Commercial roofing is in high demand especially in towns and cities where commercial activities proliferate.
With the many roofing companies operating in the US, sometimes it can be confusing for a new customer to choose the right roofing contractor.
To choose the right roofing contractor, you need to look at the company’s reputation, where they operate from and how they relate with the local community.
Also, the contractor must be able to provide a quote as well as their terms, warranty and licensing information when you make the first contact. Without further ado, let’s look at the things to consider when choosing a commercial roofing contractor.
1. Check License And Insurance
The first thing to look into a commercial roofing company is whether they have proper general contractors insurance and license for the job.
You should hire a roofing contractor who has proper insurance for doing the job. Generally, most contractors have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance but may have other insurance types too. Be sure to check what type of insurance a roofing contractor has before hiring them.
Depending on your state, roofing contractors may be required to be licensed. Be sure to check what’s required in your state and ensure that the contractor that you hire meets all legal requirements.
2. Consider Their Experience
To ensure you get a reputable commercial roofer, we would suggest that you hire a local roofing contractor with a known reputation among other businesses in your area. By choosing a reputable company in your area, you’re assured that your commercial roofing is installed by people who understand the roofing needs of local businesses.
What’s more, the roofing contractor will want to uphold their reputation with each installation in the area, including yours.
Some contractors move to an area after a disaster in search of new business. But such contractors are generally looking for quick jobs. Most of them do shady work, leaving business owners with a faulty new roof that could start leaking after a few months.
You’re likely to get quality roofing with a local established commercial roofing contractor than with a one that does not understand the roofing needs of local businesses.
3. Check References
Your roofing contractor should be willing to provide references from some of their satisfied customers. If a contractor is unwilling to provide references or has none to talk of, you should think twice about engaging with them.
A reputable roofing company should be able to provide some examples of their work and also give the contact information of some of their previous clients. Be sure to contact some of them and ask them about their experience working with the contractor.
Also, be sure to check online reviews and testimonials to help in your decision-making process.
4. Consider The Pricing
Before choosing one commercial roofing company over the other, ask them about their pricing. While it can be exciting to find a contractor offering cheap prices, sometimes they won’t guarantee good work.
Most often you get what you pay for. This does not, however, mean that you should hire the most expensive roofing contractor out there, but rather look for a mix of value and professionalism.
By considering the quality and being willing to pay a bit higher for quality services, you’ll be much happier and satisfied with your commercial roofing than if you went for the cheapest option.
5. Inquire About Association Memberships
It is also important to check whether the contractor in question is a member of any roofing associations. There are many local, regional and national roofing associations that have set up high standards that every member should follow. Checking whether a roofer is a member of any of these organizations can help you to determine the kind of work to expect from them
Also, being a member of other professional associations such as Better Business Bureau can be a sign that a commercial roofing contractor is reputable.
6. Ask For A Written Proposal
A reputable roofing contractor should be willing to provide a written proposal before starting the work.
Your contractor should be able to provide an accurate estimate of the expected costs and stand by it when working on the project. They should give an outline of what exactly will be done, for how long, and the guarantee of work.
Non-reputable roofing contractors will give you their estimated price only to deviate from it as the work progresses. Be sure to ask about any unexpected costs so you’re able to budget for your construction costs.
