Is it time to replace the roof on your building? If so, you may have questions about roofing projects and evaluating roofing companies. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about commercial roofing and selecting the proper contractor.
Is it acceptable to hire a contractor who lacks a business location?
It is never advisable to hire contractors who lack a physical business address. In addition to making it easier for a contractor to leave a project unfinished, the lack of a physical business address can signal that a contractor lacks a strong customer base, which can be an indicator of poor workmanship.
How many bids should I receive before I accept an offer?
Most building owners receive a minimum of three bids before they sign a roofing contract. The more bids you receive, the more leaseage you have to negotiate a fair price.
What should I do if a bid seems unreasonably low?
Because topnotch roofing companies rarely make low bids, not accepting a bid that seems unreasonably low is the safest move. In some cases, commercial roofing contractors make low bids because they lack a contractor's license, or because they have a bad business history.
How many customer references should I speak to?
Speak to as many references as possible, and ask them straightforward questions about the quality of the contractor's workmanship and customer service. Consulting references takes time, but it can save you from hiring a bad contractor. Most building owners speak to a minimum of three references for each contractor.
How can I be sure a contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured?
You can find out if a contractor is licensed by calling the your state's Construction Industry Licensing Board. You can find out if the contractor carries bonding and insurance by requesting to see an insurance policy and bond certificate. You can contact the insurance company and the bond issuer to make sure the documents are legitimate.
What if a contractor fails to offer a contractor's warranty?
Because a contractor's warranty protects you from paying for repairs to a poorly installed roof, you should not hire a contractor who fails to offer the warranty. A reputable contractor always offers a contractor's warranty.
What parts of the project should I put in writing?
Anything that could affect the schedule or cost of the project should be confirmed in writing. Be sure the contractor agreements to finish the project by a certain date, and have the contractor state that the final bid is indeed final.
Is it acceptable to pay a contractor upfront?
Paying for initial project materials upfront is commonplace, but you should never pay for labor costs or extended material costs upfront. Reputable roofing companies never ask for a significant payment upfront.
Conclusion
Receiving a good commercial roofing job begins with hiring a reputable, skilled contractor. In some cases, ensuring that you get a good roofing contractor over a bad one can be difficult, but following the tips above is a reliable way to end up with a great contractor in charge of your roofing project.
