Why Didn't My Garage Door Pass the House Inspection?

Learn How to prepare for garage door house inspection

When selling a house, one of the most crucial steps is passing the home inspection. Most buyers will hire a professional inspector to check the entire home, ensuring everything is safe and up to code. One aspect that often gets overlooked by homeowners is the garage door house inspection—a critical component of the overall home evaluation. Just because your garage door functions daily doesn’t mean it will automatically pass inspection. Even doors that appear to be in good condition may have underlying safety issues requiring repairs or even a full replacement.

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Why Your Garage Door Matters in a Home Inspection

A garage door is not just an entry point; it plays a crucial role in home security and safety. Inspectors will evaluate various aspects of the garage door to ensure it meets safety standards. If your garage door fails this part of the inspection, it could delay the sale or lead to costly repairs before closing the deal.

Some of the most common reasons a garage door fails an inspection include:

  • Worn-out or damaged bottom seal – A broken bottom seal can lead to issues like pests, drafts, and water damage, affecting the home’s energy efficiency.

  • Malfunctioning safety sensors – The automatic reverse mechanism is a critical safety feature that must function correctly.

  • Damaged or weak door springs – Weak or broken springs can be a safety hazard.

  • Warped or cracked panels – Even if the door is operational, visible damage can be a red flag for inspectors.

  • Improper installation or misalignment – An uneven or poorly installed door can pose structural and functional issues.

As You can see in this picture Below this garage door didn't pass the inspection

garage door house inspection

How Can I Check the Reverse Feature on My Garage Door Opener?

One of the most important safety tests during a garage door house inspection is checking the automatic reverse feature on your opener. If this feature fails, your garage door won’t pass inspection, as it poses a serious safety risk.

You can test the reverse mechanism yourself by following these simple steps:

  1. Grab a 2×4 or 2×6 piece of wood.

  2. Place the wood flat on the ground where the garage door touches when fully closed.

  3. Use your garage door opener to close the door.

  4. Observe the reaction:

    • If the door touches the wood and immediately reverses, the sensor is working correctly.

    • If the door continues to close and crushes the wood, the sensor is faulty and needs to be adjusted or replaced.

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What to Do If Your Garage Door Fails Inspection

If your garage door doesn’t pass inspection, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

  • Consult a garage door professional. They can assess the issue and recommend repairs or a replacement if necessary.

  • Replace the bottom seal. A simple fix like sealing the bottom of the door can make a big difference.

  • Ensure safety features are working. If your opener sensors aren’t functioning, they may need realignment or replacement.

  • Consider upgrading to a new garage door. If your door is outdated or beyond repair, replacing it can increase your home’s value and improve curb appeal.

The Impact of a Safe Garage Door on Home Value

A well-maintained, functional garage door is more than just a convenience—it adds to your home’s overall value. Potential buyers appreciate a home with a safe and secure garage door, and a passed inspection ensures a smoother transaction.

Before listing your home, take the time to inspect your garage door or have a professional check it. Addressing potential issues before the buyer’s inspection can prevent delays, unexpected costs, and even help you negotiate a better selling price.

Why Choose True Blue Garage Doors for Your House Inspection Preparation?

Over the years, we’ve inspected countless garage doors across the Bay Area. Some homeowners want to do the bare minimum to pass an inspection, while others aim to provide the new buyer with a long-term, exceptionally working garage door. Whatever your needs, True Blue Garage Doors is here to help.

What makes us unique? We listen. We understand that every homeowner has different priorities, and we tailor our recommendations based on your specific situation. With our extensive experience in garage door inspections, we will provide you with the best possible advice to ensure your garage door meets safety standards and enhances your home’s value. Whether you need minor repairs or a complete replacement, we’ll make sure your garage door is in top condition before inspection day.

📞 Contact us today At 650-747-6274 for a free estimate! Let’s find the perfect garage door for your home.

