| Get an insurance adjuster onto your roof to perform an inspection and hand out a check before calling a roofer. It's beneficial for you to have an idea of how much money will have to come out of your pocket as each roofer provides an estimate. The time for getting a roofer out to provide an estimate generally ranges from two weeks to two months, with a number of companies not accepting new clients. Free estimates are ideal, but paying for one is not out of the realm of possibility. If you pay for an estimate, try to ensure that money gets put back into the cost of the job if you pick that roofer.
You can hire a public adjuster to submit a claim on your behalf. The adjuster, in tune with the insurance industry, should be able to maximize the amount of money you get. Public adjusters are entitled to charge up to 10 percent of the settlement they get for you. With labor and some roofing materials in short supply, you need to be patient. While shingles are readily available, the wait for tiles can stretch from several months to a year, said Steve Munnell, executive director of the Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association. When calling for estimates, find out the availability of your rooftop materials and factor that into the decision.
Because the shortage of tiles is so bad, consider metal roofs, which cost a little more than tile but can last longer.
Work only with reputable, established roofing contractors who are licensed. Avoid those who knock on your door offering to fix your roof.
Before signing any contract, call your local building department and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395 or go to www.myfloridalicense.com. The officials can verify that the company has an active status license and advise you of any complaints that have previously been filed against the contractor.
Check with the counties consumer agencies, building officials, the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been lodged against the roofing contractor you want to hire. You can also search circuit court cases electronically to see lawsuits filed against the contractor.To search civil lawsuits against a contractor electronically, go to http://www.clerk-17th-flcourts .org/ bccoc2/disclaimer.asp in Broward County and click Accept. Click Public Access Case Search and you can type in the contractor's name or the company name for Party. Click Submit and you will see if any lawsuits and judgments have been filed against the contractor. For detailed information on a case, you will have to go to the Broward County Courthouse and look at the file. Make sure to write down the case number from the docket information online so you can provide it at the clerk's office.
In Palm Beach County, go to http://courtcon.co.palm-beach.fl.us/pls/jiwp/ck_ public_qry_main.cp_main_idx and click Search, then Accept, and type in the contractor's name or the company name to see lawsuits.
Require the contractor to get all necessary permits and post them on the property before work begins. Never apply for a permit for the contractor.
Beware of any requests for unusually large sums of up-front money before beginning work. Don't pay cash. Pay only by check or credit card, and pay the final amount only after the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Make sure the roofer has workers' compensation, which is required by state law, and general liability insurance. As a homeowner, you could be held liable if a worker is injured and there is no workers' compensation. Likewise, if the roofing company has no general liability insurance, any damage to your house becomes your problem. To verify workers' compensation coverage, call the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation at 800-742-2214 or 850-413-1601 or go to www.fldfs.com/WCAPPS/ Compliance_POC/wPages/ query.asp. You must give the company license number or tax identification number. Ask for current certificates of insurance.
Get a copy of the final, signed contract before the job begins.
Get a lien waiver from the contractor upon making a lump sum or final payment for any project.
Ask for current certificates of insurance. The document shows a firm has liability insurance, automobile policies and workers' compensation policies. These protect you from accidents or injuries on your property. Some contractors or companies may not be willing to show proof of insurance, but homeowners should insist on it.
The Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association offers tips for hiring a licensed contractor and provides a list of members who are licensed roofers in Florida. Go to the organization's website at www.floridaroof.com, or call 800-767-3772, ext. 100.
Broward and Palm Beach counties have roofing associations and list their members online. Contact the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida based in Davie, at www.rcasf.org, or 954-587-5040. Contact the Palm Beach County Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors' Association, based in West Palm Beach, at www.pbcroofers.com or 561-684-2120.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel research; The Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association
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