New Jersey issues no roofing-specific credential. Roofers register as home improvement contractors with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs, and the number should appear on contracts and advertising. Permits come from the municipality, not Philadelphia, so check both before hiring in Camden, Pennsauken, Collingswood or Cherry Hill.
Key takeaways
- Roofers in Camden County register as home improvement contractors with the Division of Consumer Affairs.
- Registration can be verified through the Division's system by searching the business name.
- The registration number should appear on contracts and in advertising.
- Permits come from the municipality, not Philadelphia L&I.
- New Jersey has been changing its contractor rules, so check the Division for the current position.
How does New Jersey regulate roofers?
New Jersey roofers register as home improvement contractors with the Division of Consumer Affairs under the Contractors' Registration Act. Registration is the state's check on who may do residential home improvement work.
The state has been moving this area of law in recent years. The Division can confirm the current requirements, including any change in the registration system, so ask it rather than relying on a summary.
Registration tells you the roofer is on the state's record. The quality of the work is a separate question, and the roof walk and written scope answer it.
How do you verify a roofer?
Search the roofer's business name in the Division of Consumer Affairs verification system, and check that the registration number on the contract matches the one the Division shows.
Ask for the number before you sign or pay anything. The number should also appear in the roofer's advertising, which is another way to check it.
If the number does not match, or the roofer does not give one, do not go ahead until the question is answered.
Who issues the permit?
The municipality issues the permit for a roof job in Camden, Pennsauken, Collingswood or Cherry Hill, not Philadelphia's Licenses and Inspections office. Each municipality sets its own process, which is not set out in this guide.
Ask the municipal office what it requires for your roof before the work is booked. The answer may differ between towns, and the cities and townships have their own forms and timing.
Keep the municipality's answer in writing with the contract.
What about a roof that crosses the state line in practice?
A roof in Camden County is under New Jersey rules even if the roofer's office is in Pennsylvania. Check the registration and the permit against the address of the house, not the roofer's address.
A Pennsylvania roofer working in New Jersey should be registered in New Jersey for that work. Pennsylvania's registration does not cover a job across the river.
If in doubt, ask the Division which rules apply to the address before any work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Is a roofer from Philadelphia allowed to work in Camden?
The roofer must meet New Jersey's requirements for work in New Jersey. Ask for the New Jersey registration number and check it with the Division before the work begins.
Where do I find a roofer's registration number?
It should appear on the contract and in advertising. If it does not, ask for it and check it through the Division's verification system.
Does a Camden roof permit come from Philadelphia?
No. Permits come from the municipality where the house stands. Ask the municipal office what it requires for your roof.
Who do I call for help with a roofer dispute in New Jersey?
The Division of Consumer Affairs handles complaints about registered home improvement contractors. Keep the contract, the photographs and the receipts before you call.
Sources
This guide is general information for Philadelphia County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.