Your commercial roof is a crucial asset you cannot forego or neglect. When it comes to this highly protective structural component of your property, roofing construction and repairs are often not a choice. Yet, a full commercial roof replacement can cost up to $10,000 or more on average – not a small investment! When the time comes for you to make this purchase for the sake of your commercial building’s longevity, safety and functionality, you need to know who you can trust and who is worthy of the job. Look for these qualifications and features in your commercial roofers, and you’ll be in good hands.
Licensed & Certified
First of all, a commercial roofer should have their legal bases covered. They must be licensed to perform this type of work in your locality. Many state licenses require proof of worker’s compensation, surety bonds, a minimum amount of experience, a passing score on an exam, or other requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask your roofing contractor about the unique conditions of your state’s roofing license. In addition, they should have up-to-date certifications that show they understand the current roofing codes, as well as any necessary permits awarded by county and city governments.
Insured & Bonded
The potential for injury or damage is a reality in any type of construction work. A trustworthy roofing company should have general liability insurance covering physical damages that may occur during the project, worker’s compensation covering contractor injuries on the job, and a bond that will pay out if you need to file a claim against them. Make sure to ask your roofing company whether they are insured and bonded. It’s essential that you and your business are not held liable for accidents on your property!
Experience
While no formal degree is required to gain entry to the roofing business, most workers may start in an apprenticeship and gain experience over time. Ask your roofing company how many years of experience they have and how many years they have been in business. Contractors may also keep up with their expertise in other ways, like attending seminars or acquiring additional credentials. Try to find a contractor who has experience working on your specific type of roof, such as asphalt shingle, single-ply, or built-up. If your roof poses a unique issue, ask your roofing candidate if they have ever handled a similar situation before.
Customer Reviews & References
Even before reaching out to a company, there are a few ways you can research them online. First, look at their customers’ reviews, whether posted on their website or third-party sites like Yelp or Google My Business Reviews. A quick read of others’ experiences working with this company will give you an idea of their trustworthiness, professionalism, and quality of work. Secondly, visit the Better Business Bureau website for a complete guide to the company’s reviews, customer complaints, business details and more.
It’s a good idea to vet your prospective roofer offline as well. Reach out to the other business owners in your neighborhood and professional network for their recommendations on roofers. Alternatively, you can directly ask the roofing contractor to provide you with a few references.
Maintenance Program
Most roofing companies don’t just install rooftops. They also work hard to keep your brand new roof clean, operational, and lasting for decades with inspections and repairs. Some companies will even offer you an incentive for continuing to work with them after installment. Inquire about your roofer’s maintenance program and whether they offer a discounted rate after installation is complete.
Warranties
Before getting any roofing work done, you need to know that your investment is protected against unforeseen installation mishaps or faulty materials. Talk to your roofing contractor about the warranties that come with your roof replacement. You should at least receive one warranty from the manufacturer to cover defective parts and one from the contractor to cover mistakes during labor. Make sure you know how long the warranties last and the extent of their coverage. Don’t be afraid to talk to several contractors and shop around for the best warranties on the market!
Written Estimates
A trustworthy businessperson is someone who keeps their promises. That said, a reliable roofing company isn’t afraid to write down their estimates for you. A written estimate should include a cost breakdown of everything involved in the project, from materials to labor to clear explanations about extenuating circumstances. There should be no guesswork, nothing left unclear, and no detail omitted to be disputed later. It’s an excellent idea to get a few estimates from different companies so that you can compare the quality of service and cost.
In Conclusion
The roofing industry is just like any other in that an individual company’s success depends on its relationships with its customers. As a customer making a considerable financial investment, you have every right to vet your options before settling on one. The upstanding companies will want you to ask questions about everything from insurance and warranties to customer reviews and past experience. You’ll know when you’ve found the right company because they will hide nothing and treat you with integrity. For a construction project so near and dear to the safety and functionality of your livelihood, it’s worth going the extra mile to make sure you’re working with honest professionals.
