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Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > House & Garden > Garage

Build/Repair/Renovate Garage Garage Doors

Automatic garage door repair

May 2009

Our automatic garage door was installed less than 2 years ago. Over the weekend, it wouldn't shut. The top panel was tearing away from the metal strip. We called back the company that installed it (Connors) and we were told that it looks like someone pushed the panel back and tried to grab the cord to open the garage door (to steal from us). At first he said it was because the mail slot piece was missing and somehow it had caught, until I told him that piece has been off the door for several months now. Then he said he sees this kind of damage from attempted thefts about once or twice a week. My husband pointed out that someone could have had an easier time going through the plastic window. Anyway, the bottom line is that they are not replacing the door and the repair would cost around $150. We figure we don't have a choice, but I do want to know if this is a common theft attempt on automatic garage doors. Has this happened to anyone, or someone you know? We were working on our front yard and were opening and closing the garage door all afternoon to get tools, but maybe the damage done by a thief wasn't apparent until that day. I plan on asking our local police, but was wondering if anyone has had this experience (with damage to garage door or experience with this particular garage door company). Wondering if I'm getting taken to the cleaners

Connors are the worst when it comes to service and honesty. I had a similar experience and swore I would never do business with them again. I did a lot of research and found Madden Door and Sons in Pacheco. They aren't cheap, but I haven't had a problem with my door since. LL We love Contra Costa Door. they installed a new door and opener for us. We recommended them to a neighbor that just needed a few repairs, and they were very happy with the work Contra Costa Door did. They've been in business for more than 50 years, so they're doing something right. http://www.contracostadoor.com

Want to either repair or tear down garage

Aug 2008

We need either an experienced contractor or architect (or lawyer?) who knows Berkeley planning, zoning and permitting rules inside & out and can advise us on what course of action to take to either repair or tear down a garage & shed (sounds simple, but apparently it's not due to unpermitted structures, fences and easements), apply for the permits, and, if this person is a contractor, do the work. Any recommendations as to who could help would be appreciated. Thanks! -anon

We just have gone through a somewhat similar adventure, but in Oakland. We decided to try and keep the structure instead of tearing it down.

Not to scare you, but the reality is, that it has taken us 2 years to go through all the hoops and finally get a building permit.(You need to have this before you can legally begin to build/repair anything) Be prepared for lots of bureaucracy, lots of visits to the Building/Zoning department and spending lots of $$$. (Not to mention the stress...)

Definitely, get a good architect, don't try to do it alone! We worked with Jarvis Architects in Oakland. You'll need lots of architectural drawings and plans as well as someone on your side who has traveled this road before.

Also, do research and find out as much info about your property as you can; visit the library,go to the County Accessors Office, look at old parcel maps, find old aerial photos (UC library has some), talk to your neighbors etc...We found info that the city didn't have in their records.

I'll have to let you know in a couple of years, whether it was worth it.

Best of Luck! anon

Garage Organization

March 2008

would like to install storage cabinets in my garage without paying a fortune -- any recommendations? Anyone dealt with california closets or garage solutions companies? pat

We used Premier Garage in Foster City and they were great. Veny (I think that was his name) came out within a day or 2 of us enquiring, and was prompt, pleasant and polite. He gave us a good range of options and suggestions as to what would work and when we'd made the decision gave us great 3D printouts to show how our garage would look, detailed specs and prices. He does it all on his computer on site so we had the pics and the price right then and there. He was happy to move and change things until we were happy. The installers were also very well behaved. We're very pleased with the look and quality of the finished product.

