Door to Door Roofers 2012

Last weekend, several areas of the Twin Cities got hit with hail.  Andover, Coon Rapids, Woodbury, St. Paul.  This has brought out the usual group of companies with 1001 subcontracted salespeople canvassing neighborhoods to try and get some business.  While this practice is legal, it is not always a desirable way to find a contractor.  Here are some things to consider when you get that knock on your door.  

Does your city have regulations regarding this type of door to door activity?  If the contractor follows those rules, it is a good sign he will follow others.  Many communities have had to create peddling rules to handle the huge amount of door knockers from these storms.  Asking to see their peddling license will help you weed out the unprofessional ones.

Roof inspecting is still a dangerous job, what if they fell off your roof?   Many times, the person knocking at your door is not an employee, but a sub-contracted salesperson.  While there is nothing wrong with this practice, it is important to make sure that anyone you let climb on your roof has proper insurance that will keep any injury liability off your financial plate.  Asking for proof of insurance is not a bad idea before you let them onto your roof.

Last, but not least, does this company have a license to perform contracting?  Unlicensed activity in MN over the last several years has increased tremendously.  Our industry is regulated by the  Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).  The DOLI maintains a couple of web pages to help you find out if this person or company have a VALID contractor’s license. 

Here is a license look up tool 

https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/licensing/licensing.aspx

This next link is where you can find out if the contractor has ever gotten in trouble at all for mismanagement or license violations.  This is updated frequently, and goes back several years

http://www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/RBCEnforcement12.asp

In general, homeowners can protect themselves with just a little research and asking the right questions before they let someone in the door.  The best practice is to ask them to come back after you have had a chance to follow up on their credentials.  

When it comes to solicitation, If we knock on your door, It is almost always because you have invited us.   We carry all necessary insurances, and are  listed with the BBB as an accredited business with an excellent rating.  Our inspections are thorough, and come with years of experience in the industry.  Check out out at www.stormdamagerelief.com, or call us at 763-286-5191 for a free consultation.