The process for hiring a roofing company to work on a commercial building is different from the process for hiring a crew to work on a residential building. Companies need to bid on commercial contracts so that building managers can compare companies and ensure they’re the right fit for the job.
So what should you be looking for in a commercial roofing crew?
What to Look for In A Commercial Roofing Company
You’re going to want a company who’s experienced and can meet deadlines. They’ll need enough employees, the right tools, and the right insurance & qualifications. Plus, they need to agree to follow the scope of the work.
1. Experience
We recommend hiring a roofing company with a minimum of five years of experience. Commercial projects tend to be bigger and require adequate management to ensure timely and quality completion. It takes experience to learn how to properly manage a commercial site that adheres to the scope and safety requirements. You’ll need a company with a reliable background.
2. Number of Employees
Big projects require big teams. A company can have a great reputation but may not have enough workers to keep the project on the specified timeline. Ideally, you’ll want a minimum of 6 to 8 workers for your commercial roofing project.
3. Insurance, Certifications, & Licenses
Workers have to take safety precautions to avoid falls, dropped tools, slips, and other accidents. Roofing companies need to go a step further and have their own insurance to protect their staff as well as the buildings they work on. In Alberta, look for WCB coverage (Workers Compensation Board). If the company doesn’t have insurance, the property owner could be held liable if any issues arise.
You may also come across roofers that don’t have the proper certifications. They typically charge less, but that lower cost often means you’re missing out on insurance protection, safety training, and general workmanship.
The company needs to be licensed to operate in your area, too. We’re licensed to work in a number of areas including Lethbridge, Crowsnest Pass, Fernie, Cranbrook, Kimberley, and the surrounding Kootenay area. When you hire our services, our team will show up in a company truck wearing company uniforms so you know it’s the same crew you hired. Some companies sub-contract other teams that show up in unmarked vehicles and have different standards of workmanship.
4. Ability to Follow the Scope
Commercial projects have a document that explains the scope of the work to be done. It’s important for companies to follow the scope’s instructions so the final project meets the requirements set out. This includes following safety requirements for legal purposes as well, so the company must have the tools to do so.
5. Access to the Right Tools
Commercial roofs are often designed to be a flat roofing system, or occasionally metal or shingles. Flat roofs require different tools than these other types, so the company will not only need experience with your type of roofs but they’ll also need access to the specific tools required to install it.
6. Ability to Meet Deadlines
Commercial projects involve many different teams, in addition to roofers, like plumbers, electricians, and so on. The company you choose must be able to complete their work within deadlines so that other crews can start their work on time. If not, your entire project may be delayed.
If you’re managing work on a commercial project, make sure the roofing company you hire has enough experience, employees, certifications, and tools, plus is committed to following the scope and meeting deadlines. If you’d like our crew to help you out with your commercial project, let us know and we’ll submit a bid.
