City Reminds Residents To Check Out Roofing Contractors, Get Permits
RAPID CITY, SD--With recent hail storms, the City's Building Services Division is reminding homeowners to do their homework regarding roof repairs.
The City issued an advisory last month regarding the importance of checking credentials of individuals and companies contacting homeowners about roof repairs. By mid-June, the City had received more than two dozen reports of individuals or companies that had arrived in Rapid City to provide roof repairs.
City Building Services officials advise residents to do their homework and to be mindful of specific City requirements for roof repairs.
Last August, the City fielded several complaints, questions and concerns from frustrated homeowners and contractors about the quality of roofing work provided by certain contractors and crews. In some instances, the work did not comply with City building codes and requirements.
"We have many reputable roofing and home contractors in the Rapid City area. They have great credentials. They have crews who provide quality service, who know what needs to be done and work in compliance with City codes," said Curt Bechtel, interim City Building Services Division manager. "But each summer, we have dozens of individuals, crews and contractors who come to town looking to do roof repairs. Many of them can't produce credentials when requested, they cut corners and short-change the homeowner.
"Many homeowners don't know or understand what is required, and can be taken advantage of by some operators who arrive soon after a storm, whose crews cut corners to make money, and quickly leave town."
City officials reiterate the following advice to homeowners:
*Check the credentials of the roofer and their crew;
*Always get references;
*Make sure the contractor is licensed in Rapid City. Some will say they have a state license but the state only has an excise tax license.
*Contact the City to determine the permit(s) needed for the roof or home repair work;
*Ensure the contractor's roofing work includes code-related items such as ice shield and flashings, and the work satisfies City code compliance as well as others such as insurance claims;
*Check your homeowner's insurance - make sure you are covered for what the damage is. For example: Code Upgrades.
"Some of the individuals and companies may be reputable, but others have questionable or no credentials at all and their work does not meet City codes and requirements. It can leave some homeowners in a worse situation," said Bechtel.
Homeowners are reminded permits are required for roofing and other home repairs. Homeowners are encouraged to contact the City's Building Services Division at 394-4120 with questions or issues.
The City reminds homeowners that South Dakota state law requires disclosure of substandard work or the lack of permits and inspection approvals. Such disclosure is required when selling any residential property in South Dakota.
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Thank you,
Darrell W. Shoemaker | Communications Coordinator
T: 605.721.6686 | M: 605.939.8551
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