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7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Are you looking to repair or replace your roof for your commercial building?

Hiring a commercial roofing contractor can be a stressful experience. You might be dealing with a ruined or leaking roof, and as well as that, you must sort through all the local roofing contractors in your area.

You’re in a rush to sort your roofing problems, but at the same time, you don’t want to invest money hiring the wrong contractor. After all, a quality roof repair or replacement should last years, and you don’t want a botch job.

If you’re a business owner looking for a roofing contractor, we’re here to help. Here are seven questions to ask before selecting a supplier before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

While asking about license and insurance may seem obvious, many property owners forget to ask. Don’t assume that every commercial roofing contractor is licensed and insured. Instead, gain peace of mind and ask for proof.

Most states require that roofing suppliers are licensed in that state, but codes and conditions alter between states. Make sure you understand the code requirements for your state so that you work with a roofer who complies with the law.  

Knowing that the roofer is licensed and insured will protect your investment and ensures you’re choosing a quality company. If something does go wrong, your money is safe.

2. Can You Provide a Written Estimate?

When planning for a roofing project, building owners should first establish a budget. Be sure to speak about roofing contractor fees before signing or agreeing to any work. Your roofer can help you build a budget if you’re not sure how much work is required.

This is also an excellent way to check a roofer’s customer service level, so you can have an idea of what it’s like to work with one another. Roofing projects can last a while, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a roofer who communicates well.

A detailed and written estimate is a property owner’s best friend. You’ll want to know the exact costs of removing or repairing the old roof, materials, and any other fees that may arise during the construction works. There should be no surprise costs at the end of the project.

3. Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

There are various types of roofing projects, and not all warrant a full replacement of the roof. Ask each contractor you speak to if they’re happy to assess your roof’s current state to decide the best route.

For example, a small repair can add some years to the lifespan of your roof. If you only plan to keep the property for a short time, a repair is more cost-effective.

If you aim to keep the property for a long time, investing in a full roof repair may make more sense. After all, a repair will only postpone an entire replacement for a few years.

4. Do You Use Roofing Subcontractors?

Some contractors work with subcontractors to help with roofing work. When choosing your supplier, ask if they hire subcontractors. If they do, request verification that they have workman’s compensation and general liability insurance.

You may also want to use lien waivers as these documents can protect you if the contractor doesn’t pay the subcontractors.

5. Can You Provide References?

Checking references and reviews is another simple yet crucial step in the hiring process that many business owners forget. Any high-quality commercial roofing contractor will supply several references for their work.

Also, have a browse online to check their reviews. What are past clients saying about their services? Does their online reputation support the feedback from the references offered?

It’s easy to choose the first contractor that seems to meet your needs, but if you fail to check references and reviews, you may end up with a poor job that you’ll have to pay for further down the line.

6. How Long Will My Project Take?

Make sure you find out from the beginning how long your roofing project will take to complete. Poor weather can affect installation, but an experienced roofer will consider this when offering a projected timeline.

7. What Is the Warranty on My New Roof?

The warranty for your new roof will depend on its quality and the materials used. Roof shingles carry the same price as older ones, but they also last longer. When using shingles, property owners should expect to get at least 25 years from new shingles at a minimum.

Be sure to ask about the length of your new roof’s warranty. Anything less than 25 years should be questioned.

Ready to Find a Commercial Roofing Contractor?

It’s important to hire a local commercial roofing contractor. After all, local companies will understand the difficulties and obstacles that could occur during the project and can construct your roof to deal with the area’s weather conditions.

Local roofers are familiar with similar construction projects and have experience working in similar environments.

At HP Roofing Pro, we’re proud to serve property owners throughout San Bernardino and its surrounding areas. We’re a commercial roofing contractor that works with only the best materials on the market, and we offer sublime customer support to match.

Ready to discuss a commercial roof repair or replacement for your business? Contact us today to arrange your free, no-obligation inspection. It’s time to have your ‘roofing done right!’