Hiring a Roofer with Credentials.
When you hiring a roofer without a license for insurance, or you fail to secure the necessary permits for that work, you are taking a big risk! is why.
When a roofing company is contracted to reinstall or repair a roof, they employ or contract several individuals to help fulfill the scope of the project. The business is then responsible to comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
This includes safety, quality of work, and anything that can occur while repairing or installing the roof. For this reason, roofing companies carry all the necessary insurance requirements, such as contractors’ liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.
When roofers comply and maintain all required insurance coverage, they protect themselves, and you, the homeowner.
What can go wrong when hiring a roofer with out a license and insurance.
The job site can at times be unpredictable. From injuries to poor craftsmanship to weather-related damages, numerous events can occur while replacing or repairing a roof.
Nonetheless, the roofer and the insurance company holds the primary financial responsibility in the event something goes astray during construction.
And here is the catch. If you don’t hire a licensed and insured roofer, you become the roofing company.
If your unlicensed roofer damages city property such as a power line, you’re responsible. If he/she gets hurt and is unable to work, and there is no compensation coverage in place, you are responsible. This could mean paying for that worker’s medical bills and lost wages.
Not even your homeowners insurance will assume coverage for these events. Additionally, many of these policies will NOT provide financial assistance for knowingly using a roofer who is not licensed or insured.
This is also a cautionary tale for landlords utilizing a property management company, who hire independent roofers. When hiring a roofer, do your due diligence! Ensure the roofer hired for your home is also properly covered.
The risk you take with hiring a friend or trustworthy neighbor.
Utilizing someone you know and trust won’t necessarily lessen your risk or liability. Most people will enter an agreement with great intentions. However, if your friend falls off the roof and files a claim with the insurance company, the company can pursue you in subrogation proceedings. This is when insurance companies fight to get reimbursed after paying their customer’s claims.
Licensing requirements for Florida roofers.
Truth be told, states by and large won’t issue roofers a license if the base degree of protection isn’t set up. In Florida, a roofer must show proof of financial stability and proof of insurance in order to comply with the roofing license requirements.
All contractors and employees under Modtek Roofing will either have their own insurance or they will be covered under the company’s insurance. In which case, the customer will benefit from a substantial level of protection simply by utilizing our licensed and insured roofing company.
In summary, neglecting to hire a protected and insured roofer could cost you everything! Utilizing an unlicensed contractual worker to spare a couple of dollars might be enticing in the short run, however the potential dangers far exceed the advantages.
Want to learn more about Modtek’s liability and worker’s compensation coverage? Call us at 772.617.2624 or send an email to [email protected].