As a facilities manager, you understand that the responsibility of maintenance for a commercial roof carries with it a lot of work and worry, but the right choice in a commercial roofing contractor can significantly improve your ability to get your job done. Choosing the right roofing contractor is a matter of finding the right fit for your needs, as well as the needs of the building that you manage.
Getting funding is only the first step you must take when arranging such a project. To make sure the job is done right, hiring a roofing contractor with the proper qualifications is vital.
Return on Your Investment
When considering commercial roofing contractors, it can be tempting to decide based on pricing. But, while this may save your business money in the short term, over the long haul, this decision can be costly. In order to offer a bid below cost, the materials used could be cheaper than is required, or the contractor may be uninsured, leaving you with little recourse should the work later fail. By seeking out a qualified contractor, you can have confidence in your facility’s future.
Do Your Homework
Make sure you’re hiring a commercial roofing contractor with the right qualifications for your project, just like you would when hiring someone in your company. Reputable contractors are often members of trade or professional organizations and should have a dedicated business listing online or in local directories, as well as a permanent address (and a great website!).
Whether you need immediate commercial roof repairs or you’re simply being proactive, there are a few specific commercial roofing contractor questions you’ll want to be sure you ask.
Is Your Contractor Experienced, Licensed and Bonded?
This should be among your first questions. Choosing a commercial roofing company that isn’t properly licensed or bonded could lead to endless legal trouble and frustration for both of you down the road. You should also ask for proof of licensing and bonding, if applicable, and make sure the contractor is familiar with any special needs your roof might have for your particular business as well as your specific type of roof.
You can also try contacting the manufacturer of your commercial roof for suggestions of locally qualified candidates to choose from. The manufacturer may even be able to tell you statistics on the contractors you may be looking into, such as the results of their inspections or how many roofs they have installed.
What’s Your Current Workload?
As a business owner, you already know that life is good when business is booming, but you also know how quickly you can become overwhelmed no matter how hard you work. The same is true of contractors, which is why you should ask about current projects when compiling commercial roofing contractor questions. What’s more is that you should ask how many employees the contractor has and how many are devoted to specific projects to make sure there will be plenty of technicians on hand to take care of your flat roof. While you’re at it, you should also ask if any of the work will be subcontracted out.
How Will the Contractor Be Installing The Roofing System?
If you need a new roofing system, be sure to ask if your roof will merely be cleaned off before a new system is laid down or if the roof will be stripped down to the structural deck. The distinction can be costly but entirely necessary based on your area’s building codes. For a roof recover, ask whether your insulation is sufficient or if additional insulation will be needed.
Get Recommendations and References
It is vital to ask for recommendations, either from manufacturers and other contractors, or from facility managers at other companies. It’s also a good plan to request at least three references from any contractor you intend to use. While you can expect these to be satisfied customers with little negative to say, contacting them can give you a better idea of what the contractor is like to work with.