The disadvantage is that they have a standard range of cabinet sizes which you fit into your space the best you can. Custom cabinets will be more expensive although they may fit a pace better. tidy garage

Want to build a new, free-standing garage

Oct 2007

Hi, I just looked in the archives about garages, and I really want to have an external garage built in my backyard. I currently have a narrow attached garage. I don't even know where to start, and have concerns about permits and cost. Preliminary investigations show me that I have the space for it. Any recommendations for contractors that can work with me from square one till the final inspection? Thanks much... need help with my new garage

Start with Tuff Shed (they have a website). They did our detached garage in Albany and they were great. Permits are a hassle anywhere, and you might want to consider a property survey so as to make sure your garage meets setback requirements. Tuff Shed will build you a great garage for a fraction of the cost that a contractor will charge you. We explored both options and Tuff Shed was a no brainer. Happy Tuff Shed Customer

New garage door

Oct 2007

We need to replace a wooden garage door and opener system in our 1930s home. This is the original door and the opener is about 15 years old and no longer runs. We don't want one of the standard doors for newer homes as it won't work with the style of our house. (The door covers about 1/3 of the front of the house and is especially prominent). Can anyone recommend a Bay Area company that is reliable to work with and might have some alterative suggestions to making a custom door? thanks.

Yes! I have been garage door shopping lately, and I can highly recommend Contra Costa Door out in Concord off Hwy 4. It is totally worth the drive. They have been in business since the 1950s and really know their stuff. Everyone I've worked with there is great. They have a range of products, including custom wood doors that can be made to suit the style of your house. I will warn you, those doors are serious bucks. We were able to get a steel one that approximated the carriage house look we wanted, but was much cheaper. (For our 1 1/2 car garage, wood was anywhere from $8-12k, depending on type of wood, paint-grade vs. stain-grade wood; style; etc. A similar looking steel door will run us about $3,500.)

Anyway, they did no hard sell at all, and talked us out of the expensive door. (Because our garage door faces west and gets beaten with sun, they said the wood would look worn pretty fast, even if we repainted it every year or two.) Their info: Contra Costa Door 145 Mason Circle, Concord, CA 94520 (925) 671-7888 http://www.contracostadoor.com You don't need an appointment. Just wander in and they'll take care of you. Good Luck!

Need to replace Genie garage door opener

Jan 2007

Our 20 year-old Genie garage door opener stopped working and we need to buy a new one. I've heard that newer garage doors openers are made with cheaper parts and don't last quite as long anymore--both Genie and Craftsman. Does anyone have experience with Chamberlains? And can you recommend a good company (not Sears) that can sell and install for us in the East Bay? We have a large (though not heavy) wooden garage door for a single car garage. anon

We recently put in a Chamberlin on a rental house. The Benicia Garage Door Company told us to purchase it at Costco as it was cheaper than he could provide and best brand out there. He installed it for us when he put the door in. jholter

Want to replace old wooden garage door

Oct 2006

We live in a 1930s bungalow with the kind of wooden garage door that swings up and out. Though we have had it serviced, it lurches horribly and takes up too much overhead space in the garage. Any recommendations on who to call to replace it with a newer model that rolls up? Rachel

There is no better company for replacing a garage door than Madden Door & Sons. I have an 1890s saltbox in W. Berkeley with height issues, narrow spacing and other problems. They took a horrific swing out door and replaced it with a new electronic roll-up door that is beautiful. They do wood doors if you want to maintain the look. Their staff are professional, and they are used to old/wierd spaces. Lots of the other companies that I priced seemed very fly by night. Their sales guys would come out and say one thing and then the next time the guy came, they would say a different thing. Madden Door has a show room in Martinez and their sales guys also install so they know what they are talking about. They even did a door install on a house that was on that show Curb Appeal. But really, they are the best. contact them at 925-935-4580. or at www.maddendoor.com A Very satisfied customer melissa

Want to replace 1940's door with automatic

Nov 2005

We're looking to replace our 1940s barn door with an automatic garage door. My husband only knows of one place--Connor's Overhead Doors on San Pablo Avenue. Does anyone know of other places? If anyone has had Connor's replace their garage door, I'd be interested in reviews. Thanks Patty

To the person asking about garage doors: we, too, want to replace our garage door and are slow in gathering information (guess we're too busy). I noted in the BPN archives (a while back) that there were two places mentioned; however I couldn't locate any phone or address information on them, which suggests they're no longer in business.

