Part Time Or Full???
Monkey Roofer
Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:54 am
Hi,
I have a semi part time roofing business in which I secure jobs for a roofing crew thats moonlighting from another contractor. I've looked through some of the regulations for MN and am at a loss.
My main questions are:
1. what are my liabilities if someone gets hurt or killed at the jobsite (I have a contract drawn up with the foreman that states I am not liable for unfinished work, or anyone hurt or killed during working). Is that binding or would the lawyers be able to get through it?
2. Can I advertise or would I need a contractor (roofing) license?
3. What info would I need for this license? There is no information on knowledge base needed or where to take the test(s) that I can find.
4. If I just wanted to do this part time (maybe 6-8 jobs a year) would I have to get a license or could I simply just do the work and pay the taxes on it?
Thanks!
I have a semi part time roofing business in which I secure jobs for a roofing crew thats moonlighting from another contractor. I've looked through some of the regulations for MN and am at a loss.
My main questions are:
1. what are my liabilities if someone gets hurt or killed at the jobsite (I have a contract drawn up with the foreman that states I am not liable for unfinished work, or anyone hurt or killed during working). Is that binding or would the lawyers be able to get through it?
2. Can I advertise or would I need a contractor (roofing) license?
3. What info would I need for this license? There is no information on knowledge base needed or where to take the test(s) that I can find.
4. If I just wanted to do this part time (maybe 6-8 jobs a year) would I have to get a license or could I simply just do the work and pay the taxes on it?
Thanks!
Monkey Roofer
Thu Jun 30, 2005 4:22 am
Okay so...
Apparently either these questions are so mundane that I should know the answers, or there is a big neon sign behind me pointing to the answers.
I am a construction estimator, not a roofer, I merely write up the contracts and supply the leads to the roofing crews, take the pictures for the inspectors and generally gopher anything they need while working.
I use a roofing crew already established but no knowledge in the business side of it, line them up with work (so their families can eat and have a roof over their heads) but obviously the more knowledge I have on the subject the better it is for everyone involved.
Is there information available on the net or through the local union office? I apologize for sounding ignorant about the subject but roofing is not my forte (heavy construction/concrete structures is).
Thanks for any help.
Apparently either these questions are so mundane that I should know the answers, or there is a big neon sign behind me pointing to the answers.
I am a construction estimator, not a roofer, I merely write up the contracts and supply the leads to the roofing crews, take the pictures for the inspectors and generally gopher anything they need while working.
I use a roofing crew already established but no knowledge in the business side of it, line them up with work (so their families can eat and have a roof over their heads) but obviously the more knowledge I have on the subject the better it is for everyone involved.
Is there information available on the net or through the local union office? I apologize for sounding ignorant about the subject but roofing is not my forte (heavy construction/concrete structures is).
Thanks for any help.
G-Tape
Thu Jun 30, 2005 11:00 am
OK, I'll jump in.
first, let me say that if you get offended by anything I say, I did not mean it in any disrespect.
with that being said,........jeez, I don't know where to start.....
OK, first off, every state is different with their licensing and regulations. You need to call your states licensing board and ask them the questions.
2nd, you are what we call in the business, a "paper contractor", except you don't even have the paper that says you're a roofer..ie, license from the state. The other roofing companies don't like you, the insurance companies don't like you, the state doesn't like a "paper contractor" and the IRS doesn't like you. I think it is an ethical thing or something. Me personally? hey, this is a capitalistic society, and if you can make a buck, good for you.
3rd, the only way for you to really get the knowledge and understand roofing is to get it first hand, get on the roof and learn roofing. Again, my take? you can't learn roofing, either you are born with it or you're not. NO amount of schooling will prepare you for roofing.
4th, Your questions from your first post,
1. You are fully responsible for the job, unless the subcontractor has his own insurance and can prove it to you with a paper from their insurance company. even if you have a contract stating you are not responsible!!!
2. Its up to the laws of your state if you can advertise.
3. experience will give you the knowledge for the license or test, also you can ask the state if there are any classes.
4. Its not how many jobs you do in a year, its how much you make that would decide if you need a license, again, call your state offices and ask them.
There, I tried to be as nice as possible, sorry if anything offended you, but you really need to get on the roof and do alot of leaning so you know what is best for the customer and so you don't get in trouble. Make sure you are licensed and you are fully insured for your protection. The lawyers, insurance companies and the IRS love to pick on roofers, so be ready.
first, let me say that if you get offended by anything I say, I did not mean it in any disrespect.
with that being said,........jeez, I don't know where to start.....
OK, first off, every state is different with their licensing and regulations. You need to call your states licensing board and ask them the questions.
2nd, you are what we call in the business, a "paper contractor", except you don't even have the paper that says you're a roofer..ie, license from the state. The other roofing companies don't like you, the insurance companies don't like you, the state doesn't like a "paper contractor" and the IRS doesn't like you. I think it is an ethical thing or something. Me personally? hey, this is a capitalistic society, and if you can make a buck, good for you.
