How to Select a Commercial Roofing Contractor
Not sure what roofing contractors to consider for your next project? Review the history of roofing projects at your facility and what contractors were used. Pre-qualify those contractors. If you’re unsure about past contractors that were used, ask a roof system manufacturer to suggest a few top-tier contractors. They’ll use scores of past project inspections to determine top-tier status; this is indicative of quality performance.
Evaluate roofing contractors based on the following six criteria.
No. 1 Financial Stability
Facilities professionals can gauge a company’s financial stability by reviewing the Dunn & Bradstreet credit report. The report contains a D&B® Rating, which is a final score that is calculated based on the business’ balance sheet information and size. The rating suggests creditworthiness.
No. 2 Licensed & Insured
A quick Internet search will reveal if the roofing contractor you’re evaluating is licensed with the state and if their registration is up-to-date or expired. Registration means the contractor has provided proof of compliance with unemployment tax and worker’s compensation requirements.
It’s important that you hire a contractor with commercial general liability insurance. Adequate coverage protects customers from liability such as jobsite accidents.
No. 3 Safety
Inquire about the contractor’s safety training programs, policies, and enforcement. At a bare minimum, review their safety record (i.e. total incidence rate [TIR], lost workday incidence rate [LWDIR or LWIR], and experience modification ratio [EMR]) and the severity of past OSHA citations.
No. 4 Experience
To help predict the success of your project, evaluate roofing contractors based on their familiarity with multiple roof systems, experience working at similar facilities doing similar projects, industry affiliations, and approved applicator status with roof system manufacturers.
No. 5 Capabilities
Ask what kind of technical services the contractor performs. If it’s time for a new roof, make sure the contractor that installs the new system also has the capabilities to help you maintain it. Look for a partner that can service all your roof needs during its life. Most roofing contractors have a specified contractor warranty in their applicator agreements with manufacturers.
No. 6 References
Call past customers at companies in the same industry or a similar type of facility. Their experience will help you not only decide who to contract with, but also predict how the project will be executed (e.g. housekeeping, communication, project management).
What information isn’t available through an online search should be solicited from the contractor, either by placing a phone call or requesting that a pre-qualification form be completed. Alternatively, third-party verification sites often present all this information for your evaluation.
Previous