7 Essential Questions to Ask a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Having work done on your commercial roof or a new roof put on is a big project. It can be expensive and disrupt your business quite a bit. Hiring a contractor is also a big step for many people who have never been through it before. There are bound to be many questions you have about the job, about the company and about what you can expect. Here are a few questions you should ask a commercial roofing contractor.

Questions for Your Commercial Roofing Contractor

Your questions will vary, depending on your own situation, but there are some that you need to ask.

1. How Long Will it Take?

Excellent question. You most likely will get an estimate only, as things can come up that either slow the project down or make it go faster. There are many factors that can affect the time it takes to complete.

If you need to close your business to have the work completed, then it’s important to have at least a basic idea of how long that will be. You will need to make arrangements for either finding a temporary space, letting your staff, customers, and suppliers know and make alternative arrangements for business.

If you have a slow period of business, it is wise to try and find a contractor who can accommodate your time schedule.

2. What Type of Materials?

A new roof with different materials than you currently have may cost more, cause concern for environmental pollution and other concerns, like fire hazards, poor quality and will they stand up to your severe weather.

3. What Will Happen and How Much Will it Cost?

Getting a complete outline of what will happen and when is something you should know. You also need an estimate for the price. All aspects need to be broken down, from labor to parts.

4. Are You Bonded and Insured?

Any contracting company who are certified will have their credentials on their website. License, insurance and bonded.

The license is proof that the roofing company has the technical skills to perform the installation properly.

The insurance protects you, as the property owner, from any injury to the workers or damage to the property.

The bond protects your financial investment in your building.

5. Is there a Warranty?

The answer needs to be, Yes. If they don’t offer you a warranty, you’re on your own if something goes wrong with your roof. Make sure to ask about a warranty.

6. How Much Experience Do You Have?

Ask this of the company and of the people doing the work. Ask the company how long they have been operating. It’s important to know because you can’t afford to risk the future of your business and employees by hiring amateur roofing contractors. Look for a company that has at least 10 years of experience in commercial roofing.

7. Will You Clean Up?

Make sure you ask about the mess. There will be one. Do they supply the dumpster and will it be included in the cost or is it extra? Ask if you have a choice as to where the dumpster will be placed.

They can cause a lot of damage to your lawn, garden, driveway, and the street. They get very heavy when they are full and the truck that comes to empty them is heavy and may not be able to fit in a tight space.