Roofing license requirements in Nebraska

Who needs a license

State registration required. The state keeps a list of registered contractors. The roofer pays a fee and shows proof of insurance, but takes no trade exam.

The Nebraska Department of Labor runs the Contractor Registration Act. Every contractor and subcontractor who works on someone else's property must register before work starts. There is no exam. Contractors with one or more employees must file a current workers' compensation certificate. The state says registration does not ensure quality of work. Ask for the Nebraska contractor registration number and check it online.

Bond and insurance

A license or registration is not insurance. Ask every roofer for a certificate of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Then call the insurer to confirm the policy is active. If the state asks a roofer for a bond, the rules above say so.

Roof insurance rules in Nebraska

If insurance will pay for the work, you can cancel the contract before midnight on the third business day after you sign it or after your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim is not covered, whichever is later. A contractor may not rebate any part of your deductible. When new material does not reasonably match in quality, color or size, the insurer must replace all items in the area so they look reasonably uniform.

Permits

Confirm roof permit requirements with the building department responsible for your address and scope of work. Agree with your contractor who will obtain any required permit and arrange inspections before work begins.

How to verify a roofer's license

Ask the roofer for the license or registration number. Then look it up yourself on the state's own site, the Nebraska Department of Labor Contractor Registration Search. Check that the name and the status match the company you talk to.

Open the Nebraska Department of Labor Contractor Registration Search