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How to Choose a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Eight Things to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Wondering how to choose a commercial roofing contractor? Worried about what could happen if you make a mistake? We do not blame you. There are plenty of things to consider when hiring a roofing contractor. This information will assist you in making an informed hiring decision, while helping you avoid critical mistakes when choosing a commercial roofing contractor.

Here at WNC Roofing, we have every point covered. Let’s dive in.

 

1. Local Contractor with a Local Address and Phone Number

You will want to make sure the contractor you’re dealing with is local and has a verifiable physical address and phone number. Some websites are just a referral company posing as a roofing contractor. Once they get your information, they will farm out your roofing project to another company. Then, they refer your project to a roofing company and collect a referral fee from the contractor they referred your project to. Most contractors will pass the cost of that referral fee on to the customer.

Another reason you only want to deal with a local roofing contractor, you aren’t working with a company from another state whose team is only in your area to do a few jobs and then leave. WNC Roofing is proud to be a local roofing contractor servicing Greater Asheville, North Carolina and Greater Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina.

2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers

Unsolicited offers often include salespeople who contact you without you requesting that contact. Oftentimes, these are fly-by-night companies who are there doing a batch of jobs and then are gone. This usually means you have no way of contacting them should a warranty issue arise.

3. License and Insurance Coverage

Many business owners know to verify a contractor’s license number and to get a copy of the company insurance. However, they don’t always call to verify that insurance and confirm the coverage is active.

Also, always check that the contractor has complete coverage for the entire crew. If that contractor hands you a copy of his or her insurance, check that they have general liability, auto, and workmen’s compensation coverage. The lack of any of these insurances should cause concern.

Their team should be covered under the umbrella of the company’s LLC. That simply means if one of the crew gets hurt, the contractor is covered—not you— in which case you would be liable for any injuries and could ultimately be sued.

At WNC Roofing, rest assured knowing that our commercial roofing contractors and crew are licensed, insured, and bond-able in North and South Carolina. Also, WNC Roofing holds OSHA, ISN, and Avetta safety certifications. 

4. Get a Detailed Contract

The contract should detail every aspect of the job. Here are some important details you should look for in a commercial roofing contract:

  • Approximate start and finish dates.
  • Deposits, amounts, due dates, and any other terms of payment.
  • Material costs, labor costs, and the cost of additional materials that might be needed.
  • How change orders are handled.
  • A list of all the materials and amounts of materials needed, the brand and manufacturer of those materials, and exactly how the materials will be installed.
  • Make sure warranty information comes in the contract along with any other applicable details.

5. Lien Release

Ask your prospective commercial roofing contractor if they will supply you with a copy of the lien release once the job is finished, and they have been paid in full. A lien release will be your proof that you paid for the job. This protects you from having a lien put on your business if any paperwork or filing mistakes have been made along the way. The lien release provides the proof you need should an issue arise down the road.

6. References and Previous Project Verification

Always ask for references and testimonials along with addresses and contact information for them. Then, take the next steps by contacting those references and going out and actually looking at the completed projects. Check out WNC Roofing’s previous projects to see some of our best commercial roofing work.

7. Ask Lots of Questions

Here are some questions you should consider asking all potential commercial roofing contractors.

  • What safety standards do you have in place?
  • How will the landscaping be protected?
  • How are damages handled?
  • Will I be provided with the specifications and instructions for the proper manufacture required installation?
  • Will I get a written copy of the manufacturer warranty and workmanship warranty?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • What training and experience does your crew have?
  • How will you access my roof?
  • How do you handle inclement weather?
  • Who will be overseeing the project?

Ask as many questions as needed before making any final contractor hiring decisions.

8. Clean Up Protocols

Inquire about what clean-up protocols the commercial roofing contractor has in place. Find out if clean-up will be done every day or just at the end of the project. Will the contractor be storing their equipment and supplies on your property, and if so, how will they be secured? How long will the roll-off dumpsters and porta potties be left on your property after the project has been finished? You might also want to ask about what types of tools will be used to ensure the cleanup is thorough and that no debris is left behind.

What’s Next?

Thinking about hiring a commercial roofing contractor? Have a repair needing to be addressed? Reach out to us at WNC Roofing today. We are committed to excellence, and we promise to answer all your questions, show up on time, use the most current and efficient roofing methods available to get your commercial roofing project done right.