Alright, Great Falls homeowners, we need to talk about your Asphalt Shingle Roof. This is a big investment for your home. It protects your home from our Montana weather. This includes the brutal winters, hailstorms, and scorching summer sun. I have been in this business for a long time. I have seen people make common mistakes. These mistakes end up costing them headaches as well as cash later on. So, I am here to give you the real information on what to avoid. This is important when you are planning an Asphalt Shingle Roofing project or hiring someone for it.
Mistake #1: Not doing your homework on your contractor
This is probably the biggest mistake. It is a very serious one. You would not buy a car without checking it out first. So, you should not let someone work on your home's most important defense without doing your research. This is what I mean:
- No License or Insurance? No Deal. Montana does not have a specific state-level roofing license. However, contractors with employees need to register as a Construction Contractor. This is with the Department of Labor and Industry. If they are an independent contractor without employees, they need an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC). In addition, here in Great Falls, the city itself requires contractors to complete a Contractor License Verification Form. This form shows their state licensing as well as their insurance as well as their bond information. You should always ask for proof of their current liability insurance. You should also ask for proof of their worker's compensation insurance. If they cannot provide this, or try to avoid the question, that is a big problem. You do not want to be responsible if someone gets hurt on your property during an Asphalt Shingle Roofing project.
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