Pennsylvania has no separate roofing credential. Roofers who do residential home improvement work register as Home Improvement Contractors with the Attorney General once they reach $5,000 of work a year. Philadelphia's permit rules add their own requirements, so check both before work begins.
Key takeaways
- Pennsylvania registers home improvement contractors with the Attorney General; a registration number should be on the contract.
- The Attorney General's Home Improvement Registration line, 1-888-520-6680, can verify a roofer's registration.
- Philadelphia's permit rules set who may do permitted work, with exceptions for some one- and two-family homes.
- Never pay in full or sign a completion certificate before the work is done.
Does Pennsylvania issue a separate roofing credential?
No. Pennsylvania has no separate state credential for roofing. Roofers who do residential home improvement work register as Home Improvement Contractors with the Attorney General once they perform at least $5,000 of such work a year.
The Attorney General's registration applies under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The registration fee and renewal period are published by the Attorney General and can change, so check the current figures there rather than relying on a roofer's summary.
Registration is the minimum check. It tells you the roofer is on the state's register, not how well the roof will be done.
How do you verify a roofer's registration?
Ask the roofer for the Home Improvement Contractor number and check it with the Attorney General's Home Improvement Registration line at 1-888-520-6680. The Insurance Department recommends this check, especially after a storm.
A roofer who will not give the number should not be hired. Write the number on the contract so it is on record.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department warns that after storms some contractors promise to maximize an insurance payout or push for immediate repairs. Verification and a written scope are the two checks that help most.
What do the city's permit rules add?
Philadelphia's permit pages say permitted work must be done by a contractor the city recognizes. For an existing one- or two-family home, the work may also be done by an owner who lives in the building, or by a registered home improvement contractor who meets the city's requirements.
Roofing is not on the city's list of trades that need a specific trade permit, but most roof replacements need a permit that the contractor files through L&I. The city also requires contractors to be current on Philadelphia taxes and to have insurance on file for certain permit types.
Check the current rules on the city's site or with L&I for the address, since the requirements depend on the building type and the scope.
What about roofs outside the city?
Suburban townships and boroughs in Delaware and Montgomery Counties issue their own permits, and New Jersey has its own contractor rules. A roofer should know which rules apply to the address before the job is scheduled.
Permits in the suburbs come from the local municipality under the local building code. Their processes and fees are set locally and are not set out here.
New Jersey home improvement contractors register with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs, and the state has been changing those rules. Ask the Division for the current position.
What should you ask before you sign?
Ask for the registration number, the permit plan, the written scope and the payment terms. Pennsylvania's home improvement law requires a written contract and limits deposits on larger jobs, and the Attorney General has the current rules.
A good roofer will answer these questions without difficulty and will put the answers in writing. If the answers come back vague, that is the point to walk away.
Keep the contract, the permit paperwork and every receipt together. They are what you will need if the roof needs warranty work or an insurance claim later.
Frequently asked questions
Can the homeowner do the roof work personally?
The city's rules allow an owner who lives in a one- or two-family home to do some permitted work. The owner should check the current rules with L&I before starting, because the conditions depend on the building and the work.
Is state registration enough to satisfy the city's rules?
Not necessarily. The state registration and the city's permit requirements are separate, so check each one and ask for both.
What if the roofer is not registered?
Do not hire the roofer for residential home improvement work until the registration is confirmed. Report concerns to the Attorney General's office, and let your insurer know if you have a claim.
Who do I call if I am unsure which rules apply to my roof?
Call (833) 751-2102 and ask for the roofer's registration number and permit plan, then check the rules with the Attorney General or L&I. The answer depends on the address and the scope.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Home Improvement Contractor registration
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department
- City of Philadelphia - Licenses and Inspections (L&I)
This guide is general information for Philadelphia County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.