Who Regulates Roofing Companies in New Jersey?
When you need to get a new roof on your home, the first thing you will do is look up some of the local roofing companies near you. This will give you a good idea of the contractors who can complete the work, and you can begin calling them and asking for some bids to take on the project. But one question you may have as you work through the list of roofing contractors is who regulates these roofing companies in New Jersey to make sure they are doing their work properly.
In New Jersey, roofing companies are regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs. To operate legally, roofers must obtain a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration, which requires proof of liability insurance, disclosure of business information, and a fee. The HIC registration ensures consumer protection and holds roofing companies accountable for their work.
“When a roofing contractor gets these licenses, it shows that they will comply with local regulations and that they are committed to being professional and providing you with quality workmanship.” – Montclair Roofing, a local roofing company in Montclair, New Jersey.
You should check whether the roofing contractor you want to work with is licensed with the state. This helps you to get the work done right the first time and will protect your home if something goes wrong. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different regulations in place for roofing companies in New Jersey to keep the consumer safe.
Checking All Licensing of Your Roofing Company in New Jersey
Before you hire a roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof, you need to take the time to look at their licensing and make sure that they meet all regulations and requirements throughout the state. This will help ensure that the roof is done the right way and that you will not end up in trouble along the way.
“A roofing license shows a company has the proper knowledge, skills and commitment to do quality work that meets all codes and standards. It protects homeowners from shoddy workmanship by unqualified contractors.” – Bill Davidson, President of NJ Roofers Association
Any roofing company in New Jersey will need to get the proper licenses and permits through the Secretary of State. There are different ones based on the work that will be done, and when a roofing contractor obtains them, it shows that they are compliant with local regulations, professional, and provide good quality work on every project. This is exactly what you, as the homeowner, will need when you get your roof done.
Required Licenses/Permits
| License/Permit | Description |
|---|---|
| Contractor’s License | Required for general contracting work, demonstrates knowledge of building codes, safety, construction practices. |
| Roofing License | Specialized license for roofing contractors, may require exam or proof of experience. |
| Specialty Licenses | For specific services like green roofs, solar installations, etc. |
| Business Permits | Permits needed to legally operate the roofing business. |
What Licenses Do Roofers Need in New Jersey?
The exact licenses and permits that a roofing business will need to get from the Secretary of State will depend on where they plan to do the work and what you are going to offer. Some of the options they can choose from include:
- Contractor’s license: This can be necessary for the professional to get roofing work done in New Jersey. This is going to show that they have knowledge of the building codes, safety standards, and construction practices in that area. This license can be good if they plan to do work outside of roofing as well.
- Roofing license: Some states and towns are going to require that the professional has their own special license for roofing. This may require that the professional passes an exam or that they can provide some proof that they have experience in the roofing industry.
- Specialty licenses: Depending on the exact services that the professional is going to provide, they may need to go and get specialty licenses. This could be for things like a green roofing system or a solar panel installation.
- Business permits: The above permits were all for the specific trade of roofing, but it is possible that the roofing company will need business permits to help them get things done. It will depend on the type of business that they plan to run and where they decide to do the work.
- Local regulations; Depending on where the work is going to be done, there may be some other licenses and requirements necessary to help out here. The roofer will be the one responsible to get the permits to be on the safe side.
“We always verify any roofers we hire are properly licensed and insured. It’s about managing risks and making sure the work is done right, up to code, and safely. An unlicensed contractor is a major liability.” – Sarah Robertson, Property Manager
Local Roofing Regulations in New Jersey
| City/County | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Newark | Roofing Contractor Registration |
| Jersey City | Construction Permit for re-roofing |
| Paterson | Roof Replacement Permit |
| Elizabeth | No additional requirements |
As the homeowner, it is a good idea to check into the permits that are required and make sure that your chosen company is able to get them, or already has them, before they begin work on the property for you. This will make a difference in how smoothly the process can go.
New Jersey Roofing Licensing Stats
- Over 2,500 active roofing contractor licenses in New Jersey (2023)
- 138 penalties issued for unlicensed roofing work in 2022
- Roofing is one of the most licensed and regulated contractor fields in NJ
Penalties for Unlicensed Roofing Work in NJ
Contractors found working without proper New Jersey roofing licenses may face:
- Fines up to $10,000
- 6 months in jail
- License suspension/revocation
- Civil lawsuits from homeowners
Choosing the Right Roofing Company in New Jersey
There are many great roofing companies in the state of New Jersey, but you can only pick one to get the work done. Looking at their prices, the quality of their work, and some of the other options will help you to make the decision.
Homeowner Checklist to Verify Roofing Licenses
When hiring a roofer in New Jersey, homeowners should:
- Ask for the company’s contractor and roofing license numbers
- Verify licenses are active on the NJ Consumer Affairs website
- Request copies of any required local/municipal permits
- Only hire fully licensed, insured and bonded roofing companies