Tag: choosing a roofing contractor

Corporate Building Owners: How to Choose the Best Commercial Roofer

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Corporations often have multiple buildings to manage, so their commercial roofs are only tangential to their business. Corporations need commercial roofing solutions that are simple, straightforward, and let them move on with their primary business. We put together a few tips for how to choose the best commercial roofer for your corporate project:

  1. Choose a reputable, local commercial roofer.

Your company may not be headquartered locally, but your roofer needs to be. Local roofing companies know how to handle the local supply chain and what projects work best for the regional climate. Start your search by looking for commercial roofers that have been in business for a long time. The best companies will have excellent reputations and be able to provide references and testimonials from other local clients.

  1. Ask about options for materials.

Commercial metal roofing contractors are not always the same as commercial low-slope roofing contractors. Though some roofers do it all, it’s important to choose a company that specializes in the type of material you plan to work with.

  1. Place value in communication.

While budget and quality are the most significant roofing considerations for most corporations, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of using a roofing company that values good communication and customer service. Roofers that display professionalism and focus on keeping their customers up-to-date make projects run smoothly.

  1. Ask about warranty management.

Commercial roofs are complicated systems that often have materials from a variety of different manufacturers. Tracking the terms of all of these warranties and ensuring they’re fulfilled if a problem arises is a big job. Rather than take on that responsibility, corporations can contract a roofing company that manages all of their warranties.

  1. Consider a roof maintenance plan.

A corporation’s relationship with its roofer isn’t over once construction is done. All commercial roofs require regular maintenance and repairs. Some roofing companies offer roof maintenance plans, which provide a hassle-free way for corporations to make sure their roofs are maintained well. When you opt for a roof maintenance plan, your roofing company will automatically schedule inspections and maintenance so business employees can focus on other tasks and priorities.

If you’re ready to learn more about how Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal can help with your corporation’s roofing needs, contact us today.

How to Evaluate a Commercial Roof Proposal

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The first step in any commercial roofing project is to gather proposals and bids from contractors. For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a proposal and how to recognize a skilled, legitimate commercial roofing contractor. We’ve put together this guide to help building owners properly evaluate a commercial roof proposal and decide on a contractor for their project:

What’s included in a proposal?

All commercial roofing proposals should include a scope of work, budget, and additional information specific to the job. In a bidding situation, these three basic elements will allow businesses to compare roofing companies. Every bid should include the same terms and scope of work in order to be fairly compared. Commercial roofing proposals should also contain:

  • Materials and material grades: Higher quality materials usually drive up the price of a quote. It’s important to make sure that you are being quoted for the best materials for the job. A low bid may be priced lower because it uses substandard materials.
  • Clean-up terms: Waste disposal and post-work tidying may seem like a given for a roofing job, but not all roofing companies include this in their work. Check to ensure that the terms of the clean-up are specifically laid out in the proposal. This way, your company isn’t left with a mess once the work is done.
  • Warranty: Reputable roofing companies stand behind their work. If something goes wrong and a commercial roof does not function as expected, your business needs to have the reassurance that the issue will be addressed. Make sure the terms of the warranty are laid out explicitly in the proposal to protect your investment in a commercial roof. 

Additional Roofing Considerations

Information about the roofing company and its past work isn’t always included in a standard proposal, but this information should be an important part of your decision. Look for commercial roofing contractors with at least ten years in business that can offer referrals from their previous clients. Ask for every company’s safety record and make sure that they carry the appropriate insurance for your job.

Choosing a Proposal

With your bids in hand and any additional information you’ve gathered about the company, you can begin to compare commercial roofing proposals. Make a list of the terms that are most important and create a pro and con list. Often, bids look very similar. In this case, it’s best to choose the company with the best customer service and track record. 

If you’re ready to get started with the bidding process for a commercial roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is here to walk you through the entire proposal process.

