With many already looking forward to the warmer temperatures of Spring, residential roofers are preparing for one of the roofing industry’s busiest seasons of the year. However, applicants wanting to receive a license as an Alabama residential roofer face a new requirement in the licensing process due to a revision of the Alabama Code.

The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board passed a new regulation on May 1, 2018 requiring residential roofers to post a minimum $10,000 license bond to ensure roofers operate in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. The bond is in place to cover the cost of claims made against the contractor by any harmed parties. Individuals or businesses holding current Alabama home builders license are exempt from the updated regulations.

Although initially passed in May, the Board indicates the regulation will officially be enforced as of January 1, 2019.

How to get an Alabama Home Builders License

To become legally certified as a residential roofer in the State of Alabama, all individuals must attain a home builders license. Licenses are obtained through the Home Builders Licensure Board either by sending a written request for an application or downloading a printable copy of either the unlimited license application or the limited license application. Individuals sending in a written request for an application must specify whether they would like an unlimited or limited application. Applicants must also send a $250 check or money order for application fees and $100 for a new application processing fee to the Home Builders Licensure Board.

Applicants for the limited license must fulfill all license requirements, including providing one of the following: building permit, homeowner’s affidavit, current license issued by the State of Alabama which requires testing, contracts, or a business/occupational contractor’s license issued by either a county, township or municipality in Alabama.

Those applying for both a limited license and an unlimited license must request a credit agency to send a current credit score of the individual or business applying for a license.

Additionally, if applying as a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership the following items will need to be provided to the Board:

• Certificate of compliance from Alabama Department of Revenue
• List of corporation’s officers, if applying as a corporation
• Copy of articles of incorporation, the articles of organization, or the partnership agreement

All applicants, regardless of whether applying as an individual, corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, are required to provide proof of citizenship which could include a copy of a driver’s license, birth certificate or passport, or other proof that the applicant is lawfully present in Alabama.

Alabama Home Builders Exam

To receive an unlimited license, an individual must pass the Alabama Home Builders Exam. Exams are offered at testing sites throughout the state in Auburn, Birmingham, Enterprise, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Sheffield, and Tuscaloosa.  

Numerous businesses, such as the Builders License Training Institute, offer prep courses to help individuals study for the Alabama Home Builders Exam. Individuals can register for the exam at www.provexam.com. The $80 examination fee can be paid by money order, cashier check, certified check, or credit card.

Need a surety bond to become a licensed Alabama residential roofer?

The experts at SuretyBonds.com have years of experience issuing contractor bonds nationwide, meaning they know what it takes to get the bond you need quickly and easily. For a free, no obligation quote on your surety bond, visit SuretyBonds.com or call today at 1 (800) 308-4358.