Contractors License - What is it?

There are a number of different things recommended for homeowners to ask their potential roofing contractor or company about before hiring. One of these things is whether or not the contractor has a roofing license.

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What Is a Roofing Contractor License?

A roofing contractor license is a license issued by the state which certifies that an individual is licensed to work on roofs. It differs from a general contractor’s license in that a roofing license covers only roofs, or gives the contractor an area of expertise to point to. A general contractor’s license means that this contractor can work on any area of the house including the roof, but does not mean that they are qualified to do so.

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Who Can Get a Roofing Contractor License?

This varies by state. Some states have no licensing at all, while others have very strict rules and tests for the roofing contractor to take. In many cases getting a license simply means proving that you have worked on roofs in the past and have paid a nominal fee to the city or town. Therefore in many cases, anyone with roofing experience can get a roofing license, but you should always check with your state to find out what the prerequisites are.

What Benefit Does Hiring Someone with a Roofing License Bring?

Having a roofing license is a way to show that roofs are a specialty for this contractor, especially since general contracting licenses cover more and cost only a few dollars extra. While it doesn’t mean that the person you are hiring is an expert at roofing, it does show that they have a declared preference or specialty in roofs.

Depending on the state that you live in, hiring someone with a license is a very smart move. Some states will fine you several thousand dollars for hiring someone without one. Other states stipulate that you cannot sue or take legal action against a person working on your roof if he does not have a license. So if your hire an unlicensed roofing contractor to work on your roof, and he leaves the work half done with a lien on your home from an unpaid supplier, you will have no legal recourse to go after him. Not all states stipulate this, however, so you do need to check with your city hall. Minnesota requires a license.