3rd, the only way for you to really get the knowledge and understand roofing is to get it first hand, get on the roof and learn roofing. Again, my take? you can't learn roofing, either you are born with it or you're not. NO amount of schooling will prepare you for roofing.
4th, Your questions from your first post,
1. You are fully responsible for the job, unless the subcontractor has his own insurance and can prove it to you with a paper from their insurance company. even if you have a contract stating you are not responsible!!!
2. Its up to the laws of your state if you can advertise.
3. experience will give you the knowledge for the license or test, also you can ask the state if there are any classes.
4. Its not how many jobs you do in a year, its how much you make that would decide if you need a license, again, call your state offices and ask them.
There, I tried to be as nice as possible, sorry if anything offended you, but you really need to get on the roof and do alot of leaning so you know what is best for the customer and so you don't get in trouble. Make sure you are licensed and you are fully insured for your protection. The lawyers, insurance companies and the IRS love to pick on roofers, so be ready.
Monkey Roofer
Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:39 am
Thanks for your response, I didn't take offense at anything and pretty much assumed it would be that way.
QRFL
Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:10 am
ok this is the example for california:
answers:
1) if you are the "contractor"signing with the homeowner, you MUST have workme's comp the minute you have an employee and you are 100%liable,
unless he is license insured and you are subcontracting him,then he has to have all that.
2)you must have a license from CA to adveritse as a contractor and you MUST post the license number next to the ad.
3)Here you can either call the Contractors state license board and apply for the law/trade exam (assumig you can pass it) or you can also get help from a licensing school.(home depot has lots of flyers on this).
4)If you do even only ONE job that goes over i think $500 now labor plus materials you MUST have a contractor license.
So there thats from CA like G-Tape said i dont know laws in your state,I know it applies to roofing contractors here, And its true so far i dont know anyone who has learn roofing in a school,at least not all of it,i been on roofs for like 10 years and im still a newbie,and learning.
good luck , god bless
answers:
1) if you are the "contractor"signing with the homeowner, you MUST have workme's comp the minute you have an employee and you are 100%liable,
unless he is license insured and you are subcontracting him,then he has to have all that.
2)you must have a license from CA to adveritse as a contractor and you MUST post the license number next to the ad.
3)Here you can either call the Contractors state license board and apply for the law/trade exam (assumig you can pass it) or you can also get help from a licensing school.(home depot has lots of flyers on this).
4)If you do even only ONE job that goes over i think $500 now labor plus materials you MUST have a contractor license.
So there thats from CA like G-Tape said i dont know laws in your state,I know it applies to roofing contractors here, And its true so far i dont know anyone who has learn roofing in a school,at least not all of it,i been on roofs for like 10 years and im still a newbie,and learning.
good luck , god bless
Pride_roofing
Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:45 am
All i gotta say this state of Michigan is full of this so well to be nice im gonna be well quiet. GET YOUR CREDITALS BEFORE TOUCHING ANYONES HOME.
Monkey Roofer
Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:04 am
maybe it would be a good time to mention that I do have a general contractors license, before the tomatos begin to rain down upon my head.
Minnesota allows a temporary license that is good for up to $15k (or 2-3 jobs) that last about 3 months for roofing or contractor work. This is very bizarre because I don't rightly understand why they do this, or if it is a common practice.
As far as G-tapes comment about being 'born' a roofer, while it is apparent he is a knowledgeable roofer contractor by his answers on this forum, I would hesistant to agree with that statement, as I have yet to see a baby born with a nailer in his hand (woe to the women that has such a child!).
I agree that knowledge for trades is best learned by doing, but new techniques and products as well as standard practices can be learned and applied while working.
Unless of course no one on here has ever tried anything new, which I doubt.
Minnesota allows a temporary license that is good for up to $15k (or 2-3 jobs) that last about 3 months for roofing or contractor work. This is very bizarre because I don't rightly understand why they do this, or if it is a common practice.
As far as G-tapes comment about being 'born' a roofer, while it is apparent he is a knowledgeable roofer contractor by his answers on this forum, I would hesistant to agree with that statement, as I have yet to see a baby born with a nailer in his hand (woe to the women that has such a child!).
I agree that knowledge for trades is best learned by doing, but new techniques and products as well as standard practices can be learned and applied while working.
Unless of course no one on here has ever tried anything new, which I doubt.
G-Tape
Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:50 am
You are correct Monkey roofer, I do know people that have learned about all the materials and all the specs involved in roofing, and come to think of it, I don't know anybody born with a hammer in their hand at birth.
But I do know many many people who after time and time again being taught roofing, that can not for the life of them, understand water flow and how to keep a house free from rain and snow. But on the other hand I know people that you just have to show a portion of the technique and they got it down. But its like that in any trade I suppose. Hell, I have a hard time figuring out electrical most of the time no matter how many times I am taught how to do it.
But I do know many many people who after time and time again being taught roofing, that can not for the life of them, understand water flow and how to keep a house free from rain and snow. But on the other hand I know people that you just have to show a portion of the technique and they got it down. But its like that in any trade I suppose. Hell, I have a hard time figuring out electrical most of the time no matter how many times I am taught how to do it.
