ChristineJ, Newmarket, Ontario

Background: We had another garage door company install our garage door openers when we moved into our home 4 years ago. When we started to see random error codes on the opener panels, I called them back to assess the problem. They basically tried to bully me into an overhaul. I was appalled but managed to stand my ground. I told them I was entitled to get a second opinion. That's when I called Dodds. Michael stopped by on time and took the time to listen to my concerns and inspect our garage doors and openers. He was straightforward and took his time to explain things to me. He didn't use scare tactics to compel a sale. I appreciated his honesty and reassurance that if something were to happen to the springs, all would not be lost. I was hesitant to call Dodds in the past because I thought they would be expensive but they weren't. You do get what you pay for. When we need to repair or replace the doors, I will definitely contact Dodds to help us from now on.

In 2009, Pro-Master (as they were then known) installed 2 3/4 HP garage door openers at our new home. I was impressed with everything from my initial phone call to the installation. The technician was very friendly and helpful. Fast-forward to 2013 when the name of the company is now Dormaster, and it was a different experience altogether. I was having an issue where the door would not close so I called them to take a look. I thought maybe the "eyes" were misaligned and it would be an easy fix. Instead, 2 technicians showed up and told me the springs (on both doors, not just the one I had called about) were about to break, the doors were not balanced and the cables were rusted and needed replacement. They quoted me an overhaul at $800+ and asked for a deposit of about half the amount. I told them I didn't have that kind of money around the house and I would have to discuss with my husband. They said they would wait while I did this. I said he was sleeping as he worked nights. They were intimidating and a bit pushy but I figure they work on commission. I paid for the service call even though they didn't do anything and I had told them so. I received a follow-up call about a week later to ask how the service visit went. I said "it's funny that you called" and explained the situation. He said he would talk to them. I received another follow-up call about a week after the first call and reminded him of the situation. I said I want to seek a second opinion as it is my right. Needless to say I won't be doing business with them again. I called one of their better-known competitors who was very straight-forward and honest with me and gave me a better (and cheaper) estimate and idea of the kinds of repairs and maintenance to expect and what to do for certain problems.

We purchased a new home and were quite daunted by the cost of the extras, such as central air conditioning and humidifier. We were referred to Gary of G.A.S. - General Atmospheric Systems by a good friend, so we decided to ask him for an estimate. Gary gave us a quote which was far lower than what the builder quoted for both components. We arranged for installation the same week that we moved into our home. The installation was completed very quickly and efficiently. Gary was great to deal with - very personable and helpful. I was honest with him that I didn't know the first thing about HVAC, and he answered all of my (probably silly) questions. A few weeks later, when it seemed to me that the A/C wasn't working very well, he made another trip out to our home to investigate the problem and was very thorough in his explanation of some options that might alleviate it, but he didn't use any high-pressure tactics to make a sale. As a new homeowner with lots of expenses, I was grateful that he gave me the information that I needed to consider a decision at a later date. That kind of customer service seems to be rare in this day and age. I would MOST DEFINITELY recommend Gary and his team for all of your HVAC jobs.