One of the most common concerns a homeowner has when it comes to contractors is trust. Questions like, “Can I trust this roofing contractor to complete a quality service for a fair price?” are typical. You want to make sure that everybody that’s doing work for you and your home has the proper business and contractor’s license so that they just don’t disappear or maybe do bad work on your house.
One key way to protect yourself is by making sure your general contractor or roofing contractor has the proper business license, contractors license, and credentials to provide you with the service you expect. We will walk you through what each of these licenses means and how they protect you and the companies.
Business License
Every roofing business that exists in Memphis and Shelby County has to have a business license. That business license covers work up to three thousand dollars. Most roofing replacement projects and roofing work typically cost above three thousand dollars. So, when you’re hiring a roofing contractor, make sure that they have more than just a local business license. Ask them if they have a state license because that will cover much more.
Contractors License
So, there are two different types of contractors licenses that you’re looking for:
1. Home Improvement Contractor’s License
A home improvement contractor’s license covers any type of home improvement project that a contractor can do to your house up to $25,000.
2. General Contractors License
And then if it’s above that amount, you’re looking for a specialty license or a general contractor’s license that will typically be for work above $25,000. There are also licensing limits that contractors have based on the financial records that they have to turn into the state, and they’ll be license up to $300,000-$500,000. Excellent Roofing is licensed up to $1.5 million. So, we’ve got you covered! Hopefully, nobody’s project costs over a million dollars, but these are things you’re looking for.
Credentials
The other side of the coin is credentialing, now credentials are awarded to a roofing contractor if they’re doing a lot of work with a manufacturer, or if they take special roofing manufacturer training. So, there are several different kinds of companies out there. The main ones are GAF, Atlas, Certainteed and Owens Corning. These manufacturers have different levels of credentialing, but with those credentials, a roofing contractor can offer you a better warranty than maybe another contractor out there.
Some of these warranties will cover mostly against manufacturer effectiveness. Some of these warranties will actually cover even against workmanship, which is what you’re really looking for. So, if someone makes a mistake installing your roof and it causes a leak or a problem inside, then you’re covered and they can come back and fix that. So always ask your roofing contractor or general contractor if they have credentials from manufacturers and what that specifically covers.
Why Is This Important?
The state asks for information from these contractors. They’re asking for financial information, bonding information, and the state is asking them to provide copies of general liability and worker’s comp. And if any of that stuff ever gets canceled, that gets reported to the state. So, it’s a way for the state to vet, to make sure that people are out there working with the proper contractors license. Obviously, you don’t want to go to your dentist who’s not licensed. You don’t want to go to an unlicensed car mechanic or even a doctor. Your home deserves the same care.
Bottom Line
When hiring a roofing contractor, look for key licenses with the city, county, and state. Also, make sure that they have credentials with whatever manufacturer they’re working with so that they have some extra warranties to provide you. All of this is important so that you can make sure that you have some peace of mind that your roofing contractor is going to come through for you. Lots of great contractors in Memphis. Just make sure that you’re hiring one of those great contractors.
Remember to always #BeExcellent
