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 Contractor's
License
Contact state and local licensing boards to ensure a roofing
contractor has all the appropriate licenses for your area. If you
use an unlicensed contractor, the state will not be able to help you
when or if something goes wrong.
- Insurance
Require potential contractor to show proof of insurance - for both worker's
compensation and general liability insurance.
- Permits
Any work over $750 requires a city permit and
should be issued by the contractor. Be
careful if a contractor tells you to get the permit, because now you, the
homeowner, agrees to be the responsible party for insurance and liability
with the city.
- References
Ask the contractor for references of past customers
who have the same type of roofing system being installed for you. Contact
the references to see if the contractor completed the job satisfactorily.
- Deposits
In California, by law a contractor is only allowed
to ask for a 10% deposit before starting the work. If he asks for
anything more, then he may be using your money to pay for past bills. A
company that is financially secure and trusted by material suppliers does
not need to ask for a deposit unless the job is using custom material or
is an extremely large project.
- Material
and Labor Releases
Request that the contractor issue these releases upon completion for any
new construction as it releases you from financial liability if the contractor
does not pay his material or labor bills for work at your property.
- Safety Program
Require the contractor to have a written safety program. An emphasis
on safety ultimately lowers the cost of doing business and further assures
that your job will go smoothly.
- Knowledge
of Industry
Roofing contractors should be knowledgeable about the
latest developments in the industry. Ask if the contractor is a member
of a local, regional or national association.
- Place of Business
Make sure the roofing contractor has a permanent and identifiable place of
business, complete with phone number and physical address.
- Your Comfort Level
Most of all, make sure you feel comfortable that the company has the experience
and expertise to handle your roof installation.
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