How to Choose a Qualified Roofing Contractor

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Whether it’s for a commercial roof repair or brand new construction, choosing a qualified roofing contractor is an important first step for any commercial roofing project. Before deciding on a commercial roofing company, be sure to consider these best practices for finding a qualified company:

Keep Your Search Local

When it comes to getting the best value, schedule, and experience, local roofing companies can’t be beaten. Only roofers with experience in your area can deliver the best service for a roofing project. Without knowledge of the area, outside roofers may struggle to find qualified workers or provide the same level of quality or customer experience. Roofing companies from areas with a different climate also may not realize what types of materials will perform best in your area. 

Start Your Search by Looking at Reputation

Only consider roofing companies known for quality work and excellent customer service. By narrowing down your search to companies that have been in business for a long time, you can weed out roofers that may not have the appropriate experience. Quality companies will have customer reviews online and can offer references to back up their work.

Check Licensing, Certifications, and Insurance

Before asking for a formal bid, make sure every company on your list has the proper licensing, insurance, and safety certifications for the job. Using a company without coverage can leave you vulnerable if anything happens on the job. Don’t be shy about asking to see proof of updated licenses and insurance policies. If you’re coordinating a major commercial roof project, you need to ensure that you’re protected. 

Solicit Bids and Highlight Your Greatest Needs

Even if you’re looking for help with design and aren’t totally sure of the exact specifications needed for your roof, it’s important to have at least a rough idea of your needs before soliciting bids. Does your roof need to support any equipment, like HVAC units? Will you want skylights or specialized ventilation? What is your budget and the ideal lifespan you’d like to see from your roof? Nailing down these priorities will help make sure that commercial roofing companies put forward their best possible bids to suit your specific needs.

Consider The Extras

It’s easy to forget about all of the little details that go into a roofing project. When comparing bids, be sure to check on details like prep work, clean-up, and warranty support. These often-overlooked maintenance tasks should be specifically laid out in the contract. Other services, like design support or custom sheet metal fabrication, can also streamline your project and help make it move along faster. 

Focus on Quality

The most important thing in any commercial roofing repair or construction project is to get it done correctly the first time. Poorly executed roofing work can result in costly damage or a premature roofing failure.

If you’re ready to start working with a qualified roofing contractor, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team of experts can walk you through the bidding process.

5 Tips for Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor for Government Buildings

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Government buildings have a number of unique needs that complicate the process of choosing a commercial roofing contractor. Not only are reliability and price of the utmost importance for government agencies, but all work done on a building must be well-documented for proper accountability. 

Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has worked on all kinds of government building roofs, and we understand the challenges of finding the right contractor for government projects. Here are some tips for finding the right roofing contractor for your government agency or building.

1. Keep your search local.

Construction is a local business. Contractors within the same area as the building know what a roof needs to hold up to the weather and where to get materials in a timely manner. They will also be familiar with building codes and any other local laws that govern buildings. It’s critical that government buildings are always up to code and properly maintained, and a local business is the best equipped to provide that.

2. Go with a reputable company.

A commercial roofing company is only as good as its reputation. Contractors with years of experience and good reviews get to that point by doing good work. For a government building, it’s important to get a contractor that has experience with similar jobs. Seek out commercial roofing companies that have done government work, and get recommendations before settling on the best option.

3. The lowest price doesn’t always mean the best value.

Government agencies are custodians of taxpayer money and should spend it responsibly. Sometimes, that may mean taking the lowest price offered by a contractor. But, to get the best value for the money, government agencies should consider other factors. A more expensive roof may last longer, or a contractor may offer a package deal that includes both roof construction and long-term maintenance. 

4. Ask about documentation.

Some roofers do a great job on construction but are not well organized on the back end. This can create serious problems for government agencies that need clear documentation of what work was done and paid for. Before choosing a contractor for government work, ask about their reporting process and ensure it meets the legal requirements for the agency paying for the work. Depending on location, commercial buildings require a specific level of licensing from the roofing contractor, as well as high-level insurance requirements. Proof of such prior to bid should be important! 

