Choosing the wrong commercial roofing contractor is an expensive mistake, and unfortunately, a common one. Before you sign anything, make sure you have clear answers to these five questions.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require contractors to hold a valid license to operate. Verify your contractor’s credentials before the conversation goes any further. For example, in Tennessee, you can confirm licensure at verify.tn.gov.
Insurance is equally non-negotiable. Your contractor should carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm that coverage remains active through the entire duration of your project. If a worker is injured on your property and your contractor is uninsured, the liability can fall on you.
2. Can you provide references and examples of past work?
A reputable contractor will have a track record you can verify. Ask for client references and a portfolio of completed commercial projects. Follow through, actually call those references. A contractor confident in their work won’t hesitate to connect you with satisfied clients.
3. Do you use subcontractors?
Not all contractors perform every aspect of a job with their own crew. If subcontractors are involved, you need to verify that they carry the same licensing and insurance requirements as the primary contractor. You also want clarity in the contract about how subcontractors are paid . Disputes between a contractor and their subs can create payment liability issues that land on the property owner.
4. What warranty do you offer?
Read any warranty carefully before signing, and pay close attention to the conditions that could void it. A low bid that comes with a weak or heavily conditioned warranty is rarely the value it appears to be. Look for a contractor whose warranty reflects confidence in the quality and longevity of their work, not one that’s designed to be difficult to collect on.
5. Will you provide a written proposal?
A credible commercial roofing contractor will put everything in writing. The proposal should include a full description of the scope of work, materials and specifications, projected start and completion dates, and payment terms. If a contractor is vague on any of these points, or reluctant to provide a detailed written proposal. That’s a red flag worth taking seriously.
Hiring the right commercial roofing contractor takes due diligence, but asking the right questions upfront protects your investment and saves you from costly surprises down the road. LaFerney Commercial Roofing is fully licensed, insured, and happy to provide references, detailed proposals, and warranty information for every project we take on.
Ready to get started? Call us at 800-633-3119.