Understanding Your Maryland Roofing Contractor’s Subcontracting Practices: A Homeowner’s Guide to Project Management

When hiring a roofing contractor in Maryland, many homeowners don’t realize that their project might involve subcontractors. Understanding these practices is crucial for ensuring your roofing project runs smoothly and meets your expectations. Let’s explore what you need to know about subcontracting in the Maryland roofing industry and how it affects your project management.

The Reality of Subcontracting in Maryland Roofing

According to the National Roofing Contractor Association (NRCA) about 70% of residential and 40% of commercial roofing projects are performed in whole or part using subcontracted labor force. This means there’s a high likelihood your Maryland roofing project will involve subcontractors, making it essential to understand how this affects your project.

The law continues to provide that only MHIC licensed contractors may enter into contracts with homeowners to perform home improvement work. However, Maryland eliminated the subcontractor license category as of July 1, 2016, which has changed how subcontracting relationships work in the state.

Why Roofing Contractors Use Subcontractors

There are several legitimate reasons why your Maryland roofing contractor might use subcontractors:

• Capacity Management: Subcontracting work to a third party allows prime roofing contractors to expand and manage more work with fewer “office” personnel. If a contractor is doing every job with in-house forces, they will be limited in scope since they can only handle so much at a time.
• Specialized Expertise: Some subcontractors bring specialized skills or experience that may be valuable for specific roofing projects.
• Seasonal Flexibility: Roofing companies may rely on subcontractors during peak seasons or times of higher demand, like after storms or when their full-time workforce is working at max capacity.

What This Means for Project Management

When subcontractors are involved, project management becomes more complex. Effective communication between the roofing company and subcontractors is crucial for project success. Delays or issues with subcontractors may affect the overall timeline, leading to potential project delays.

Some roofing contractors lack project managers, potentially leading to project risks such as details being overlooked, messy properties, poor communication, and even leaks. This is why it’s crucial to choose a contractor with strong project management systems in place.

Key Questions to Ask Your Maryland Roofing Contractor

Before signing any contract, ask these important questions:

• Will you use subcontractors? To know if a roofing company uses subcontractors, simply ask them directly. Reputable roofing companies will be transparent about their use of subcontractors and provide details about the subcontractor agreement.
• Who manages the subcontractors? We have a full project management team, which means every project is managed by a Hopkins employee, regardless of whether we are using a sub crew or not. That way we can make sure every detail is up to our standards, you are regularly updated, and you are left with a roof that is Done for Good.
• Are subcontractors insured? Yes, responsible roofing companies make sure their subcontractors are adequately insured. Subcontractors are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries that may occur during projects.

The Bay Area Exteriors MD Approach

Companies like Bay Area Exteriors MD demonstrate how proper project management should work. Learn about Bay Area Exteriors, a family-owned and operated home exterior company serving Talbot County, MD. We are a locally owned General contracting company that specializes in Roofing, Siding and Gutters. We have over 30 years experience serving the Eastern Shore and all of Maryland!

What sets quality contractors apart is their commitment to values and project management. When you choose Bay Area Exteriors as your contractor for any job, you will Find that Honesty, Integrity, Communication and Quality of workmanship is at the forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves in these values and it will show in our interactions with every customer.

Every project begins with a pre-planning meeting where we outline solutions to mitigate disruption to you and your family. Your schedule is taken into consideration. Your landscaping and driveway are covered and protected.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of contractors who:

• Are evasive about their use of subcontractors
• Cannot provide proof of subcontractor insurance
• Lack a dedicated project manager
• Don’t have clear communication protocols
• Cannot provide references from recent subcontractor-managed projects

Ensuring Project Success

Roofing project managers work with roofers and other subcontractors to ensure the project is successfully completed to the homeowner’s satisfaction. To fulfill this role, they will do the following: Coordinate and schedule all subcontractors and other trades involved with the project, including gutter experts, roofing installers, etc. They will prepare an estimated schedule specifying when each subcontractor will be onsite to handle their part of the project. This ensures they arrive on time so the project continues unhindered.

When choosing a maryland roofing contractor, prioritize those with strong project management systems, clear communication protocols, and transparency about their subcontracting practices. When hiring a roofing company, it’s a good idea to ask, “Who will be on my roof?” Understanding whether you have subcontractors or full-time roofers on your project can help you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls. If you choose a company that relies on subcontractors, be sure to ask about their qualifications, experience, and the level of oversight provided by the roofing company.

Remember, subcontracting isn’t inherently bad – it’s how it’s managed that matters. With proper oversight, clear communication, and experienced project management, subcontractor-managed projects can be just as successful as those completed by in-house teams. The key is choosing a contractor who takes responsibility for every aspect of your project, regardless of who performs the work.