The average cost of roofing in the United States is about $10,000. With such a significant amount of money on the line, it’s important to get the job done right the first time. The best way to prevent issues and loss of money is to hire a reputable roofer.
But with so many options available, how can you be sure that you are hiring the best commercial roofer?
The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to narrow down your choices. If you want to know more, keep reading to discover our top seven tips for choosing commercial roofers in Marshfield.
1. Choose a Local Company
We’ve all encountered door-to-door salespeople offering roofing services. Normally, you’d decline their offer politely and go about your day. However, you need to approach the situation differently when your commercial roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
Keep in mind that many of these door-to-door companies are not local. They will complete the contract and move on to the next city. This makes it difficult to reach them in the event of a problem.
Instead, always go for a roofing company that is established locally. This allows you to get a hold of them easily if you have concerns. Another advantage of proximity is that you’ll be able to gauge commercial roofing materials and equipment.
Working with a local company improves the timeframe of the project while lowering costs.
2. Pick Experienced Commercial Roofing Experts
Installing a new roof can get quite expensive, and you need someone who knows what they’re doing in your corner.
In most cases, choosing someone more experienced and expensive pays off. Their expertise gives you more confidence about their work and reduces the chances of mistakes.
It’s not enough to look at the number of years a company has been in business. The projects they’ve worked on also tells you a lot about a contractor’s roof repair experience. Check the portfolio and see if the past projects went without any issues.
The “About Us” section on the company’s website can be a gold mine of information about their experience. If there’s no mention, the contractor could still be new to the game.
3. Get Quotes
Of course, price is an important factor when choosing a contractor for any project. However, refrain from jumping on the lowest bid or you’ll end up with a “you get what you pay for” situation.
The rule of thumb when comparing roofing costs is to get three quotes. But if you can get more quotes, the better. Use the pool of quotes to determine the average cost of work that needs to be done.
Cross off any roofer that charges substantially more than the average. The same goes for anyone who quotes a price far lower than the average. They may be trying to scam or deliver subpar work. Thus, when choosing commercial roofers, narrow down your search to companies within the average range.
4. Check the License
Many states require that roofing contractors be licensed. However, this doesn’t mean you’re safe from unlicensed roofers trying to get work. The cost of commercial properties and repairs makes it all the more important to ensure that you work with a contractor who has the right credentials.
Failure to work with a licensed commercial roofer opens you up to a lot of problems. They may not have the right training or experience to provide a quality roof repair or replacement.
Ask to see a copy of the license when comparing commercial roofer options. You can confirm the legitimacy of the license online and see if it is up to date.
5. Check for Insurance
It’s always advisable to err towards caution when it comes to commercial roofing projects. You want to work with a contractor who is insured. Check the company’s adherence to strict safety standards and protocols.
This gives you an insight into the safety culture of the roofing company. It helps you understand their perspective towards the hazardous nature of their job.
You should check the insurance policy, ensuring that it covers both you and the roofing contractor. Ideally, the contractor should have liability insurance and workers\’ compensation so that you aren’t held liable in case of an accident.
6. Check Their Reputation
A company’s reputation can tell you about its quality of service. People love posting about their experiences, so start by reading online reviews. Does the company do a great job? How good is their customer service? Customer reviews will answer all of these questions and more.
Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for referrals. You know they will give you an honest review of any contractor they have employed. This will help you feel more secure following their recommendation.
Keep in mind that while negative reviews aren’t necessarily a reason to be concerned, the only way to see the full picture is to read them .
Customers complaining about the same problem (and that problem is a deal-breaker) may be a red flag. Cross them off your list and move on to the next company on your list.
7. Get it in Writing
A gentleman’s agreement means nothing when it comes to commercial roofing projects. Make sure everything is in writing to ensure that your interests are protected.
A contract protects you and the roofing company. It ensures that all parties involved are on the same page and gives you something to fall back on if there is a disagreement with the contractor.
The agreement should break down the scope of the project, detailing the payment schedule, the timeline of the project, and what happens if you come to a disagreement.
Choosing Commercial Roofers Shouldn’t Be Stressful
Now that you know the top seven tips for choosing commercial roofers, get in touch with the go-to contractor in Marshfield. With over 20 years of experience, Yutzy Roofing Service boasts a team of certified professionals with expertise in commercial roofing. We have a reputation for competitive pricing, unparalleled service, and overall value.
Whether you have a leaking roof or need to upgrade your old one, contact us today to schedule a free inspection.
