Hire A Licensed Roofing Contractor
Make sure the contractor is licensed to do business in your state! This has all kinds of legal consequences.
Also consider that if a contractor is willing to operate without a license, hes probably willing to operate without getting his other paperwork in order, either. This includes permits, warranties, insurance, and even the roofing contract.
If hell take shortcuts with the law, hell probably take shortcuts with your roof.
This can end up costing you a lot of money down the road.
When In Doubt Check The Contract
If all else fails, make sure to thoroughly review your roofing contract before signing with a roofer. A standard contract should have several components:
- License Number: Make sure a roofers license number is prominently displayed on the contract along with the name of the company. A roofers license number should also join their company name on any business cards or advertisements.
- Timeline: Make sure your contract includes a clause that explicitly states that the services will be performed by a certain date. This date should allow for some flexibility around crew scheduling and weather conditions however, you need to protect yourself in case the project runs unreasonably long. A timeline clause should specify the date on which the roofer must terminate your contract and refund your deposit.
- Mechanics Lien: Ethical contracts will also include several safety nets for the customer, including a mechanics lien clause that protects homeowners from the potential impact of a roofers unpaid bills if they leave the project unfinished.
_____
It can be difficult to navigate all of the contractors in todays crowded roofing market. Ultimately, working with a licensed roofer is a necessity if you want thorough, ethical, and long-lasting roofing work. Your roof is perhaps your homes most important investment make sure youre spending your money wisely.
Hiring A Plumber Or Electrician Is A Gamble When You Dont Know How Competent They Are A New Registry Helps You Check Their Credentials
Ellen Rosemantimerupdate
Houses need work. So, if you have a repair job to do such as replacing galvanized plumbing pipes with copper pipes who are you going to call?
I faced that dilemma when the city of Toronto came to put a water meter in my basement. The installers took a look at the galvanized pipes on the wall and said they had to be replaced.
I had to get the repairs done quickly. So, I called a plumber that I had found earlier at Homestars, a website that aggregates user reviews and rates contractors from 1 to 10.
Volodymyr Bartkov, owner of Mister Plumber, had done other jobs for me quickly, efficiently and at a reasonable price. He didnt disappoint this time, either, replacing the intake pipes a few hours after the installers visit.
Hiring contractors online, even those with excellent ratings, carries a risk. How do you know they are certified and a member in good standing of a professional group?
Thanks to the Ontario College of Trades, you can check on the contractors you plan to hire. The college has a public registry, which says whether or not a tradesperson is certified.
When I entered Bartkovs name into the registry, I found he was an active member, a plumber with a certificate of qualification and a clean record when it came to disciplinary actions or misconduct.
The Ontario College of Trades was created to attract new entrants and ensure there was enough supply of trades people for years to come. Improving consumer protection was a secondary goal.
Don’t Miss: How Much Roof Overhang On Shed
Putting It All Together
Between the licensing and accreditation, testimonials, project portfolios and any other information you can gather, you shouldnt have any problem finding out if a company is right for you. If anything, you should give the company a call and speak with them. If they are friendly and helpful, that is a good sign that you have found a company that is there to help you, rather than simply complete a project. Give it a try by contacting our team today.
Corporate Office, Burnsville:
Read The Latest From Our Blog
Emerging Roof Trends of 2022
Getting Your Roof Ready For Fall & Winter
Disclaimer: Manufacturer logos contained within this website are owned by the individual company and their inclusion here in no way implies an endorsement or recommendation. Colors & Styles: While we try our best, colors and images of products represented within this website may not be accurate due to variations in the way individual computers, monitors and browsers present content. We highly recommend that you see products in person prior to choosing colors and styles. We will not be held responsible for inconsistencies in product styles and colors.
© 2022 All Rights Reserved. Tracked Content. Do Not Copy. Powered by: ContractorWorx
Don’t Miss: Add Overhang To Shed
How Do I Get A General Contractors License In Chicago
If you live and work in Windy City, you can obtain a business license in Illinois through the City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department. Then, go to the Chicago Department of Buildings and apply for a contractors license. You must provide the following details in your application:
- a filled-out application form
- a description of the work you plan to do
- information about your business and its structure
- you must have proof of your financial security
- proof that you have business insurance.
