New Jersey doesn't license roofers by exam the way it licenses electricians. Instead, anyone who sells or does home improvement work, roofing included, has to register with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs under the Contractors' Registration Act. It takes a few minutes to check, and it's one of the most useful things you can do before signing a roofing contract.
What Registration Means
Registration requires the contractor to file with the state and carry liability insurance. It isn't a test of skill, and it doesn't mean the state vouches for the company's work. What it does mean is that the company is identified, insured to the state's minimum, and subject to the state's consumer protection rules for home improvement contracts.
How to Look It Up
- Ask the roofer for their New Jersey home improvement contractor registration number. It should already be on their contract, their advertising and their trucks.
- Search for the company or the number in the state's license verification search.
- Check that the name matches the company you're signing with, and that the registration is current.
If a roofer can't or won't give you a number, that's a reason to stop. The state has taken action against contractors, including a roofing company, for advertising without showing their registration number.
Ready to talk to a registered roofer?
A Middlesex County roofer, one call: (848) 212-8655.
Call (848) 212-8655What Else to Get in Writing
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| A certificate of insurance, sent by the insurer | Confirms liability coverage, and workers' compensation for the crew |
| A written contract | New Jersey requires home improvement contracts to be in writing above a small amount |
| The scope of work | Layers removed, decking allowance, underlayment, ice barrier, flashing, ventilation, shingle line |
| The price and payment schedule | When deposits and payments are due, tied to progress |
| Start and completion terms | Approximate dates, and what happens with weather delays |
| Your right to cancel | Notice that you can cancel within three business days after signing |
| Warranties | The manufacturer's warranty tier and the contractor's own workmanship warranty, in writing |
| Permit responsibility | Who obtains any permit, if one is needed |
Red Flags
- no registration number, or a number that doesn't match the company name
- pressure to sign the same day
- a large cash deposit before any work or material delivery
- a contract with blank spaces or no scope details
- an offer to "take care of" your insurance claim for you
If Something Goes Wrong
Start with the contractor, in writing. If that doesn't work, the Division of Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection takes complaints about home improvement contractors.
Checking Beyond the State Lookup
Registration is the minimum. A few more checks help you choose between registered companies:
- Local work: ask for addresses of recent roofs nearby that you can drive past.
- Manufacturer status: if a roofer says they're certified by a shingle manufacturer, many manufacturers have a public contractor search.
- Paperwork habits: a roofer whose written price is clear and detailed tends to run a clear and detailed job.
- Communication: who you'll talk to during the job, and how they handle changes like extra decking.
Questions
Is a registration the same as a license?
No. New Jersey registers home improvement contractors rather than licensing them by exam. Registration confirms identity and insurance, not skill.
Do roofers need a separate state license?
General roofing work falls under home improvement contractor registration. Ask about any other license only if your job includes work that requires one.
What if the roofer is a subcontractor of a general contractor?
The company you sign the contract with should be registered. Ask who will actually be on the roof.
Around Edison
Hiring questions come up everywhere, from older houses in Woodbridge to the subdivisions of Old Bridge. How roofing companies work is covered on roofing contractors in Edison.
Door-Knockers After a Storm: Before You Sign Anything
A checklist for the week after the wind.
What a Roof Replacement Costs Depends On
Everything that moves the number, minus the number.