Making Sure Your Commercial Roofing Contractor Is Qualified

Just because a commercial roofing contractor says they’re qualified, doesn’t mean they are. Unfortunately, there are plenty of fly-by-night roofers who try to make it on their own but don’t have the professional training, licensing, and commercial roofing experience required to provide your business with a well-designed, high-quality roofing system. 

Commercial roofing projects are typically more complex than residential jobs, requiring more penetrations and seamless integration of external building features and drainage systems. The only way to guarantee your commercial roof’s performance and durability are to hire a roofing contractor with proven commercial experience. 

7-Point Checklist: Find a Qualified Bay Area Commercial Roofing Contractor 

To make it as easy as possible, we’ve put together a 7-Point Checklist to guide your consultations with local, Bay Area commercial roofing contractors. We recommend getting estimates from at least three separate companies.  

In addition to gleaning more recommendations and tips about the best roofing materials for your business, you’ll get a feel for the roofing contractor you’re most interested in working with. 

Do they have a brick-and-mortar office and/or professional website? 

We’ll admit there are several, highly-qualified baby boomer contractors who never got on the digital bandwagon. If that’s the case for one of your prospects, their word-of-mouth referrals, experience, and success may speak for itself. 

However, a bona fide business location or an attractive website that is professional, informative, and easy to read are stamps of legitimacy. 

Verify their current contractor’s license 

Never work with any roofing contractor who can’t provide a current, verifiable contractor’s license. This number is typically located on the website, on business cards, and on company letterhead. If you can’t find it, ask for it directly. 

Then, Click Here to verify it’s validity on the California State Licensing Board website. If you can’t find it there, don’t panic. That website can be finicky from time to time. You can also contact your local building department and run the company/contractor’s name and license number through their office to see if it’s valid. 

Ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance and bonding 

Don’t be afraid to go a step further and ask for current proof of insurance and bonding. These are all for your benefit. The certificate of insurance should show they hold both worker’s compensation insurance as well as a general liability policy. Should something happen mid-stream or the contractor were to disappear or botch the job, these pieces of information are required to file a claim and get your money back.  

If they balk or are unable to provide quick proof of insurance and bonding, cross their company name of your prospects list. 

Current membership(s) with local, state and/or national industry organizations 

As with any industry, the commercial roofing industry continues to innovate in response to the latest research and market demands, as well as eco-friendly building requirements. Memberships with local, state, or internationally recognized organizations and participation in annual conferences and tradeshows are positive indicators that you’re working with a contractor who keeps up-to-date with current best practices. 

They’re prompt with callbacks and answer questions thoroughly 

When we meet with clients for the first time, we consider them as prospects, too. If we do our job right, it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship because a commercial roof installation or restoration is only the first part of the equation. Once the job is finished, we hope to be called back to perform annual inspections, routine maintenance, or repairs that pop up along the way. 

If a prospective contractor doesn’t return calls, is frequently late or fails to show, or seems put out when you answer questions, think twice. They probably aren’t the best candidate for your long-term roofing partnership! 

Do they implement a written safety program? 

Roofers put themselves at risk every day, working on steep slopes and on multi-story buildings. Safety must be a priority at all times. Ask to see a written copy of their safety program, or verbally verify the steps they take to keep their employees safe on the job.  

Are they easy to work with (are you comfortable)? 

Always honor your gut instincts when hiring any contractor or repair professional to work on or inside your home. If you don’t feel comfortable and safe, if they are difficult or challenging to get along with, or if you don’t trust them to be inside your business (roofers may require access to the attic for various repairs, restoration, or amendments), honor that feeling. Only hire a commercial roofing contractor you feel you can trust.

We Can Help You

The team at Central Bay Roofing & Restoration has decades of commercial roofing experience, and the licensing, portfolio, and customer testimonials to prove it. Contact us online, or call us directly at (510) 521-7334, if you’re looking for a qualified commercial roofing company.