Selecting a roofing contractor can be a daunting task. Let’s face it, replacing a roof is not an everyday occurrence for most people. In fact, commercial roofing is something that, hopefully, you will only have to decide on once or twice during your lifetime.

At Southwestern, we understand that roofing is “unfamiliar territory” for many of our potential clients. We also understand the difficulty in selecting a good contractor, a critical factor in the installation of your new roof system. The products you select are important, but the contractor you utilize will be the key component in the quality and longevity of your roof.

To help you determine which roofing contractor is the most qualified, professional, and experienced, we have provided a list of five questions that should be asked during your decision process.

How long as the company been in business?

The majority of roofing contractors fail within the first seven years of opening their doors. We recommend at least ten years of commercial roofing experience as a minimum requirement.

Southwestern opened its doors in 1954, and has been serving the Oklahoma market for over 60 years.

Does the contractor have a permanent place of business?

Most customer complaints involve undercapitalized contractors, and a permanent place of business is one sign that the contractor is in a solid financial position. If a contractor does not have a permanent place of business, how can you be confident that the work will be completed, or the contractor will still be in business in five years to address any problems or concerns you have?

Southwestern’s office and shop is located at 4300 North Santa Fe Avenue in Oklahoma City. We always welcome the opportunity to proudly give potential clients a tour of our business.

Can the contractor provide references of recognizable clients, and will they allow you to contact them?

An established contractor will always provide a list of recognizable and reputable clients that they are currently serving. Additionally, they should be excited to put you in contact with these clients to inquire about their level of satisfaction with the contractor.

Southwestern Roofing & Metal is currently serving Chesapeake Energy, Mid First Bank and Price Edwards among many others. We are always happy to provide the contact information for any of our clients.

Does the company carry insurance and is it sufficient?

Automatically reject any contractor without proper and sufficient insurance. A contractor should provide you with a Certificate of Insurance for Comprehensive Liability, Worker’s Compensation and Completed Operations Insurance that protects you in the event of an on-site accident or provides financial coverage for a failed project. Call the insurance company and verify as policies normally renew every year.

Southwestern Roofing & Metal is insured through CNA and CompSource Insurance companies and will provide a current insurance certificate at the client’s request.

What type of warranty does the contractor offer?

A good roofing contractor will provide at least a ten year warranty for the workmanship they provide to you. However, longer warranties are not always better. Ensure that the contractor provides what the warranty covers in writing prior to signing a contract. Ask to see their warranty form that will be submitted to you upon completion of the project.

Southwestern Roofing & Metal provides our own warranty of ten years (material and labor) and can provide a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 30 years. A copy of our warranty form can be viewed from the following link.

Southwestern Roofing & Metal Warranty Form

Lastly, be leery of cheap bids. “If it sounds to good to be true, then it must be” and “You get what you pay for” are two adages that are very applicable to the commercial roofing business!