensor tests so the door stops and reverses the way it should, our two-minute safety test shows how. This matters most if you have kids or pets.
4. Check the Springs and Balance
The springs carry the door's weight and wear out on a cycle count you have no history for. Pull the release cord and lift the door halfway by hand: a balanced door stays put, while one that feels heavy or drops has tiring springs worth addressing before they fail. Spring work is a job for a pro, and our spring repair page has more.
5. Lubricate and Inspect
A quick lubrication of the rollers, hinges, and springs quiets the door and extends its life, especially if it was neglected. Our guide on lubricating a garage door covers what to use. While you are at it, look for frayed cables, cracked rollers, and loose hardware.
6. Check the Weather Seals
Look at the bottom, sides, and top of the door for cracked or missing seals that let in weather and pests, an easy and inexpensive thing to refresh right after moving in.
7. Consider a Move-In Tune-Up
The simplest way to do all of this at once, and to know exactly what condition your door is in, is a maintenance visit. A technician resets the opener, checks the springs, cables, and rollers, tests the safety features, and tells you if anything needs attention, so there are no surprises in your first winter.
New to the home and want your garage door checked, reset, and running safely? Our team provides garage door service across metro Atlanta with a free on-site estimate. Welcome to the neighborhood.