Will Your Roofing Contractor Use Their Own Crew or Subcontractors?

Many roofing companies use subcontractors — particularly for specialty work or during surge periods after storms. This isn't automatically a problem, but it requires specific questions.

What to ask if they use subs

• Are the subcontractors covered under your general liability and workers' comp policy?
• Do the subs carry their own insurance in addition to yours?
• Are the subs trained on the same installation standards as your employees?
• Will your project manager be on-site supervising the sub crew?

The insurance gap

If a contractor sends an uninsured sub crew to your roof and someone gets hurt, neither the contractor's policy nor the sub's coverage may apply. This is where homeowners get caught. Demand certificates for every crew that will be on your property.

Quality control

Ask who is responsible for quality control on the sub's work. The answer should be: the general contractor, in writing, with a project manager on-site.