Check out the photo below.  Can you guess what's missing?  Here's a hint: this garage doesn't have a service door, but it does have a automatic garage door opener installed.

Garage Door 

If you said "pizazz" you would be correct, and you might also make a good home stager, but that's not what I'm talking about today.  This door is missing an emergency release.

If the power went out, the GFCI outlet inside the garage tripped, or the garage door opener failed, the owner would be locked out of this garage.  The fix for this is quite simple - install an emergency release kit.

Emergency Release Kit  

These kits cost about $15, and they take about ten minutes to install, if you really take your sweet time.  This is a very DIY project.  The only tools you'll need are a drill, drill bits, and a wrench.

These emergency release kits are very simple devices - they connect to the pull-cord on the garage door opener, allowing you to disconnect your overhead door from the opener, as shown in the photos below.

Emergency Release In Action  Emergency Release 

When I inspect old houses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul and I find garages without a service door, I always tell my clients to install an emergency release kit.  It could save a lot of hassle in the future.

 

Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections

        

 
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13 Comments on Don't Get Locked Out Of Your Garage

JUN
01
2010
125,829 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Hit Router

Great info!

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

 Herman Cain quotes

6:10am • #1
135,951 Points Called Shot Master

Reuben, I was not aware of the emergency release kit. Thanks for the great tip.
6:15am • #2
1,422,188 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great advice. . specially when you arrive home and there is no power . . .
6:15am • #3
227,118 Points 86 Featured Posts

Thanks Barbara.

Mary Kay - glad to help.

Fernando - my neighbor just had to use hers when her landscaper accidentally took out the power to her garage!
6:18am • #4
334,925 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

So thats what that thingy is??? Thanks for the information!!
8:20am • #5
917,068 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Reuben, great post----I either find the doors without the kit or no one knows where the heck the key is :)  Either way it is a good heads up for the buyer to either get one installed or to find the key----or get one made----or replace the thing.
8:59am • #6
975,971 Points 351 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I have had people call me at 6am to ask how to get OUT of their garage door!  No power, no opener, what to do?  The outdoor kits are even more rare around here than the indoor red cord...
3:14pm • #7
JUN
02
2010
227,118 Points 86 Featured Posts

Pat - as Charles said right after you, now you just need to find the keys.

Jay - How to get OUT of the garage?  You've gotta be kidding me.  That sounds a lot like locking yourself IN your car.
7:13am • #8
975,971 Points 351 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

No Reuben.  There was no power in the neighborhood and the people didn't know to pull the red cord!  That's what I meant by, no power, no opener, what to do?
6:19pm • #9
227,118 Points 86 Featured Posts

I see.  But still... I guess we just take some of this stuff for granted.
6:42pm • #10
JUN
04
2010
567,910 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Can't say I can recall seeing one of these in a very long time. Good reminder about these gadgets.
8:08am • #11
108,542 Points 1 Featured Post

A little investment to save a lot of money in the long run.  Do they still build garages without another entrance?  I would be surprised if that passed fire code.
2:45pm • #12
JUN
17
2010
626,433 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

These things are great and definitely saves a lot of hassle.  Thanks Reuben I am going to use for a reblog. 
2:07pm • #13


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