I've seen mail inserts for Connors Overhead, but I saw some negative reviews on the web, and when I called the Better Business Bureau and input the phone number for Connors, BBB reported having some unresolved claims, and an unsatisfactory rating, on Connors. So, at present, I'm staying away from them.

A friend recommended Norm, of Upright Garage Doors, in Berkeley (528-3304). Norm came by (about 2 hours after our set appointment), and gave us a verbal estimate of ~$1,000 for a single car, insulated/segmented garage door, with mail slot and new door opener. I asked him to submit a written estimate and never heard from him again. Not to get super negative about it... I think he's a bit dis-organized (and a small operation), and I probably just have to call to remind him, but I've been out of town myself. There's nothing I can find on Upright on the net, other than an address and phone number.

I also posted to the BPN a while back asking anyone's experience using Home Depot (for purchasing the door and opener) and having their contractors do the install. I don't recall any feedback (for that matter, I don't recall seeing my posting in the Household Digest).

I'll be interested to see the other responses.e Jim

We had a good experience w/ Contra Costa Garage doors. Unlike Conners who tried to have us replace the whole contraption that would have cost us over $500, Contra Costa Garage doors fixed the misfunctioning part for under $75 as I recall. They were very honest. I looked into Conners and found out that they didn't even renew their contractor's license back 5 yrs ago. Learned from BBB as I recall that they make so much money replacing people's garage doors that they don't mind getting the fines for practicing w/o a license. Susan

Someone to replace garage door

Sept 2005

Has anyone ever bought stuff at Home Depot and then had their contractors do the installation? I'm guessing that HD enlists independent local contractors, and the quality of service probably varies (widely?)-- still, I wonder if they cut off the contractors who get poor feedback. Specifically, I was thinking of having my garage door replaced, and I didn't see any really good, recent recommendations on the list for garage door people. Jim

Our elderly neighbor used a Home Depot contractor to replace her garage door and had the most miserable experience with it. 6 months later, the garage door is just getting installed. jewelz
RE: Contractor for garage door replacement. I am in the midst of a 3 month problem getting new blinds replaced using the HOme Depot Expo people. I wouldn't trust their ability to replace the garage door given my experience and their poor follow through.

As for the garage door, we just went through talking to about 10 different garage door companies. We had a horrible time as our door is very small, has low headroom and other old house in berkely issues. Basically we got turned down by everyone except for one company-- Madden Door Company tel: 925-935-4580 fax: 925-372-5686

They really specialize in hard to place garage doors. But they can also do the regular stuff. They are family owned (Father and Son) and they know their stuff like crazy. WE are very pleased with their work.

The only other company I had considered was: R&S Wholesale Doors Inc. ph: 510-483-5330 While I can't vouch for their work, at least their guys came, gave a real estimate, called to confirm and knew their products (not an experience I had with anyone else). Melissa

Need someone to repair garage door

May 2005

I am looking for a recommendation for a contractor for a new garage door. I live in El Cerrito, and I am looking for a replacement for our Tilt back wood door.

Adam is the best garage door guy i know. Not only was he courteous, but his work spoke for itself. He carried everything he needed right on his truck and was quick and efficient, you can reach him @ 510-719-7340 for any garage door problems and for new doors. Jody

Garage Conversion

December 2002

We are thinking about converting our small detached garage in our backyard into something more useful like a studio or play room for our child. The entire structure is in bad need of repair, especially the roof and floor. Does anyone have a recommendation for a contractor or carpenter who has done this? Also, for anyone who has had a successful conversion, do you think it has added or detracted from your property value? Thanks! Jocelyn

Don't see specifics in the archives that answer my question... Looking to convert an old garage into a finished room, like a tiny studio, with a small bathroom. The structure is very old and water seeps in easily. There is no existing plumbing. Anyone have any contractors they can recommend for this type of job or have any tips? Nic
I have two terrific carpenters to recommend for your Garage conversion, or other job. These are not contractors, but I guarantee you that you will get BETTER quality work with either of these two than you will with a contractor. Most of their business is from repeat customers, because they're so good. Not only will the job be done RIGHT, but you'll pay less than you would with just about any one else (these guys don't charge as much as they should.... shhhhh). Brian Henrie (the Old Fashioned Carpenter) (510) 234-0487 Mark Lencl - (510) 763-7438 Alesia
August 2002

