Q: What should commercial investors verify before hiring a roofing contractor for a large multifamily or commercial property?

Verify the roofing contractor’s business identity, applicable Wisconsin credentials, insurance, workers’ compensation arrangements, references, subcontractors, contract terms, payment schedule, and lien protection. For a large investment property, the agreement should clearly establish responsibility for property damage, delays, subcontractors, and incomplete work.

Question 1

What Wisconsin license or credential should you verify before hiring a roofing contractor?

Accepted Answer

For residential one and two family dwelling work, check whether the roofing contractor holds the appropriate Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor credential and whether the business has a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier when required. These credentials are administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. A credential does not guarantee workmanship, so also check insurance, references, contract terms, and business history.

Question 2

Does Wisconsin require a roofing contractor to carry workers’ compensation coverage for employees on your property?

Accepted Answer

Generally, Wisconsin employers must carry workers’ compensation coverage when they meet the state&#8217;s requirements for employee coverage. If a roofing contractor says everyone working on your property is an independent subcontractor, don&#8217;t simply take that statement at face value. Find out who actually employs the crew and who is responsible for coverage.

Question 3

What should a homeowner know about Wisconsin’s three business day cancellation period for home improvement contracts?

Accepted Answer

If you are solicited and sign a home improvement contract for more than $25 at your home or somewhere other than the roofing contractor&#8217;s regular place of business, Wisconsin generally gives you three business days to cancel. The roofing contractor must provide two copies of the cancellation notice when the contract is signed.

Question 4

Can a roofing contractor legally waive your insurance deductible to get the job?

Accepted Answer

No. Wisconsin law prohibits roofing contractors from promising to pay all or part of a property insurance deductible as an inducement to obtain the work. A “we&#8217;ll cover your deductible” offer is a serious warning sign.

Question 5

How can you tell whether the business name on a roofing estimate is the same company actually licensed to do the work?

Accepted Answer

Compare the legal business name on the estimate and contract with the name associated with the roofing contractor&#8217;s Wisconsin credentials and business records. Don&#8217;t rely solely on a company logo or trade name. If the names don&#8217;t match, get an explanation before paying anything.

Question 6

What should a roofing contractor’s written contract say about unexpected charges discovered after work begins?

Accepted Answer

The contract should clearly identify the agreed work, materials, price, payment terms, start and completion dates, and warranty information. If additional work becomes necessary, require the change and its additional cost to be documented before authorizing it.

Question 7

When should a property owner request lien waivers from a roofing contractor and its suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Request lien waivers as payments are made, particularly on larger projects. If a roofing contractor takes your money but doesn&#8217;t pay a supplier or worker, that unpaid party may have rights that affect your property. Keeping payment and lien documentation is an important protection.

Question 8

What Wisconsin rules apply when a roofing contractor wants to negotiate or handle your storm damage insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

A roofing contractor cannot negotiate with your insurer on your behalf. The roofing contractor can discuss the damage and costs with the insurer with your permission, but should not act as your insurance representative. The roofing contractor must also ask whether the requested work relates to an insurance claim before entering into the contract.

Question 9

Does a roofing contractor need to disclose which subcontractors will perform the work?

Accepted Answer

The important issue is knowing who is actually performing the work and who is responsible for them. For a major project, put the subcontracting arrangement in writing and verify applicable credentials and insurance. Don&#8217;t allow a roofing contractor to hide the actual companies performing substantial portions of the job behind a single business name.

Question 10

What should commercial investors verify before hiring a roofing contractor for a large multifamily or commercial property?

Accepted Answer

Verify the roofing contractor&#8217;s business identity, applicable Wisconsin credentials, insurance, workers’ compensation arrangements, references, subcontractors, contract terms, payment schedule, and lien protection. For a large investment property, the agreement should clearly establish responsibility for property damage, delays, subcontractors, and incomplete work.

Question 11

How can you check whether a roofing contractor has a history of consumer complaints or disciplinary action in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Check the roofing contractor&#8217;s credential status and available disciplinary information through Wisconsin&#8217;s Department of Safety and Professional Services. Consumer complaints can also be relevant through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. A clean credential status is only one part of the vetting process.

Question 12

Are there Wisconsin requirements for permits that a roofing contractor should address before work starts?

Accepted Answer

Permit requirements depend on the project and local jurisdiction. Wisconsin&#8217;s Uniform Dwelling Code applies statewide to covered one and two family dwellings, while municipalities handle enforcement and permitting responsibilities. Ask the roofing contractor which permits are required and verify with the local building department.

Question 13

What should you verify when a roofing contractor offers a workmanship warranty that lasts for many years?

Accepted Answer

Find out exactly who provides the warranty, what work it covers, how long coverage lasts, and what exclusions apply. Determine whether the warranty comes from the roofing contractor, the material manufacturer, or both. A long warranty is only useful if you understand its conditions and can identify who is responsible for honoring it.

Question 14

Is paying a roofing contractor entirely upfront ever a good idea, and what protections should be in the payment agreement?

Accepted Answer

Avoid paying the entire project price before the work is completed. Payment arrangements should be clearly documented in the contract. Tie larger payments to identifiable stages of the project and keep records of every payment.

Question 15

What are the warning signs that an out of state storm chaser is operating improperly after severe weather in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Be cautious about unsolicited door knocking, pressure to sign immediately, promises to pay your insurance deductible, requests to handle your insurance claim, vague contracts, and demands for money before you&#8217;ve properly vetted the business. Verify credentials, obtain written contracts and insurance documentation, and request lien waivers.

Question 16

What can a Wisconsin homeowner do when a roofing contractor takes payment, stops communicating, and leaves the roofing project unfinished?

Accepted Answer

Document everything: the contract, payments, communications, photographs, invoices, and unfinished work. Wisconsin consumer protection law provides remedies for certain home improvement violations. Depending on the circumstances, a consumer may be able to pursue damages through legal action and report the roofing contractor to the appropriate state authorities.

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