As we’ve been saying for years, when it comes to roofers in Oklahoma, not every contractor operates with the same level of experience, integrity, and commitment to both quality and building relationships over the long term. Unfortunately, this is no less true in the commercial space. In fact, business and commercial property owners should take extra steps to protect themselves when choosing a roofing company.

At Bailey’s Roofing, serving Southern and Central Oklahoma, we believe informed customers make better decisions. Asking the right questions before signing a contract can prevent major headaches later. And remember, a legitimate roofing contractor will welcome these questions, because they’re proud of the work they do, and they’re eager to prove it to you.

Here are questions and considerations you should be discussing with commercial roofers when taking bids on an upcoming project:

Is the roofer local? Is this Southern Oklahoma roofing contractor really here to stay?

While it’s always nice to support local businesses, sometimes the best reason to do so is as a way of protecting yourself. That brick-and-mortar bakery or print shop down the street isn’t likely to close their doors if an order goes wrong, but many commercial roofing contractors don’t have a real local presence. They show up after the storm, make their bids, do the work fast, and get out. If errors in their work reveal themselves weeks or months down the line, you may have no one to call.

Working with a local contractor means you can visit their office, speak directly with the owner or project manager, and resolve issues professionally and swiftly. Our recommendation is to always work with a Southern and Central Oklahoma commercial roofing contract with roots in the community who are going to be there for you when you need them.

Does the roofer specialize in commercial roofing systems? 

Commercial roofing systems are far more complex than residential roofs. They involve specialized materials, drainage design, insulation systems, penetrations, and strict manufacturer installation guidelines.

A quality commercial roofing contractor should have crews that specialize in specific commercial systems, such as:

• TPO roofing
• PVC roofing
• Modified bitumen systems
• Built-up roofing systems
• Commercial metal roofing

Commercial roofing isn’t just about installing materials. It requires careful planning, proper system design, and coordination to minimize disruptions to your business while ensuring the finished roof meets manufacturer inspection standards for warranty approval.

How can bids be so different?

First things first: you should always get multiple bids for any roofing project, and that’s all the more important with commercial roofing projects when the costs are higher and, due to the complexity of the work, the potential for error is higher as well. In reviewing these proposals, many commercial property owners are surprised to find a wide range of dollar amounts on the bottom line.

Every job is different, and every roofer is different, but on the job site the roofer has two primary costs: materials and labor. If you have a couple bids that are significantly lower than their competition, it’s unlikely those roofers discovered some magical means of doing quality work for less. Instead, it means:

• Lower-quality materials are being used
• The contractor plans to cut corners on labor or installation

Always review the materials your contractor plans to use, and compare those bid-to-bid. A local contractor in good standing will use good materials, be honest about that prices, and commit a job well done.

The Bottom Line

The most important goal when hiring a commercial roofing contractor in Southern Oklahoma is finding a company that will stand behind their work long after installation is complete. A quality roofing system should last decades, and the contractor who installs it should be just as reliable. Take the time to ask questions, verify certifications, compare bids carefully, and work with a contractor who values long-term relationships with their customers. Because when it comes to protecting your commercial building, experience, transparency, and integrity matter far more than the lowest price.

Bailey’s Roofing is a licensed commercial roofing contractor proudly serving the whole of Southern and Central Oklahoma, and specializing in the communities of Norman, Ada, Ardmore, Pauls Valley, Duncan, Wynnewood, and all surrounding communities. If you are seeking bids on a commercial project or need the roof inspected on your local business, contact us today or give us a call at (405) 343-8847.