Selecting The Right Contractor

 

By Matt Kelley

Property managers and building engineers have the ongoing job of hiring contractors for roofing work at their respective facilities. Finding the right firm for the job requires a bit of homework, but it is worth the trouble. You can save time, energy and frustration by creating a database of pre-qualified workers before you need them. Many factors go into choosing a contracting company, and it helps to develop a set of specifications for all bidders, so that fair comparisons can be made. Here are some tips to choosing the right roofing contractors:

Check job references - Don't just look at a list – call each reference.

Check bank references – Do some research to verify the financial stability of the companies to save trouble later.

Visit their job sites – Watch them replace or repair a roof. Take note of their workmanship and professionalism. Do they provide a safe workplace for their employees and their tenants? Do they respect the property at the job site?

Verify insurance - The industry standard for general liability in the DFW area is typically one million dollars, plus a million-dollar umbrella policy. Get proof of current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Emphasize certification with the Roofing Contractor’s Association of Texas (RCAT) (or the equivalent in your state) - The RCAT certification program requires that contractors who have been in business for at least two years be financially stable and properly insured. Licensed contractors are also required to pass tests in managing a commercial and residential roofing business. This certification offers additional assurance that the companies are legitimate and professional.