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Why It Matters Whether Your Roofing Contractor Uses Employees or Subcontractors

When you’re hiring a roofing contractor for your project, one of the most important questions to ask is whether they use their own employees for the majority of the work or rely on subcontractors. While both approaches can be legitimate, understanding the difference and what it means for your project is crucial to ensuring quality work and protecting yourself from potential risks.

Employees vs. Subcontractors: What’s the Difference?

Employees are directly hired, trained, and managed by the roofing contractor. They work under the company’s supervision and are usually covered by the contractor’s insurance policies, including workers’ compensation, general liability, and other necessary coverages.

Subcontractors are independent professionals or teams that a contractor hires to perform specific parts of a project. While subcontractors can be highly skilled, they are not directly managed by the contractor in the same way as employees. This means they are responsible for carrying their own insurance and operating under their own business license.

Why It’s Important to Know

Knowing whether a contractor uses employees or subcontractors matters for a few key reasons:

1. Insurance Coverage
   • If a contractor uses subcontractors, you need to confirm that each subcontractor carries the appropriate insurance. This includes workers’ compensation, general liability, auto insurance, and a roofing-specific insurance policy. If the subcontractors lack coverage and an accident occurs, you could be held liable for damages or injuries.
   • Contractors like Cascade Roofing, who use their own employees, typically carry insurance that automatically covers their workers, providing you with an extra layer of protection.
2. Quality Control
   • Employees are often more consistent in quality because they receive direct training from the company and follow established protocols. They also work under closer supervision, which can lead to higher standards of workmanship.
   • Subcontractors may not always adhere to the same quality standards, as they operate independently. While many subcontractors are highly skilled, inconsistencies in work quality can sometimes arise. Cascade Roofing ensures quality control by employing their own trained staff.
3. Accountability
   • When a contractor uses their own employees, accountability is straightforward. If something goes wrong, the contractor is responsible for addressing it.
   • When subcontractors are involved, resolving issues can become more complicated. If the subcontractor makes a mistake, you may need to rely on them to fix it, which can lead to delays or disputes. Cascade Roofing takes full accountability for their employees’ work, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.
4. Project Timeline and Efficiency
   • Contractors who use their own employees typically have more control over scheduling and project timelines. This can lead to more predictable project completion dates.
   • When subcontractors are used, delays can occur if the subcontractor has scheduling conflicts or other commitments. With Cascade Roofing, you benefit from efficient scheduling and timely project completion due to their dedicated team of employees.

What to Ask Your Contractor

To protect yourself and ensure a smooth project, ask the contractor the following questions:

• “Do you use your own employees for most of the work?”
• “If you use subcontractors, can you provide proof that each subcontractor carries the necessary insurance coverage?”
• “How do you ensure quality control if subcontractors are involved?”
• “Who will be my primary point of contact during the project?”

Verifying Insurance Coverage

If your contractor does use subcontractors, ask for proof of insurance for each subcontractor involved in your project. Specifically, request certificates for the following types of coverage:

1. General Liability Insurance – Covers property damage or injuries caused during the project.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Protects workers if they get injured while working on your roof.
3. Auto Insurance – Covers any vehicle-related accidents that may occur on your property.
4. Roofing-Specific Insurance – Ensures coverage for the unique risks associated with roofing work.

Cascade Roofing: Serving Portland, Tigard, and Beaverton

If you’re looking for a trusted roofing contractor in the Portland area, including Tigard and Beaverton, Cascade Roofing is a reputable choice. Cascade Roofing is known for using their own trained employees for the majority of their work, ensuring quality craftsmanship, reliable timelines, and comprehensive insurance coverage. By hiring Cascade Roofing, you can feel confident that your project is handled by professionals who are accountable and dedicated to delivering top-notch results.

Cascade Roofing has built a strong reputation in Portland, Tigard, and Beaverton for providing excellent service and consistent quality. Their experienced team of employees ensures that every job meets their high standards, giving you a roof that lasts for years to come.

Cascade Roofing – Since 1959

Choosing a roofing contractor who uses their own employees can simplify the process and give you greater peace of mind regarding insurance, quality, and accountability. However, if the contractor does use subcontractors, being diligent about verifying insurance and understanding how the contractor manages quality control is essential. By asking the right questions, you can protect your investment and ensure a successful roofing project in Portland, Tigard, Beaverton, and beyond. Trust Cascade Roofing for your next roofing project to ensure quality, reliability, and professionalism.