Selecting a Professional Contractor

• Business License: A business license showing that the company has been operational for at least two years. This license should be issued by a Colorado municipality or jurisdiction that requires a test for licensing. Alternatively, the company can present licenses from two Colorado municipalities not requiring tests for licensing which show at least two years of business operation.

• Worker's Compensation Coverage: Current documentation reflecting roofing or sheet metal classifications is required

• General Liability Protection: A certificate showcasing a minimum of $500,000 in general liability protection is required

• Examination Proof: Evidence of having passed a nationally recognized examination on residential or commercial property roofing work

• CRA Code of Ethics: Members need to sign and abide by the CRA Code of Ethics

• Don't sign anything: Anything you sign is a binding contract

• Don't sign without price: As of 6/6/2012, all contracts MUST HAVE a price

• Don't sign incomplete contracts: It needs certain written items per Colorado Revised Statute 6-22-103. Including:

  • Work & materials to be provided

  • Cost for same based on damages known at the time the contract is entered into

  • Approximate dates of service

  • Roofing contractor’s contact information

  • Identification of contractor’s surety & liability coverage insurer & their contact information

  • Contractor’s policy regarding cancellation of contract & refund of any deposit including a rescission clause allowing the property owner to rescind the contract for roofing services and obtain a full refund of any deposit within 72 hours after entering the contract

  • A statement that if the property owner plans to pay for the roofing services through an insurance claim, the contractor cannot pay, waive or rebate the homeowner’s insurance deductible in part or in whole

  • A statement that the contractor shall hold in trust any payment from the property owner until the contractor has delivered roofing materials to the or has performed a majority of the roofing work on the property

  • A statement that the property owner may rescind a contract for services, the payment for which will be made from the proceeds of a property insurance claim, within 72 hours after receiving notice from their insurer that the claim is denied in whole or in part

• Don't rush: Take your time to investigate your potential contractor

• Avoid low price traps: Contracts with very low bids might not provide quality work

• Don't pay in advance: Roofers often demand down payments, leading to common BBB complaints about roofers

• Don't proceed without proof of insurance: Make sure the contractor has valid and current worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Workers Comp coverage can be verified at https://www.ewccv.com/cvs

• Check the contractor's license and permit: Make sure a permit is pulled before work begins and that the license is valid via your local city or county's building department

• Warranty: The contractor you choose should offer a material and workmanship warranty. All warranties should be in writing.

• References: Ask other customers for their experiences with your potential contractor

• Research thoroughly: Run a search through the Colorado Secretary of State to get details about the contractor's company. Compare estimates from several CRA contractors, check with Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the contractor

• Follow instructions: Ensure that the contractor follows the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid voiding the warranty

• Safety Compliance: Collision with OSHA guidelines on safety should be preferred. Both residential and commercial roofing contractors need to use fall protection. Also, please be aware that many municipalities will require that contractors leave a ladder set for city/county inspectors. Left unattended these ladders propose a safety risk. Additional Information on ladders.)

• Protection of property: Make sure the contractor ensures protection of your shrub and gardens. The cleanup after work should be their job

• Victim of Fraud: In case you believe you've been a victim of fraud, contact the Colorado Attorney General’s office. Their campaign, “Take 5 to Get Wise” and STOP Fraud Colorado is aimed to counter fraud throughout the state

Please Note about Roofing License: There is no statewide roofing license or registration requirement within the state of Colorado for roofing contractors. Rather, roofing contractors or other construction professionals installing or repairing a roof MUST be licensed and/or pull a roofing permit with each Colorado local city or county jurisdiction where the work is to be performed. If a contractor gives you a license number, you should confirm with your city or county’s building department where the home or building resides that the license number was issued by them and is current.

Reusability: As of 2015, Asphalt Shingles are not considered recyclable in Colorado. Any company claiming to do so may be fraudulent. Be wary and avoid such claims.