Miss Wesson still shakes her head in disbelief. A man walked into her office claiming to be a professional commercial roofing contractor. He promised to fix her leaky roof and assured her that her business operations would soon return to normal.
“Just pay me 50% upfront,” he said confidently. Trusting him, Miss Wesson handed him the cash.
But on the promised start date, he never showed up. Calls went unanswered. Emails bounced. His name couldn’t be found online. Miss Wesson had been scammed.
This could happen to anyone—especially first-time business owners or elderly individuals. The good news? You can avoid this by learning how to choose a trustworthy commercial roofing contractor.
Why You Must Hire a Good Roofer
Hiring a skilled and licensed roofing contractor is an investment. Not only does it ensure your roof is built or repaired correctly, but it also saves you money in the long run by avoiding poor workmanship and repeat repairs.
| Poor Roofer Consequences | Good Roofer Benefits |
|---|---|
| Leaks, mold, and structural damage | Quality craftsmanship and durability |
| Frequent repairs | Long-term warranties |
| Business disruption | Smooth and timely work |
8 Do’s and Don’ts for Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor
1. Do: Ask Friends and Family for Suggestions
Word-of-mouth is powerful. Ask people in your network if they have hired a commercial roofer recently.
Tips:
- Ask about work quality, cleanliness, and professionalism.
- Don’t rely solely on the price.
2. Do: Choose Local Contractors
Hiring someone from your own community means faster response times if an issue arises post-installation.
Example: Imagine it’s raining heavily, and your new roof starts leaking. A local contractor can visit within hours; an out-of-town one might take days.
3. Do: Check Examples of Past Work
Don’t just go by what they claim. Ask to see photos or visit past job sites.
Where to look:
- Portfolio on their website
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
- Local references
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
| Before & After Photos | Proves real experience |
| Client Testimonials | Reveals satisfaction level |
4. Do: Verify with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
BBB allows you to:
- See company ratings
- Read reviews
- Check complaints and how they were resolved
Always verify if the company has a valid business registration and how long they have been operating.
5. Don’t: Hesitate to Ask Questions
Good contractors want informed customers. If a contractor avoids questions, it’s a red flag.
Questions to Ask:
- Can I see your license and insurance?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have a physical office?
- What kind of training do your workers have?
- Can I see a list of references?
6. Don’t: Choose Based on Price Alone
Cheap bids are often misleading. Scammers, known as “storm chasers,” appear after bad weather, offering “discounted” services.
Remember:
- Low price = Low quality materials or labor
- You may end up paying more in repairs or replacements
| Cheap vs. Quality |
| Short-term gain, long-term pain |
| No warranty or support |
7. Don’t: Rely on Verbal Agreements
Always get a written estimate. This protects both you and the contractor.
Your Written Estimate Should Include:
- Project start and end dates
- Materials used (brand/type)
- Labor costs and total charges
- Proof of insurance and licenses
- Warranty and guarantees
8. Don’t: Hire Without Comparing Multiple Contractors
Always get at least 3 estimates. Compare them based on:
| Criteria | What to Look For |
| Years in Business | More than 5 years is ideal |
| Warranty Offered | 5-10 years or more |
| Materials Used | Industry-standard, durable brands |
| Reviews | 4+ stars with detailed feedback |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right commercial roofing contractor takes a little time, but it’s worth every minute. Just like Miss Wesson learned the hard way, you don’t want to lose money and time due to a scam or poor service.
Follow These Rules:
- Ask for referrals
- Stay local
- Check licenses and reviews
- Insist on written contracts
- Compare multiple contractors
When you take the time to research and ask the right questions, you’ll find a professional roofer who delivers quality work—on time, within budget, and with peace of mind.
So friends, the next time you need a roofer, be smart, be safe, and follow this guide to protect your business and your investment.