Unfortunately, in the roofing industry, it can be very easy for people without credentials to show up to your home and claim to be a roofer. They may have the tools for the job, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll have the know-how. Worse, without a means of verifying the contractor, you’ll have nothing to assure you that they’ll take the time to build you a roof that’s built to last, or that they’ll take steps to maintain it.
Luckily, states and cities across the country have developed roofing licenses that reputable firms can obtain to show that they’re legitimate. The requirements are strict and the testing is rigorous, but roofers that have taken the time to get certified have shown themselves to be capable of creating the best, most effective roof for their customers.
If you’re starting a new roofing project, it’s always in your best interests to go with a licensed contractor. Here are some great reasons why:
1) Better Production
While specific requirements for licensing will vary by city or state, there is one constant: a licensed roofing company will almost always be able to provide a better roof than an unlicensed one. Just by obtaining a valid certification, the company has proven itself capable of using all the correct roofing methods and creating high-quality products.
Unlicensed roofers may be able to offer you a cheaper price, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Shoddy workmanship can leave you with a poor roof that will quickly deteriorate and require costly repairs, defeating the purpose of going with the cheaper option and ultimately costing you even more in the long run.
2) Industry Knowledge
Part of getting a roofing license involves passing a number of tests in order to prove that the roofer has extensive knowledge of the industry. In order to get passing marks, the roofer has to show expertise in all of the best roofing practices currently used in the industry so that they can use these same techniques when building your roof.
A licensed roofer will know all there is to know about roof installation, maintenance, repair, and permits, meaning that you’ll be able to get the complete package without having to go to multiple contractors. A great licensed contractor will be a one-stop-shop.
3) Contracts and Estimates
A licensed contractor has taken the time to learn everything there is to know about the industry, so the representative will be able to give you the best, most thorough estimate possible. An accurate estimate will help ensure that no unexpected expenses pop up halfway through the job.
A licensed roofer will also be able to create a binding contract that will outline every aspect of the project, including time frame, material costs, and other specifics. By going with a licensed contractor, you’ll know exactly what your money is going toward before putting your money down.
4) Legal Protection
Beyond the assurance that your roof will be built right, choosing a licensed roofing company can also give you some protection in case things go wrong. This should come in the forms of worker’s compensation, which will keep you from getting sued in the case that a worker gets injured on the job, and general liability insurance, which will save you from having to pay to fix damage on your home caused by the roofing team.
State licensing boards will always require a roofer to have the proper insurance before being certified. This means that going with a licensed roofing company will keep your home, and wallet, protected.
5) Peace of Mind
When you go with a licensed roofer, there will be no doubt in your mind that they have your best interests at heart. After all, if they don’t build you a good roof, they risk losing their certification, which will lose them a lot of business.
Unlike an unlicensed roofer that can show up at your door, deliver a shoddy finished product, and make off with your money, a licensed roofer has too much at stake to let you down.
