The High Cost of Low Bids: What Every Commercial Property Owner Should Know
The Hidden Price of a "Great Deal"
More often than not, low-bid contractors save money by:
- Using lower-quality materials that degrade faster in South Florida's intense sun and humidity
- Hiring underqualified labor who may not follow proper installation procedures
- Skipping critical quality control steps, leading to mistakes and safety risks
- Cutting corners on compliance, which can result in failed city inspections or rework
When these shortcuts come to light, usually during or right after installation, property owners are left footing the bill for costly repairs, change orders, or complete tear-offs. The financial burden quickly outweighs the initial "savings."
Project Delays and Communication Breakdowns
Time is money in commercial property management. Low-bid contractors often lack the necessary staffing, coordination and experience to meet milestones or communicate effectively, which can lead to:
- Delayed project timelines
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Poor coordination with building engineers or other contractors
- Trouble obtaining permits or passing inspections
A commercial roofer in South Florida must work seamlessly with property managers, engineers, and city officials. When they don't, your project stalls and your costs go up.
Safety: The Risk You Can't Afford Roofing is inherently dangerous work.
Choosing a low-cost contractor with a poor safety record can put workers and your building occupants at serious risk. Accidents can result in lawsuits, fines, and insurance claims that drag on long after the roof is complete. Ask any potential roofing partner about their OSHA compliance, safety training programs, and track record. A contractor with a strong safety culture will reduce liability and protect your reputation.
Manufacturer Certification and Warranties - Don't Overlook the Fine Print
One of the biggest dangers of choosing a low-cost roofer is the risk of losing your manufacturer's warranty, often without even knowing it. Most major roofing manufacturers require that certified contractors install their systems. If your roofer is not certified, your warranty may be void from day one.
That means if a product fails or wasn't installed correctly, you're on your own for the repair or replacement cost. At Latite, we are certified by leading manufacturers, including Johns Manville, GAF, Carlisle, Firestone, Fibertite, Versico, and Soprema.
That certification isn't just a badge of honor. You guarantee that long-term warranties cover the materials and workmanship.
Here's what you should look for:
- Proven Experience: A contractor with decades of experience knows how to handle complex commercial projects, adapt to weather disruptions, and ensure compliance with Florida's strict building codes.
- Excellent Safety Record: Roofing accidents can have legal and financial consequences. A reputable contractor will have a strong safety program and transparent safety stats.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Ensure your roofer carries both general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Without it, you could be financially responsible for injuries or damages.
- Clear Communication and Project Management: Look for a contractor who collaborates with engineers, architects, city inspectors, and your in-house team.
- Manufacturer Certification: Always verify that your roofer is certified to install the system you're paying for, or you risk voiding your warranty. A property manager hires the lowest bidder, only to call us a year later when the roof leaks or fails inspection. In one recent case, the client had to remove an entire roof because it was installed without following the manufacturer's guidelines.
The cost? Nearly double what they would have paid to do it right the first time, with added disruption to tenants and legal wrangling over responsibility.
As a leading commercial roofer in South Florida, Latite Roofing brings more than 80 years of experience to every project. We've built our reputation not on undercutting competitors, but on delivering unmatched quality, long-term value, and peace of mind.
Our team is fully licensed, insured, and certified by major manufacturers, and we are trained to deliver complex projects on time and on budget. We work side-by-side with city officials, engineers, and property managers to ensure smooth project execution from day one.
With us, you don't just get a roof, you get a partner invested in your success. Low bids may appear attractive on paper, but they often conceal costly risks. When it comes to something as critical as your commercial roof, make sure you choose a contractor who offers lasting value, not one who vanishes when problems arise.