11 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Roofer
Over 600,000 businesses are started each year in the United States. More often than not, entrepreneurs will eventually need to rent out space in a commercial building as their company scales. As the business grows, so too do its infrastructure and facilities.
Owners of commercial buildings will inevitably find themselves in a situation where they need to repair or replace the roof. For instance, you might find that your building has roofing problems after a heavy storm. Before you hire roofing services, though, there are certain questions that you will need to ask.
- Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
The first question that you should ask any potential commercial roofer is whether they are licensed, bonded, and insured. A licensed roofing contractor will have the necessary permits to perform work on your commercial building. Being bonded means that the roofer has obtained a surety bond from a third-party insurance company. This bond protects you from financial loss if the roofer fails to complete the job or causes damage to your property. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the roofing contractor has insurance in case one of their employees is injured while working on your roof.
- Do You Have Experience Working on Commercial Roofs?
It’s important to hire a roofer who has experience working on commercial roofs. This type of roofing is different from residential roofing, and it requires a different set of skills and knowledge. Make sure to ask the roofer about their experience with commercial roofs, and ask to see examples of previous work.
- What Kind of Warranties Do You Offer?
When you’re hiring a commercial roofer, you’ll want to make sure that they offer some kind of warranty on their work. This will protect you in case something goes wrong with the roof after it’s been repaired or replaced. Ask the roofer what kinds of warranties they offer, and make sure to get everything in writing.
- What Is Your Process For Repairing or Replacing a Commercial Roof?
When you’re interviewing commercial roofers, it’s in your best interest to ask them about their process for repairing or replacing a commercial roof. Find out how long the job will take and what kind of materials will be used. Make sure to get a detailed estimate from the roofer so that you know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Are You Willing to Provide a Written Estimate?
Another key question that you should ask a potential commercial roofer is whether they are willing to provide a written estimate. This estimate should include a detailed breakdown of the roofing project, as well as the cost of materials and labor. Make sure to get the estimate in writing before you agree to hire the roofer.
- Can You Provide Me With a List of References?
Ask the roofer for a list of references. These references should be from previous clients who have used the roofer’s services. If you feel as though you need to, contact these references and ask them about their experience with the roofer. Make sure to ask about the quality of the work, the cost, and whether they would recommend the roofer to others.
- How Long Can I Expect the Project to Take?
It is essential to ask the roofer how long they expect the project to take, as you will need to plan for the roofer to have access to your property. You will also want to make sure that the project won’t interfere with your business operations. The roofer should give you an estimated timeline for the completion of the project.
- What Kind of Disruption Can I Expect?
In addition to asking about the project timeline, your prospective roofer should inform you about the level of disruption that you can expect. Roofing projects can be noisy and messy, and you’ll need to make sure that your business operations won’t be disrupted while the work is being done. Ask the roofer about their plans for minimizing disruption and keeping the job site clean.
- What Are Your Payment Terms?
Make sure to ask the roofer about their payment terms. You need to know how much you’ll be expected to pay upfront and when the final payment will be due. You should also find out if the roofer offers financing options. Commercial roofing projects can be expensive, so it would be worth working with one who provides this opportunity.
- Who Am I Able to Get in Touch With if I Have Questions or Concerns?
It’s important to have someone that you can contact if you have questions or concerns about the project. Make sure to ask the roofer for the contact information of someone who will be available to answer your questions. They may also direct you to a portfolio of their past projects. More often than not, this will be located on their website.
- What Sets You Apart From Your Competitors?
Finally, ask the roofer what sets them apart from their competitors. This will help ensure that you’re hiring a roofer who has the expertise that you need. Ask the roofer to describe their unique qualifications, and make sure to ask for examples of previous work. A good commercial roofer should be able to provide a clear and compelling answer to this question.
Finding a Commercial Roofer Is Easier Than You Think
Asking these questions will help you to find the best commercial roofer for your business. When you’re making such an important decision, it’s important to take your time and do your research. With a little bit of effort, you can find a roofer who will do an outstanding job. Make sure to get everything in writing, and don’t hesitate to contact references before you make your final decision. A reputable commercial roofer should be happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
