Protecting the roof of your home during hurricane season By Bill Sumner Hurricane season is fast approaching and severe weather could play havoc with the roof of your home. It would be wise to research a local roofing contractor in advance of an emergency or crisis situation. Roofing fraud is a big problem in Florida and waiting until after the damage is done will make an already bad experience even worse. A lot has changed in the 35 years that I have lived in the Oviedo/Winter Springs area. The impact of the thousands of new homes and population growth helped to create a need for home repair businesses and in recent years, severe weather has brought roof repair into prominence. There is much to know before allowing a contractor to step foot on your roof. Your diligence in researching a contractor could mean the difference in fixing a problem one time or several times. It also means no recourse under Florida Law if you hire an unlicensed contractor, worst of all, no warranty. There are some key facts that can make it easier for the homeowner to recognize a legitimate roofing contractor. Roofing is a state-licensed occupation that requires licensing from Tallahassee and the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR). This license number can be researched at my Florida.com and should be prominently displaced on all ads, literature, and paperwork. Company vehicles must be clearly marked with signage containing the license number. Many unlicensed people will try to pass off an occupational license as a license from DBPR or simply write the words “licensed and insured.” In addition to the State licensing, there are local subordinates’ licenses, insurances, bonds, etc. that validate the business. Reputable contractors will typically advertise in mainstream resources and/or have a company website displaying their credentials. Many companies will be found in budget flyer publications or where advertising is unregulated. You should never consider hiring someone who finds you first, especially during a crisis. Many homeowners will look for the cheapest price and/or fastest job. This could be a crucial mistake. It is expensive to be a licensed contractor. Maintaining licensing, insurances, bonds, vehicles, gas, equipment, shops, advertising and employees is costly, but better not to be “penny wise and pound foolish.” Roofing material prices have doubled over the last five years and employee insurance for roofing is among the highest in the state, making it more costly to perform small jobs at a reasonable price. And while unlicensed contractors can cut prices down to below the cost of legitimate companies, if those prices sound too good to be true, it can be a sign that something is wrong. A reputable contractor will remember and value your business, and in the future, will make themselves available again whenever needed. Of course, that’s the key in forming a good customer relationship − and it’s a good sign that you made the right choice! Bill and Tammy Sumner are the owners of Winter Springs Roofing & Repair. Life Oviedo-Winter Springs 49 July/August 2011