The lack of uniformity in roof design and complex roof pitches have made commercial roofs more expensive to install and more time-consuming to maintain than residential roofs.
Even minor leaks can lead to costly repairs and disruption to the day-to-day business operations.
Not to mention that there are many unlicensed and unreliable companies and roofing contractors out there.
That means hiring the right commercial roofing contractor is extremely critical, whether it’s a roof repair, replacement or even installation on a new building.
But how do you make the right choice? That’s a question that every business owner planning a roofing project for their building must carefully consider.
To help you make the best decision, here is a simple guide on finding the most qualified commercial roofer for your building.
First Step: Create a Short List of Potential Commercial Roofing Contractors
Ask for recommendations from people around you.
Of course, as with any other service offered out there, the natural first step is to ask people around you for recommendations.
While these can be personal or professional contacts, it’s essential you ask the “right” people.
For example, your favorite cousin who knows next to nothing about commercial roofs may not be the best person to make a recommendation.
You should probably seek out people in the business world because they are more likely to have worked directly with a commercial roofing company or know someone who has.
Remember, it’s best if there is a pre-existing relationship between you two, which increases the likelihood that the person will give you an unbiased opinion.
The last thing you want is for someone to suggest a roofing contractor because they were promised a commission if they get them new business.
Check Online Reviews
Most businesses today, including commercial roofing contractors, are listed on online review sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google reviews.
This often provides reliable information about the roofer’s work, customers’ experiences with the company and the quality of its services. The reviews often include information about how well the work was performed and if there were any problems.
They may also contain valuable information about the professional behavior of the company’s representatives.
Be sure to focus largely on reviews from the last 6-9 months. This will ensure you get the most recent good or bad experiences from building owners.
While you should not make your final decision based solely on reviews, they can help you create a shortlist of potential contractors.
Second Step: Narrow Down Your List to The Right Contractor For You
For those that have piqued your interest, you can proceed to run them through the following criteria:
Review Websites and Portfolio
Check the website and social media handles for more information about the contractor.
This is also a good time to look at their portfolios. Suppose your commercial building requires a specific type of roof.
In that case, you can email potential contractors to inquire about their experience with this material and ask for pictures and examples of previous jobs with similar requirements.
After all, even though commercial roofing contractors can offer a wide range of options, if you wish to have a particular look or finish, you need to find out about their expertise beforehand.
Do a background check
The truth is that there are many unlicensed, unreliable and unscrupulous companies and contractors in the commercial roofing industry.
You may be shocked at what you find when you do your due diligence before you sign off on any work order.
The question you need to ask yourself is whether the commercial roofing contractor is operating legitimately. Things that may indicate a legitimate status include:
Do they have a verifiable permanent address? It is essential to look for a commercial roofing contractor with a physical office location and a local phone number. That way, if you ever have a problem with your roof, you’ll know exactly where to go.
How long have they been in business? You should look for a commercial roofing contractor that is well established in your area. Such contractors are more likely to honor the warranty (more on that later).
Proof of state and regional licenses. Working with an unlicensed or uninsured contractor is a considerable risk. Depending on state laws, you may find yourself liable for any injuries an unlicensed contractor incurs on your property. Our advice: make sure they are licensed and insured!
A fair warranty program. This will help you claim free repairs or replacements since you can not predict when the roof might require any restoration. There are different types of warranties.
For example, the contractor may issue a 10-year Contractor’s Workmanship warranty that says they’ll cover the roof if anything goes wrong. In contrast, the roofing manufacturer may issue a 20-year warranty that guarantees the materials during that period.
Make sure you know exactly what is and is not covered in the warranties before the work is undertaken.
Some of this information may be available on the website. Still, often you might have to call or visit their office to get the information.
A professional company should be willing to provide legal information as well as a written quote because they have nothing to hide.
Get Multiple Estimates
Always get estimates from a few roofing contractors before settling on one.
Keep in mind that an estimate approximates the project’s cost based on factors such as roofing materials, the scope of work, industry experience and more. In comparison, a commercial roofing bid is the exact amount a roofing contractor will charge for your project and is more comprehensive and detailed than an estimate.
However, for this initial evaluation stage, an estimate should be sufficient. These will help you find the best option in terms of price and the service you’re looking for.
So when comparing estimates, pay attention to the solutions offered by different contractors.
For example, while quick fixes are popular, they may not have a long-term guarantee. This means you may want to choose a roofing contractor that charges a little more but offers a more comprehensive warranty.
All in all, you need to compare the pricing of different services to ensure you get the best deal. The good news is that professional roofing companies like Allweather Roof offer free inspections and estimates that will help you minimize costs and save the money for when the actual project begins.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right contractor for you does not have to be an uphill task. We hope that with this guide, you will be able to find a commercial roofing contractor that aptly meets your requirements!