5. Think for the long-term.

When choosing a commercial roofing contractor you should consider the roof’s entire lifecycle. Getting a “good value roof” is not just about construction. Preventative maintenance is critical to making a roof last for its expected lifespan. Government agencies should consider roofing companies that offer roof management programs. These programs—like Maxwell’s MAXCare®—manage a roof over its entire lifespan, automatically scheduling inspections and maintenance and allowing customers to plan out their long-term budgets. 

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Why Reputation Matters When Choosing a Commercial Roofing Partner

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

When choosing a commercial roofer for a new building, the budget is often the first consideration. But while affordability is important, a “budget roofer’s” poor work may end up costing your company more in the long run.

Finding a commercial roofing company with a good reputation is the best thing you can do for the quality and life of your commercial roof. Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. knows that reputation is more than just gossip. It’s trust that’s built through years of good work. Reputable roofing companies should embody these six qualities:

  1. More Experience—The best roofing companies will have had at least ten years on the job, preferably more. With nearly 70 years of commercial roofing experience, Maxwell Roofing has seen it all.
  2. Better Safety Record—Companies that have accidents on the job or build roofs with liability issues never develop good reputations. If your roofer comes recommended, it means they know how to keep their employees (and yours) safe on the roof.
  3. More Expertise—To build a good reputation, roofing companies need to keep their employees up-to-date on the latest trends and technology. Maxwell Roofing has experts in everything from energy-efficient roofs to custom metal fabrication, ensuring that you’ll have the expertise needed to get your commercial roof done right.
  4. Better Value—Cheap is not the same thing as a good value. While cheap roofers will skimp on your roof to keep costs down, good value roofers find ways to get you more for your money and to make your roof last. Our team at Maxwell offers customers a full roof management service called MAXCare that ensures their roof is well cared for and cuts down on surprise costs that come with poor workmanship.
  5. Professionalism—Good reputations are built by treating customers right. Maxwell’s team prioritizes customer service, and our sales team and project managers always keep our customers informed.
  6. Quality—Though it might cost more up-front, using a roofer with a good reputation ensures that you will get a quality roof that will last. Maxwell does all we can to extend the life of your roof and to eliminate costly mistakes in the construction process.

Maxwell Roofing has a great reputation in Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama for commercial roofing. To learn more about the value and quality we can bring to your roofing project, contact us today.

Choosing a Commercial Roofing Partner in Nashville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Choosing a commercial roofer can be complex. There are multiple things you must account for—reputation, experience, and more. When you’re choosing a commercial roofing partner in Nashville, here are four things we think you should consider:

1. How much experience does the company have? How long has the company been around?

Odds are, if a company has been around for a long time, there’s a good reason for it. Beyond that, you’ll feel much more comfortable placing responsibility for one of your most important (and expensive) assets in the hands of a company that’s been proving its expertise for years—not one that is still making a name for itself.

2. Does the company have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing?

According to its website, the Better Business Bureau “helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses.” So, the first thing you’ll want to check is whether the company you’re considering is listed on the BBB at all. If it is, see what its rating is. Use your discretion here, but obviously, companies with higher grades are more likely to be trustworthy and reputable than those with lower grades.

3. Review the company’s previous work. What types of jobs has the company done before?

Does the company have case studies or testimonials on its website? Ideally, a company will have pictures and descriptions of previously completed jobs, as well as testimonials from those customers describing how the company helped and why its services were important. A company with no evidence of past work or testimonials from previous customers may not be worth the risk.

4. Is the company a member of the Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors?

The Association’s mission is “to have a positive reflection in the roofing industry by representing exceptional professional licensed roofing contractors who are committed to performing superior work standards.”

