You’ve picked out your new garage door, made your selections, and scheduled the installation. Now comes one more important step: getting the garage ready.
We know garages tend to collect a little bit of everything. Tools, holiday decorations, bicycles, storage bins, that project you’re definitely going to finish someday. Preparing for installation doesn’t mean organizing every shelf or making the whole garage look like a showroom.
But it does mean clearing the area where our team needs to work.
And here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: garage doors are built and installed from inside the garage.
Even though you see the finished door from the driveway, much of the work happens on the other side. A clear driveway helps, but the space inside the garage is just as important.
Garage doors are installed from the inside! Clear the required workspace and driveway before installation day to help your new garage door installation go smoothly.
Why Our Installers Need Room Inside the Garage
A garage door installation involves much more than placing a new door in the opening.
Our team needs access to remove the existing door and hardware, bring in the new sections, install the tracks and spring system, and make the necessary adjustments. If your installation includes an opener, we also need access to that equipment and its mounting area.
That work requires room for ladders, tools, equipment, and large door sections. Our installers need to move safely across the opening and reach the areas beside and above the door.
A narrow walking path through stored belongings is not enough room to install a garage door.
Think of the front portion of your garage as a temporary workspace. Giving our team room to work helps protect your belongings, allows us to handle the new door safely, and keeps installation moving smoothly.
How Much Space Should You Clear?
For a typical installation with Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors, please clear:
- At least 12 feet back into the garage, measured from the garage door opening.
- At least 6 inches beyond each side of the opening.
- The driveway, so our team can access the garage and unload equipment.
The entire required work area needs to be free of vehicles, stored items, and other obstructions. Some installations may require additional space or access. Follow any specific instructions our office provides for your project.
If you’re unsure whether something is in the way, call us before installation day. A quick conversation, and photos if needed, can help us identify an issue before the crew arrives.
Before installation day, clear at least 12 feet back into the garage and 6 inches beyond each side of the opening. Keep the driveway clear for access and unloading.
Moving the Car Is Only the First Step
Getting vehicles out of the garage makes a big difference, but take a look at everything else within the work area, too.
Common items that need to be moved include:
- Storage bins, cardboard boxes, and loose belongings.
- Bicycles, motorcycles, and recreational equipment.
- Trash cans, lawn equipment, and tools.
- Freestanding shelves, cabinets, and workbenches.
- Items leaning against the walls beside the opening.
Please move these belongings completely outside the required workspace. Shifting everything a few feet toward the center of the garage may still leave it in the way.
Also, take a look around the tracks and opener. Hanging storage, ceiling racks, or shelving near the door’s travel path may affect access. Contact our office if you have a fixed storage system or anything you cannot easily move.
Please have the space cleared before our team arrives. Moving and organizing household belongings is not part of the installation service, and the crew’s scheduled time is needed for your door installation.
Keep the Driveway Accessible, Too
Our team needs to get the new door sections, tools, and equipment from the vehicle to the garage.
Before your appointment, move vehicles out of the driveway and clear anything that could block access, including trailers, deliveries, landscaping materials, and construction debris.
If you need a vehicle for work, school, or errands during the installation, park it somewhere accessible beforehand.
For homes with shared driveways, gates, or limited parking, let our office know about any access arrangements before the appointment. Those details help us prepare for your property.
Make Sure the Workspace Is Safe
Your garage does not need to be spotless. It does need to provide a safe place for our installers to work.
Please sweep up loose debris and address anything that could create a slipping, tripping, or sanitation concern. Pet waste, sharp objects, and active pest problems need to be addressed before installation.
Keep children and pets away from the work area while installation is underway. An open garage, unfamiliar equipment, and people carrying large door sections can attract curious helpers, but the workspace needs to stay clear.
If there is a condition you’re concerned about, please tell our office ahead of time. Knowing about it early gives us a chance to discuss what needs to happen before your appointment.
Having Other Work Done? Let Us Know
Garage door installations often happen alongside other home improvements, especially during remodels and new construction.
If other contractors will be working at your property, let us know about anything that could affect the installation, including:
- Fresh stucco, paint, or other finishes around the opening.
- Electrical work or unavailable power.
- Changes to the garage framing or opening.
- Concrete work, trenches, or blocked driveway access.
- Equipment or materials occupying the garage.
For an opener installation, we need power available to complete programming and testing.
Coordinating these details beforehand helps prevent scheduling conflicts and situations that require an additional visit.
What Happens If the Garage Isn’t Ready?
If the required workspace is blocked or unsafe when our crew arrives, we may be unable to begin or complete the installation.
That can mean rescheduling your appointment and arranging another trip. Additional fees may apply under the terms provided for your installation.
We know that is frustrating for everyone. You’ve set aside time for your new door, and our team has reserved time and prepared for your job.
The best way to avoid a delay is to check the garage before installation day. If you need more time to prepare, contact our office as soon as possible so we can discuss scheduling.
Your Quick Installation-Day Checklist
Before our team arrives, make sure:
- Vehicles are out of the garage and driveway.
- The required indoor workspace is completely clear.
- The areas beside the opening are accessible.
- The floor is free of debris and unsafe conditions.
- Children and pets can stay away from the work area.
- Power is available if we are installing an opener.
- Our office knows about any construction or access concerns.
A little preparation makes a big difference. Once the workspace is ready, our team can focus on what you hired us to do: installing your new garage door and making sure it operates properly.
Questions About Getting Your Garage Ready?
You don’t have to guess whether you’ve cleared enough space. If you have questions about your garage layout or something that might be in the way, give Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors a call before your appointment.
We’re happy to help you prepare for a smooth installation day.
Call (909) 797-8046 or visit our showroom at 31291 Outer Highway 10 in Redlands.
Your neighborhood garage door experts since 1972. Family-owned, licensed, bonded, and insured. No subcontractors. Ever.
CSLB License #379544
When quality counts, count on Lloyd Copelan Garage Doors.
