Poplin Provides Legal Insights on Roofing Business Requirements

Adams & Reese Construction Partner Ashlee Poplin was a guest on The Coffee Shops™ Read Listen Watch® webinar, “Give Your Business a Strong Foundation.” From licensing boards to continuing education, Poplin provided legal insights on the requirements for starting a roofing business. 

“The first things to consider when starting your own roofing business are obtaining the proper licenses, permits and requirements needed to operate in your state,” said Poplin. “It is crucial to know what is required in your state.”

Some states require business owners to have a general contractor’s license to do briefings, and there are several different requirements per state that you must meet to be able to get that license. For example, in North Carolina, where Poplin practices, a general contractor’s license is required for roofing projects that exceed $40,000, but in neighboring South Carolina, any roofing project over $5,000 requires a general contractor’s license. 

This is just one example of the differences in requirements, licenses and permits between states. Another example of each state’s unique requirements is the difference in where contractors obtain their licenses. Poplin explained, “Each office is not named the same in each state. For example, North Carolina is the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC). But in South Carolina, it is the South Carolina Licensing Department. Usually, you can find out who you need licensure from in your state through a simple internet search.” 

Further, each state has different tests and credits required to get that license.

“Some states have a tiered system in their licensing and depending on what tier you're in, depends on whether you have to participate in the continuing education,” Poplin said. “Some states have done away with continuing education altogether, but each state has a specific set of requirements. A lot of them depend on your background and expertise. Things like your experience level and financial position play a part.”  

Most states have an exam that you must take to get licensed, and Poplin says states like North Carolina and South Carolina differ on the exam specifics, as well. So, it’s critical to research the requirements in both the state you are starting your business in and any states you want to operate in. 

“Even though North and South Carolina border each other, South Carolina also requires a law section to their exam. And so, they have two exams that you have to take for your South Carolina license where North Carolina only requires the general contractors licensing test. It varies.”

Poplin is a Partner at Adams & Reese and a member of the Adams & Reese Construction Practice Group. Poplin has extensive experience in all areas of construction law and civil litigation. She is recognized among the Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch in Construction Law and Litigation, and among North Carolina Super Lawyers® Rising Stars in Construction Law.