Are you looking to hire a commercial roofing contractor? If so, a word of advice: don’t settle for the first offer you get.
See, repairing or replacing a commercial roof is a major project. Even in the best-case scenario, you can expect some disruption to your business. If you don’t hire the right roofer, though, things will get much worse.
Not sure how to find the right contractor for your commercial needs? Start by asking them the following seven questions!
1. Are You Insured and Licensed?
Let’s start with the obvious one: asking for a license and insurance. As trivial as this may seem, it can save you from huge troubles down the road.
First, your contractor of choice must have business liability insurance. This protects your business from financial loss in case of accidents on the job. That involves both property damage and personal injuries.
Your contractor should also have a roofing license. Getting this license requires experience, which means that the contractor has the skill to do the project. Make sure they’re licensed to work in your particular state.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have?
Speaking of experience, ask your roofing contractor about it. Many companies have far more experience in residential projects than commercial ones.
If you want to confirm the contractor’s experience, ask for references. Look for roofing projects like yours that they’ve finished. Make a few calls to their previous clients to ensure they’re satisfied with the company’s work.
Online reviews can also help you make the right decision. You should find some on the company’s site, but check out review sites like Yelp as well. The Better Business Bureau may have valuable information, too.
3. What Roofing Options Do You Offer?
Roofing systems come in many types and styles. If you’re not sure what type of roof is a good fit for your building, ask a professional about it.
For example, you likely know that asphalt is a common commercial roof type. But did you know that your roof can support several types of asphalt options? That includes the increasingly popular dimensional shingles.
For a flat roof, metal roofing materials still reign supreme. The question is, should you go with steel or aluminum? And if you want to give your building a cleaner look, should you opt for spray polyurethane foam (SPF)?
Choosing the right system will also depend on your building type and the weather in your region. Most importantly, your roofer must offer the system you want. Go through their roofing options and ask for recommendations.
4. What Will the Project Look Like?
Many business owners think they know exactly what they want to do with their roofs. Often, though, a contractor will offer a different perspective.
For example, you may want to install a new roof over the old one to save on disposal costs. The issue with this method is that the roof structure may have hidden issues. In this case, complete roof removal is a much safer bet.
Keep in mind that this is just one thing that can go wrong with the project. Sometimes, the contractors will discover wood rot while removing the roof. Other times, you may change your mind after seeing roofing materials.
All these changes can increase the project’s costs and delay its completion. That’s why it’s important to know how your contractor will react to them. You should also ask them if you’ll need to sign off on any changes.
5. Who Will Work on the Project?
As noted above, commercial roofing projects can get very extensive. To save on costs, many roofing contractors hire subcontractors for certain jobs.
If your contractor does need extra hands on deck, you’ll want to know about it. Next, check whether they’re licensed and insured as well. This is the only way to ensure you won’t be liable for damages and hazards.
On a similar note, find out who your project manager will be. Your manager will oversee the project and confirm it’s moving smoothly. They’ll also be in charge of budgeting, hiring contractors, and other logistics.
6. How Long Will the Project Take?
Do you have a timeline for when the roof repairs or installation will need to start and end? If so, ask the contractor how long the project will take.
In most cases, the contractor will be able to give you an answer after doing a roof inspection. They’ll list all the damage and the repairs required to fix it. If they list too many repairs, they’ll suggest a better course of action.
Beyond an inspection, a roofing company must consider many other factors when scheduling a finish date. That includes acquiring materials, creating a logistics report, reviewing safety codes, and so on.
For many businesses, time spent on the project is as important as the overall cost. You don’t want your customers to deal with excess noise and disruption. That’s why it’s best to gather a few bids before choosing a contractor.
7. Do You Offer Additional Services?
Finally, you should ask your potential roofer about other services they offer. That includes roof restoration, maintenance programs, and more.
One particular service you’ll want to consider is repairing storm damage. In Illinois, inclement weather can pop up at the most inconvenient times. The best way to combat it is to find a roofer who offers emergency services.
Keep in mind that there are many ways a storm can damage a commercial roof. Wind damage is particularly common, but water damage is even worse. If you don’t prevent post-leak damage on time, repairs could get expensive.
Find a Commercial Roofing Contractor Today!
As you can see, finding a commercial roofing contractor for your needs is far from an easy task. Want to ensure you won’t miss anything? Consult the above guide for everything you need to ask before signing on the dotted line!
Interested in commercial roofing services around the Effingham, IL area? Our experienced technicians at Mid-State Roofing can take care of all your needs! Contact us right here for a free assessment or project advice.