To become a member of the Association, members must…

  • Be licensed
  • Be insured
  • Have a drug-free workforce
  • Have a safety program in place
  • Have an office location in the state of Tennessee

So, instead of compiling pages of research, you can simply check the association’s list of members to verify that the company you’re considering operates under sound business practices.

Sure, choosing a commercial roofing partner in Nashville can be a complex process, but our hope is that these tips will simplify the search and make it easier for you to find the roofing partner you can trust.

If you’re interested in working with Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. (which has been around for nearly 70 years, holds an A+ rating on the BBB website, maintains a portfolio of previous work, and is a member of the Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors), just click here to get in contact with us.

The 3 Biggest Factors for Hiring the Right Roofing Construction Company

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Hiring the right commercial roofing construction company is a significant decision for a general contractor or construction manager. While it’s important to hire a commercial roofing company that meets your time and budget requirements, those aren’t the only factors. In fact, failing to consider other macro-level factors will likely increase the chances that your time and budget goals aren’t met.

The 3 Biggest Factors Factors for Hiring the Right Roofing Construction Company

Here are the three most critical factors for hiring a roofing company to ensure your commercial roofing installation is completed on schedule, on budget, and in ways you can be proud of:

1. They Have a Trusted Reputation in the Industry and Experience Meeting Your Specific Needs.

Reputation matters when it comes to commercial roofing. It’s important to choose a roofer that has at least a decade of proven work experience under their belt. Be sure they have operated under the same business name during that time.

At the same time, you want to ensure they have experience in meeting your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to construct a green roof or another more modern energy-efficient roof, it’s important to choose a commercial roofing company that has completed a project like that before. This ensures that they have the experience needed to handle your issue.

2. They Always Approach the Job Having Your Long-Term Best Interests in Mind.

A company with integrity will not only stand by their work, they’ll also have your best interest in mind during each stage of a project. This is a principle we take seriously at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. From the very beginning, we offer free design services during the planning phase to help avoids mistakes and potential problems once the construction phase begins. We fabricate our own metal in-house to help you reduce costs. We also work with manufacturers to get the most out of your warranties.

3. They Have Proven to Be a True Partner Throughout the Entire Process.

Want to ensure your roofing project is completed on schedule and on budget? One of the most important factors for accomplishing this goal is to select a contractor who has proven to be a trusted partner. If you’ve ever worked with a roofing contractor you were constantly having to chase down, you know exactly what we mean.

At Maxwell Roofing, we realize that inefficient communication can be one of the most frustrating problems when working with a construction contractor. We don’t want any of our clients to be surprised or confused about any of issues or potential delays in the project.

Learn Why Maxwell is the Right Roofing Company for You

Hiring the right commercial roofing contractor in Middle Tennessee or Northern Alabama isn’t something that should be taken lightly. By taking the time to find a trustworthy company, you can rest assured that the job is going to be done right the first time.

Maxwell Roofing has been in the business for nearly 70 years—and that didn’t happen by accident. If you’re looking for new roof construction help, we’d love to show you why we’re your best option. Just click here to contact us.

5 Reasons to Choose Maxwell for Commercial Roofing in Nashville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Maxwell Roofing has been in the business for nearly 70 years—and that didn’t happen by accident. We’ve built our business around our reputation for not just getting the job done, but rather getting the job done right—the first time. With the support of our family legacy and guidance from our five core values, we’ve created a business that has become a market leader in quality, communication, and customer service in the Nashville area and beyond.

So, why is Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. the best in Nashville for your roof construction? Consider these five reasons:

1. Maxwell Roofing offers free design services in the planning phase.

We partner with you early in the planning phase to help create a roof design that avoids mistakes and potential problems once the construction phase begins.Oh, and did we mention that we do it for free.

2. Maxwell Roofing does the job right the first time.

People have been saying, “You get what you pay for,” for a long time, and we’ve found that to be true.We don’t pride ourselves on being the cheapest new roof construction service in Nashville, but we do pride ourselves on being the most comprehensive solutions provider.That means we do the job in a timely and correct manner from the outset. As our company president, John Maxwell, explains,“People who want to do business with us do so because we take our work seriously and are confident in our abilities and service.”

