Did You Know

Over 900 complaints are filed against unlicensed individuals each year through Construction Industries

85% of all construction lawsuits involve roofing related problems

Manufacturer material warranties are only valid when the material is properly installed

Contracts signed with unlicensed contractors are invalid and unenforceable in court

One of the most common cases is when the “roofer” cannot be located when a problem develops with the roof he installed. If there is a problem with a roof installed by a licensed contractor you have more than a telephone number to fall back on. You have the assurance that the contractor is licensed, therefore bonded and has met the qualifications required by the State of New Mexico.

The State of New Mexico has rigid standards for professional roofing contractors. Only those who meet these standards can qualify for roofing contractors’ license. These licenses are YOUR best protection. Should you have a legitimate dispute with a licensed roofing contractor you have the right to file a complaint with the New Mexico Construction Industries Division. In most cases, your complaint will be resolved satisfactorily.

By using a licensed contractor, you preserve your rights to legal recourse should arbitration fail. You may have no legal recourse should you use an unlicensed individual.

Contracting without a license in the State of New Mexico is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE!

Contracting without a license is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by fines or imprisonment or both.

BEWARE OF THE RISKS!

The State of New Mexico requires that anyone who contracts to perform roofing services including labor and material, must have a valid New Mexico contractor’s license. THIS LAW WAS WRITTEN TO PROTECT YOU! It was implemented for good reasons. If someone performs roofing services without a contractors’ license, THEY ARE BREAKING THE LAW!

In most cases, unlicensed roofers do not have worker’s compensation insurance. They do not have liability insurance. They are not bonded. They do not pay City, State or Federal taxes. They do not secure permits when required.

All of the above can cause YOU grave consequences! When the roofer is unlicensed, you are considered to be their employer. You can be personally liable for employment taxes. If an accident or injury occurs you could be held liable for medical costs. You could also be exposed to future lawsuits. Roofing is a dangerous business! Don’t assume a potentially devastating liability by hiring an unlicensed roofer.

SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Your home is an important and valuable asset; you should not trust just anyone to roof it. Before hiring a roofing contractor you should follow these simple steps:

1. Have the roofing contractor provide you with a list of references, including former customers in your area.

2. Check the roofing contractor’s license. Make sure he has a GS-21, a GB-2 or a GB-98 license. Make sure the license is current and in good standing.

3. Check the contractor’s complaint record. The number of complaints should not eliminate a contractor from consideration unless it is extreme. The manner in which the complaints were resolved is much more important and will help determine if you want to do business with this company.

4. Inquire as to the contractor’s insurance coverage. Does he have both worker’s compensation and liability insurance and will he provide you with certificates of insurance?

To verify license and complaint information call the New Mexico Construction Industries Division at the following numbers:

Contractors’ Licensing Services, Inc. @505-452-8311, or any CID office: Albuquerque @ 505-222-9800, Santa Fe @505-476-4700 or Las Cruces @ 505-524-6320. Or you may go to the Construction Industries Division website at http://www.rld.state.nm.us/

7 Ways To Avoid The Roofing “Rip Off”

There are ways that you as a consumer can protect yourself from unscrupulous, often unlicensed roofing contractors. If you heed the following suggestions, you will be less likely to be one of the victims of this common problem. Please call 866-645-4308 for more information.

DEAL ONLY WITH A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

The state of New Mexico requires all contractors for all construction services to be licensed through the Construction Industries Division. The Contractor’s license number and type of license should be displayed on business cards, proposals and other contractor materials. The acceptable license types for roofing in New Mexico are GS-21, GB-98 and GB-2.

VERIFY THE LICENSE

Call the Construction Industry Division in Albuquerque at 222-9800 or in Santa Fe at 476-4700. Or you may go to the Construction Industries Division website at http://www.rld.state.nm.us/ Ask if the license is current, valid and properly classified.

REQUIRE INSURANCE

Protect yourself by requiring a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers compensation on his employees, from the contractor before allowing him to begin work. If someone is hurt on your property without insurance, you may be held responsible. Call the contractor’s insurance provider to confirm the coverage is current and valid. Coverage should be for liability, workman’s compensation and other protections you deem necessary.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH

Doing business with a Contractor who has a good reputation for doing the job right, in an ethical manner, at a reasonable cost is the ideal situation for the homeowner. But how do you know this? The best method of obtaining this knowledge is by word of mouth and referral. Ask for references and use them. All good Contractors will provide them.

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE GETTING

Before agreeing to any work, require a written proposal, describing in plain language the procedures that will be performed and the materials that will be used. A statement regarding the compliance with the New Mexico Building Code and acquisition of the required permit should be included. Ask to see the permit before work begins. A total price should be as inclusive as possible: with any unforeseeable work or unit prices clearly addressed. If you do not understand what you are reading, competent roofing professional will be able to patiently and clearly describe to you what they propose to do. Maintain any paperwork when the job is done as documentation for future reference.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH TERMS

Many Contractors’ proposal or contract forms contain specific terms and conditions. As with any contract, such terms have advantages and obligations for both parties, and should be read carefully. However, be wary of any forms that are extremely lengthy or are vaguely worded. A roofing contract should be easily contained on one page (front and back) with terms easily understood by the average adult. Payment terms may vary, but most will require payment in full upon completion of all work. Do not pay for work until you are sure the Contractor is through with his job. Reasonable down payments prior to start are not uncommon and may be expected.

DON'T LET PRICE OR WARRANTY BE YOUR ONLY GUIDE

Many homeowners have subscribed to the idea that if you obtain three bids and they all appear to be roughly the same,
the low bidder is the best choice. This is simply not always true, especially if there is a large disparity between prices.
Be extremely cautious of prices that are substantially lower than the others. It can mean that a mistake has been made,
or the Contractor is planning on shortcuts to complete the job. In either event the homeowner will usually be
the ultimate loser.

Similarly, be wary of unusually long warranties as an enticement. It is reasonable to expect two to five years on a roofing
warranty. On the other hand, it is not uncommon for a Contractor to offer extended Manufacturer’s warranties (say
fifteen, twenty or twenty five years on shingles for example). However, Manufacturer’s warranties are often limited,
prorated or otherwise restricted so as not to be “full value”, and should be read carefully before accepting them as
part of the contract.