The first thing to ask yourself when considering hiring a roofing contractor is what they warranty their work. This is vital, because some companies have warranties for only a few years, while others have warranties of over a decade. While it is wise to research roofing contractors’ warranty policies, you should also look for other signs that indicate a good contractor. This article will highlight some of the key aspects to look for in a good roofing company.
Bonding. If your roofer is bonded, the customer can rest easy knowing that if he breaks the contract, the bonding company will cover the cost of the roof. Bonded roofers are bonded to protect their customers from loss and should only perform work that is fully guaranteed. The disadvantage of bonding is that it costs you money up front. Despite this, it’s worth it for peace of mind. However, bonding is typically only a good idea for larger industrial and commercial roofing projects, where materials and labor costs are often higher. Bonding companies may charge a higher premium, but the peace of mind that this provides is well worth the expense.
Liability insurance is essential for roofing contractors. Workers Compensation coverage is mandatory in most states, but it differs by state. While many states legislate in accordance with the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), most do not have a specific policy requirement. Nevertheless, general liability insurance should be a top priority. Insurance companies will provide quotes once you provide your details. You should also consider obtaining tenant legal liability insurance for your business, which protects you from damages to a rented property. Non-owned automobile insurance will cover an employee’s personal vehicle while driving for business purposes.
If you live in a city or municipality with a licensing and permit requirement, you should contact the local municipal office to ensure that your contractor has the proper accreditation. Oneida County, NY, is a good example of this. In addition to having a general contractor, you can also hire other subcontractors, such as HVAC or plumbing contractors. A roofing contractor can handle a wide variety of construction projects. A licensed contractor will have a license and be insured.
Insurance is another important aspect to consider when hiring a roofing contractor. General liability insurance protects you from lawsuits resulting from a mishap. Whether a mistake occurs during construction or afterward, general liability insurance can help. The insurance will pay for the medical bills and damages to property. Additionally, it will cover your legal defense in case a lawsuit arises. The amount of insurance needed will vary depending on the size of your business and where you live.
General contractors are often highly skilled and knowledgeable. However, they don’t specialize in roofing and will often farm out the work to subcontractors. In many cases, hiring a general contractor will result in a higher price than hiring a roofing contractor directly. General contractors take a cut before passing on payment to the roofing contractor. The difference between hiring a general contractor and a roofing contractor will ultimately depend on your location. If you live in an area where roofing contractors are required by law, you’ll want to hire a roofer.