I have a free standing garage in my backyard (in Oakland) that I would like to convert to at least a studio and maybe a small one bedroom cottage. Can anyone give me a range I can expect to spend? Is it worth doing at all? For instance I saw a complete cabin in Sunset that was built for $70k Mine has no plumbing, electricity, and needs a new roof. Basically it would be a rebuild from the ground up. Thanks. Kean

We converted a 2 car garage into a small guest cottage and attached workshop. We originally intended it for our office but outgrew it quickly. I don't have a cost off the top of my head (I think I've intentionally forgotten) but I'd be happy to talk to you about the process and some of the solutions we worked out, and even give you a tour. Kristin
First check with the Planning Department in Oakland to see if they will allow you to convert your garage into a studio. You might not have the required parking for this conversion. If you want to talk to me about planning issues and costs you can call me at 527-5677 Deborah Lane, Architect
December 2001

I am looking for recommendations for a contractor to convert my garage into a guest cottage and do some renovation in my house (remodeling the kitchen and adding a full bath). I live in Rockridge. Is it legal to renovate the garage in this way? I would not be renting it but would like it to have a kitchenette and bath for my parents when they come to stay with us. I would also like to live in one of the structures while the other work is being done, if possible. Any experience with this is greatly appreciated! Elizabeth

We live in Rockridge, and converted a downstairs area for my mother-in-law to live when we first moved into the house about 14 years ago. This area includes a garage that had already been made into a room before we bought the house and another attached large room, and has a door to the outside. When we went to get the permit for the work, including putting in a small kitchen in one end of the large room, electrical work, a ceiling, and a shower, we had a fair amount of difficulty getting it. Our neighbors were sent a notice from the city telling them what we planned, and a number of them sent back the questionnaire saying they had concerns. We were new to the neighborhood, so did not know the neighbors, and did not explain to them our reasons for doing the work. They assumed we were going to have a rental, and they didn't want rental units in the neighborhood. At that time most of the people on the street had been there a long time, and had raised families there. We ended up with a conditional use permit which said only an immediate relative could live there, and we had to pay a yearly fee (I can't remember what it was - somewhere between $200 and $300 I think) and we had to "take the kitchen out" when we sold the house. I asked what that meant, and they said it meant remove the stove. I hope that's right, since I would hate to have to tear out the sink and cabinets. As far as I could tell it was the kitchen that raised all the concerns, and the city permit people tried to convince us to not put in a kitchen. I was told by a friend who is a lawyer that that kind of use permit could be considered illegal, since it requires that people who live together are related. In any case, after 2 years when my mother-in-law died, we stopped paying the yearly fee, but did not tell the city anything about why. We never heard from them. I don't know what will happen if we decide to sell the house. Hope this is helpful, although maybe things have changed in Oakland since then. -Susan
Brian Bourke just did a very nice job converting a laundry room into a small kitchenette (and several othe updates), transforming that area of the house in question into an "in law" unit. The house is in Oakland, so I think his experience is relevant. I don't know if he has any time in his schedule right now (he's working on a large houseboat project), but you might want to call and find out: 510-703-0402 (cell); 510-832-6547 (home), bbourke AT earthlink.net. Dawn
I have considered doing the same thing with my garage. To my knowledge you would not be able to get a permit to convert this to living space. Depending on what needs to be done you would be able to get a permit for foundation/drainage/floor work as this could also be needed in a garage. For all other work you would have to work with contractors/carpenters/plumbers/electricians who can do the work over weekends and holidays. According to the contractor I spoke to who does foundation work this is quite common. If you are doing work inside your house I would suggest getting all of this finished before tackling your garage. -Mary
January 2000

