Choosing a commercial roofing contractor is not the same as choosing a residential one. The roof sits over a working building, so the warranty terms, the insurance cover and the way the site is managed matter as much as the price. This checklist covers those areas. If you also want to check a contractor’s QBCC licence, we have a separate guide on the 2026 licensing changes and how to look up a licence number.
Key takeaways
Determine whether the contractor has experience with projects similar to yours.
Workmanship warranties and material warranties should be considered separately.
Commercial buildings have different site management issues than residential properties.
Look at a contractor’s past projects to help assess their services.
Commercial roofing contractor checklist
Confirm they've worked on your type of building before
While a contractor may have worked extensively on commercial buildings before, it’s important to understand their experience with projects similar to yours. For example, industrial and commercial properties could include:
Warehouses.
Factories.
Retail centres.
Commercial strata properties.
Office buildings.
The nature of the building’s operations can influence its roof type, any roof access restrictions, drainage paths, and operational needs during the job. An appropriately experienced roofer can manage your roofing system while not excessively impacting your daily operations.
Licensing
Your contractor should have an appropriate Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence and no disciplinary action. You can look this up through the QBCC’s register using the contractor’s licence number.
Ask for a detailed written estimate
It’s good to get a quote from at least two or three different companies to get the best sense of how much the project will commercial roofing cost. A good quote includes more than just an estimate for the job as a whole. Here are some details to look out for:
The scope of the work they’ll complete.
What materials they will be using.
An itemised breakdown of all costs, including materials, rooftop equipment, and labour.
What safety measures will be required.
What additional costs there are for site cleanup and waste removal.
An estimated timeframe for the work.
Getting this information will give you a better understanding of not just how much you can expect to pay, but also what you’re paying for. The cheapest quote may not necessarily be the right one. Ensure that the contractor can actually deliver the specific services you need.
Check the warranty on materials and workmanship separately
A lot of clients think that there’s one warranty that covers both workmanship and materials. However, they’re actually covered separately. It’s vital to know what each warranty covers and who is providing them. Here are some of their crucial elements:
Material warranty
This is generally provided by the material manufacturer and covers any defects in the products used in the job. The warranty documentation often includes conditions, such as:
Your property’s proximity to the coast. The warranty length may decrease the closer you are.
Whether the property is residential, commercial, or industrial.
Whether the project was done by a licensed contractor.
That only approved accessories, such as flashing and fasteners, are used.
A breach of any of the manufacturer’s warranty conditions may void the coverage.
Workmanship warranty
Workmanship warranties cover the installation and other work completed by the contractor. Depending on the company, it can last for 7 to 10 years or more. Commercial and industrial properties are not protected by the QBCC’s home warranty insurance coverage.
Your workmanship warranty is typically defined in your contract. It can cover issues such as inadequate fastening and incomplete flashing. They often have exclusions, such as:
Defects caused by other trades.
Unapproved roof-mounted equipment, such as solar panels and HVAC units.
Storm damage or other weather conditions.
Blockages causing drainage issues and standing water.
Improper maintenance.
Read the contract carefully and determine whether the exclusions are reasonable and aligned with the building’s use. If you plan to add solar in two years, ask now what that does to the warranty.
Insurance and documents to request
A Certificate of Currency for up to $20 million in public liability insurance.
Ask for these in writing before work starts:
WorkCover policy coverage for all on-site employees.
A tailored Safe Work Method Statement for the project.
Check the dates on the certificates. Cover that expires partway through a long job is a real risk on commercial work.
Ask about safety and site management on active commercial sites
Commercial properties often want to maintain business operations while roofing work is being done. This requires additional site management and planning for safety concerns compared to residential projects. Some useful questions to ask a contractor include:
How will you ensure foot traffic in and out of the property is unimpeded?
What safety measures will be in place to protect the workers, business staff, and customers?
How will you manage any dust and debris that may be caused by the work?
What work can be managed outside of business hours to minimise disruptions?
What procedures will be in place for heavy rain?
How will you maintain communication with business management?
Keeping the building watertight during the job
On a re-roof, the building is open at some point. Ask how much area will be opened at once, how it is temporarily sealed, and who is responsible if water gets into your stock, fit out or equipment. Get the answer before the contract is signed. This is the single most expensive thing to argue about after the fact.
Commercial roof inspection
Regular documented inspections are critical to maintain a roof’s long-term performance. They can help you stay warranty-compliant and budget for potential future repairs. Catching small issues early can prevent them from becoming significant risks. Inspections can help uncover:
Membrane punctures.
Early signs of structural damage.
Any emergency repairs that may be needed.
Signs of material deterioration.
Non-destructive testing can find moisture issues.
References and past commercial projects
A good way to get an idea of what a contractor offers is to look at a portfolio of their past work. Look at previous work that most closely matches your project. The contractor could provide a number of services, such as:
Commercial roof maintenance.
Commercial roof replacement.
Commercial roof repairs.
Being able to see high-quality pictures of the work is better than just reading testimonials from past clients. Review at least three references from previous commercial clients. Make sure their work was completed on time and within budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the right commercial roofing contractor can be involved. A detailed estimate, suitable warranties, and appropriate site management practices all play a part. Our checklist can help you assess which roofing company will best serve your needs.
Are you looking for commercial roofing services?
Our team has experience working on commercial and industrial properties. We have a comprehensive commercial roof inspection checklist to help you catch issues early. Contact us for a free quote.
