There are many reasons why using a roof consulting firm to assist facility managers during the re-roofing process makes good sense.
The major benefits are:
- Receiving a better roofing system
- Lower costs for professional services, materials, and labor
- Receiving a better warranty, that includes annual roof audits and pro-active maintenance
- Reducing your risk: by eliminating design flaws, conducting on-site inspections, and fully documenting the project
Historically the roof replacement process has typically involved an architect, a roofing supplier, a roofing contractor, and the building owner.
Generally speaking, architects do not have the greatest track record in designing good quality roofing systems. Roofing manufacturers and suppliers all promise you the world, but seldom deliver on those promises. The roofing contractors are looking to be the low bidder, and so typically, there are many corners cut to be able to deliver that low bid. So without expert supervision and expertise, how do you know what you are really getting during the re-roofing process?
What is missing in this equation is a 3rd party, independent “expert”, typically known as a Roof Consulting Firm. These professional service firms are dedicated to having the knowledge and expertise needed to make good sound roofing recommendations. They know how to analyze a roofing or waterproofing problem, from an entire building envelope perspective. They have an in-depth knowledge of all the basic roofing system types that are available, as well as the finer differences and nuances of each respective manufacturers’ products and warranties. They can assess priorities, establish budgets, and prepare the most comprehensive roof plans and specifications packages available anywhere. Roof Consultants typically have the ability to provide project management services and quality assurance inspections during the construction process. Following a successful installation, they can assist you with your on-going annual roof audits and an overall roof asset management program. In addition, they will make sure you are in compliance with your manufacturers’ warranty terms and conditions.
Beyond all the skills and benefits listed above, there are many other benefits to be examined.
The roof consultant will take this entire project burden off your back and allow you to do the job you were hired to do, while ensuring the roof project is expertly managed.
The Roof Consultant will navigate you through all the pitfalls of selecting the appropriate design, materials, and contractor(s) for the project. They will handle all the meetings for pre-bid conferences, pre-construction conferences, weekly job site meetings, safety meetings, dispute resolution meetings, schedule deviation meetings, pre-final inspections, and final inspections. They handle all the paperwork processing for contracts, change-orders, pay requests, release of liens notices, notice of non-compliance, stop work orders (if needed), job site inspection reports, punch list reports, and final inspections. The Roof Consultant will make sure your warranty documents are properly issued in a timely manner. In a nutshell, they reduce your risk by following guidelines and documentation protocols, while you have peace of mind, knowing that your project is being handled correctly and is running smoothly. Goals will be met, budgets will be accurate, and projects will be completed on time. For many building owners and managers, this is not the norm when executing capital roofing projects.
There are some innovative new procurement programs that have been developed to offer school systems and corporations the ability to realize large savings on professional fees, on the material costs, and on the contractor labor expenses needed to complete new and re-roofing projects.
Moisture Management, in Fishers, Indiana, has developed the RoofSMART™ Program that accomplishes all these savings factors for our clients.
This program provides all the professional services components to get a high quality roofing system, at a fraction of the normal cost. It also provides a proprietary roofing warranty that covers the entire roof system (including annual inspections and maintenance) for 20 years.
The choice is yours. Trusting in a qualified Roof Consultant saves you time, money, and future headaches by having a high-quality roof specification, thorough project management, and lower costs for design and materials.
If you have an interest in learning more about this innovative RoofSMART™ Program, please feel free to contact us at 317-577-0910.