3. Maxwell Roofing’s experience speaks for itself.

Businesses that aren’t good at what they do don’t last 60 years.“If you’re in an industry that values reliability, it’s hard to look past longevity,” says John. “When somebody has been doing the same thing we’ve been doing for as long as we’ve been doing it, it suggests we’re doing something right,” he adds. Greg Victor, Director of Facilities at Ensworth School (one of our clients), agrees. “Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s reputation is among the best you’ll find, and everybody we’ve worked with on the team is thorough. They work around our schedule (not creating disruptions or distractions during the school day) and are very respectful of our environment. The team has done a wonderful job from assessment to construction to service,” affirms Victor.

4. Maxwell Roofing looks out for your best interests.

All businesses must make money. We don’t hide that fact. However, we will never charge you more when we can save you money.For example:We work with manufacturers to get the most out of your warranties.We offer free design services during the planning phase.We fabricate our own metal in-house to help you reduce costs.If it can save you money, we’ll do our best to make it happen.

5. Maxwell Roofing runs our business on five core values.

Like a northern star, we look to these five core values to keep us on the right path:

  • Quality: Providing an excellent finished product that exceeds expectations.
  • Teamwork: Achieving common goals through open communication, mutual respect, and the support of one another.
  • Integrity: Doing what we say we will do, when we say we will do it.
  • Professionalism: Exercising our expertise and advancing through education and training.
  • Service: Facilitating relationships to understand client needs and provide an exceptional customer experience.

If you’re looking for new roof construction help in Nashville, we’d love to show you why we’re your best option. Just click here to contact us.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Roofing Partner in Huntsville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

No matter the location, when commercial roofing needs arise, customers want a commercial roofing partner that can provide cost-effective and full-service roofing solutions with a level of depth found in reporting, accessibility in the case of emergencies and leaks, as well as quality and reliable roof-management service. From construction to fabrication to service, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has a trusted reputation of being more than just a commercial roofing contractor. Additionally, with nearly 70 years of history and experience, the Maxell team takes responsibility seriously.

From a local business that originally served Middle Tennessee, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. officially expanded to Northern Alabama in 2010. With the opening of a satellite office in Huntsville, Alabama, Maxwell’s team serves the commercial roofing demands of the Northern Alabama region and has a highly-regarded reputation in the region as an honest and capable commercial roofing and sheet metal contractor.

For those on the search for the best commercial roofing partner in and around Huntsville, Alabama, here’s a look at some of the unique factors within the North Alabama market, as well as key reasons to choose Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. over the competitors.

A Look at the Huntsville Commercial Roofing Market

What’s unique about the Huntsville commercial roofing market? Maxwell Roofing’s Service Account Manager for its Huntsville office says, “There are not a lot of commercial roofing companies in the Northern Alabama area that focus efforts on roof repair nor have service departments. Most of the companies that exist in the region just want to roof or re-roof.” This opens the door of opportunity, allowing Maxwell Roofing to shine, as the company is a full-service partner for the entire lives of their customers’ buildings. As opposed to being a “storm-chaser” roofing company that’s here today and gone tomorrow, Maxwell is a family-run business that trades on its reputation. As a market leader in quality, documentation, and customer service, the acclaimed Maxwell Roofing legacy remains strong in Huntsville and throughout the Mid-South.

Why Choose Maxwell Roofing?

When making the call on which commercial roofing company to partner with in and around Huntsville, Alabama, Mecomber says, “Maxwell’s attention to detail, competitive urgency, professionalism, and detailed reporting process are just a few of the differentiators that make the company stand apart in the Huntsville commercial roofing industry.” Additionally, every Maxwell Roofing team member is a full-time employee, which is something that you don’t often find within the industry. “Even more, Maxwell’s local presence and accessibility is something that means a lot to our customers,” affirms Mecomber. In other words, when you call Maxwell, you get a quick response, which is not always the standard in the commercial roofing business.

