The state of Georgia does not require roofing contractors to obtain a license. However, to protect consumers and build public confidence in the industry, the Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (RSMCA) of Georgia has created a voluntary licensing program for those contractors looking to gain more knowledge and prove their expertise.
Contractors can become licensed through an agent of record, but must first be able to prove that he or she owns, works for, or supervises a roofing company. The certificate is open to both commercial and residential contractors.
Applicants must meet strict qualifications if they hope to claim the title of RSMCA Georgia Licensed Roofing Contractor. Because the process is voluntary, a company that has taken the time to earn the RSMCA certification has both distinguished itself from the competition and proven its commitment to excellence in the field of roofing.
So why should you trust an RSMCA-certified contractor for your next roofing project? Let’s take a look at some of the requirements for licensing, and what they mean for customers:
1) Proof of Valid Business License Regulations
Before obtaining their license, a roofing contractor must first prove that his or her company is up to date with all federal, state, and local ordinances regarding running a business in Georgia for approximately one year. This includes submitting providing a Georgia and Federal identification number as well as proof of Georgia unemployment insurance.
What this means is that, when you hire a Georgia RSMCA-licensed contractor, you’ll know beforehand that the company is fully and correctly insured and following all relevant business codes. This means that you can expect both a higher-quality roof and a support system should something go wrong on your project.
2) Proof of Valid Financial Liability
Georgia RSMCA-licensed contractors must also prove that their financial liability insurance is up-to-date. This means that, should your home or property be damaged during the course of the project, you won’t be held responsible for repairing it.
RSMCA licensing also requires proof of worker’s compensation insurance. While financial liability insurance protects you in the case of home or property damage, workers’ compensation protects you in the event that a worker gets injured on the job. Should the worst-case scenario arise, you won’t be forced to pay for hospital bills and other expenses.
3) Credible References
A contractor must also provide credible references as part of the RSMCA licensing procedure. Specifically, all applicants must submit references from three Georgia residents as testament to the company’s work.
When you hire a licensed contractor, you can go into your project with the peace of mind that other homeowners in your position were so satisfied with your contractor’s work that they were willing to go on record and give them a recommendation.
4) Exams
In order to move forward with the license program, applicants must pass a roofing and business management exam with the score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of two different sections: the first designed to test the contractor’s business management skills and knowledge of safety procedures, and the second to test the contractor’s technical roofing expertise.
By passing this exam, your contractor has proven not only that their team knows how to create a great roof, but that they also follow proper business procedures. For homeowners, this is further assurance that the company is legitimate and that the product they provide is solid.
5) Signed Applicant Statement and Fees
Before being licensed, the applicant must provide a notarized and signed statement including the exam fees. After applying and passing the exam, the license remains valid for one year after submission, after which it must be renewed.
What this means for the homeowner is that RSMCA licensing is not a “one-and-done” deal but rather a constant endeavor on the part of the contractor. Even after obtaining the license, the contractor has to maintain the same standard of excellence if he or she hopes to remain licensed.
So, why should you get a Georgia RSMCA-licensed contractor for your next roofing project? Between better service, better protection, and a continued commitment to success, why wouldn’t you?
