Did you know that roofs are often designed to be replaced every few decades?
While there are a variety of factors that can affect a roof’s lifespan, it tends to range from a couple of decades to as long as half a century. The sooner you address various issues in your commercial roofing materials, the better off they will be.
Are you in the market for roof repair or total replacement? If so, please keep reading to learn how to get commercial roofing bids.
The Difference Between Roofing Bids and Estimates
Before we get into the details of how to get bids, it is worth emphasizing the difference between bids and estimates. When you receive estimates from a potential commercial roofing company, the final number can end up varying by the time the professionals finish the project. The last thing you’d want is to pay double or more for something you thought wouldn’t go beyond your budget.
Instead, a bid allows you to know what the exact price of the project will end up being. Bids are not only much more accurate than estimates, but they also give you the opportunity to get the best deal possible from various roof repair professionals.
Since companies must compete with one another for your business, you can also rest easy knowing that you are not being taken advantage of. Of course, it’s still important to do research into each company before making a final decision.
For instance, you can find plenty of reviews from customers online. It is worth taking a look at these before jumping at the most attractive bid. Since almost anyone can leave a review online, it is worth reading them with a grain of salt.
Other research you can do involves asking if they offer guarantees, finding out how long they have been in business, and more. A bid that is too low to be true could be a sign of subpar service, inexperience, and a willingness to cut corners. With something as essential as a roof, the last thing you would want is to cut corners.
Get Bids Through Bidsource
One of the absolute best ways to get reliable bids is by using a free online tool called Bidsource. Developed by Property Manager Insider, the app allows you to get the ball rolling in less than a minute. As soon as you fill out the Bidsource project form, the team at Property Manager Insider will evaluate your project.
Be sure to mention the types of roofs that need repairs or replacement so that you can get paired with the most relevant companies in your area. Since every contractor has to go through a vetting process, you will have valuable peace of mind knowing that each bidder has the know-how and qualifications to get the job done. The last thing you would want is to work with a company that is under-prepared or not even qualified to work on roofs.
Within the day, you should expect to start receiving bids for your consideration. If you have the option of choosing a business that’s local to you, then it is often a good idea to favor that over the other options. Local companies can often get the job done more quickly because their materials and headquarters are in the immediate area.
What Makes Up a Bid?
While it can sometimes differ depending on the project, a roofing bid often consists of three main factors. The first involves the size of the project itself. Aside from pricing, knowing the project’s size will allow the bidders to give you a more accurate timeframe for completion.
The size is also the most important factor for determining the number of materials needed. This is why it’s so important for you to take the time to describe your roofing project in detail. The more bidders know, the better the experience will be for all parties involved.
The second element is the cost of the project. This will take into account the cost of materials and the hours of labor, among other key elements. The bidder may want a certain percentage upfront, or they may allow you to pay the full price after the work’s complete.
Either way, it is a good idea to speak with the winning bidder and make sure everyone is on the same page. There may be other contractual aspects that are worth discussing, too. The last thing you would want is to have the project delayed because of a miscommunication.
The final factor involves insurance and guarantees. It’s also a wise course of action to double-check the insurance that your winning bidder has. Without proper and functioning liability insurance, the bidder can end up putting you at risk instead, especially if someone gets injured on your property.
As for guarantees, this can give you peace of mind as soon as the project gets underway. A warranty or guarantee can last for twelve months or for several years, if not longer. If the job is not done correctly, then you’ll have the option of exercising that guarantee and ensuring the roof is fixed for good.
Are You Ready to Get Commercial Roofing Bids?
Now that you have learned how to get commercial roofing bids, you can make sure that you get the best deal possible for your project. From saving money to admiring high-quality results, there is no reason you can get the best of both worlds.
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