Perhaps atop the list of Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s unique differentiators is MAXCare, coined as the most comprehensive roof management program in the industry. Maxwell customers across the Mid-South have affirmed that no other program provides property managers, maintenance supervisors, facility managers, and building owners with more value or a higher level of service, offering cost savings, education, and preventing future unexpected roofing surprises.

Curious to know more about how Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. stands out in the Huntsville and North Alabama commercial roofing market? Contact us today to connect with one of our Huntsville team members!

Beyond the Quote – How To Properly Vet A Professional Roofer

Posted on by John Maxwell

Unless you’ve spent significant time in the roofing business, it’s hard to tell if you’re talking to an honest, professional roofer that knows their stuff and is giving you objective recommendations. If you want to choose a roofer you’ll be satisfied with, you should know the signs that you’re working with a true pro.

Communication Breeds Trust

Trusting a roofer is difficult. Roof work can be costly, and most building management teams don’t call a roofer until they’ve got a significant problem on their hands. It’s easy to see how someone could take advantage of the situation, so it’s important to feel you’re spending your money wisely.

Trust begins with communication. Roofers that don’t have a professional website with contact information that’s easy to spot, that are slow to respond to calls and questions, or who do not provide detailed assessments of their findings both verbally and in writing should not make the final cut when choosing a partner. Prompt responses, detailed written assessments and proposals, and honest discussion are usually a good sign that you’ll feel confident working with that roofing team.

Professional Quote, Professional Roofer

Contractors that pop up on the roof then give you a verbal estimate and move on, or worse, demand instant payment up front are red flags. Any roofing company worth its salt will spend a lot of time on the roof to get a full picture of what’s going on with the system. They will likely meet with you right afterward to explain what they found, but they should always follow up with a written assessment and proposal.

That proposal should be professionally prepared and should be extremely detailed, including pictures of the damage and deterioration they found. The project manager or point person should then walk through the proposal line by line with building management so everyone understands the problems and the suggested remedies.

Repairs Deserve Detailed Reporting

Total roof replacements require detailed proposals, but so do many repairs. Anyone can tell you a section of a roof needs to be repaired, but when you’re spending money to fix a critical portion of a building’s structure, you deserve to know what the damage is, why the repair is in order, and how the fix will be made.

Expert roofers believe wholeheartedly in detail and are committed to helping building managers make informed choices. When called to inspect a roof, they will provide a leak investigation report that provides important details including the location of the damage/deterioration, the size, the proper way to fix it, and the price. Furthermore, expert roofers will also document the finished work with photographs for record keeping purposes.

No Service Standards? No Thanks

Great roofers care about customer service. They know that roof repairs and replacement are a hassle for building owners, and they take steps to make the process as smooth and as pleasant as possible. Their proposals should include service standards that ensure the project moves quickly and efficiently.

Roofers should be upfront about noise, construction vehicles, the need for and timing of HVAC system shut downs, and any potential fume issues that will arise during repairs or installation. They should also work closely with building managers to minimize these potential intrusions.

Unfortunately, the industry has some participants who are “here today and gone tomorrow”. In contrast, professional roofers who are committed to service and who have dedicated, knowledgeable staff rarely disappoint. They will be willing to share manufacturer authorizations, history of performance, and references from satisfied customers.

In Roofing, There Should Be Some Guarantees

You can never predict how foot traffic, construction or Mother Nature will impact a commercial roof, but great roofers will guarantee their permanent repair work for one year. Any roofer that does not provide a guarantee or warranty on their work should be avoided.

No business wants to have to fix something for free – especially something they already did – so companies that stand by their work put several levels of quality controls in place to ensure the job gets done right, the first time.

