There are many commercial roofing contractors in the West Texas area.  Which one is the right one?  Lydick-Hooks Roofing Co. of Midland, Inc. would like to offer the following tips for selecting a qualified commercial roofer:

1.  Insist on a professional roofing contractor.  A professional is recognized as a person who has a specialized body of knowledge and has received intensive training in a particular field.   Roofing technology has changed markedly in the last 10 years.  Roofing is also a complicated and demanding trade.  A professional commercial roofing contractor must have knowledge of materials and building technology, and a trained and skilled work force to give the best possible service to his/her customers.  Find out as much as you can about the contractor you are considering.  Ask for references.  Call the Better Business Bureau or the National Roofing Contractors Association for information on that particular contractor.

2.  Make sure the contractor is well-established.  A professional roofing contractor will have a permanent place of business, a telephone number and a tax identification number. Check financial information.   A professional roofing contractor will give you names of creditors and banking references.  Make sure the roofing contractor is a responsible business person.

3.  Make sure the contractor is experienced and knowledgeable.  You should specify that you want a certified roofing contractor for the job.  You want a roofing contractor who has expert knowledge of his trade and can bring the latest technology and most effective roofing techniques to bear for your job.  You will want to require that a contractor has the experience and knowledge to provide only quality workmanship.  You want a contractor to be responsible and reliable- someone who will still be around after the job is done.

4.  Check to see if the contractor you are considering is insured and committed to safety.  Roofing is a dangerous business.  A sloppy operation can endanger workers and bystanders, and cause property damage.  Ask the contractor for proof of insurance he/she carries.  Beware of the low bidder who is inexpensive because he/she doesn't have complete workers' compensation insurance.  Too many building owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured contractors. 

5.  Make sure the contractor you choose is committed to education.  The roofing industry offers a variety of educational programs that a professional roofing contractor will have attended.  More important, the best roofing contractor is only as good as his/her workers who actually install the roof.  Insist on having trained, experienced roofing mechanics, instead of laborers employed for one or two interim jobs.  Also look for professional supervisors to ensure completion of your job.

6.  Insist on the use of quality materials and service after the sale.   In today's market you can buy dozens of different types of roofing systems.  Insist on a roofing contractor that is certified in the type of roofing application you are having installed.  A professional roofing contractor is also interested in more than simply getting the job done and moving on; he/she will offer service after the sale and application.  Ask for a fair guarantee, written in language you can understand.

7.  Don't assume the lowest bid is always the best deal.  There are many factors in addition to cost to consider.   If the bids are clustered in a close range, the low bidder may be able to deliver a good job.  If there is a wide range in price between the low bid and the high bidder, the low bidder has made a mistake or intends to cut corners to "come out" on the job.

8.  Make sure you read and understand all financing and contractual terms.  Make sure you receive a written proposal with detailed specifications.  Never sign a proposal with questions left un-answered.  Do not make final payment until the work is completed.  Make a roofing file.  Keep a copy of the proposal, manufacturer's warranty, contractors warranty and a piece of one of the shingles, if applicable.