SELECTING A ROOFER:
	Know Your Roofer: Most Property Managers locate a good roofer though referrals from fellow Managers. The referral information should include the roofing company address, phone numbers, the name of a knowledgeable contact and a short history of their relationship.
	Does the Company Carry Insurance? A contractor should carry comprehensive liability and worker's compensation insurance to protect you in the event of a roofing accident. This can be verified by asking to see the contractor's certificates of insurance (worker's compensation and general liability). Let the contractor know you want current certificates and exclusions sent to you by the insurer before the job is started. Contractors may also carry other kinds of insurance including health, life and auto insurance. Bland assurances of insurance coverage may refer to these. Don't be confused. Ask for proof of general liability and worker's compensation coverage for roofing projects. Worker Accidents: Be aware that if a worker is injured on your property, the property owner might be held liable for all costs unless the employee is covered by workers' compensation insurance. Hospital bills for serious accidents can be extraordinarily expensive. Contractors who carry insurance and follow safety guidelines on fall prevention endure higher job overhead costs. These expenses could be the cause of price variations between contractors who follow the standards versus those who ignore them. Uninsureded Contractors: Contractors who do not carry insurance will most likely be cheaper to hire as the do not have the large insurance premiums to pay. Workers' compensation premiums can increase roofing wage costs as much as 110% in California. There are a variety of reasons why full insurance may not be carried by a contractor, such as: Lost his license Not a full-time contractor Operates as a partnership or self-employed without employees New in the business Doesn't stand behind work Can't afford insurance premiums
	Is the Company a Licensed or Credentialed Contractor? Contractors are required by law to be licensed and regulated by the California Contractors State License Board: P.O. Box 2600, or 3132 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA 95827. Each Contractor is required to pass vigorous written exam and post a $7,500.00 cash bond. A California Contractors' license history may be checked online at CCSLB by entering the license number 560144, in the space provided. In addition to a state contractors' license, many municipalities also require licenses to perform work within their boundaries. Make sure your contractor has all the proper licenses for your job.
	How Long Has the Company Been in Business? The longer a contractor has been in business the better. Under three years may signal an unstable business or one low in the learning curve.