As a commercial property owner, one of the most essential components of your property is maintaining the roof and hiring the right professional to maintain it.

While hiring the right commercial roofing contractor can be a tough decision to make with an abundance of contractors out there, there are a few rules you can follow to narrow down your search.

Ask about their experience and referrals

Asking a company about their past jobs can give you a good idea of how much experience they have. You should also ask for referrals for previous jobs to verify that they did quality work on those jobs and find out what their reputation is like. Do research on the company to find out how long they have been in business. A company that has been around for a long time likely has a good reputation and expertise in many different areas.

Check that they have the right licenses, certifications and affiliations

The company must provide you with the proper paperwork to prove that they are licensed to do work in that state. They must also have insurance, workers compensation and liability coverage incase an accident ever occurs. Employees should also have the right training and certifications for the job. You should also find out if they have a rating with the Better Business Bureau or are part of any nationally recognized associations such as the NRCA.

Remember that cheaper is not always better

While price is an important factor when choosing a contractor, the lowest bidder does not necessarily mean the best value. Some companies cut corners and use subpar materials to cut costs. While this is cost effective, it could end up costing you more in the long run and even result in a roof failure. It is possible that the lowest priced bidder is the best choice, but keep in mind that it can be a red flag and you should do more research on the company to ensure they really are the best option.

Make sure the company is prepared to take on the job

Verify that the company has enough employees for the job. You should also inquire about their safety record or rating. Ask the company about what type of safety training and education is provided to employees. It’s important to know that they not only have enough people but that the employees are safe and follow correct safety guidelines for the industry.

Make sure the company is communicating properly with you

A contractor should listen to what you need and help you to make decisions on what they believe is best for your situation based on their expertise and what you want. It’s a red flag if a contractor doesn’t listen to you or tries to push you into a commitment or contract you are not ready for. The right company won’t need to push you into anything.