What Every Property Owner Should Know
About Hiring A Roofing Contractor
Presented in the interest of an informed public by the:Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning
Contractors Association (FRSA)
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Get a clearly written proposal or contract that spells out exactly what will be done, the cost and the
payment methods. Included in the contract/proposal should be a written explanation of everything that is
covered in your warranty. Be sure that both labor and materials are covered. Most manufacturers guarantee
their materials but this does not mean that the labor for replacement is included. Be sure the labor guarantee
is specified separately. |
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Before signing any contract, call your local building department and the Florida Department of
Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395. They can verify that the company has an
active status license and advise you of any complaints that have previously been filed. |
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Beware of any requests for unusually large sums of up-front money before beginning work.
Make sure the roofer has workers' compensation, which is required by state law, and general liability
insurance. As a homeowner, you could be held liable if a worker is injured and there is no workers' compensation.
Likewise, if the roofing company has no general liability insurance, any damage to your house
becomes your problem. To verify workers' compensation coverage call the Florida Department of Financial
Services, Division of Workers' Compensation, Customer Service- 850-413-1601. Ask for current
certificates of insurance for both types of coverage. |
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Require that the contractor obtain the building permit and that it be posted on the property before work
begins. Never apply for a permit for the contractor. |
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Get a "lien waiver" from the contractor upon making a lump sum or final payment for any project.
If, for any reason the contractor does not fulfill the terms of the contract, you should contact the Florida
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You may also file a complaint against licensed
roofing contractors or report unlicensed contractors by calling the Florida Construction Industry
Licensing Board at 850-487-1395 or DBPR at 866-532-1440. |