Roofing Contractor specializes in installing and repairing shingles. In addition, they can help manage the permitting and inspection process for your roof project.
Some contractors offer gutter and siding services, too. Others specialize in a single type of work, such as asphalt or wood. Often, re-roofing is a good time to inspect and replace other components of your home.
In the field of roofing, contractors have specializations in the types of roofing they install and repair. They also specialize in the types of equipment used to perform roof repairs. Roofing contractors with specialty skills can work on different aspects of the roof – like skylights or metal roofs – that other contractors cannot. This is why choosing a roofing contractor with a specialty in your project is important.
General and residential construction is a complex field, and roofing is just one aspect of it. Roofing contractors have more experience than general contractors, so they are able to anticipate problems and address them effectively. They use specialized tools, materials, and techniques to ensure a quality finish and long-lasting protection for the home or business.
A skilled roofing contractor can handle any type of roofing job, from replacing the roof of a single-family house to replacing the entire roof for a large commercial building. They can also conduct detailed inspections of a roof and repair any damage or wear and tear, such as leaks or missing shingles. They also have the knowledge and skills to handle the installation of other types of exteriors, such as siding or gutter systems.
The project foreman is the head of the roofing contractor team, ensuring that all of the workers are on track and meeting deadlines day after day. He is responsible for ensuring that building codes are followed and safety requirements are met. He can also help to determine what the best roofing material is for a particular property.
Roofing contractors may be licensed at the state level, but they must also have insurance to protect themselves and their clients from any accidents that occur during the work process. Roofing contractors should have both liability and workman’s compensation insurance to cover any damages that could happen to the homeowner or the crew.
Licensed roofing contractors have the ability to provide detailed written contracts, warranties and guarantees for their work. They can also offer warranties for their workmanship – generally five to ten years – and product warranties from the manufacturers of the roofing materials they use. Lastly, they can provide references from previous customers and validation of their licensing and insurance – hard copies are always appreciated.
Licensing
Many states require roofing contractors to be licensed at the state, county and/or municipal level. A license indicates the contractor is experienced and qualified to perform roofing work. In order to obtain a licensing certificate, roofing contractors must often complete training, pass an exam and obtain insurance, including liability and workers’ compensation. Those who choose to become certified as roofers have the option to display a certification seal on their business materials and website, which may help them gain customers’ trust and confidence.
Licensing requirements vary by state, but most states will require applicants to pass a trade exam and have several years of experience in the field. The exams typically have two sections: the trade knowledge section and the business law section. The former ensures that roofers understand how to perform the job correctly, while the latter covers best practices, tax rules and other aspects of fair business. Many states will also provide study guides to help contractors prepare for the exam.
There are a few states that do not require roofing contractors to be licensed, including New Mexico and Wyoming. However, even in these cases, local regulations can exist, so it is important to check with each municipality before hiring a roofing contractor.
Some states have reciprocal agreements with other states, allowing contractors who are licensed in one state to work in the other without additional steps. This can save time and money for contractors, as well as make it easier for consumers to find a licensed roofing contractor.
In some cases, a state will require roofing contractors to be licensed for projects involving more than $2,000 in labor and material costs. For example, in California, a Class “C-39” Roofing Contractor license is needed to perform any type of roofing project, such as single-family residences, multi-family or commercial buildings, with a cost over $500,000. In addition, a $15,000 bond must be submitted with the application. In Idaho, a Residential Roofer Registration is required to perform any “Roofing, Roof Decks and Roofing Sheet Metal” projects over $2,000, while a commercial license is required for any structure that is not a single-family dwelling.
Insurance
Insurance is a necessary part of any business. It protects the company from financial loss in the event of unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances that could affect the success of the business. A professional roofing contractor should have several types of insurance, including general liability, property damage, workers’ compensation, automobile liability, and umbrella liability. This insurance is usually provided by the insurance company in exchange for a regular payment, known as the premium. The premium may be paid in one lump sum or on a periodic basis, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually.
The type of insurance a roofing contractor chooses will depend on the type of work they do. For example, a roofer that specializes in residential repairs will need homeowners’ insurance, while commercial roofing contractors will need property damage and commercial general liability insurance. In addition, a roofer may also want to consider workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves from claims by employees injured on the job.
When hiring a roofing contractor, it is important to check their insurance coverage before signing a contract. The insurance policy should clearly identify each type of coverage and the minimum coverage limits for each. Ideally, the insurance coverage should include commercial general liability (CGL), workers’ compensation, automobile liability, and umbrella/ pollution liability. Ideally, the insurance coverage should also contain no nonstandard endorsements or exclusions.
Using uninsured or under-insured roofing contractors can be dangerous to the homeowner and may lead to costly litigation in the event of a claim. Even if they offer to provide proof of insurance, it is best not to take the chance. Roofing contractors that do not have the proper insurance may be held liable for damages or injuries sustained by the homeowner, and this could lead to bankruptcy.
It is also important for a roofing contractor to obtain a surety bond. This is a type of insurance that guarantees that the roofing contractor will perform the work they have accepted to do. If the roofing contractor fails to fulfill their obligation, they will be obligated to pay a specified amount of money to the surety bond provider.
Contracts
Whether the job is a simple shingle repair on a residential roof or a complete tear-off and installation on a commercial building, roofing contractors are required to provide their clients with a contract before commencing work. This contract stipulates the terms of the agreement between the two parties and helps to protect the homeowner from unforeseen expenses. It also clarifies the exact work that will be done and how much it will cost. A well-drafted contract can help to prevent disputes that could lead to costly litigation in the future.
The scope of work should include all necessary materials, labor and accessories that will be used for the project. The contract should also specify what is included in the warranty. It is a good idea to reference any manufacturer warranties so that homeowners understand the limitations and exclusions of the products being installed. It is also a good idea to make sure that all applicable permits are included in the scope of work.
Scope of work issues compose a large percentage of litigation in the roofing contractor field. These disputes often arise when roofers claim to be owed money for work that was not specified in the original contract. It is important for roofing contractors to clearly state the amount of work that will be performed and to include a process for change orders.
A contract should also clarify that a permit will be needed for the work and that it is the client’s responsibility to obtain this permit. It is also a good idea to address HOA rules and codes that might impact the scope of the work.
It is also a good idea to state the duration of the contract and to include a no damages for delay clause. This will protect the homeowner if the roofer is not available when it is time to begin the work or if the weather causes delays in completion of the project.
The contract should also include a detailed payment schedule that specifies when the contractor will receive payments and when the final payment will be made. It is not uncommon for a deposit to be paid, then a progress payment at regular intervals and a final payment upon completion.
