7 Tips For hiring best Roofing Company For Your Business
Installing a new roof is a big job and a major investment. Your choice in materials will impact the structure of your property and plays a critical part in the resale value. With all the responsibility attached to installing a roof, you want to look for a commercial roofing contractor that is honest, trustworthy, and professional. It may sound daunting trying to identify the best candidate, but we’ve put together a great guide to help you hire the best roofing company for your project.
1. Research the roofing contractor in the Better Business Bureau.
There are a lot of businesses out there who are looking to make a quick buck. After a good storm, some roofing contractors might perceive this as an opportunity to swindle people out of money by providing subpar service. Researching prospective roofers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website will give you a better idea of what type of business they conduct. Individuals are allowed to leave reviews, and it’s advisable to make sure they maintain a satisfactory rating.
2. Ensure the business is licensed.
The state of Kentucky doesn’t require roofing companies to carry license, which means you need to be diligent when you are researching your options. If you want to ensure you are hiring one of the best, look for a company who holds certification from The Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association (KRCA). The KRCA is a non-profit organization that assures consumers that a KRCA certified contractor is:
- Insured with a minimum $1 million business liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Bonded with a $10,000 judgment bond
- Committed to the KRCA Code of Ethics
- Participating in extensive continuing education
Be wary of anyone who tries to tell you they have a business license. Although necessary, this documentation is for tax purposes only and has no relevance to their certification to complete the job.
3. Make sure the roofing company carries insurance.
Installing a roof has its dangers. If someone is injured while working on your commercial property, you don’t want to be held liable. The right contractor should carry comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance. It’s important to find this out before anyone begins work on your space. A reputable roofer will not only have the proper insurance but can also verify proof of insurance either in a certificate and/or providing the roofer’s insurance agent contact information.
4. Check for manufacturer designations.
Many roofing suppliers require contractors to pass a rigorous certification process to work with their products. You could consider any roofing business with manufacturer certifications worthy of consideration as they are symbols of competence. If you wanted to take it a step further, you could research the manufacturer’s requirements to meet their certification.
5. Ask about warranties.
There are a couple of warranties you should be looking for when hiring a roofer. First is the manufacturer warranty. Manufacturer warranties can vary and may include materials and workmanship. Second is the Roofing Contractor’s warranty, which is what the roofer is willing to warranty. Manufacturer warranty and Contractor warranty are different and should carefully be evaluated for coverage and strength. Be sure to ask a lot of questions to determine if both materials and labor are covered under the warranty, and for what length of time. Another question to ask is if the warranty is pro-rated(does it decrease over time) or not pro-rated. Usually, the better coverage a warranty includes, the more competent the roofing contractor. That being said, most warranties don’t include workmanship. It’s possible if a roof isn’t installed correctly, it could take months or years for any damage to show. Ask your contractor about the warranties they offer and give special consideration to those who offer manufacturers’ warranty that includes workmanship. Additionally, you’ll want to read reviews or speak to previous customers if the roofing contractor honors their warranty.
6. Do they work with a variety of materials?
A reputable roofing contractor can provide each customer with more than one roofing option. The type of product and the color play into your property’s resale value, so it’s essential to evaluate all options before deciding. If a roofer is only offering up one solution, they probably don’t have your best interest in mind.
7. Don’t give into pressure.
A reputable business will not pressure potential clients. Installing a new roof is a significant investment, and any company that is trying to sign a contract before you have made a decision probably has ulterior motives. For instance, if your roof project is the result of an insurance claim, have your insurance company come out and inspect any damage before you have a new roof installed. A good roofer will find the same damages as the insurance adjuster and will be able to check the insurance adjuster didn’t miss anything significant.
JBK Roofing offers many manufacturer-warrantable roof systems that we have been professionally trained to install. We can offer some of the most comprehensive manufacturer roof warranties available. Throughout the mid-south, we are known for our outstanding workmanship in commercial roofing. We are certified in the KRCA and the NRCA, which means that we are bonded and fully insured.
To learn more about our certifications and the products we offer, contact JBK Roofing today.