Picture this:
You’re working on a new commercial build. You’ve got the permits, you’ve got the sign-offs, and you’ve got the blueprints. And you’ve done such a good job that the higher-ups have put you in charge of finding industrial roofing contractors for the project as well.
How do you separate the awesome roofing contractors from the posers? What can you do to make sure that the roofing company you pick really is the best one for the job?
Keep reading to see four of our hottest tips on finding and hiring the best roofing companies in the lot.
1. Read the Proposal Closely
When you’re evaluating bids, it’s important to keep in mind the fact that the cheapest estimate isn’t necessarily always going to be the best one. The roofing business may be underestimating the actual cost of labor and materials. And in some cases, the cheap proposal is actually a clear sign that the company intends to cut corners.
That’s why it’s important to read every proposal with a critical eye. Once you know what to look for, you can filter out unsuitable contractors early.
2. Look for Direct Related Experience
It’s a fact of life that we all have to start from somewhere. But when you’re dealing with something as consequential as your freaking roof, you can’t afford to work with amateurs. You can make sure that you’re hiring a roofing company that understands commercial roofing systems simply by looking at the projects the company has been involved with before.
3. Ask About Liability Insurance
When everything’s going well, it’s easy to let things slide with a smile and a handshake. But if a contractor is seriously injured in a fall or a random passerby is hurt while on your site, you don’t want to be engaged in a game of liability hot potato with your roofing company.
Does this company carry proper insurance? Are they covered under your policy or the general contractor’s policy?
According to the National Safety Council, workplace injuries had a cost of roughly $171 billion in 2019. You don’t want to be left holding the bag in the aftermath of a terrible accident.
4. Find Out What Previous Customers Have to Say
During the selection process, all of the industrial contractors on your shortlist will try to paint themselves in the best light possible. After all, they want your business. And if their sales team knows what it’s doing, they’ll have an answer to every question that you could possibly have.
So where can you go to get dirt on that roofing company you want to hire? You talk to the company’s former customers. For better or for worse, they’ll tell you the good and they’ll tell you the bad.
Hiring Industrial Roofing Contractors Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Sometimes the difference between “These are the right people” and “I found someone who could do the job better for less” is simply taking the time to do your due diligence. And as old school as the whole “Be sure to shop around” advice is, speaking to multiple industrial roofing contractors can help you set your expectations while also giving you the inside scoop on what commercial roofing projects can cost.
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