A roofing contractor is a person or entity who repairs, replaces, and maintains roofs. They usually perform these tasks themselves rather than outsourcing them to subcontractors. These contractors can also install gutters and siding on homes.
Roofing Contractors often use various materials to complete their work. They should be able to explain why they recommend certain products and how much they will cost.
Roofing contractors have extensive knowledge of all aspects of the re-roofing process and can manage a project to ensure it is completed on time and within budget. They also know how to work with different materials and can use this knowledge to anticipate challenges that may arise during the job. They can also accurately estimate the cost of labor and materials, which is an important skill for any contractor.
Generally, roofing contractors do not require a state license to work, but some states do have specific requirements. For example, in New Mexico, a roofing contractor must obtain a Construction Contractor’s License, which requires two years of experience and passing both the trade exam and a business and law exam. Similarly, in Delaware, roofing contractors must register with the Division of Consumer Protection. In addition, anyone who works on asbestos abatement projects must obtain a class B Asbestos Abatement Contractor Certification from the Division of Facilities Management.
Whether you are a roofing contractor working for yourself or as part of a larger company, you need to find clients and book jobs. One way to do this is by getting qualified leads. Angi makes it easy for contractors to connect with potential clients by providing them with quality leads who are actively looking for a roofing service.
There are a few state and local licensing requirements that you will need to meet as a roofing contractor. For example, if you work with asbestos you will need to be licensed by your local government because it poses a significant health risk. Liability insurance is also often required to ensure that you can pay for damages if something goes wrong on a job. This will give customers peace of mind and will help you win jobs.
Typically, you will need to pass an exam and show proof of experience before you can be a certified roofing contractor. However, the exact process will vary from state to state. Some states require extensive training, apprenticeship, and even a background check to become certified. In addition to the license itself, you may also need to obtain liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
The State of Minnesota requires a residential roofer license if the value of your annual roofing work exceeds $15,000. To qualify for this license, you will need to complete a 60-hour course and pass an exam. In addition, you will need to prove your experience and post a $15,000 surety bond.
In Nebraska, a roofing contractor must be registered with the State Contractors Board. You will need to have two years of experience and pass a trade and business exam. Alternatively, you can register with the City of Omaha or Oneida County and comply with their licensing requirements.
Similarly, the state of Missouri does not require a roofing license, but you will need to be a general contractor and register with the state. You will also need to have commercial general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Besides, there are many local licensing requirements, so it is important to research these at a local level.
The City of New York, on the other hand, has a different set of requirements. You will need to comply with both the state and local licensing requirements, which can be complex and time-consuming. For example, you will need to submit several documents including the company’s history and references. In addition, you will need to pay a fee to be licensed.
Roofing contractors need to carry several types of insurance coverage. These include business property protection, commercial auto insurance and general liability. These policies protect the business and its assets from damage, theft and other losses. If the company or its employees cause damage to a client’s property, these policies pay for repair costs and settlement awards. Roofing contractors should also have workers’ compensation insurance. This type of policy covers medical expenses, long-term care costs and lost wages for injured workers. It also provides death benefits for a worker in the event of a fatal accident.
Professional liability insurance is another important coverage for roofing contractors to have. This type of policy protects the contractor from lawsuits that result from poor workmanship, design or advice. For example, if a roofer gives bad advice and the client suffers financial loss as a result, this policy can help pay for legal fees and settlement awards.
Another important type of roofing insurance is errors and omissions coverage. This type of insurance protects the contractor if a client sues them for faulty work or misinformation, such as when a roofer suggests a specific brand of roofing material that later fails.
A reputable roofing contractor will be happy to provide proof of insurance to potential clients. This proof usually comes in the form of an Accord Form, which lists the companies that provide insurance coverage, their policy numbers and policy dates. The client should ask for the name and contact information of the broker so he or she can verify the validity of this insurance information.
Roofing insurance is an essential part of any roofing contractor’s business. Any roofer who claims to be exempt from carrying insurance or that their homeowners’ policy will cover them is likely to be lying. It’s also a good idea to get a payment bond for any large commercial projects. These bonds guarantee that the contractor will pay all subcontractors and materials suppliers on a project, and they are typically required in contracts for government projects. It’s a good idea to request these bonds before starting any work.
As a roofing contractor, your website is one of the most important tools in converting customers. The right design, content, and calls to action can help you stand out from the competition. A well-designed website should be slick and user-friendly and include an easy contact form. You should also use keywords in landing pages and other content to improve SEO.
The site for Lindholm Roofing uses a warm family photo and a display of nearby company offices to communicate the local, small-business feel that reassures potential customers. The homepage is easy to navigate, and a sticky menu prominently displays the main phone number alongside the company’s reassuring tagline. The site makes creative use of images, but never at the expense of clarity or the traditional elements of a business website that customers expect to see.
Roofing Giant creates a strong sense of transparency and expertise by featuring impressive photos on the homepage that show in-progress and completed work. It also features an informative page about insurance restoration, which is a common issue that roofing contractors are called on to address for their clients. Unlike many other sites, this one doesn’t rely on massive amounts of text, instead letting customers click on subheadings to find the information they need.
A simple, clean design is key to a successful roofing contractor website. Potential customers don’t want to have to scroll past blocks of text to get the information they need. Incorporating white space and short paragraphs can make content easier to digest, while using large fonts can help boost readability. You should also limit the number of fields in your contact forms to reduce customer confusion and increase conversions.
Burgin Roofing Services uses bold headers and images of large homes to quickly convey the company’s value. Its above-the-fold content also includes a call to action and an eye-catching icon showing over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Combined with an enticing offer of free inspections and reports, this approach helps the company build trust within seconds of a visitor’s arrival on its site.
The website for Texas Traditions Roofing clearly showcases the company’s values and high standards of traditional workmanship. It uses a rich color scheme to highlight awards and accreditations, and it emphasizes the longevity of the business and its commitment to community involvement. The site also features an easily accessible contact form and CTA buttons that remain in view throughout the website.