What Happens If You Hire An Unlicensed Contractor

Florida homeowners have had more than their fair share of problems that stemmed from hiring unlicensed contractors.  During a stormy time, tropical storm, or hurricane, many unlicensed contractors will take to the streets to hustle unauthorized work from unsuspecting homeowners.   Since it rains a lot in Florida, this happens quite often, and the result is problematic for municipalities and homeowners alike.

Did You Know It’s Illegal to Hire an Unlicensed Contractor in the State of Florida?

The penalty for hiring an unlicensed contractor in Florida, which is an offense that includes a wide range of conduct about the home improvement and construction industries, is outlined in Florida Statutes Section 489.127.

Furthermore, work done by an unlicensed contractor can be stopped immediately and ordered to be redone.

So how can you help avoid hiring an unlicensed roofing contractor?

1. Verify that your contractor is Florida state-licensed at: www.myfloridalicense.com.
2. Even if everything looks official, speak to the contractor’s office and make sure that they have a record of your job.
3. Never sign a blank or incomplete contract, no matter what the salesperson tells you.
4. Ensure the name on the contract you sign matches exactly with the contractor’s name on your permit application.
5. Never sign a blank permit application.
6. Get references from other homeowners who have used the contractor and check the Better Business Bureau.

Remember that while it may be tempting to hire an unlicensed contractor because they may be able to come out to your property more quickly or do the job at a lower cost. Still, you are ultimately responsible for the people on your roof.  If they do not have insurance, it all falls on you if someone – a worker, for example – gets hurt.  Further, the city may not finalize your permit and possibly even red tag your property which may mean an expensive fix. The work performed may be substandard anyway. Finally, the material manufacturer may not honor the warranty on your roof if they find out an unlicensed contractor performed it.

Remember, contractors go through the licensing process for an excellent reason. Their competence and ability are tested thoroughly for your protection.

You may also want to download the free special report below:

How To Ensure That Your Roof Warranty Is Honored

There are ways to help ensure your roof is covered under its warranty.

Almost every roofing job comes with a roofing warranty. This warranty may vary in scope and length, but having the peace of mind that your roof is covered in case of premature failure cannot be overstated.  That said, there are times when homeowners are shocked to find that their roofing warranty is not honored, either by the material manufacturer or the contractor. Cases like these can cause a significant amount of distress and expense.

1. Use a reputable roofing contractor with a record of honoring warranty repairs.
2. Use a contractor affiliated with or certified by major roof material manufacturers.
3. Buy extended coverage warranties from the manufacturer, such as the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, which covers labor and materials.
4. Read your roofing warranty carefully. The terms and conditions in the warranty can help you fully understand your responsibilities to ensure the roof remains covered.
5. Maintain your roof. One of the most common oversights is needing a proper roof maintenance program.  Roof maintenance at regular intervals may be an integral part of the roofing warranty and ensures that the roof lasts as long as it should.
6. Address any roofing problems immediately. I think delaying a call to your contractor may exacerbate the problem, causing unnecessary damage to the roof.

While we all hope that our roof systems will never fail prematurely, it is, unfortunately, a fact of life in South Florida. Our roofing systems are put through significant strain, whether it be hot sun or wind and rain. Ultimately, doing our homework to ensure we are covered can improve a bad situation.

Sealing Your Tile Roof Will Save You Money

A beautiful new roof is an exciting thing to see for any homeowner. However, the weather assault on that roof starts when your contractor completes the installation.

Sealant application is an essential part of a comprehensive roof maintenance program. Roof sealant extends your roofing system’s life, saving you money. A tile roof may cost as much as a car. Yet, many homeowners don’t maintain their roofs like their cars, resulting in costly and largely preventable repairs. Over the years, a roof takes quite a beating, especially during the rainy and hurricane season in South Florida. A good maintenance program becomes more important here in Florida.

Tile Sealer Extends The Life Of Your Roof!

A tile sealer is similar to a sealer for your car’s paint. Our sealer is a clear coat, essentially invisible from the ground. The tile sealant protects against many of the most common causes of roof damage. While a clear sealer can offer protective properties for a while, you must apply it annually to be effective. Your roofing tiles are more susceptible to organic growth without a tile sealer—mold and mildew form in a roof’s pores, cracks, and crevices. UV rays degrade your tiles, too. Deterioration is more prevalent in highly porous tiles such as the ones made of clay and concrete.

We have seen roofs that have failed after just a few short years only from neglect and lack of maintenance. Other tile roofs we see have lasted to the end of their life expectancy. It makes all the difference when one takes extra care and implements a proper roof maintenance program. Remember, not all roof maintenance programs are the same. Only a licensed roofer should work on your roof at any time. Anyone else performing roofing work may void your warranty.

So consider a tile sealer as part of a roof maintenance program available from Garabar.  For a free no-hassle estimate for Roof maintenance, contact Garabar. You’ll see our trucks throughout Palm Beach, Broward and St. Lucie Counties!