Faq

If your garage door doesn’t meet safety standards, the buyer may request repairs before closing, negotiate a lower price, or even back out of the deal altogether.

A garage door inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the door’s condition and the number of components that need assessment.

A one-piece garage door can pass inspection if it meets safety and functionality standards. However, because they lack some modern safety features and are prone to mechanical issues, inspectors may recommend an upgrade to a sectional door for better safety and reliability.

A noisy garage door isn’t necessarily a reason to fail inspection unless the noise indicates a mechanical issue, such as worn-out rollers, loose hardware, or failing springs. However, addressing excessive noise can improve the buyer’s impression of your home.

Yes, in California, garage door openers are required to have a battery backup system. Inspectors will check if the battery backup is functional and compliant with state regulations.

Final Thoughts

A garage door house inspection is a critical part of the home-selling process. Even if your garage door seems to work fine, it may still have hidden safety issues that need attention. Performing a simple reverse sensor test and checking for common problems like a broken bottom seal can help you avoid surprises during the inspection. If you’re unsure, hiring a garage door professional to assess and repair any issues can save you time and money in the long run.

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True Blue Garage Doors

Tru Blue Garage Door Services is centrally located near downtown San Jose near the important landmarks of CEFCU Stadium, Walmart Neighborhood Market, & Excite Ballpark. Our office is just a few short blocks away from the historic downtown neighborhood, which features many remarkable buildings from  Italianate-style odd fellows building to Spanish colonial revival structures and extensive high-end retail establishments, restaurants and entertainment venues.  If you haven’t visited downtown San Jose, you are truly missing out! 

San Jose is the cultural, financial, and political center of Silicon Valley, as well as the largest city in Northern California in terms of population and area, south of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and just west of Henry W. Coe State Park. Located in the center of the Santa Clara Valley on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay, San Jose is the county seat of Santa Clara County and the main component of the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara Metropolitan Statistical Area.  Some amazing landmarks in the area include Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, History Park at Kelley Park, Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, Mexican Heritage Plaza, Lick Observatory, San Jose Flea Market, and the Tech Museum of Innovation.

This makes Tru Blue Garage Door Services (conveniently located on East Alma Avenue) a centrally located garage door services provider that aims to fix your garage door needs at the most affordable cost and. can be easily found throughout Santa Clara County, including the surrounding communities of Japantown, Rose Garden, Midtown Place San Jose, Willow Glen, Naglee Park, Burbank, Winchester, Alviso, East Foothills, Alum Rock, Communications Hill, and Little Portugal.

Directions

  • Click here for driving directions from your location.
  • Directions From San Jose International Airport to Tru Blue Garage Door Services, True Blue Garage Door Services 205 East Alma Avenue Unit H3 San Jose, CA 95112: Get on CA-87 from Airport Boulevard for approximately 1.2 miles. Then,  continue on CA-87 to E Virginia Street. Next, take the Virginia Street exit from I-280 S  for 3.9 miles. Finally, take S 7th Street to your destination.
  • Directions From Reid-Hillview County Airport to Tru Blue Garage Door Services, True Blue Garage Door Services 205 East Alma Avenue Unit H3 San Jose, CA 95112: First, head southwest on Tully Road toward Swift Avenue/Swift Lane. Then, pass by Subway on the right. Then,  Turn right onto S 7th Street for approximately 1.3 miles.  Next, turn left onto E Alma Avenue. Turn right. Finally,  turn left and your destination will be on the left.

Address

205 East Alma Avenue
Unit H3
San Jose, CA 95112
☎ (650) 747-6274

Hours of Operation

Sunday         7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Monday      7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday       7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday  7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday    7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday          7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday     7:00 am – 10:00 pm

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We can supply you with top of the line spring repairs, motor repairs and replacements, Garage door installations, Garage Smart door installations, all type of repairs and much more! Don’t hesitate to contact our team of professionals today. We proudly serve the whole bay area, including San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Marine County and Contra Costa County. Please Feel free to call us for further info!

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