Tips in Choosing the Best Commercial Roofing Contractor

Garrick Revels
7 min readJul 20, 2020

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The process of finding and hiring commercial roofing contractors for a project is a difficult task. There are plenty of roofing contractors in the industry. Locating people who are dedicated to their work, and who possess the right experiences and skills set may not be easy. Although, if one is careful when looking for a roofing contractor/s, one may be able to find and hire the right person or people for the job. Hiring the right roofing contractor will help a business save time and money. This is because unnecessary rework and complications will be avoided.

There are plenty of roofing contractors present in the industry today. Because of this, it will be best for roofing contractors to maximize what is available to become more efficient and to do a better job. In this current time, there are plenty of builders’ trends produced by technology which can greatly help roofing contractors in their job. There are several tools and equipment that can make roofing easier and faster. But other than this, project management software is also present. Working in the roofing industry can be difficult because of the competition, and because of the nature of the job itself. Using such software can help manage tasks that can lessen the difficulty of the roofing contractor’s job.

In choosing the best commercial roofing contractor, there tips below:

1. Latest Technology

Roof replacements are uncommon. Plenty of roofs can be restored or repaired instead of being replaced because this process needs less time and money. But if the roofing contractor that was chosen for a project is not updated with the newest technology in roof repair, there is a possibility that a business will need to pay for unnecessary work. Today, roof restoration techniques such as elastomeric roof coating are now present. The spray-applied elastomeric coating has been proven to be able to protect and replenish roofs. Elastomeric coating is also said to be more durable, efficient, and cheaper than most traditional forms of roof repair. Another product of technology is construction management software. In roofing construction, it is also necessary that roofing projects are being accomplished on time. That is why if a roofing subcontractor or contractor is using such software which can help in making crew schedules, in time management, and other tasks, it will be better.

2. Narrow Down the Options

Another way to choose the best roofing contractor is by narrowing down the options. One can check reviews online and check if a roofing contractor has reviews full of satisfied customers or dissatisfied customers. One can look at both the comments and the star ratings to ensure the quality of work of the roofing contractors. Although, one should also always remember that there are competitors in the roofing industry who might have left fake reviews. This is why one should carefully weigh their decision. But one should also check if there are plenty of negative reviews and if they all pertain to the same issues. In such a case, it might be better to move on. One should also pay attention to the way that the contractor replies to the negative reviews. This can sometimes tell plenty of things about the contractor or the company, including their attitude which is relevant in any job.

3. Track Record

In locating the best roofing contractor, checking the track record is a must. In any kind of contract work, repeat customers are important proofs of quality and reliability. Trust is an important factor in choosing a roofing contractor for a project. Repeat customers serve as a testimony to a roofing contractors’ capability to accomplished a job with quality, on budget, and on time. Before hiring roofing contractors, asking them for a record of proof of their performance is a great way to ensure that they can get a job well done.

4. Ask for Estimates

Another thing to remember when hiring a roofing contractor is to ask for estimates. If a contractor tries to give a specific estimate for a project over the phone, it is best to move on from this contractor. This is because even if you know the dimensions of your building precisely, and you are sure with the exact kind of roof that you prefer, it is still not possible to provide an accurate estimate without seeing the structure in person. One should get the job details and the estimate in writing, and should also ensure that one knows earlier in time how big the crew will be and how long they believe it will take to finish the project. It is important to talk about all the terms before hiring an individual or a group. It is also best to ask about how often the company or the business goes over the budget or the deadlines and how they cope with such situations. A roofing contractor who has a lot of experience in the field will rarely miss deadlines or go over budget because they are an expert with what they do.

5. Professionalism

Roofing contractors or companies who have been in the roofing industry for a long time should show professionalism, in a way that there is no question anymore whether they can accomplish a job with quality. This quality should be observed from the very beginning. The way of their way of communicating and interacting will show if they are professionals or not. It is important that the roofing contractor communicate directly and answers all of the questions about the job or project.

6. Safety Standards and Insurance

Another thing to always remember when choosing a roofing contractor is safety standards. Roofing is a dangerous job. People who work in this field are prone to accidents. A great roofing contractor should have safety standards to ensure that employees and clients will be safe against injuries and other risks when the project is ongoing. Another important thing to check is insurance. A roofing company should have a solid insurance cover against unpredictable circumstances.

7. Quality of the Materials

When it comes to roofs, the materials used must be sturdy and with quality so that it can withstand different weathers. This is why when looking for roofing contractors who will repair or install a roof, it is important to check if they use roofing materials that are approved by the regulatory body. One must not settle for something that does not use high-quality materials even if the service is cheap. By doing this, one can ensure the safety of the people who will occupy the building, and that the roof will last a long time.

8. Certifications and Warranty

Another very important thing to consider when looking for a roofing contractor is certifications. When roofing companies are certified on different types of roofing styles and materials, it means that they have the necessary training to complete the requirements. This matter is important because it can affect the warranty. Roofers who make roofs out of leftover materials from their last project might offer a warranty for five (5) years. But plenty of the best roofing materials offer warranties which can last for 50 years. That is why it is important to make sure that the roofing contractor who will install the materials in your property is certified when it comes to such materials. Also, when hiring a roofing contractor, from the beginning, they should be clear about the warranty of their work.

9. Choose a Local Roofer

When hiring a roofing contractor, it will also be good to consider hiring a local one. This way, it will be easier to contact them if ever there will be a problem with the roof in the future. It is also better to get annual maintenance services from roofing contractors that are local for it will be easier to build a connection with them.

10. Don’t Go Too High or Too Low

When hiring a roofing contractor, one should not only base on the price. One should not be enticed by cheap prices alone. This is because, in the long run, one will get what he or she paid for. Roofing contractors should be hired based on the quality of their work.

11. License of Registration

Another thing to remember when hiring a roofing contractor is to check whether they are registered by the government or not. This way, the quality of their work will be better ensured, and conflicts will be avoided.

12. Referrals

When looking for a roofing contractor to hire, one should ask for referrals. One can consult about the quality of their work and the way they work with people. It will also be better to ask for a portfolio of their previous work, and a list of references. But one should also not rely on referrals. This is because one good review will not ensure that their services are top quality, they might have just accomplished that one project right, and one bad review also does not mean that their work is low quality, someone might have just something against the company. When it comes to referrals, one should look for consistency.

Key Takeaways

Roofs that are not made with quality materials by roofing experts can cause plenty of damages and inconveniences. A leaky roof can result in damage to property, an unsafe environment, work stoppages, and other inconveniences. These problems can cause headaches, time, and money. Also, putting on a new roof can be stressful for some people, because there are things that need to be fixed and secured, and there are people whose safety should be considered. With the right roofing contractor, all of these concerns will be easier to handle and will be address correctly. There will be no headache during the process of building the project or in the future after it is finished. For this reason, one should be meticulous when looking for a roofing contractor.

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Garrick Revels
Garrick Revels

Written by Garrick Revels

CEO of Pro Crew Software Inc & also own one of the largest construction companies in the Tampa Bay area, GCM Constructions. Visit us at procrewschedule.com

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