Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor in Harrisburg, PA
Replacing or restoring a commercial roof is always a daunting task – and very often an unplanned expense! Additionally, choosing the right commercial roofing contractor adds an additional layer of uncertainty. When the need for a major repair or replacement arises, it can be challenging to select the right roofing contractor. The key is to thoroughly research and compare different options to ensure the best outcome for your building.
Identify the Areas of Expertise Required for your Project
The first step in finding the right commercial roofing contractor is to determine what special areas of expertise the project requires. Not all roof projects are created equal; and you probably will be looking for a specific type of roofing system, such as PVC, TPO, or EPDM.
You may also be looking for a coating or restoration specialist, or a combination of both. Additionally, you may need gutters, downspouts, or other components installed. The expert roofing contractor you hire should absolutely be knowledgeable and able to advise you on all the various options and best courses of action. If they can’t, they probably are not the right contractor for the job.
Research their Past Roofing Projects
Another important step is to inspect the contractor’s commercial roofing portfolio. What work have they previously done? To gain insight into a company’s capabilities, take a look at their portfolio of past projects on their website. This will allow you to see the types of buildings and roofing systems they have experience with and determine if they have the expertise to handle large, complex projects with specific requirements.
Make sure your roofing contractor has the experience to get the job done!
Recent Customer Reviews
To gain insights on a commercial contractor’s reputation, it’s wise to research online reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google Business Profile, or the BBB (Better Business Bureau). If you want to take it one step further, you can also reach out to past clients of the contractor to ask about their experience with the roofing company. While there certainly exists a phenomenon of “only angry customers leave online reviews”, the truth of the matter is that a quality contractor will most always have 3.5 to 4 stars at least on their review platforms, so make sure you take a holistic view of the many reviews you will find on the various review platforms. This process will point you in the right direction.
What Factors to Focus on When Reviewing Client Reviews:
- What was the customer’s overall experience like?
- Did the roofing project adhere to the estimated completion date?
- Were there large, unexpected and questionable expenses that occurred?
- How promptly did the contractor address any questions or concerns?
- Since the project completion, have any issues arisen that required the warranty to come into effect – and did the contractor fulfill their warranty obligations without issue?
How do I evaluate A Commercial Roofing Proposal?
When evaluating a roof proposal, it’s important to ensure that it is comprehensive and thorough. A detail sparse proposal – one that is only a few pages long – usually will not provide enough detail about the project. Details matter.
A Good commercial roofing proposal should be comprehensive and include information about the materials being used, the sections of the roof that will be addressed, warranties, payment instructions, manufacturer specifications, references, and spaces for signatures. A proposal that lacks this information can lead to uncertainty, difficulty, and potential legal issues. At J Smucker Contracting, our roof reports and estimates typically run around 15 – 20 pages long and include photos of the rooftop and detailed information about any weaknesses and defects that need to be addressed.
Verify Your Contractor’s Insurance and Certifications
When assessing a potential commercial roofing contractor, it is crucial to confirm that they have obtained certification from the manufacturer of the roofing materials they plan to use. This ensures that your warranties will be upheld in the event of any issues. Additionally, it is important to verify that the contractor has adequate insurance coverage. While experienced contractors are less likely to encounter problems, it is still important to have protection in case something goes wrong. Request the contractor’s certificate of insurance (COI) and review their limits as well as policy dates to ensure they are current. The vast majority of contractors will have their insurance and certifications… but as they say in the military: “trust but verify”!
When it comes to selecting a commercial roofing contractor, it’s important to consider all factors before making your final decision. Simply choosing the cheapest or quickest option may not lead to a satisfactory outcome – and when it comes to roofing, anything less than a satisfactory outcome can come at the expense of major headaches! Instead, take the time to research and consider factors such as the contractor’s responsiveness, knowledge, experience, and reputation. It’s also important to verify the contractor is properly insured, licensed, and certified to install the roofing materials they will be working with. Furthermore, asking for references, past reviews will also provide valuable insight into the contractor’s work.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a contractor that aligns with your needs and meets your standards. If you are located in the Harrisburg, PA or tri-state area, you can reach out to J Smucker Contracting for further assistance and a free roofing estimate for your upcoming project.