Commercial roofing can feel like a minefield. It’s not something you deal with day in, day out, which can make it all the more overwhelming when something needs to be done. If you need repairs or a new roof, where do you even start?
In this post, we’ll outline four steps to simplify the commercial roofing process and make sure you get the job done well.
1. Find suitable contractors
There are numerous national and local commercial roofing contractors out there. But what makes specialists stand out from the rest? Research is key to getting the right company for the job, so check out what to look out for when deciding:
What type of work do they carry out?
Commercial roofing differs significantly from domestic roofing. The main difference is the scale of work required alongside expertise in handling large projects in a timely manner. Therefore, checking the type of work a roofing contractor carries out is essential. If they mainly deal with smaller domestic projects, they may not be suited to the job due to the complexities and management of a commercial workload.
Experience
It’s vital to check how much experience a company or contractor possesses, particularly in projects similar to yours. You can ask to see a portfolio or references from previous work completed for peace of mind. It’s important not just to go off how many years they have been in business, as the experience may not match up to your project needs. Try to look at pictures of previous work, too, as this helps to visualise the experience first-hand.
Recommendations and reputation
Many roofing contractors have a loyal customer base and will have great reviews from previous customers. Roofing contractors with excellent reputations will have no issue sharing client testimonials, and you may see some of them on their websites.
Accreditations
Does your potential contractor have accreditations? This is often a great indication of their level of experience, customer service and reputation, as accredited companies must work to specific standards.
Some accreditations to look out for include:
- TrustMark
- Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
- Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC)
- SafeContractor
Skillset and services offered
Another area to consider is the type of skillset and services a commercial roofing company offers. This should meet your needs, and if you’re unsure, again, ask for examples of similar projects. Most roofing contractors will share the type of services they complete on their website so that you can get a good overview here.
Roofing companies will also indicate whether they carry out repair work, complete roof replacements or both. There may also be other services to complement your project, such as fascia, soffit and guttering services.
Equipment
Commercial roofing projects require a variety of equipment, especially as there may be differences in the pitch of the roofline compared to traditional domestic roofs. Does your roofing contractor have the necessary equipment to carry out the work, or will it be hired for the job?
Size of business
The size of a commercial roofing project is often larger than your average house roof. So, does the roofing contractor have ample workers to complete the job at the scheduled times? It’s important to have confidence in the team managing your project so those with more experience and more people doing the job can help to get it completed more efficiently and cost-effectively.
2. Get quotes
Once you’ve researched the best roofing contractors for the job, it’s time to get quotes. At DPR Roofing, we suggest getting at least three quotes, as this highlights the average cost of the job in the current market.
Some contractors will also provide quotes based on a variety of outcomes. For example, a quick fix compared to a long-term solution. So, it’s essential to look at the details of the quote before deciding.
In addition, a quote should include an outline of the job that needs to be completed and a full breakdown of costs, which is split into labour and materials. There may be extra charges for hiring equipment too.
3. Choose the best option
When you have your quotes, how do you pick the best option? In this instance, comparing the companies and quotes on a deeper level is vital. First, look at what each is offering and whether it meets your requirements for price.
It’s also good to remember that the cheapest might not always be the best, especially if the quote doesn’t cover everything you need. Be sure to examine what services are included and whether the cost covers all the elements of the project, including hiring equipment.
As mentioned above, some contractors will provide a couple of quotes based on the scope of the repair or replacement. This means you can weigh up a shorter or longer-term fix if required.
4. Repairs or replacement – how long will the job take?
Another factor to consider with roofing repairs and replacement jobs is the time required to complete the work. Alongside the quote, you should receive an expectation of the timeframe and what you’ll need to do to prepare before the project starts.
In some cases, areas of the building may need shutting to adhere to health and safety practices. This could mean temporarily moving staff or stock to avoid any issues. The details of this will usually be worked out in more depth once you’ve chosen the best contractor. However, an overview beforehand will give you an idea of the scope needed.
Commercial roof services in Barnsley
Whether you’re searching for a commercial roof repair specialist or need a complete replacement, DPR Roofing in Barnsley is available for all types of projects. With the latest roofing materials and practises, our specialists can assess the work and quote proficiently, so you can complete the job within budget and on time.
For more information on our commercial roofing services or to arrange an inspection and quote, contact us at 01226 670008.