Selecting a Contractor

Selecting a qualified contractor is not as simple as choosing who has the lowest price.

Selecting a truly qualified contractor and verifying their capabilities is the best way to ensure that a project starts off on the “right foot” and can avoid unnecessary problems during and throughout the end of the project.

EXCEL Roofing Service recommends the following to assist Building Owners and Property Managers in selecting a qualified contractor:

  • Verify License. Check with your local license board, such as the California State Contractor’s License Board, www.cslb.ca.gov to verify their license is active and in good standing.
  • Reference List. If possible request a list that not only contains their most recent clients, but those whom they did work for 5 or 10 years ago.
  • Certificates of Insurance. Obtain certificates of insurance for liability coverage, workers compensation and auto. You should request to be listed as an additional insured. For work involving Condominium Associations, torch applied systems or on buildings over 50 feet high, we highly recommend that you obtain a declaration page from the insurance carrier listing coverage limits, endorsements and limitations.
  • Bank and Vendor References.   Basically you need to do a credit check. This will help verify the financial ability of the contractor and their ability to complete a project without concern about vendors filing mechanics liens after the project is done.
  • Injury Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). All contractors are required by state law to have an IIPP which is their company policy and procedure manual for Safety Requirements. This will allow you to see what measure the contractor will take to protect not just their workers, but the building and it’s occupants as well.
  • EPA Certification. On buildings built before 1978, a copy of the contractor’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation and Repair certification.   All contractors who disturb painted surfaces on buildings built before 1978 where children or pregnant women reside or attend school are required to be certified.
  • Manufacturer’s Certification. Obtain a current copy of Manufacturer’s Certification and written statement that project specifications/recommendations meets the Manufacture’s warranty requirements.
  • Subcontractors. Will the contractor be utilizing subcontractors? If so, who they are and you may want to check the subcontractor’s references, insurance and other qualifications as well.
  • General Info.
    • Does the Contractor use only company owned or leased equipment? If they require their employees to use their personal vehicles you may want to obtain copies of their auto insurance as well.
    • Do their employees all wear uniforms, this will make them easy to identify when they are on site.
    • Does their bid include supplying utilities and sanitary facilities?
    • Is the Contractor a member of any trade organizations?

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