Accuracy, completeness, and transparency count when comparing industrial roofing quotes. Quotes for complex roofing projects go well beyond pricing and materials. Having the right information gives you more than a good price. It reveals overall value by considering quality, workmanship, reliability, and other intangible factors.
1. Evaluate the “all in” costs when comparing industrial roofing quotes.
The more detailed your quotes are, the easier they can be compared. In an ideal world, each contractor’s estimate would contain the same details in the same format. It’s up to building owners to make sure that each quote reflects “all in” costs and terms based on the scope of work that aligns with project requirements.
Costs should cover the entire process, from planning to execution to post-construction. If an item is missing from a quote, follow up with the contractor and ask them to adjust the quote to include it. If there are variances between quotes, find out why so you get the complete picture. For easier, more accurate comparisons, some building owners use a bid leveling process, breaking down items on each competing quote into the same categories and measures.
Before evaluating quotes, contractors and/or building owners should ultimately have apples-to-apples costs for the following items, as they apply in each particular project:
- Roof tear off
- Vapour retardant – type and method of installation
- Base layer of insulation – type, thickness and method of securement
- Cover board – type, thickness and method of securement
- Roof membrane – type, number of plies and method of installation [ie., cold or hot…]
- Roof surfacing
- Drain sumps – size and thickness
- Additional wood blocking at parapet walls
- Roof drain replacement including the type of material used, style of drain and type of backflow seals being provided
- Warranties for materials, contractor workmanship, and third parties
- Skylight replacement
- Optional services, such as inspection, repairs, HVAC and plumbing connections, maintenance and other fees
- Clarity as to whether any elements in the roof assembly and/or accessories are being left in place and not replaced
2. Be informed of the elements your project requires
Other aspects of “all in” costs are knowing what you’re getting, what should be included, and how it should be evaluated. Sometimes, missing or not understanding these differences can have a big effect on price. One example would be the differences between roof replacement and roof recovery quotes—which sometimes look quite similar.
Clients should be asking roofing contractors how they intend to work around HVAC equipment. Many roofers will try to avoid disconnecting HVAC equipment but this is not in the long term best interests of the project owner as the work cannot be done with the same level of skill when there are access limitations.
It pays to know that a roof recovery quote often includes an extra cost per sft to replace wet, soiled, or damaged existing roof insulation. If one quote includes these fees and the other doesn’t, you won’t have an equal point of comparison. Another example would be the implications of using one material or brand versus another or whether the materials are being single sourced from one manufacturer and therefore one warranty holder. It may be worth an extra few percentage points to have a stellar project that maintains its value over time. One or two words can also make a significant difference in the overall quote.
Jack Rabinovitch z’l, a former developer with Trizec, was quoted in Toronto Life as saying:
“Practically the first thing you learn in the land-development business is that the difference between a top-quality project and one that’s mediocre is 10 percent. If you want a building you’re proud of, one with good soundproofing, healthy air circulation, all of that, you only have to spend 10 per cent more.”
Essentially what Jack is saying is that the finishing details make such a large difference in the finished product. It is not worthwhile to cut corners when a roof is meant to last for 20-25 years. One should consider the life cycle costs and not only the immediate out of pocket project costs.
3. Verify vital statistics: licensing, insurance, and safety
It should go without saying (but always worth mentioning) that you should verify licensing from any contractor you are considering. You’ll also want to check and fully understand the coverage the contractor provides for liability insurance for any property damage and worker’s compensation [WSIB] in case of work-related accidents or injuries. Ensure that your contractor has a minimum of $5 million of general liability coverage—along with a certificate that attests to the value of the insurance. Finally, every contractor should put safety first. Seek every assurance that the contractor follows the ISHA health and safety manual for low-slope roofing.
4. Check references, reviews, and signs of expertise
You want to know about the roofing contractor’s work from past clients’ perspectives. Ask the contractor to provide client references related to projects that are similar to yours. Also, check online reviews, looking for comments about the contractor’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service. On their website, look for other signs of experience, such as time in business, certifications, awards, portfolio, and case studies. For example, Elite Roofing shares helpful resources like 10 Essential Steps to Prepare for a Flat Roof Replacement, which can give you insights into their expertise and approach.
5. Compare materials, techniques, and processes
Your project manager, architect, or engineer can review quotes to help ensure that the contractor’s plan will meet your goals. Check that materials and techniques align with the building’s function and special features, follow your industry’s best practices, address structural considerations, consider environmental factors, meet industry guidance and standard practices, and conform to regulations.
Some resources include:
- The 2024 Ontario Building Code
- CRCA technical guidance and manuals
- Government of Ontario’s website’s page on Construction projects on flat roofs
- OIRCA (Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association) resources
- List of links to other industry resources on the OIRCA website
Don’t skip learning how the contractor leverages for project management and customer service software. In addition to apps for project managing and scheduling, technology can also improve estimating accuracy and track maintenance schedules, warranty history, repair history, and inspection dates.
6. Warranties and Guarantees
The best way to protect your roofing investment is understanding warranty options from the manufacturer and the contractor. Not all warranties are created equal. Take the time to understand them and ask what options are available for each warranty:
- Manufacturer’s Material Roofing Warranty
- Manufacturer’s Labour and Material Roofing Warranty
- Manufacturer’s Workmanship Roofing Warranty
- Warranty from the Roofing Contractor
Learn more: What You Need to Know About Roofing Warranties
7. Ensure your industrial roofing quotes cover all the bases
Carefully review all contract terms and watch for any holes. If any quote seems to be missing items included in other quotes you receive, call that contractor for clarification. Important terms in addition to everything mentioned above include:
- Payment schedule
- Timeline, including project milestones
- Project management processes
- Clean-up and disposal
- Unforeseen structural repairs or code upgrades
- Penalties for delays or changes
Has the contractor addressed all your questions? 10 things to ask before hiring a roofer
Look for transparency in comparing industrial roofing quotes
It’s essential to compare all the details in each quote, reading between the lines to get the most comprehensive, accurate estimate. But that’s not all. When meeting with contractors, get a feel for how transparent they are, how they solve problems, and overall business integrity. As always, trust your experience, instincts, and overall impression of each contractor.
Elite Roofing’s estimation process, refined for over 65 years of experience in Toronto, delivers the most comprehensive, accurate quotes in the business. We’re always happy to answer all your questions openly during the quoting process. Contact us today and get the Elite Advantage.