Choosing a commercial roofer can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with major leaks or damage that require immediate attention. Take the time to vet potential roofers, and pay close attention to the way they communicate with you and your team before you ever sign on the dotted line. When you know how to choose a roofer, you’ll be much happier with the end result.

The 4 Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire A Roofing Contractor

Posted on by John Maxwell

A new roof is one of the biggest single-item capital expenditures for any commercial building owner. A new roof can cost anywhere from few dollars per square foot to a few hundred dollars per square foot. It is imperative that any roofer who steps onto the roof is experienced, trusted and will provide the best value for the investment. Hiring a roofing contractor should never be a leap of blind faith. To properly vet a potential contractor, these are the questions that should be answered before a final decision is made:

How Much Experience Do You Have?

Experience matters when it comes to commercial roofing. The number of years that a contractor has been in the business is a good indicator of their quality of work. New companies may come to the table with a breadth of previous experience, but it can take years to become financially solvent and to develop processes that ensure true customer satisfaction. If a company installs a roof and goes out of business the next year, warranties and maintenance contracts are put in jeopardy. Always choose a roofer that has at least a decade of proven work experience under their belt, and be sure they have operated under the same business name during that time.

It is also important to choose a roofer with experience working on buildings similar to your own. A company that mainly works with single-story, suburban retail buildings, for example, would not be the best choice to work on a high-rise with tenant access. Study the roofer’s portfolio to compare their past projects with your own.

What Is The Timeline?

A roofing company that is booked for the next 12 months is of little use if your roof is failing today. Before selecting a bid, be sure to address the contractor’s capacity to handle the work. Ask questions like:

  • When can the project start?
  • Will you have access to all of the extra equipment needed for the work?
  • How long will the job take?
  • Do you currently have enough people on staff to get the job done in the allotted time?

A bottom-line bid is not always an indication of capacity to do the work. Be sure to ask these questions to ensure your project can start and end in a timely manner.

What Is Your Safety Rating?

Safety should be just as much of a priority when choosing a roofer as budget. There cannot be enough said about keeping the workers on the roof safe from hazards and keeping the tenants and general public safe, as well.

Ask direct questions about a roofer’s safety record. They should have this data on file, and should be willing and able to present it as part of their bid presentation. The way in which a roofing contractor manages safety can be a strong indicator of how the entire project will be managed.

How Can You Ensure Quality?

Quality can and should be the deciding factor when you have several bids that come in at the same price, and the experience and safety record of the contractors all seem equal.

Quality can be determined by studying a potential contractor’s portfolio and asking for references. Most reputable firms should be able to provide references for similar projects. If given the opportunity to connect directly with those references, ask about their satisfaction levels with:

  • The communication process with the contractor before, during and after construction.
  • The quality of materials.
  • The workmanship of the finished product.
  • The work ethic of the team.
  • Safety precautions during construction.
  • Maintenance contracts, warranties, etc.
  • Current roof performance.

A roofing project that is rife with issues can draw out the length of construction, can lead to unforeseen added expenses and a host of other issues down the line. While the price of the roof is important, the quality of the roof and the value proposition of the contractor should be given significant weight.

Commercial roofing projects can easily fall into the $100,000-plus range. When spending that kind of money, building owners and property managers must perform their due diligence. Take the time to ask questions to a roofer before hiring them. A proper vetting process is the best way to ensure satisfaction with the end result.

A Designer’s Essential Guide To Choosing A Reliable Commercial Roofing Contractor

Posted on by John Maxwell

Working with a new contractor on a roofing project can be a headache if you don’t choose your partners wisely. Designers have a lot to consider when trusting someone to turn their plans into a reality within their desired timeline and budget. Choosing the wrong roofer can lead to a drawn-out process that takes longer than you hoped and has you spending more than you agreed to. Or worse, choosing the wrong contractor often means ending up with a roofer that cannot execute your plans, resulting in a shoddy finished product. Here are 9 signs to look for to help you identify a reliable roofing contractor who will live up to your expectations.

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