The type of license classification youre applying for. Chicago offers:
- Class A license: no limitation on values for any single project
- Class B license: not allowed to work on projects worth more than $10,000,000
- Class C license: not allowed to work on projects worth more than $5,000,000
- Class D license: not allowed to work on projects worth more than $2,000,000
- Class E license: not allowed to work on projects worth more than $500,000
You must pay a licensing fee for your particular license classification.
Contractors who handle electrical work, plumbing, masonry, cranes, and private alarms must get additional licenses from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Call 1-800-359-1313 or email if you have any concerns about the licenses you need.
Search For A Cra Contractor Member
Colorado Roofing Association contractor members, upon joining the association, fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
Guidelines for Selecting a Contractor
When its time to select a Denver roofing company, or a roofing contractor, remember that all roofing contractors are not alike. A new roof is a big investment. Take your time and make a smart decision. Use good common sense and follow these guidelines.
- roofing contractors contact information
- identification of contractors surety & liability coverage insurer & their contact information
- a statement that if the property owner plans to pay for the roofing services through an insurance claim, the contractor cannot pay, waive or rebate the homeowners insurance deductible in part or in whole
Read Also: Cost To Reseal Rv Roof
How To Find Out If A Roofer Is Licensed
July 14, 2020 By Taylor-Made Roofing
When its time for a roof repair or replacement, it can be easy to fall prey to roofing offers that are just too good to be true. The market is full of unlicensed handymen who offer steeply discounted roofing services but at a cost thats often disastrous. For this reason, homeowners should always work with licensed roofing contractors. If youre not sure how to find out if a roofer is licensed, start with these tips.
Roofing Companies Near Me
Before hiring a roofing contractor, always double check that the company is licensed and insured. This may seem like an unnecessary step, especially if you know the contractor, or if they come recommended to you by a friend. However, checking a contractors license and insurance is important, because as the homeowner, you are responsible if someone is injured while working on your home and the contractor is not insured.
You May Like: Can You Put Skylights In A Metal Roof
General Requirements For Licensure
First, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health if youre a contractor who works with:
- Irrigation
- Removal of lead
They can help you secure your license. For everyone else, start the licensing process by:
- If your business is a partnership, LLC, LLP, or corporation, you must register with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- To get one or more tax-specific numbers, licenses, or permits, register with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
You secure your workers, you must get workers compensation and other business insurance. Youll then go to the state department to receive an Illinois contractors license.
In addition, each city has its own licensing fee. To complete the local requirements for new licenses and renewals, consult with your county or city. Youll be eligible to get the certificate you need after you have met all of the criteria and passed the tests.
About The Links On This Page
The first link under each state takes you to the state licensing requirements webpage so you can see what contractors have to do to get licensed.
The second link takes you to the state database page where you can search by the license number to see if its valid, or the roofing contractors company name to see if they have a license.
We try to keep these links up-to-date, but a lot of state governments have outdated websites and they are just now getting around to updating their sites.
Because of these updates, occasionally a link will change and you will click on one of the links we provide and it wont work properly.
If this happens, go to the home page of the state government website. There will be a general search this website field at the top or the side of the page. Search for Contractor License Look Up or Verify Contractor License and it should show you the page that you want.
Recommended Reading: Cost To Replace Roof Sheathing
Check The Better Business Bureau
The BBB has information on businesses in almost every area of the U.S., and their website is free and easy to access for everyone. You can see company reviews, licenses and a lot more information. Most importantly, you can see complaints that have been made. Keep in mind that no company has a flawless reputation, and complaints will always be made against them . What you want to look for is a complaint frequency and, most importantly, how they were handled. You want to work with a company that takes care of their customers.
How Long Does It Take To Get An Illinois General Contractor License
An application for a general contractor license Illinois is reviewed in about a month after it is submitted. Within two weeks, youll obtain your license in the mail you have provided.
You will be allowed to use a licensing reciprocity agreement if you already have an active contractors license in another state. To save time and money, make sure to consult with your local agency to see if this applies to you.
Don’t Miss: What Size Nails For 7 16 Osb Wall Sheathing
How To Check A Roofing Contractors License And Why
If you need work done on your roof, whether its a minor repair or a complete replacement, youll want to make sure that you find a roofing contractor in Sacramento you can trust.
