Don’t Let a Bad Roofer Rain on Your Parade: The Smart Homeowner’s Guide to Background Checking Licensed Contractors

When storm clouds gather and your roof needs attention, finding the right contractor becomes a race against time. However, rushing into a decision without properly researching a roofing contractor’s background can leave you with more than just a leaky roof—it can result in shoddy workmanship, legal complications, or worse. However, there is another side of the equation to consider: safety and due diligence. You must understand the pitfalls of hiring contractors and why screening is important.

Smart homeowners are increasingly turning to public records to research their potential roofing contractors before signing on the dotted line. This due diligence approach not only protects your investment but also ensures you’re working with legitimate, qualified professionals who will stand behind their work.

Why Background Checks Matter for Roofing Contractors

The convenience of contractors can detract from otherwise rigorous hiring processes—even in government, as we saw when the IRS failed to run background checks on contractors. When it comes to roofing work, the stakes are particularly high. If your service network depends on independent contractors to serve your members or customers, you need to be certain they will represent your brand as professionally as possible. If one of these outside vendors sends a representative who has a criminal record or substance abuse issue to your customer’s home, it can have a number of unintended negative consequences. Beyond the immediate concern for customers’ safety and well-being, any vendor who doesn’t live up to your standards can do irreparable harm to your reputation.

Roofing contractors have access to your home, often when you’re not present, and they’re working with expensive materials while performing potentially dangerous tasks. The best tools for contractor background checks include: Criminal history and sex offender registry checks to uncover potential evidence of problematic behavior, such as violent crime or wrongdoing related to the duties.

Public Records: Your First Line of Defense

Public records provide a wealth of information about licensed contractors that can help you make informed decisions. Permits, contracts, inspections, licenses, completion certificates, and lien releases are all public records for roof replacement. Accessing roof replacement records benefits buyers, insurance claims, warranty claims, property value assessment, regulatory compliance, and historical significance.

Look for public records at local government building departments, county recorder’s offices, homeowners’ associations, title companies, and local roofing companies. These records can reveal crucial information about a contractor’s work history, including:

• Previous project permits and completion records
• License verification and current status
• Any complaints filed with licensing boards
• Court records including lawsuits or judgments
• Business registration and tax status

How to Research a Roofing Contractor’s Work History

Start your research at the local building permit office. The most reliable source of information about your roof’s history is often your local building permit office. When a homeowner replaces a roof, they typically need to obtain a permit. These permits are public records and usually include details about the project, such as: Date of installation: The permit will indicate when the roof replacement was approved or completed. Contractor information: The permit might list the name and contact details of the roofing company that performed the work. Scope of work: The permit may describe the type of roofing materials used and the extent of the replacement.

To access these records, visit your local building permit office or check their website. Many offices now offer online access to public records, allowing you to search for permits by address. This research can help you understand the contractor’s track record and the quality of their previous work in your area.

Verifying Professional Licenses and Credentials

Education and professional licenses.While many job applicants try to burnish their credentials as much as possible, some go too far. Résumé puffery may take the form of claiming professional licenses that have lapsed or degrees that weren’t quite completed. The ramifications for failing to verify degrees and professional licenses can be serious for employees and companies alike.

Most states maintain online databases where you can verify a contractor’s license status. The links that I’ve listed below will help you with your roofing contractor license lookup. The links take you to the official state web pages that explain the licensing requirements for roofing contractors in each state, as well as the pages where you can verify the contractor’s license. In cases where no contractor license is required for roofing contractors, I give you a link that lets you verify a contractor’s business license, so you can at least tell if a roofer has a valid license to do business in your state.

When searching for a licensed roofer near me, always verify their credentials through official channels rather than taking their word for it. Start by asking the roofer directly for their license number and the name under which the license is registered. Professional and legitimate roofers should have no problem providing this information.

Red Flags to Watch For

During your background research, be alert for warning signs that might indicate problems:

• Lapsed or suspended licenses
• Multiple complaints with licensing boards
• Recent bankruptcies or tax liens
• Criminal history related to fraud or theft
• Lack of proper insurance or bonding
• No verifiable business address or history

Usually, a builder’s license will need to be checked for any complaints filed with the state licensing board. Clients can also do some research on their own by reviewing Google and Yelp reviews to assess their experience and testimonials from other clients. Additionally, public records can provide information about other records such as tax liens, lawsuits, and judgments. Along with this research, most screening companies will conduct a screening by verifying identity, and searching for a criminal history, and administering drug tests when necessary.

The Aastro Roofing Approach to Transparency

Companies that value transparency make the background check process easier for homeowners. Aastro Roofing Company, serving Broward and Palm Beach County in Florida, exemplifies this approach. We’re a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and treats your roofing projects as if it were our own. We offer a wide range of roofing expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Aastro Roofing is managed and operated by family members who all have vested interest in the success of our company and the satisfaction of our customers. The company has built its reputation on transparency and accountability, with third generation roofers who have accumulated over 60 years of experience and expertise. Jason and James Blair founded Aastro Roofing in 2010.

Their commitment to transparency extends to their business practices. We strive to save you both time and money by combining roofing knowledge, the highest quality parts and equipment, and dedication to delivering exceptional service. We will not leave the job until it is finished and you are satisfied with the results.

Legal Considerations and Compliance

In the United States, the FCRA permits the use of background checks for employment purposes, including employment, promotion, or reassignment of an employee. While some states disagree as to whether or not this includes independent contractors, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), independent contractors are included in this category and should be protected under the FCRA guidelines. So, yes, you can run an employment background check on an independent contractor. However, you’ll need to ensure you follow state and federal regulations when doing so.

Companies conducting independent contractor background checks should comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and industry regulations. State and local laws and regulations may go beyond FCRA requirements. These laws may limit the lookback periods for specific records or prohibit employers from considering certain types of records (such as arrests without convictions) when making hiring decisions.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to research potential roofing contractors thoroughly. Start by gathering basic information about any contractor you’re considering, then systematically work through the available public records. You don’t have to have a formal written Freedom of Information request when you initially ask for public records. However, searching through old files can be labor intensive, so municipal officials may require it so they can allow themselves more time to find what you need. In most states, local governments have four or five working days to respond to your request for information and then up to 20 days to process it.

Remember, a legitimate contractor will welcome your due diligence and should be transparent about their credentials, insurance, and work history. Background checks allow you to make smart, well-informed hiring decisions that can save your business time and money in the long run.

Don’t let the urgency of roof repairs compromise your judgment. Taking time to properly vet contractors through public records research is an investment in your peace of mind and your property’s protection. When you find a contractor with a clean background, proper licensing, and a track record of satisfied customers, you can move forward with confidence knowing your roof—and your home—are in capable hands.