Can a Roofing Contractor in Illinois Do Garages with a Roofing License?

The short answer is YES, but it depends entirely on the type of garage and your specific roofing licenses. In the State of Illinois, holding a contractor license does not mean you can roof every structure you see. The IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation) has strict rules about which roofing contractor can work on specific properties.

If you have a limited roofing license, you are restricted to residential work. Naturally, you will need an unlimited roofing license to work on a commercial garage. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about state roofing regulations for garages.

Quick Overview: Garage Scope for the Roofing Contractor

Before you bid on a roofing project, you must understand the types of Illinois roofing licenses relative to garages.

Garages &  Types of Roofing Licenses

There are two types of roofing contractor licenses:

• Limited roofing license
• Unlimited roofing license

Both the Limited and Unlimited license allow Illinois roofing contractors to work on garage roofs. However, the extent of the work is limited to either residential, commercial, or industrial projects. You have to understand the limits of these licenses.

1. Limited Roofing License & Garages

This license in Illinois is designed for residential work. It allows you to perform roofing work on residential properties consisting of 8 units or less. Naturally, a Limited License is sufficient if you are:

• Roofing a detached for a single-family home
• Roofing any garage for residential home that is < or = 8 units

In addition to the license, you must also acquire a roofing permit if the garage:

• Requires any amount of structural work
• Has a pitch exceeding 2:12
• Requires a Low-Sloped roof

Please check local regulations to avoid legal trouble. Chicago and Peoria have the most intensive permit requirements. You will need roofing permits for most projects in these areas.

2. Unlimited Roofing License

The Unlimited Roofing License is for the roofing contractor who wants to do it all. This contractor license in Illinois allows you to work on any residential and commercial roofing  project. The Unlimited license allows you to work on:

• Any detached or attached garage
• Commercial garage roofs (mechanic shops, industrial parking lots)

If you plan to work on a large parking garage or a mechanic's shop, you need an unlimited roofing license. Generally, most contractors prefer opting for the unlimited instead of the standard residential roofing license.

What Do You Need to Do Garage Roofs in Illinois?

You will need 3 things to work on garage roofs in Illinois. These are:

• Roofing License: Limited or Unlimited Depending on garage.
• Building Permit: Varies according to roof and municipality.
• Insurance & Bonds: All roofing projects are backed by insurance and surety bonds.

Working on any roofing project, be it a garage or general roof is illegal without meeting these core requirements. We'll explain how you meet all three of these requirements.

1. Roofing License for Garages

You can get a roofing license by passing the relevant 105 license exam. We recommend going for the Unlimited license because it gives you more freedom. Irrespective of the license you choose, you must:

• Apply for the license exam on CTS website
• Pay the $248 examination fee
• Join a roofing license prep course.
• Pass the exam and apply with the IDFPR
• Meet all background checks

Yes, the process is tedious but that's the cost of ambition. You can start looking for garage roofs the moment you get your license. With a bit of luck and some networking, you'll find your first job!

2. Building Permits and Building Codes

Now that you've found a gig, it's time to get a permit. You will need a permit to work on a garage roof in most municipalities of Illinois. Now, two things to remember here:

• The local building authority will check your license number.
• The application will be denied, if you try to pull a permit for a commercial garage with a residential license.

You must hold a valid roofing license that matches the building's classification to comply with building codes. Please check your local building codes, laws, and their implications on your project.

3. Insurance and Surety Bond

According to the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act, you must maintain financial protection. You need to secure:

• General Liability Insurance: $500,000 coverage.
• Property Damage Insurance: $250,000 coverage.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees.
• Surety Bond: $10,000 for limited license, or a $25,000 for an unlimited license.

These mount up to about $800 in roofing insurance costs. Please remember these are in addition to the roofing license costs, which include the examination and application fee.

Is Garage Roofing Profitable in Illinois?

Garage roofing is very profitable because these projects:

• Have quick turn around times
• Give a 20% to 40% net profit
• Lower overhead costs

Garages unlike house roofs have limited space and structural constraints. Naturally, these are much easier to work on and finish. Garages are also subsidiary structures, with high maintenance demand, especially across Illinois.

Garage roofing systems also require a limited number of workers, which means lower overhead costs. Naturally, garage roofing projects have a higher net profit margin compared to other roofing projects.

FAQs on Roofing Contractor Licenses

Do general contractors need a roofing license in Illinois?

Yes. A general contractor license is not enough. If you want to perform roofing yourself, you must obtain a specific roofing license in Illinois. While registrations for general contractors allow you to manage a project, they do not allow you to install the roof.

What happens if I do unlicensed roofing?

Unlicensed roofing is illegal. If you perform work without a valid roofing license, or work outside your license scope (e.g., doing commercial work with a limited license), you can face fines of up to $10,000 per offense under the Industry Licensing Act.

Does a detached garage count as "8 units or less"?

A garage is an accessory structure. If it serves a residential property consisting of 8 units or fewer, it falls under the Limited Roofing License. If it serves a large condo complex (9+ units) or commercial properties, you need an Unlimited Roofing License.

Bottom Line on Garage Roofing in Illinois

Stick to residential garages if you are a state roofing contractor with a limited license. Unlimited license holders can work on all types of garage roofing projects. In addition to a license, you will also need a roofing permit.

Garage roofing projects are very profitable with low overhead, quick turn around times, and bigger net profit margins. Want to work on garages but don't have a license? Join our exam prep classes today and become a fully licensed roofing contractor.