The roof is an important aspect of a house that homeowners should take special care of. It’s essential to understand who is authorized by law to perform roofing work, whether you’re building a new house, replacing an old roof, or doing repairs.
One frequently asked question is: can a general contractor do roofing in Mississippi? To help you out, this blog post will discuss whether general contractors are qualified to do roofing work in the Magnolia State.
Does Mississippi Allow General Contractors To Perform Roofing?
In Mississippi, general contractors can do roofing work, but they must follow specific licensing rules. Both commercial and residential contractors need a license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) to ensure they meet construction and roofing standards.
To get a license, a contractor must pass exams and show proof of liability insurance. Recent changes in the law have also updated residential licensing requirements, so contractors should stay up-to-date with any new regulations.
| Project Cost | General Contractor Licensing Requirements |
Under $10,000 | No specific roofing license is required if local regulations are followed. |
$10,000 – $50,000 | A specialty roofing license is needed to perform roofing work legally. |
Over $50,000 | Those working on new construction projects costing over $50,000 require a roofing license. |
Local Regulations
Contractors must follow local regulations and state licensing, including getting permits for specific roofing projects. Homeowners should check that their contractor knows local codes and has the necessary permits before beginning work.
What Kind Of License Does A General Contractor Need To Do Roofing In Mississippi?
A general contractor in Mississippi needs a specific license for roofing work. For projects over $10,000, a residential roofing license is required. Whether the project is residential or commercial, contractors must pass the Law and Business Management exam and any relevant trade exams.
General contractors also must show proof of general liability insurance. The residential roofing license, issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
How To Verify If A General Contractor Is Licensed For Roofing In Mississippi
1. Use the MSBOC License Verification Tool
- Online Search: Visit the MSBOC website and use their license verification tool.
- Check License Status: Look for details like license expiration dates, any disciplinary actions, and if the license is active.
2. Contact the MSBOC Directly
- Phone Inquiry: Call the MSBOC at (601) 354-6161 or (800) 880-6161 with the contractor’s name or license number.
- Email Communication: Email the MSBOC for written confirmation.
3. Verify Local Licensing Requirements
- City or County Regulations: Check with local building departments for additional licensing requirements.
- Permits: Ensure the contractor can pull the necessary permits for your project.
Mississippi Contractor Licenses: Residential vs. Commercial
#1. Residential Contractor License
The Mississippi Residential Builder License authorizes residential construction from the ground up and remodeling of existing residential properties. If a residential construction project exceeds $50,000 in value, a residential contractor’s license is necessary.
To apply, you need to:
- Complete the residential application form.
- Provide proof of insurance.
- Submit tax ID numbers.
- Include references.
- Pass the required exams.
Residential licenses are available for builders, remodelers, and roofers.
#2. Commercial Contractor License
For commercial projects over $50,000, a commercial contractor’s license is needed. This also applies to work on fire protection systems costing over $5,000 (or $10,000 for residential jobs), along with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other trade types.
The application process is more detailed:
- Complete and notarize the application form.
- Register your business.
- Provide proof of insurance and tax ID.
- Include references.
- Document experience.
- Pass the Law and Business Management exam, plus any required trade exams.
Licensing and Registration
If you want to obtain a Mississippi roofing contractor license, you must know the requirements, costs, and procedures.
Fees Breakdown
The costs associated with obtaining a Residential Roofing License in Mississippi are as follows:
1. Application Fee
Cost: $50
This fee covers the processing of your application and includes one classification.
2. Additional Classifications
Cost: $100 each
If you wish to add more classifications, such as Residential Builder or Residential Remodeler, each additional classification incurs this fee.
3. Exam Fee
Cost: $120
This fee is for taking the required licensing exam. If you qualify for an exam waiver, the fee is $50.
Total Estimated Costs
To summarize, the minimum total for getting a Residential Roofing License is approximately $200.
Steps to Obtain Your Roofing License
1. Fill Out the Application
Complete and notarize the residential contractor application form.
2. Register Your Business
If your roofing business is set up as a corporation or LLC, register it with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
3. Tax Identification
Secure a Mississippi income tax ID or a federal tax ID number for your business.
4. Provide Insurance Proof
Submit evidence of general liability insurance. If you have five or more employees, also provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance.
5. Include Reference Letters
Add letters of reference and documentation of past roofing projects to showcase your experience and expertise.
6. Appoint a Qualifying Party
Designate a qualified individual responsible for the license and prove their employment with your business.
7. Pass Required Exams
Arrange and take the necessary exams, ensuring you prepare thoroughly to pass.
8. Submit Your Application
Once you have all documents and fees ready, submit your completed application to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
Review Process
Your application will be reviewed by the Board upon submission. This procedure usually takes 7-10 days. Upon approval, you will receive your residential roofing license, which allows you to conduct business as a roofing contractor in Mississippi legally.
Can A General Contractor In Mississippi Handle Both Residential And Commercial Roofing Projects?
Yes, a general contractor in Mississippi can work on both residential and commercial roofing projects. Many contractors in the state are licensed to handle both types of properties. They usually have the right insurance and qualifications to manage different roofing jobs, so they can help both homeowners and businesses.
Why Choose a Professional Roofer Over a General Contractor
1. Specialization
Roofing contractors focus solely on roofing, bringing specialized expertise that often results in higher-quality work compared to general contractors.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Roofing specialists can be more cost-effective due to their efficiency, potentially reducing labor costs and material waste.
3. Experience
With extensive experience in roofing, these contractors can quickly address issues and ensure a high standard of workmanship.
4. Quality Assurance
Roofing contractors use tools and materials specifically designed for roofing, ensuring better adherence to safety and durability standards.
5. Reliability
Their specialized knowledge leads to more reliable and timely project completion. General contractors might not have the same roofing expertise, leading to potential delays.
6. Warranty and Support
Many roofing contractors offer warranties, providing extra assurance of the quality and durability of their work, which may not always be available with general contractors.
Conclusion
Even though a general contractor might be authorized to do roofing work, it’s important to check their experience and skill in roofing. Roofing needs specialized knowledge about materials, techniques, and safety, so make sure they are experienced in these areas.
Known for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, B&A Roofing offers the best roofing services. Our experienced team delivers exceptional results for both residential and commercial projects. Trust B&A Roofing for reliable and professional roofing solutions in Mississippi. Call us at (601) 520-3183.