Choose a Professional Roofing Company
June 20, 2016 Laura MacCormac
Roofs are an important investment and it’s worth taking the time to make sure the company you select to protect your building is professional and reputable. No one wants to invest in their building and find out later that investment is not protected. No building manager wants to hire a contractor and have their tenants calling and complaining about them. No tenant wants to have to deal with poor workmanship leading to on-going repairs. Finding a professional roofing company will make all that difference.When selecting a roofing company, look for these important signs that you’re dealing with a professional:
1. The company presents themselves in a trustworthy and professional way. This is important for two reasons:
a) A company that takes excellent care of their equipment has a culture that focuses on quality and precision.
b)The positive image gives tenants a sense of security that the contractors in their building are from a reputable company.
Do they have a professional website? Do the workers wear uniforms and drive an identifiable truck? 
2. They are bonded and insured. Building owners can be held liable if:
a) Contractors do not pay their suppliers
b) Accidents occur and the company doesn’t have updated WCB
You can ask for copies of certificates from insurance and worker’s compensation companies.
3. They are well-established and they will be there in the future when you need them. How long have they been in business? How long at their current address? Do they have references? Do you know of other buildings they do work on? You can ask for references.
4. Employees are trained and security-checked. Are the workers Red Seal Certified? Have they had background checks done? This is important if they are entering tenants’ homes or workplaces.
5. They are accredited. There are organizations in every province with which roofing companies can be members. Usually there are certifications offered by these organizations. In BC you want to check if they are a member of RCABC (Roofing Contractors Association of BC) and if they have a certificate of recognition (COR) from BCCSA (BC Construction Safety Alliance).
6. They provide detailed proposals with photos and post-project summaries with photos. When tenants and strata / board members ask what’s been done, you want to have proof. Make sure the company you hire gives you reports with photos before work is done, during, and after it’s completed. Having these reports are essential for upholding warranties.
