Does A Roofing Company Need to be Licensed and Insured? (Wisconsin Requirements)
A new roof is a large investment that’s expected to offer decades of protection. Unfortunately, this protection can be voided by simply hiring the wrong roofing contractor.
Homeowners should look for roofing contractors that are licensed and insured to ensure the roofer does things the right way. While requirements for licensure and insurance vary by state, taking the time to invest in a license and insurance supports the roofer’s credibility.
Rescue My Roof has been a leader in the roofing industry for over a decade, helping homeowners get roof’s that will protect their homes for a lifetime. That’s why we’re going to break down what you need to know about a roofing contractor being licensed and insured.
This article will cover why a roofing company should be licensed and insured, and how it benefits the homeowner. Ultimately, you’ll know what you need to look for to trust your future roofing company.
Does A Roofing Company Need to be Licensed and Insured?
Yes, every roofing contractor should be licensed and insured in their state. These pieces of paper protect you and ensure the roofing project is done right.
That’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for proof of physical copies from any potential roofing contractor. They’ll have no problem showing proof if they’re a reputable company.
Just know that each state has specific and different requirements for each. You could even be in a state where they don’t technically need to have one or the other.
That’s why you must research your state’s requirements to ensure the roofing contractor you hire has all appropriate permits and paperwork. However, I always recommend looking for a roofer with all three to truly protect you and your investment.
In Wisconsin, roofing contractors are required to get their Dwelling Contractor License from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. To apply for the license, contractors must take a 12-hour training course and meet the other requirements.
Additionally, Wisconsin dwelling contractors must maintain minimum liability insurance and provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees.
What Does It Mean to Be Licensed and Insured?
Now that you know reputable roofers will be licensed and insured, it’s time to find out what those requirements mean and why contractors should have them.
Licensed
A license proves the recipient has passed the exams and has the appropriate qualifications to work in your area. For a contractor to get a license, all they have to do is register with your state’s board of licensing contractors.
However, the price of the project determines the specific license needed. For example, a job over $3,000 requires a home improvement license, and anything over $25,000 requires a general contractor’s license.
Because a new roof is a large investment, most roofing contractors have a general contractor’s license. This simply ensures there are no hold-ups or delays on larger roofing projects that cost significantly more than $25,000.
Insured
All contractors should be fully insured with general liability, workman’s comp, and a company vehicle insurance policy on all vehicles, owned and unowned. There’s no question that every roofer should have the appropriate insurance policies, but general liability and workman’s comp is where it varies.
General liability insurance and workman’s comp limits depend on the size of the contractor’s jobs and the state they work in. This matters because it impacts the overhead cost factor for a roofing project.
For a roofer doing small residential work, their general liability premiums will be less than a company that does larger jobs. This plays a role in why some bigger roofing companies have higher prices than smaller companies.
Finding the Right Roofing Contractor
Asking a contractor how they handle home protection, warranties, insurance, references, and more will give you the right clues as to which roofing contractor best suits you.
Reputable companies will have no issue accommodating any request or questions. They should provide the proper paperwork, references, and answers to put your mind at ease.
Continuing your education will help you achieve the best roof for your home because you will be educated about every step in the process.
You can get educated on the roofing process with “How Long Will My Roof Replacement or Repair Take” and “What To Expect at your Roof Estimation Appointment.”
You can also download our ultimate roofing guide with everything you need to know about buying a new roof. Ready to make the appointment for a free estimate? If you live in the greater Milwaukee area, you can contact Rescue My Roof to schedule your appointment today!