The structure of any commercial property or building depends on the roof’s design, material, and installation. Careful and thorough planning must go into the process to ensure strength and stability. Your roof acts as a shield from external elements. While all roofing systems aim to last, proper maintenance and regular cleaning are essential to maintain your roof’s durability.
A commercial roof system is a considerable expense for construction projects since it is one of the most significant external building components built on-site and relies entirely on appropriate installation and maintenance. Your roofing system is just as valuable as the foundation. To ensure that the structure’s integrity is not compromised, any roofing job – whether for installation or maintenance – must be done by a professional.
A roofing contractor is responsible for the construction of roofs. These contractors specialize in all roofing tasks, such as installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance for any roofing material. Roofing systems have several components, such as the deck, insulation, membrane, flashings, and reliable access to the roof like aluminum roof hatches which should all function in total synchronicity. Improper application and lack of maintenance for any of these components can cause a ripple effect that could ultimately damage the whole system.
That said, the proper selection of roofing contractors is critical in ensuring the success of your roof. Adequate research helps you hire the right professional for the job to avoid any future issues.
1. Compare Quality and Price
Hiring a professional roof contractor comes at a price, and this is often the deciding factor in choosing the right person or team for the job. Due to this, many business owners mistake selecting the contractor that offers the lowest expense among all options.
It should not be the case because if you heavily rely on the contractor fee, the other important factors will be compromised, resulting in more unnecessary expenditures. As a best practice, the only time that price should be the deciding factor is when you have equally qualified contractors bidding for the job.
2. Double Check Licensing and Insurance
Roofing is among the most hazardous construction tasks, which is why you should never hire a contractor that hasn’t received the proper licensing and insurance. It would be best to hire a professional with all of the necessary safety equipment, resources, and tools to execute the task at hand adequately.
The right contractor must have the appropriate insurance coverage that complies with your requirements and that of the state where your property is. Moreover, ensure that their indemnity coverage is in effect throughout the roofing project.
The principal coverages to review are general liability and workman’s compensation. Your prospective contractor’s insurance should have the range required in case of damage to the property, the landscape, and internal components. Roofing is considered a heavy construction job where the chances of inducing damage are pretty high. Workman’s compensation rates must comply with your local state’s stipulation list.
3. Discuss Scope of Work
There is an abundance of roof materials and systems available in the commercial market and different application methods that will impact the project’s overall expense. The selection process is ideal for presenting the scope of work or design specifications with materials, systems, and application methods required so that the contractors can bid equally.
You may also provide a proposed schedule with a price estimate based on your work scope, including the projected start date and project duration. Roofing projects are often under a tight schedule; therefore, availability may become a top qualifier in choosing the right contractor.
4. Consider Financial Capabilities
Roofing is a costly project no matter how you look; it is essential to check the contractor’s financial capability and resources to complete your project. Financial strength is crucial as the duration of the project increases, and if the contractor cannot complete the job, it will be nearly impossible to find an alternative willing to start from scratch. Any contractor is unlikely to assume the labor and take responsibility for any damage the previous contractor’s team may have caused.
Potential contractors must present a financial list of references, including leading suppliers, material and equipment manufacturers, disposal services, and distributors. The suppliers that they transact with on every project qualify as a reliable basis to determine a contractor’s true financial strength
5. Check for Experience and Reputation
Reputation and experience are everything when choosing the right roofing contractor for the job, which is why it’s ideal to select a contractor with an exemplary record. There are a variety of ways to find out about your potential candidate’s track record. While it’s plausible to ask the people around you for recommendations, you can always research online and look for customer reviews.
The internet contains a lot of information where you can find almost everything – including unbiased customer reviews. Find reliable sites where you can learn everything you need to know about a potential contractor and their past works. Of course, you may also ask the contractor for a list of previous customers that you can contact directly to inquire further. However, do keep in mind that a good roofer will have negative reviews here or there, and it’s best to steer clear of companies that only have 5-star reviews because it’s very likely that they aren’t being truthful.
6. Look for a Safety Record
Safety training and on-the-job safety procedures are paramount in any construction project due to the hazardous nature of the work – roofing included. Qualified contractors must have the proper safety equipment, protocols, and an established safety training program for all on-site employees.
Double-check the authenticity of the contractor’s safety measures to make sure that their company has received adequate training. Contractors that prioritize the safety of their employees are more likely to perform the job without making several mistakes throughout the project.
There are many qualified roofing contractors nowadays that can provide you with the roofing services that you need. No matter which organization you’ll hire, it is ideal to cover all these factors to find the right contractor to suit your needs.
Before the project commences, it is critical to conduct a pre-construction meeting with the contractor and their project manager, superintendent, and foreman. This meeting is vital in determining the project requirements and establishing communication between you and the building team. The factors mentioned above should make your search for the right contractor much more straightforward.
