Do you know the right questions to ask roofing contractors when planning your next commercial roofing project in Toronto? Finding the right roofer to install or replace your roof is important. It helps keep your property value high and can lower future costs, and also keeps tenants safe and provides comfort indoors.
It pays to be well-informed. Here are the main questions to ask when hiring a roofing contractor for your next project. This includes commercial, industrial, multi-tenant homes or institutional buildings.
Key Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors
Are you confident you know the right questions to ask roofing contractors? Finding a good contractor is important. Look for someone who is skilled and trustworthy.
A roofer experienced in your industry can best help you reach your project goals. On the other hand, choosing an inexperienced or untrustworthy roofer can spell all kinds of trouble.
Let’s look at key questions to ask roofing contractors and why these questions matter.
1. Is the prospective roofing contractor well established?
Why should you ask roofing contractors this question?
Commercial roofing contractors in Toronto don’t stay in business long if they provide inadequate services. It’s best to hire a long-term commercial roofing contractor in Toronto with deep-seated roots in the Greater Toronto Area.
Also, ask about projects they have worked on in your industry. This is especially important for industries with specialized requirements, such as food and medical services. Ask for references from similar projects over the last two to three years, as well as major projects currently underway.
Why is this important? Long-term operation signals the roofing contractor is reliable, provides high-quality workmanship and is committed to customer service. You face more potential issues with a newer company that is not yet proven in the community.
2. Are you certified with major associations?
In addition to the company’s history, among the questions to ask roofing contractors is the type of certifications they have. In Canada, the roofing industry does not require certifications. At the same time, certifications indicate they adhere to industry standards, follow codes of conduct, have expertise and are committed to safety.
Important certifications include:
- Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association (OIRCA)
- Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA)
- Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA.ca)
- Better Business Bureau, Ontario (BBB)
- Major Manufacturers, verifying their approval for installing their membrane
Why is this important? Lack of certification for major industry associations and manufacturers may raise concerns. Among the potential issues are substandard workmanship, safety risks, limited warranties and insurance, and a lack of accountability.
3. Can you provide a list of the project foreman’s experience and qualifications?
Moving on to the project foreman, you can’t overlook the importance of the project foreman. This supervisor manages project resources, ensures all technical aspects of the job are correct, maintains safety protocols and more. Their level of experience and knowledge must meet the requirements of the work involved.
Why is this important? Complex jobs require a foreman with substantial experience, technical mastery, and strong communication skills. Poor leadership adds the risks of sloppy work, safety issues, cost overruns and more future expenses. Lack of efficiency may also mean disorganization and missed deadlines.
4. What does your warranty offer?
Landlords should protect themselves from future costs. These costs can come from faulty materials, installation mistakes and property damage.
The manufacturer’s warranty covers material and labor associated with repairing product defects. The workman’s warranty is for issues related to roof installation. Warranties come in many shapes and sizes, each with different levels of exposure if your roof fails.
Questions to ask roofing contractors about the warranties include:
- Recommendation on what type of warranty makes sense in your situation
- The coverage period
- What is (and isn’t) covered
- Proration over time
- Exclusions
- Transferability
- Limitations and restrictions
Why is this important? It’s critical that landlords make an informed decision and understand all the terms of their warranty. If not, risks include unexpected out-of-pocket costs, voiding the warranty, delaying necessary repairs, lost opportunity to file a claim, coverage gaps and tenant issues.
5. Can you provide the following documents?
Keep your job moving by complying with building codes by making sure your contract has the following protections:
- WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) clearance certificate
- Certificate of insurance
- Copy of site-specific health and safety procedures in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
In addition, ask if the project can be bonded with a surety company. This bond ensures the roofer complies with relevant laws and performs the work agreed upon in the contract. Bonds provide financial compensation if the roofer doesn’t complete agreed-upon work, delays completion, delivers low-quality work or similar contractual issues.
Why is this Important? Non-compliance can result in substantial penalties or fines, as well as the possibility of project delays. Another consequence may be loss of reputation.
6. When can you begin the project and what is the expected completion date?
You will want to know when the roofer can begin your project and a realistic completion date. Your business’s financial situation may dictate your desired time frame and options for reroofing or replacement. In some cases, the work may be approached in phases to meet your roofing budget and spread out the financial outlay.
In the Greater Toronto area, seasonal weather may affect the time frame. When you call references, ask if their projects were completed on time and the reasons for any delays.
Why is this important? Precise start and completion dates allow you to plan for continuous, smooth operations throughout the project. Items affected by the timeframe may include employee work shifts and operational hours, financing options and storage of equipment or goods.
7. What do you recommend in your scope of work (SOW)?
Before signing any contract, the statement of work (SOW) will lead to a variety of questions to ask the roofing contractor. The primary consideration is the contractor’s rationale for all their recommendations, along with the timeframe, schedule and costs. Can they clearly explain all the technical issues, terms and conditions in the document? Be sure the SOW is inclusive of all project areas and includes contingency plans.
Some basic questions include:
- The type of solution(reroofing, tear-off, or combo)
- Type and brand of membrane and other materials
- Equipment needed
- Insurance and warranties
- Type and thickness of insulation
- Quality standards and warranties
Your roofer should be fully transparent and, when needed, discuss options to accommodate your needs. A contractor who seems reluctant to answer your questions and concerns before the project even begins may not be trustworthy. While you’re talking about the services the roofing contractor will provide, ask about their full capabilities. For example, a full-service roofing contractor will offer roof inspection and emergency services.
Why is this important? When unexpected issues occur, you should be part of the solution to ensure your objectives are met. Not sharing information signals a lack of accountability and commitment to the client.
Get the job done right: Know the right questions to ask your roofing contractor
To sum up, knowing the right questions to ask your roofing contractor helps to ensure your project objectives are met. What are the potential consequences of hiring a roofer you can’t count on? For starters, there may be increased construction costs, missed deadlines, poor roof performance and more future repairs.
Your complex commercial roofing project is a major investment, and you deserve the best. Get honest answers from a trustworthy roofing company in Toronto and surrounding areas by contacting Elite Roofing and Contractors Limited. Get the #EliteAdvantage.
