If you are looking for a professional contractor to help with your roofing project, it pays to know the difference between a general contractor and an experienced roofing specialist.
The first step is to ask potential contractors if they have pulled a Florida roofing permit before. If they say no, this may not be the company for you.
Getting a Florida roofing permit is much more complicated than simply heading out to buy new supplies like shingles or an attic fan.
In Florida, each type of roof has its requirements, licensing requirements, and mandatory permits that need to be pulled.
Just because a roofer claims that they have a valid state-issued permit does not mean you can hire them to work on your roof. Many unlicensed contractors in Florida have been cited for making false statements or providing false insurance information on their applications.
There are also federal laws and regulations that must be followed, such as installing certain types of flashing or protective materials.
A general contractor does not have the required training, experience, or specialized skills to work with complex roofing systems like these. In a worst case scenario, a roofer who is not permitted may slip and fall through an improperly installed roof.
The next step is to ask potential contractors for references from their previous customers. Hiring unskilled or unlicensed contractors could lead to problems and delays that will only cost you more money in the long run.
Finally, many homeowners are unaware of the different qualifications and requirements that roofing contractors must meet to obtain a Florida roofing permit.
It is important for anyone looking for quality work to be sure that prospective roofers have all the training, licensing, and experience required to meet the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation standards.
Not all roofers are required to carry general liability insurance, but those who do not could face a $10,000 fine or three months in jail.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Clearwater Roofing Contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
