Roofing Law

Hiring a Roofing Contractor Part 1

What You Must Know Before Hiring A Roofing Contractor

In building construction, one of your most important decisions will be selecting a roofing contractor. The roof of your building is an investment, both because of the cost and because of its importance to the overall structure of your construction project. You want to ask the right questions to ensure that you are hiring the best contractor possible, but you also want to make sure that you are protected in case something doesn’t go as planned. While a roofing lawyer can help you should you ever need to file a claim, prevention is your best defense.

In this two-part series, we will discuss the items that you must know about your roofing contractor before you make the hire. By getting answers to these questions, you will be taking a big step towards avoiding costly litigation. For more examples of questions to ask roofing contractors, you may skip ahead to part two of this series.

Is The Roofing Contractor Licensed?

In a number of states, it’s illegal to hire an unlicensed contractor for construction projects. Unlicensed roofing contractors are likely to do substandard work. This work can lead to problems once construction is done. These problems can endanger those who use your structure. It’s vital that you not only ask the roofing contractor if they are licensed but see the license as well.

Is The Roofing Contractor Properly Insured?

There are two types of insurance that a roofing contractor needs: worker’s compensation and general liability. Worker’s compensation insurance protects you if a contractor or subcontractor gets injured on your property. Make sure they have it before allowing them to proceed with the project. General liability insurance protects your property in case it is damaged by contractors while performing work on your roof. In terms of general liability insurance, make sure that your name and address are listed on the certificate as additional insured.

How Does The Roofing Contractor Dispose of Waste?

Roof construction is messy. There’s old wood and shingles that needed to be disposed of, among other items. The roofing contractor should provide a container to remove waste. They should also place it in a location that prevents property damage. Disposing waste is a critical question because roofing construction can cause safety risks if old materials are not properly removed.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.