10 useful tips to help building owners choose the perfect roofing provider
How to Choose a Roofing Provider
Taking on a big roofing project requires extensive planning, budgeting, and a tremendous amount of time and energy. After all, your roof is one of the biggest investments you can make, so it’s important to find the right professional to help you get the most out of it. Unfortunately, that is usually a lot easier said than done. There are plenty of commercial roofing companies out there, but it’s often a challenge to find one with a reputation for delivering honest, trustworthy, professional services.
Don’t get roped into a service contract with a roofing contractor without doing your homework first. Here’s what you need to do:
Get Referrals
Choose a community partner that already has a working relationship with people you know. Contractors who have worked with your neighbors already have an understanding of the local codes and regulations. There is less chance of falling victim to a scam from a roofing company when your peers have vouched for them.
See What Manufacturers They Work With
The best roofing contractors aren’t always the most well rounded. Some companies specialize in roofing materials from a specific set of brands. So just because a contractor works with an extensive list of manufacturers, certain manufacturers may not be ideal for your specific roofing system. When conducting research, see what manufacturers each contractor works with and their specialty with those manufactured products.
Check Their Credibility
Stay away from contractors who aren’t affiliated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Check the BBB website and make sure the company has a good score. Contractors with satisfactory BBB ratings typically have a reputation for providing a quality service.
Claim Extensive Warranties
The best contractors deliver excellent craftsmanship, but that doesn’t mean they’re not human. People make mistakes, which may lead to repairs or even early replacements. Many times, your insurance company won’t cover the project. It’s important to work with a roofing company that offers years of warranty support in case damages or wears and tears show up earlier than expected.
Prioritize Safety
The contractors you work with should offer an extensive safety training program for each team member. This ensures you are working with a safety-conscious professional. As a result, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing they are installing your roof safely and securely.
Make Sure They are Licensed and Insured
Always check to make sure each contractor and subcontractor carries proper insurance validation. They must hold an appropriate level of Workers Compensation and need to obtain at least $1 million worth of General Liability coverage to perform proper roofing work.
Pay Off the Deductible
Did a contractor not ask you to pay off the insurance deductible? This should set off an immediate red flag. Make sure the contractor includes the deductible in their quote. If they avoid deductible expenses they may be setting you up for insurance fraud.
Take Care of the Claim Yourself
Be wary of those contractors who consider themselves “claim specialists.” In most cases, it’s illegal for the contractor to handle the claim on behalf of the building owner. This could present legal activity and a mess of headaches.
Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate
Never sign a contract before the full estimate is ready. Once you have an idea of what the settlement will cost, don’t be afraid to talk down the price. Building owners usually have a lot of flexibility to do this. Contactors also need to examine the structure and check to make sure the adjuster made note of any damages.
Know Your Options
This is the fun part of the process. The best contractors are those who have enough materials to choose from. Work with a roofing professional with various shingles in different styles and color patterns. This allows you to build a roof with more external appeal, which can help increase the value of the building.
Rainville-Carlson—A Commercial Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
At Rainville-Carlson, we’re more than just a commercial roofing company. We are a team of experts who take pride in serving our clients and will do whatever it takes to maximize the value of their buildings. Request a free consultation with one of our team members and discover which of our world-class roofing solutions is right for you!
