The Lowest Bid Isn’t Always the Best Deal. Here’s How to Evaluate a Commercial Roofing Contractor.
When you’re reviewing bids for a commercial roofing project, the temptation to go with the lowest number is understandable. But the lowest bid today can easily become the most expensive decision over time. Before you sign anything, here’s the framework you should be using.
Ask the Right Question About Cost
Most property owners ask: What does this roof cost? The better question is: What will this roof cost me per year over its projected lifespan?
The math matters. A $50,000 roof that lasts ten years costs you $5,000 annually. A $75,000 roof that lasts twenty-five years costs $3,000 annually, and likely requires less maintenance along the way. When you factor in manufacturer documentation requirements, scheduled inspections, and ongoing upkeep, the “cheaper” option often isn’t cheap at all.
Roof system lifespans range from as few as five years to twenty-five or more, and that range is driven almost entirely by two things: the quality of the system installed and the quality of the workmanship putting it in place.
Verify Their References. Actually Call Them.
Ask every contractor you’re considering for references, and follow through. A quick phone call tells you far more than a list of project names. You want a sense of the contractor’s reputation for quality, reliability, and how they handle problems when they arise.
Pay attention to how the company responds to negative feedback. A contractor who addresses complaints professionally, who shows up, makes it right, and stands behind their work — is telling you something important about how they’ll treat you if something goes wrong on your project.
Also consider how long the company has been in business and whether ownership has changed recently. Longevity and stability matter in a contractor relationship.
Confirm Licensing, Insurance, and Workforce Standards
A legitimate commercial roofing contractor will have no hesitation providing proof of licensure and current insurance certificates. If they can’t or won’t, walk away.
Don’t stop at receiving the certificate, call the insurance agency directly to confirm coverage is active. You need to know you’re protected against liability for injuries, falls, or water damage that occurs on your property during the project.
It’s also worth asking about workforce standards: Do they background check employees? Conduct drug testing? How long have their crew members been with the company? High turnover is a red flag. Experienced, skilled crews cost more because they deliver better results, and a quality installation is the single biggest factor in how long your roof performs.
Make Sure the System Fits Your Building
Not every roofing system is right for every building. Talk to your contractor about your facility’s specific characteristics, interior temperature ranges in summer and winter, the nature of the work done inside, and your priorities around protecting assets, staff, and operations.
Climate, building use, and energy efficiency goals all influence which insulation systems, membrane types, and flashing details make sense. If you’re in a warmer climate, for example, a cool roof system can meaningfully reduce long-term energy costs. An experienced contractor should be guiding you through these decisions, not just quoting whatever’s easiest to install.
Also confirm that any system under consideration meets local code requirements and ask specifically about R-values, edge details, and whether the system is energy efficient. These aren’t afterthought questions, they affect your operating costs for the life of the roof.
The right commercial roofing contractor delivers a quality system, backs their workmanship, and helps you make decisions that serve your building for the long term, not just the lowest number on a bid sheet today.
LaFerney Commercial Roofing has been doing exactly that for over 40 years across the Southeast. If you’re evaluating contractors for an upcoming project, we’d welcome the comparison.
Call 800-633-3119 or contact us online to discuss your project.