Get Quotes from Top Roofing Contractors in Boston, MA

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Roofing Contractor in Boston?

A Construction Supervisor License (CSL) issued by the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) is required for roofing contractors in Boston. Depending on the kind of roofing work being done, different types of CSL, including Unrestricted CSL and Specialty CSL Roof Covering, can be applied for. To apply for any of these licenses, applicants must print and complete an exam registration form before mailing it to the exam administrators. The paperwork is processed in 10 days, after which applicants can schedule a test.

Also, Boston roofing contractors may require, in addition to a CSL, a Home Improvement Contractor license (HIC) issued by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). This is because a contractor with only a home improvement registration may only conduct jobs that would normally be considered routine property repairs. Larger projects involving structural work will require the registration of a CSL and a HIC. Applicants can register for this license online or by sending an application via mail or in-person to the Division's office at:

Boston places a high value on licensure and registration. Working without one can see the defaulter paying fines of up to $5,000 and serving a prison sentence of up to two years. To verify a Construction Supervisor License, use the Office of Public Safety and Inspections License Verification Site. To confirm the Home Improvement License of a contractor, use the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation's Home Improvement Contractor Registration Lookup.

For additional information on Construction Supervisor licensing for contractors in Boston, contact the Office of Public Safety and Inspections, Division of Occupational Licensure at (617) 727-3200. You can also contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation regarding Home Improvement Contractor licenses at (617) 973-8787. Both offices are located at:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Roofers in the City?

In Boston, the type of roofing material selected for the job, the difficulty of the roofing project, and the size of your home all significantly affect its final cost. For instance, it will cost more to roof a seven-bedroom mansion than a two-bedroom bungalow. However, you can get a good idea of the average cost of your roofing project by requesting bids or quotes from at least three different roofing contractors in the city. When you receive bids or quotes, be wary of any that differ significantly from the rest because this is frequently a sign that the contractor is dishonest or fraudulent.

Roofers in Boston earn an average wage of $62,470 annually. The average hourly wages of roofers in Boston and those of roofers in other areas of Massachusetts, as well as other major cities in the country, are compared below:

Will You Get the Roofing Permits Required as per the Boston Building Code?

Roofing permits in Boston are handled by the Inspectional Services. Whether you are altering a structure or the use of a building determines how Boston's permitting process works. Minor changes can be authorized online or in person, but major changes can only be initiated online and must be finished in person.

For a short-form permit covering minor roofing works in an existing building, homeowners or roofing contractors can apply online or in person. Before you apply, make sure you have the following requirements:

• a full description of the work you'll be doing
• an estimate for the total cost of your project
• identification, including trade licenses for all contractors
• a copy of your contract agreement
• the homeowner waiver, if you will be doing the work yourself on your property.

Long-form permits are required for new construction, additions, structural work, the construction of additional dwelling units, and the expansion of a building's capacity, amongst other things. To apply for a long-form permit, create an online application with the following files:

• your roofing contract,
• evidence of Workers' Compensation
• a waiver, if you are performing the roofing work on your own property,
• a nominal fee letter, if it applies,

After an online application, you will also need to submit the following to the Inspectional Services in person:

• a description of the work you'll be performing
• permission from the property owner if it is not yours
• a site plan
• a floor plan
• an engineer or licensed contractor's signature on your application
• a certified plot plan indicating property lines and the location of the building on the lot

To submit an application or for additional information on permits in Boston, contact the Inspectional Services at (617) 635-5300 or by visiting the office at:

What Kind of Roofing Services Do You Offer?

It is imperative to ensure the roofer you intend to hire has the training and tools required to carry out the type of service you require on your specific roofing system. Buildings in Boston use various roofing systems, and each has unique characteristics that call for a specific level of knowledge and specialized tools on the roofer's part to ensure proper service delivery. In Boston, common roofing materials include slate roofing, asphalt & asphalt fiberglass shingles, wood shingles and shakes, rubber roofing, metal roofing, and flat roofing.

Some of Boston's roofers may be experts in one particular type of roofing. Others may restrict their packages to those in particular areas, such as waterproofing, remodeling, maintenance, and repairs. As a result, be sure to find out what services a roofing contractor offers before hiring them. This will assist you in making the right choice and avoiding any misunderstandings down the road that could slow down the job.

The following list includes the approximate costs of a few roofing services that Boston property owners frequently request. Be aware that variables such as your location within the city and the reputation of the roofer you select may have an impact on these costs:

Estimates based on task:

Estimates based on roof pitch (per square feet):

Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on roofing material (per square feet):

Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on shape (per square feet):

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Roofing Companies in Boston?

Roofing is a risky profession, and roofers are subject to a number of workplace dangers, like falls from great heights and injuries. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, four of the 15 fatal work-related injuries reported in Boston in 2012 were caused by falls to a lower level. Therefore, it's crucial that all Boston-licensed contractors have sufficient insurance.

To avoid being held responsible for any on-the-job injuries or other negative events that may occur during your project, you should always verify that your intended roofer has good insurance coverage.

Every employer, including roofing contractors, doing business in Boston is required to carry workers' compensation insurance for both their workers and themselves if they work for the same company. No matter how many employees there are or how many hours they work, the requirement still applies. The Boston roofing contractor would also benefit from general liability insurance and commercial auto insurance.