The Importance of Hiring a Licensed and Insured Nebraska Roof Contractor
Are you looking to repair or replace your roof in Nebraska? Not only is it important to hire a qualified contractor, but it’s critical to make sure they’re licensed and insured.
A licensed and insured roof contractor will ensure that your roof is safe and secure. The peace of mind you’ll have from knowing the job is done right? Priceless!
In this article, you'll learn why it’s important to hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor in Nebraska. You'll want to read this before hiring someone to install a new roof or repair an existing one.
Licensed and Insured Roofing Contractors Rock
There are several reasons why it's important to hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor. As mentioned above, if a contractor goes the extra mile to work toward a license and get the right insurance, it’s likely they have the experience, knowledge, and skills to complete your roofing project to a high standard.
Here are a few other reasons why it's important to verify that the contractor you’re interested in working with has a license and carries insurance:
Safety
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor recorded 5,190 work-related fatalities. While these fatalities aren’t specific to the roofing industry, falls, trips, and slip accidents for workers in the construction trade accounted for 370 of the fatalities.
Licensed and insured roof contractors have a solid understanding of local building codes and safety and health regulations. They’re invested in ensuring they complete every job in a safe and secure manner.
Guaranteed Work
Licensed and insured roof contractors typically offer a workmanship warranty on their services. This means that the contractor will cover any repairs or replacements needed due to faulty workmanship.
Depending on the materials you and your roofing company choose, you’ll likely have a robust materials warranty covered by the roofing material manufacturer.
Protection
Licenses and insurance carried by professionals in the roofing industry protect not only contractors and their roofing installation crews, but also home and business owners.
Imagine if a member of the roof installation crew trips and falls while on your property. You might assume you're not responsible for paying for their trip to the emergency room or doctor. You're not—as long as the contractor you hire carries insurance.
Without the right kind of insurance coverage, roofing companies and customers are at risk.
Licensing Requirements for Roofing Contractors
Each state has different licensing requirements for roof contractors. Beyond what’s required at the state level, individual cities and municipalities often have their own requirements.
If the contractor you hire has a business license from the state of Nebraska, they’ve taken the right first step.
Roofing professionals may have education and training requirements that they must meet before the state issues a license. Roof contractors may need to complete a specific number of hours of supervised work experience.
The roofing industry and its customers hold licensed roofing contractors to a higher standard than un-licensed contractors.
In part, this is because they must adhere to all building codes and regulations put in place by the city or state. They may also need to adhere to roofing industry-specific requirements set by the state licensing agency.
Roofing contractors must carry the necessary insurance coverage to protect their customers if a problem or accident occurs.
Why Insurance Is a Must for Roofing Contractors
Roof contractors use several types of insurance to protect themselves, their employees, and their clients in case of accidents or damage during a roofing project.
Any contractor you have working at your home or business should carry at least two types of insurance. One is general liability and the other is Workers' Compensation.
General Liability Insurance
This insurance covers damages to property or injuries to people that occur during the roofing project. It may cover things like damage to your home or injuries to bystanders.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
This insurance covers injuries or illnesses that employees of the roofing company may sustain while working on your roof. It provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
When you hire a roof contractor, check to see if they have the necessary insurance coverage to protect themselves and you. You can ask for proof of insurance!
Working With Uninsured Contractors Is a Risky Business
You take several risks when working with an uninsured roofing contractor. These risks include—but are not limited to—being sued for damages, held liable for injuries, and having to pay for repairs.
Damage could include things done on your own property but may include damage to a neighbor’s property. If you or anyone visiting your home suffers an injury caused by the negligence of your roof contractor, you could be liable.
Liability insurance should cover repairs if your contractor damages your property. Without insurance, you may be the one who pays for any needed repairs.
Do you need a new roof or help with roof maintenance? Don't forget to check out your contractor's insurance coverage.
Where Are Licensed and Insured Roofing Contractors Near Me?
Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home. It's what protects you from the elements and keeps your family safe. Working with a licensed and insured roof contractor ensures you're taking the right steps.
We’re so glad you found Murray Roofing when you searched for roofing contractors near me. As a preferred contractor for roofing services in Nebraska, we provide roofing services for home and business owners in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island.
Contact us today to schedule a free roofing inspection. It's one of the best things you can do to help keep up with roof maintenance.
