Many states require some sort of registering or licensing to contract a roofing job over a few hundred dollars. This is one way to check out the contractor's years in business and any complaints that may have been file with the state, and how he dealt with them. It also ensures that the contractor has taken some type of test of his roofing skills, experience, and business knowledge. Some states also have a criminal and financial background check. Don’t forget about fingerprinting also. Another requirement is Bond. A bond is a tool to protect the homeowners. It is a legal guarantee the job will be completed as per the contract agreement. In my state, I had to do all of these things to be a contractor.
If a contractor fails to complete the job or in some cases did the job incorrectly and failed years later, the bonding agent must provide restitution to the party filing the claim. This is also a confirmation that the contractor is stable because a contractor is investigated before a bond is provided. Having your contractor bonded is a huge motivation for him to finish the roofing project in a timely manner and as per the contractual agreement because of financial losses to him.
Hiring a licensed contractor protects your rights as a homeowner. There are many great unlicensed roofers out there but . . . How do you know for sure? If the law in your state requires a roofer to be, licensed and bonded, that is who you should hire. From the licensed group of contractors is where you will find the better skills, proper training, insured workers and roofers that have many years in the business of keeping you and your family home dry for a long time.
Have a question? AskARoofer HERE
Need a contractor? Check out our list of Roofing Contractors HERE.
Comments
Leave a Reply
Have an account? Login to leave a comment!
Sign In