When it comes to maintaining or replacing your commercial roof, hiring the right contractor is just as important as the roofing material itself. A solid commercial roof protects your property, employees, and equipment, but a poor hiring decision can lead to costly delays, subpar work, or even legal trouble. That’s why it’s critical to know how to avoid common mistakes when hiring a commercial roofer.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key errors property managers and business owners often make and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Not Verifying Licensing and Insurance
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is failing to verify whether the roofer is properly licensed and insured. A legitimate commercial roofing company should carry liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and all necessary state or local licenses. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property or if damages occur during the project.
Tip: Always ask for proof of insurance and licensing before signing any contracts.
2. Choosing Based on Price Alone
While budget is an important factor, the cheapest bid isn’t always the best. Extremely low quotes can be a red flag for cutting corners, low-quality materials, or inexperienced labor. Commercial roofing is an investment — you want durability, performance, and professional workmanship that lasts.
Tip: Balance price with experience, reputation, and scope of services.
3. Overlooking Commercial Experience
Not all roofers are created equal. Some contractors specialize in residential roofing and may not have the experience or skills required for large-scale commercial systems. Commercial roofs often involve flat surfaces, membrane systems, and drainage considerations that differ from residential roofs.
Tip: Hire a company like Old Time Roofing, which has decades of experience in both low-slope and steep-slope commercial roofing projects.
4. Not Asking About Warranties
A reputable commercial roofing contractor should offer strong warranties on both materials and workmanship. Failing to ask about or understand warranty coverage can leave you vulnerable if problems arise down the road.
Tip: Make sure the contractor explains the warranty in writing and what it includes (e.g., leaks, material defects, labor).
5. Failing to Check Reviews and References
Don’t just take the contractor’s word for it — see what past clients have to say. Checking online reviews, testimonials, and asking for references can help you understand the company’s reliability, communication, and quality of work.
Tip: Look for consistent positive feedback and successful commercial projects similar to your own.
Call the Professionals at Old Time Roofing
Avoiding these common hiring mistakes can save you time, money, and major headaches. If you’re looking for a trusted, experienced, and fully licensed commercial roofing company, turn to Old Time Roofing. With decades of industry experience, top-rated materials, and unmatched customer service, we deliver lasting results you can count on.
Contact us today for a free commercial roofing consultation — and let’s protect your investment the right way.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing, one of the best roofing companies in Saint Petersburg, FL! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties. Click here for more information!