In line with our contractor theme this month, I wanted to talk a little bit about contracts, permits, and insurance.
Once you have chosen your contractor, you then need to ensure that the deal has been written down and signed in a contract. As long as there is a contract in place and you have signed, it could save you from problems later down the line. Since it can also help the contractor, they should have this ready anyway. In the contract, the exact work and cost should be laid out.
Within the contract, it should suggest that all work is done within the building codes that apply. As these lay out the minimum standards that must be met, it will help you ensure that a good job is done. Aside from the contract, a permit will normally be needed for any structural work but this is the responsibility of the contractor. If the contract isn’t read by you, the liability of no permit could fall into your lap so this is important. When your roof hits a certain stage, it will be inspected by the building department before the final check at the end.
Finally, all builders should carry workers’ compensation insurance as well as general liability insurance just in case someone has an accident on the job; you should be keeping a file with all the important documents within so you can ask for a copy of this. As an extra precaution, you should look into mechanics’ liens which protect you if a subcontractor isn’t paid after doing work; this release of lien will keep you free from further expense. Essentially, this release says that all contractors, suppliers, or subcontractors must furnish a certificate of waiver of lien. If the bank or any other lending institution is financing the project, they will also require that the three verify payment before any funds are released for the various phases of a project.
If you are planning to have your roofing material replaced, be sure to keep a few key points in mind;
-Firstly, tile and slate are a heavier material than wood or asphalt shingles. If you are looking into one of these heavier options, the frame of the roof will be assessed by the contractor to check that it could hold the weight.
-Secondly, materials such as slate, tile, and metal are all more expensive but will be a solid investment considering the durability, flexibility, and length of service that they will offer. As long as you look at it like an investment, the fee can be justified.
