A poorly installed roof or roof repair can not only create hazardous living conditions for your family but in addition cost thousands of dollars to remedy. The best way to avoid these safety and financial risks is to hire a licensed roofing contractor. Although requirements vary in each State, hiring someone with a license guarantees they are highly knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable. In addition, licensed roofing contractors are most likely required to have general liability insurance, as well as workers’ compensation insurance. It may be tempting to hire that unlicensed contractor because their prices are lower and they say they’re experienced, but trust us when we say that hiring a licensed roofing contractor is the smartest decision a homeowner can make. If you’re still not convinced, continue reading to see why the value of a licensed contractor is worth the extra cost.
Licensed Contractors Have Industry Knowledge and Expertise
To obtain the status of a licensed roofing contractor, applicants are put through a rigorous process that includes testing, reference letter submissions, interviews, and more. The requirements of getting a license alone are proof that the roofing professional is qualified to get the job done. However, aspects beyond a license must be the right fit for you, such as pricing, location, and specialties. There are two types of exams required when applying for a license: the “Business and Law” exam and trade exams. The “Business and Law” exam is required for all applicants, whereas trade exams are dependent on their specialty or classification requested. Examples of trade exams for contractors include Residential (BC-A), Commercial (BC-B), and Industrial (BC-C). There are about a dozen more, but these are the ones you will most likely run across when dealing with roofing contractors. When applying for a license, applicants must also submit a reference letter and undergo a Board interview. Reference letters can be completed by a past client or employer who may comment about their construction work/experience, or by a code official who has inspected their work. The interview, which is approximately 30 minutes, takes place after the application has been reviewed and is required to make sure the license classification covers the types of projects the applicant will be working on. Under certain circumstances, the interview may be waived, but all applications require Board review and approval before a license is issued.
Licensed Contractors Are Held Accountable & Reliable
Once a contractor has been issued a license, they are expected to uphold the same standard of professionalism and expertise that granted them the license. If you ever encounter an unethical or unprofessional licensed contractor, you can file a complaint to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and the contractor’s license can be revoked pending a proper investigation. In addition to being held accountable by the CSLB, licensed contractors will always offer written contracts detailing expenses, materials, and a timeline. This keeps them accountable and makes it clear to you what to expect. Most licensed contractors are certified by roofing manufacturers and offer warranties as well. In fact, sometimes only certified contractors can provide warranties or they are able to provide longer warranties for a specific product. At Austermiller, we are proud to offer an unheard-of 10-year transferable warranty with a full roof replacement. And we also give a lifetime warranty on our metal roofs. For flat roofs, we are certified to offer factory warranties. We provide a warranty for three years and after that, the manufacturer assumes the warranty.
Licensed Contractors Carry Insurance
To become a licensed roofing contractor, proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance is a necessity. These measures are implemented to both protect the client’s property and the employees in the event of an injury. Furthermore, it displays professionalism and that the company or contractor cares about its workers because accidents happen in the construction industry. Tools fall, workers slip, and things get dirty. At Austermiller Roofing, we take every precaution that we can to ensure your property is taken care of and protected while we work. We bring protective equipment to each job site. We cover bushes, gardening beds, and driveways. Also, all of our jobs are supervised, we ask the homeowner to cover items stored in the attic, and our crews park on the street. In the State of Tennessee, general liability insurance for contractors is based upon their monetary limit. This limit is determined by the financial statements submitted with the license application. Workers’ compensation insurance is required unless they supply proof of exemption. For more information on general liability insurance and exemptions for workers’ compensation, view the Insurance Resource Information from the State of Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Austermiller Roofing is Proud to be Licensed Roofing Contractors
Before hiring a roofing professional, ask them if they are a licensed contractor. Doing so is the best way to avoid safety and financial risks associated with roof repairs and replacements. Because licensed roofing contractors are highly knowledgeable, experienced, reliable, and insured. Acquiring a license takes hard work and, arguably more important, proof of that hard work. It’s not a piece of paper that’s handed out to anyone. You might want to even consider asking for proof of their license. If they’re legit, they’ll want to show you proof! We are proud to be a team of certified and licensed contractors. Whether you need a roof repair or roof replacement, don’t hesitate to contact us at Austermiller Roofing. Austermiller, Inc. has been serving the Middle Tennessee area for over 25 years. Our team of certified contractors and roofers are trained professionals to install materials of the highest quality with the highest quality service. We are proud to specialize in both commercial and residential roofing, as well as storm damage repair and restoration. Schedule your FREE estimate today by visiting us online or giving us a call at 615-553-2041.