Help! Our house is too small! Sound like a familiar problem? Since the garage of our little MacGregor is essentially useless (too short to house our Honda Accord), we are considering converting the garage into a plus-room. I know a lot of people have done this, but when I checked the website, I didn't find any references to this. Here's our task: we will have to create an entrance into the garage from the house (the garage is attached but only accessible through its front door), build a few steps down from the house into the garage, create some light with windows, run wiring into the garage for computer and other use, and put in some kind of not-too-noxious floor. We may be able to leave the ceiling as is. Could anyone help us with the following questions? Has anyone done anything like this? How much did it cost, roughly? Was it hard to get permits? What kind of contractor(s) did you use? Anyone you would recommend/not recommend? How long did the work take? Does the finished room feel like a room in a house, or like a converted garage? Linda

We did a less-extensive conversion to a space for projects and storage. We're really happy with the results. It feels like a little garden house: attractive, and comfortable enough to sleep there while having floors refinished.

The original floor is was old concrete slab on grade. In the winter, the water table is high enough for water to ooze through the cracks, forming puddles. We had a contractor put down (in order) (1) a layer of thisck plactic film (2) pressure-treated 2x4 "sleepers" (3) Another layer of plastic film (4) a layer of 3/4" plywood, shimmed to be level and smooth. He further smoothed the edges of the plywood using a belt sander, and I painted it with floor paint. We didn't get any permits, and the whole thing cost a few hundred dollars. The contractor used a high-power nail gun that requires him to have the right license. Lots of natural light can really improve a space. At the contractor's suggestion, we also installed a skylight, which was easy given the one-layer roof and unfinished appearance. At this point I'd like to add a few small windows to further brighten the space. Kathleen

Old-Fashioned Garage Door

Dec 2000

Does anyone know where we might find an old-fashioned garage door of the type that is divided down the middle and opens to the sides, with a row of windows at eye level? I have seen them around (in other peoples' garages), but haven't seen them for purchase. Linda

I just saw a whole article on this -- with a bunch of accompanying ads -- in the current issue of American Bungalow magazine (which unfortunately went out with the recycling yesterday). As I recall, there are a few companies that make old-looking, faux-side opening doors that actually work with modern garage door openers. I presume they're pretty high end, though. Leah
We just replaced the rotting double doors on our 75-year-old garage. We don't use the garage for the car, but we wanted it to look as close to the original as possible. We found some cool old double doors for under $100 at Urban Ore and our carpenter added framing to make them fit. Ginger

Electric Garage Door repair

May 2002

Our electric garage door hasn't closed completely in a couple of years. I am finally getting around to addressing the problem and was hoping someone could recommend a good repair person or company that deals with these sorts of things. Many thanks. Sally Ann

I have used Universal Door Company a few times for my garage door. They have always come the same day if I've needed it. I think they charge a flat rate to visit and diagnose -- about $85 but then fold that into the bill if you fix the door. Frances
We have used Chandler Garage Doors several times to repair our garage door. We have been very pleased with them. Lori

More recommendations for garage doors and openers

Oct 2007

I wanted to recommend a great garage door service, A-Z Door. They are based in Alameda and SF, and my home is in Richmond. I accidentally ran into my garage door on a Saturday, and though the damage wasn't great the door only closed half-way. After calling a few places, and being told it would cost a fortune to fix or I'd have to wait until Monday, I happened upon A-Z Door. Abe came in four hours, as promised, and was friendly and professional. He fixed my door and even did some routine maintenance, all for less than the competitors. I'll use him again for any garage door needs. The info is A-Z Door, 415-239-2405 or AZdoor@alamedanet.net
Christine

March 2007

Recently, we just installed our garage. It took us about 1 month to shop for the right door and installer. We came across Madden Door and Sons. We have the best retailer experience ever from a contractor. They even has a warehouse and Diamond certified contractor. We highly recommended. (925) 229-2411 4300 Arthur Road Martinez CA 94553, and ask for Scott. They are very knowlegable and give you a lot of option and advise. Good Luck. K.C.

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