When it comes to choosing a roofer who will fix problems or install a new roof, many homeowners face an important decision: how do you know you’re hiring a professional who won’t give you subpar, costly work? It’s important to choose a licensed, local, and legit roofer because your roof protects everything, including your family, belongings, and the structure of your home. In New Jersey, being licensed, local, and legit isn’t just a slogan—it’s the baseline for professionalism. Let’s break down what makes a roofer trustworthy and why hiring the right contractor matters more than ever.
Key Takeaways
- ✔ A trustworthy roofer in New Jersey should be licensed, insured, and knowledgeable about local codes.
- ✔ Local contractors are more reliable for follow-up, emergency work, and warranty support.
- ✔ A legit roofer will provide clear estimates, references, and contract transparency.
- ✔ Hiring unlicensed or out-of-state contractors may lead to poor workmanship or no recourse for repairs.
- ✔ RGB Construction is a fully licensed and local roofing contractor serving South Jersey with integrity.
What Does It Mean to Be a Licensed Roofer in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, any contractor performing house improvement work, such as a roofer, must be registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and carry a valid license under the Contractors’ Registration Act. The law was designed to protect homeowners from contractors by ensuring said contractors meet minimum qualifications.
To obtain a license, a roofing contractor must:
- Provide proof of general liability insurance
- Maintain a registered business address in New Jersey
- Submit a completed application with supporting documentation
- Pay applicable registration fees
- Adhere to the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and relevant building codes
Licensed contractors are also required to renew their registration periodically, ensuring that their credentials remain current and valid.
But why does this matter? As mentioned previously, licensed contractors must go through a process that at least proves their professionalism and dedication to their craft. While homeowners can choose whether to select a licensed contractor for their project, selecting the licensed roofer over the unlicensed one gives you some peace of mind.
You can hold a licensed roofer accountable for anything that goes wrong. Additionally, you’re protected from unfinished or fraudulent work. Selecting a licensed roofer in New Jersey may also be required by your home insurance or financing.
Why Local Roofing Experience Matters
A local roofing company understands more than just shingles—they understand South Jersey weather, local building requirements, and how to properly repair homes built in Cherry Hill, Deptford, or West Deptford. Local contractors:
- Know the specific weather stressors roofs face in NJ, like freeze-thaw cycles, heavy storms, and high humidity.
- Can respond quickly to emergencies or warranty issues.
- Are invested in the community and reputation—they’re not disappearing after the job is done.
Unlike out-of-state companies that swoop in after storms, a trusted local roofer like RGB Construction is here year-round and stands behind every job.
What Makes a Roofer “Legit”?
Licensure and location don’t always mean legitimacy. A legit roofer is someone you can trust from day one, as soon as you make contact. Signs of a reputable roofer include:
- Written estimates that have a clear breakdown of costs, materials, and timeline.
- Insurance coverage, including general liability and workers’ compensation.
- References and reviews from local customers.
- Detailed contracts that outline the scope, payment schedule, and warranty terms.
- Permitting knowledge to know what’s needed for roofing jobs in your municipality.
Keep in mind that the exact opposite of any of these is a huge roofer red flag. Vague quotes, no physical office, and high-pressure sales tactics all point to a less than stellar business.
Why Should Homeowners in South Jersey Avoid “Storm-Chaser” Roofers?
Storm-chaser roofers are one example of an illegitimate contractor. So what are they? Storm-chasers are unlicensed or out-of-state contractors who go door to door offering quick and cheap fixes or steep discounts. Storm-chasers offer too good to be true deals and will usually cut corners and use poor materials.
The risk is that you’re unprotected should anything happen on your property. Furthermore, there’s no warranty support. Storm-chasers will do shoddy work, leading to leaks and other structural damages. If something does go wrong in this case, you’ll also have a difficult time pursuing any legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Roofer in South Jersey
1. Why is it important to hire a licensed roofer in New Jersey?
A licensed roofer in NJ is registered with the state and carries the insurance and training required to legally perform roofing work. This protects your home and reduces your liability.
2. How can I verify a roofer’s license?
You can check a contractor’s license by visiting the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website. RGB Construction is fully licensed and happy to show proof upon request.
3. What makes a roofer “local” in Cherry Hill or South Jersey?
A local roofer operates from a physical address in South Jersey, understands regional building codes, and is familiar with local weather patterns. They’re available year-round—not just after a storm.
4. What should I look for in a roofing estimate?
Trustworthy contractors provide clear, itemized estimates including labor, materials, timelines, and warranty details. Vague or rushed quotes are a red flag.
5. Why avoid out-of-state or “storm-chaser” roofers?
Out-of-town contractors often perform rushed, low-quality repairs and leave town before issues arise. You may have no recourse if their work fails. Stick with verified local contractors like RGB Construction.
6. What kind of insurance should a roofer have?
A legit roofer should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you if damage or injury occurs during the project.
7. Does RGB Construction serve areas beyond Cherry Hill?
Yes. We proudly serve homeowners throughout South Jersey, including Deptford, West Deptford, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and surrounding areas in Camden and Gloucester Counties.
8. How can I schedule a free roofing estimate with RGB Construction?
Call us at (856) 264-9093 or fill out our online contact form. We’ll schedule your free inspection and provide a clear, honest estimate for your roofing needs.
Work with a Licensed New Jersey Roofer like RGB Construction
Licensed, local, and legit—those are the traits you want in a local roofing contractor. Don’t settle for less or with out-of-town companies that make promised they can’t keep. When you hire RGB Construction for your roofing project, you get a licensed, local, and legit roofing partner committed to protecting your home. Furthermore, with us you get transparent estimates and clear communication, as well as full warranty protection on labor and materials.
Call RGB Construction today at 856-264-9093 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free estimate. Your roof deserves nothing less than someone you can trust to do the job right.
