Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor
While selecting a commercial roofing contractor, it is important to ask a few important questions. Among these are experience, insurance, and bonding. A roofing contractor that meets all of these criteria is the best choice for your business. Read on to learn more. Roofing contractors need to meet the state thermal code. They should be licensed and insured. In addition to these factors, a contractor should be insured, bonded, and licensed in your state.
Experience
Experience is a key component to hiring a reliable commercial roofing contractor, but it’s not the only factor to consider. It’s important to weigh experience alongside other factors, such as quality of workmanship, and customer satisfaction, to ensure that you’re getting the best service and results possible. When comparing roofing contractors, look for experience as well as the company’s reputation and past work. If you’re a general contractor, this factor is particularly important.
In addition to experience, a commercial roofing contractor can offer valuable advice. You may not know what type of sealants and materials to use on your roof, so hiring a professional can save you time and money. A skilled Dallas commercial roofing contractor can also advise you on the appropriate costs and materials for the project. A successful roofing installation can increase the value of your property. And you’ll have a better chance of getting an excellent roof, too.
Licensing
In the United States, most states require that roofing contractors hold a license at both the state and local levels. In addition to a license, most states also require proof of worker’s compensation insurance and that they have passed the state’s commercial and residential examinations. Additionally, many states require that commercial roofing contractors submit a surety bond and submit their own copies of articles of incorporation.
The licensing requirements vary from state to state. However, you can easily verify if a commercial roofing contractor has a license in your state by visiting the state government’s website. Clicking on a roofing contractor’s name or license number will bring up more information about the contractor. Then, you can click on the state-specific links to verify the roofing contractor’s license. Once you have a list of contractors, you can start researching them.
Insurance
Insurance for commercial roofing contractors includes a variety of coverages for your business. Workers compensation insurance protects your business from claims of injuries or lost wages incurred by employees who are injured on the job. Some states also require that roofing businesses carry workers compensation insurance. Commercial auto insurance is another type of coverage, which covers the vehicles you use in your business. Collision insurance pays for repairs on your car in case of an accident. It may also be necessary if you sell products.
Accord Forms provide information about the insurance broker’s name and phone number. Check the validity of these documents, and make sure to ask for direct policy carriers. Insurance brokers are not as reliable as direct policy carriers and work for contractors, not the insurance companies. Insurance brokers work for contractors and are often not impartial, which means that you should carefully scrutinize their information. If you are unsure, call the insurer and ask to speak to an agent.
Bonding
The benefits of bonding a commercial roofing contractor are many. First and foremost, bonding ensures that the contractor will finish the project and not abandon it. Many homeowners have heard horror stories of contractors who do not finish the job, but bonding gives you extra peace of mind. The bond also protects you from losing money when the contractor fails to complete the project or uses low-quality materials. If your roofing contractor is not bonded, you can petition the issuer for reimbursement.
Another benefit of hiring a bonded commercial roofing contractor is that the contractor has insurance and meets certain requirements. It is important to find a company that is insured and bonded so that you will be covered in case of an accident or damage to your property. Lastly, you can contact the Better Business Bureau to check out the contractor’s credentials. Getting references from friends and family members is also a great way to find the best contractor for your project.
Certification by shingle manufacturers
As a consumer, it is important to choose a commercial roofing contractor who is licensed, insured, and bonded. You should also consider whether the contractor is certified by shingle manufacturers. Ask the contractor for proof of their certifications. A certified commercial roofing contractor has many advantages over non-certified contractors. For example, the contractor has access to better warranties. Moreover, certified contractors are well-respected in the industry.
The process of certification by shingle manufacturers for commercial roofing contractors is similar to that of residential certification. Certification from the manufacturer ensures a contractor has met the standards set forth by the manufacturer. Certification from John Manville follows a similar process. After a thorough training program, the contractor is inspected for quality control and completed roofing installation. Roofing contractors who have earned this credential have a greater chance of delivering excellent service to customers.
Cost
The cost of hiring a commercial roofing contractor varies widely, but there are several factors to consider. The cost of overhead will include office and advertising expenses, equipment and trucks, and fuel. Another factor to consider is Worker’s Compensation insurance. It can range from 25 to 40 percent of payroll, and the type of insurance you purchase will depend on the state you live in and the number of previous incidents. A company that is insured will have more overhead than one without it, so you will need to factor these costs into your budget.
On average, a commercial roofing contractor spends $18/hr on a secretary. This amounts to nearly $48,000 per year for that employee. In addition, the contractor will spend around $2,000/year on liability insurance and other office supplies. On average, a work truck will consume 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel, resulting in a hefty monthly expense of approximately $2,500. The cost of commercial roofing contractors can be high, so keep these expenses in mind.