You wont want to risk overpaying for a poorly done job on your roof, after all. In order to identify a reputable roofing contractor, one of the first steps you should take is to make the roofing contractor is fully licensed.
Licensed Roofing Contractors: How To Verify Your Contractor Is Insured
At the tail end of last year, some of the worst ever wildfires hit Ventura County and Malibu, causing more than $1.6 billion worth of damage. Since the catastrophe, there has been frenzied rebuilding as people try to restore their homes and get on with their lives.
During times like these, however, unscrupulous contractors can move in, offering cut-price services to desperate people who want to rebuild and get on. Unfortunately, many of these contractors providing these roofing services are doing so unethically. They often come from out of state and dont have the necessary licenses to work safely in California.
As a licensed roofing contractor, we always strongly advise that you do not choose a roofing contractor who isnt licensed, bonded, and insured. Homeowners who use an unbonded, unlicensed, or uninsured roofing contractors put themselves at risk. As the owner of the property, you could be liable for any damage or injuries incurred while contractors work on your property. And because of the lack of legal status, your regular insurer may decline to cover the costs of any litigation just what you dont want when youre trying to get your life back on track.
So how can you ensure that your roofing contractor has the right license?
You May Like: Roof Replacement Cost California
Provide Proof Of General Liability And Workers Compensation Insurance
Every company except a company with an inactive license must keep in force a policy of general liability insurance, including completed operations coverage, meeting the programs mandatory standards and when required by the laws of Kansas, workers compensation insurance.
If you claim exemption from the requirement of Workers Compensation insurance, you must complete and have notarized the Workers Compensation Waiver form. The insurance policy must be written with an insurance company licensed to do business in Kansas.
A certificate of insurance or other satisfactory evidence of the insurance coverage is required at the time of application and annually at the time of license renewal.
You Might Be An Employer And Not Know It
In some cases, an “independent contractor” is actually a worker for whom you must do such things as pay workers’ comp premiums, meet wage and hour requirements, pay unemployment tax, etc. Not understanding your requirements can leave your business vulnerable to unwanted penalties and event lawsuits. See our publication, A Guide to Hiring Independent Contractors in Washington State , for additional information.
Read Also: How To Get Roofing Leads Without Door Knocking
Do You Need A License To Be A General Contractor In Illinois
Although Illinois doesnt require a general contractor license at the state level, licenses are usually regulated at the city or county level, and the requirements can be quite different. There are exceptions to licenses for roofing and plumbing that require state permits. Note this information when beginning Illinois roofing contractor license lookup.
Check The Better Business Bureau Database For Licensing
The Better Business Bureau is an agency dedicated to helping regular homeowners find contractors in their area that they can trust, including those who restore roofs. If you go onto the BBBs website and search for roofing contractors, you can find information and reviews for all of the contracts accredited and licensed to operate in your area. The BBB ranks individual contractors according to a rating scale, with the top being A+.
Finally, its worth noting that in the state of California, all contractors have to provide workers compensation insurance to members of their team. This coverage provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who get injured on the job. In some states like Texas, this is not a requirement.
It is, therefore, much better to go with a roofing contractor that you can trust. While you could spend time searching through databases checking up on a particular contractor, why bother?
At Greatway Roofing, we are licensed, bonded and insured, meaning that if something does go wrong, you wont have to pay compensation out of your homeowners insurance. With us, you can rebuild your roof and your life with peace of mind.
Celebrating 20 Years!
Don’t Miss: Extending Roof Overhang Cost
Experience Options For Military Veterans
- Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
- Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
- One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying
How Do I Find Out If A Contractor Is Licensed In Illinois
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation offers an Illinois contractor license lookup database that can be used to look up and verify any professional license in the state of Illinois by license number, company name, or personal name.
You can also conduct an Illinois general contractor license search at the top of this website. To see the results, simply enter some basic data.
You May Like: Roof Replacement Cost In California
Look For Online Reviews And Testimonials
There is no better way to gauge how reliable a company is than through testimonials and reviews from people who have worked with them in the past. There are plenty of websites that have reviews for many companies, or you can contact the company directly and ask if they have any references that they can refer you to.
