If you are in need of a roof replacement or even general roofing repair for your facility, there's a good chance that you'll be hiring a commercial roofing company to get the job done. Unfortunately, not all roofing companies out there can provide you with the level of service and workmanship you deserve. Specifically, as you shop around for a roofing contractor, there are some potential red flags you'll want to be on the lookout for.
Soliciting With a Free Inspection
A lot of times, roofing companies will go to different commercial buildings (especially after heavy storms roll through the area) offering a free roofing inspection to the property managers. These roofers are known as "storm chasers," and they are generally after the money put up by your business’s insurance policy to pay for any repairs caused by hail, high winds, or other severe weather.
Generally, you should not trust these "free" estimates, because they almost always result in the company finding major damage and repairs that need to be done - even if the damage isn't really there. A reputable company will not solicit.
Requiring Up-Front Payment
Any time you're having any major roofing work or replacement done, you should be able to put down a deposit in order for work to get started. You should never have to pay in-full for your work before it's completed, as you deserve a chance to make sure the work was done properly before you shell over the rest of the money. If a company tries to get you to pay in full before starting work--especially if they want you to pay in cash - it's time to look elsewhere.
Sneaking Hidden Fees Into the Quote
Any time you review a quote provided to you by a roofing company, be sure to read it over carefully and ask if any added fees have been tacked on. For example, some companies may include additional services in their estimates that you don't really need so that they can get more money out of you. Ask your roofer for a bare-bones quote that includes just the necessities to get your job done.
Being Misleading About Warranties
Another potential red flag to be on the lookout for when looking for a roof company is that of providing misleading information about your roof's warranty (if you're having a new one installed). They may mention, for example, that the roof comes with a 20-year warranty; what they may not mention, however, is that the warranty only covers certain types of damage and/or does not include parts and labor.
Always make sure you receive detailed information about a roof warranty before you decide to go with any roofing company for your replacement job, as warranty offerings can vary greatly.
A Significantly Lower Bid Than Others
Finally, if you receive a bid from one contractor that's significantly lower than your bids from other roofing companies, then this should generally be seen as a red flag. The cheapest bid in any job is usually a result of the company cutting corners; so even if you end up saving money up-front, you could end up with a faulty roof, bad installation, or poor quality materials that you need to spend more money to repair and replace down the road. Generally, it's better to spend a little more on a company and materials you can trust.
As you can see, there's a lot to keep in mind as you shop around for the right roofing company. By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can make the best decision for your needs. And if you are looking for a reputable commercial roofing contractor you can trust, contact Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc. today!
