// Homeowner Guide
Licensed Roofer vs General Contractor
For a standalone roof job, a licensed roofing contractor is almost always the right call — they hold the manufacturer certifications that keep your warranty valid. General contractors are worth hiring when roofing is one part of a larger renovation, remodel, or insurance rebuild.
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- Verify license & insurance before you hire
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Licensed Roofing Contractor
- • Specialized roofing license (varies by state)
- • Manufacturer-certified installer (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, Carlisle)
- • In-house crews trained on one trade
- • Direct manufacturer warranty registration
- • Best for re-roofs, replacements, storm damage, commercial roof systems
General Contractor
- • Broader license covering multiple trades
- • Coordinates roofing sub with framing, insulation, drywall, siding
- • Single point of contact for whole-house projects
- • Adds a project-management markup (typically 10–20%)
- • Best for additions, remodels, full rebuilds, insurance restorations
Warranty Warning
Most manufacturer warranties require the installer to be a certified roofing contractor. If your GC hires an uncertified crew — or does the work in-house without the credential — you may lose the manufacturer's material warranty entirely. Always confirm certification before signing.
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