Things to Consider Before Hiring a Roofing Company Stow MA

by Jerry Proctor Professional Photographer

Before you hire the best roofing company in Stow MA to do any work on your property, you should know what to look for. Some of these companies specialize in specific areas. Others are general contractors that can do many different types of jobs. These companies have extensive experience and charge a premium for their services. You should check the experience and certification of any company you are considering hiring before you make any decisions. And, of course, you should make sure that they are registered with the state government.

They charge a premium

Roofing companies charge a premium for their services, but there are some reasons for this. Some of these roofers are desperate for work and operate on razor-thin margins. Alternatively, a new roofer may be more willing to work for a low price than an established company. Some small-scale roofing companies have no real office and minimal overhead, so they can charge less per job. Lastly, there are certain roofing contractors who only operate in one area of the country, so they can work for a lower price.

They have to register with the state government

Whether you're a new business or have been in business for a while, it's important to register with the state government. It's also vital to check the licensing requirements for a roofing company in your area. Not all states require roofing contractors to be licensed. Many cities and counties like Stow, Maynard, Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough have their own requirements for roofing contractors, and failure to comply could result in fines and eviction. Using the state website to research licensing requirements is an excellent way to start.

If you've registered with the city before, you'll have to follow similar procedures. For instance, you'll have to register with Dacosta General Builder Contractor. If you're planning a large roofing project, you'll have to obtain a permit. This is a prerequisite for ANY roof project. Smaller projects, such as minor roof repairs, don't require a permit. To obtain the permit, you need to submit a copy of the contract signed between your roofing company and the homeowner. The contract must state the dollar value of the project, the name of the homeowner and address, and the scope of work.

They accept credit cards

If you have a roof business, you should consider accepting credit cards for payment. Credit card processing fees include a percentage rate and a transaction fee. The latter is insignificant, while the former is a bigger consideration. Using a swipe card instead of a mobile phone payment can mean a difference of one percent or more in the rate. You should consider this when evaluating different options. If you are planning to accept credit cards for payment, consider these tips to make the process easy.

First, ask the company if they accept credit cards for payment. If they do, be sure to ask what their maximum credit card limit is. You don't want to be surprised by an astronomical interest rate and a low down payment. In any case, if you plan to use your credit card to pay for the roofing project, make sure to check with your contractor to find out what his maximum limit is.

They have to have worker's compensation insurance

In most jurisdictions, roofers and other contractors must obtain workers' compensation insurance. Massachusetts requires all roofers and other contractors to carry this insurance as a matter of legal responsibility. In Stow, Massachusetts, roofers can opt for a state-run workers' compensation fund or purchase an individual insurance policy. If you have a roofer's business in Massachusetts, you should seek legal and insurance advice to ensure that you're properly insured. In other states, such as Texas, workers' compensation insurance is optional and is not a legal requirement. Regardless of the state of operation, it is strongly recommended that you purchase this type of insurance. Workers' compensation insurance protects both the business owner and employees from having to pay high medical expenses for injuries or illnesses incurred by workers while working. Consider a roofer who has nails through their hand. Once injured, he goes to the hospital, receives stitches and x-rays, and receives worker's compensation benefits. If he or she were to sustain a severe ailment, he or she would be compensated monthly.