A weather-beaten roof will, at some point, need repairs. Maintenance is also a core part of keeping any roof in prime condition. And when dealing with a commercial flat roof, the stakes are higher. Hence, you need a Roof Repair Specialist who fully grasps the science and art of repairing and maintaining such a roof.
And no, we’re not referring to your friendly neighborhood handyman. Finding a commercial flat roof contractor you can rely upon (with your eyes closed) is no mean feat. That aside, how do you go about looking for a pro you can count on? Let the pointers below be your guide.
1. Seek Referrals
Know someone who has engaged a commercial flat roof contractor in the past? Ask around. Get firsthand accounts of their experience with different contractors. This will give you an idea of who to trust or avoid. Plus, you can be sure you’ll be dealing with someone who’s been tried and trusted by your contacts.
It’s also great to check in with fellow business owners in your locality. If they have a flat roof, chances are they have a go-to contractor. And even if they don’t, they can help you avoid the bad apples.
Referrals can help you ascertain two aspects: professionalism and dependability. But it might be more challenging to determine the quality of their work based merely on a referral, right?
2. Check the Contractor’s Credentials
When selecting a commercial flat roof contractor, always opt for professionals with the requisite experience and qualifications. This may entail some sweat equity on your part. Here’re a couple of things you can do:
- Go through their portfolio. By so doing, you’ll get a rough idea of the quality and accuracy you can expect.
- Ascertain that a prospective contractor has the appropriate paperwork – certifications, and insurance come to mind. You don’t want to be liable for damages or accidents that may occur during the repair process. Plus, local laws may require a roofer’s licensure before they can perform any work. They should also be certified by a relevant body such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
- Research the contractor’s financial health. This might be easier said than done. But generally, you can tell they’re doing well by the years they’ve been in business and the size and scope of their projects. If they’re new on the scene or have a limited portfolio, you might be better off going for a more experienced contractor.
- Get references from past clients. Is the contractor willing to provide their past clients as a reference? If so, it means they are proud of their work. Check with a few to establish their level of satisfaction with the contractor’s services. While at it, you may visit some of the projects they’ve worked on for a firsthand evaluation.
3. Gauge Their Services
Nothing can be more disturbing than dealing with an unresponsive contractor when you need repair services urgently. Thus, service quality should be a key consideration when selecting a commercial flat roof contractor. To this end, here are some questions to help you judge their services:
- How’s their phone etiquette?
- Do they respond to inquiries promptly?
- Are the staff personable, knowledgeable, and excited to help?
- Do they have an online presence where you can find more information about their services?
- Do they offer a comprehensive warranty for their services?
- How often do they check in and update their clients on the progress of the repair process?
You may also check online reviews to assess prospective contractors. Examine how they respond to customer complaints and the duration it takes to provide feedback, as these usually give you an idea of their customer service. Similarly, good reviews indicate a contractor’s reputation – their rapport with clients, which often translates to higher customer retention rates.
You can get lots of insight by talking to prospective candidates directly. For instance, you can tell whether they’re a good fit for the job by gauging their enthusiasm and commitment.
4. Get Estimates
Compare estimates from multiple contractors, so you get your money’s worth. However, beware of roofers who offer suspiciously low bids without thoroughly assessing the roof’s condition.
This might mean they’re inexperienced or provide substandard services. In short, ensure the bid includes all costs associated with the project, the type of materials they plan to use, the overall timeline, and other pertinent information.
While at it, find out their valuing process. Are they keen to establish the scope of your repair or maintenance project, or are they more concerned about their bottom line? Is their proposal detailed enough and in writing?
Ask plenty of questions to pick a contractor with your interests in mind. And once you land on your preferred candidate, remember to put everything in writing. By onboarding the right contractor, you can look forward to a meaningful and long-term relationship that will serve your commercial flat roof’s needs for years.
