What Does "Licensed General Contractor" Mean?
It's the Highest Level of Contractor Licensing in North Carolina
In North Carolina, there are three levels of contractors:
1. Unlicensed 'Roofer'
No state license required for jobs under $30,000. No bonding or financial accountability. No state oversight or complaint process. Can only do roofing (can't touch siding, windows, structural work).
Technically allowed for smaller jobs, but limited accountability and no state regulatory protection for homeowners.
2. Limited License (Specialty Contractor)
Licensed by the state for one trade (roofing only). Must carry liability insurance. Subject to state complaints/discipline. Still can't handle non-roofing work (siding, windows, etc.).
Licensed and insured, but scope is limited to roofing only. If your roof replacement reveals rotten fascia, soffits, or structural issues, they can't legally fix it—they have to call someone else.
3. General Contractor (Unlimited License)
Licensed by the state for all trades (roofing, siding, windows, structural, framing, etc.). Must carry higher insurance limits ($1M+ liability, workers' comp). Financially bonded. Can pull permits for any residential/commercial work. Subject to strict state oversight.
This is K&D. We hold NC General Contractor License #84720—an unlimited license that allows us to handle entire exterior renovations, not just roofing.
What It Takes to Become a Licensed General Contractor
The Requirements Are Strict—and That's What Protects Homeowners
1. Pass the NC General Contractor Exam
Covers building codes, contracts, project management, business law, and safety regulations. Pass rate is approximately 50%, requiring comprehensive knowledge of construction standards and legal requirements.
2. Prove Financial Stability
Submit financial statements, tax returns, and credit reports. The state verifies you can handle large projects and honor warranties. Must maintain minimum net worth and liquidity to ensure long-term viability.
3. Carry Higher Insurance Limits
General liability: $1M minimum. Workers' compensation: Required for all employees. Bonding: Financial guarantee that you'll complete contracted work. This protects homeowners from liability and ensures project completion.
4. Submit to State Oversight
The NC Licensing Board can audit projects, investigate complaints, and revoke licenses. All complaints, disciplinary actions, and license status are public record, ensuring transparency and accountability.
5. Renew Annually (and Stay Compliant)
General Contractor licenses expire every year. Must re-submit proof of insurance, financial statements, and continuing education. Fail any requirement and the license gets suspended or revoked.
What a Licensed GC Gets You
Legal Protection, Accountability, and Peace of Mind
Legal Recourse and Protection
If something goes wrong, you can file a complaint with the NC Licensing Board. The state investigates, can require us to fix issues, or revoke our license. You're protected by state law and our bond.
Proper Permits and Inspections
We pull proper permits for every job (required by law) and coordinate municipal inspections. Your work is verified by a third-party building inspector, ensuring quality and code compliance.
Workers' Comp Protection
We carry workers' compensation insurance for every employee. If someone gets hurt on the job, our insurance pays—not you. You're protected from liability.
Comprehensive Exterior Services
We can handle roofing, siding, windows, fascia, soffit, structural repairs, and framing under one license. One contractor, one contract, one warranty. No coordination headaches.
Financial Accountability (Bonding)
Licensed GCs are bonded. The state verifies we're financially stable. If we fail to complete contracted work, you can file a claim against our bond for financial protection.
The "Cheap Roofer" vs. "Licensed GC" Math
Why Unlicensed Roofers Are Cheaper (And Why You Should Care)
| Cost They Avoid | Annual Savings | Who Pays If Something Goes Wrong? |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor license | $1,000–$2,000/year | You (no recourse) |
| Workers' comp insurance | $10,000–$30,000/year | You (if worker gets hurt) |
| Liability insurance | $3,000–$8,000/year | You (if property damage occurs) |
| Bonding | $2,000–$5,000/year | You (if they take deposit and disappear) |
| Permits | $200–$800 per job | You (insurance denies claims for unpermitted work) |
| Inspections | $150–$400 per job | You (no oversight = higher defect risk) |
| State oversight/compliance | Time and accountability | You (no complaint process) |
Total annual savings for unlicensed roofer: $20,000–$50,000+
That's why they're cheaper. They're offloading risk onto you.
Is saving $2,000 worth risking a $50,000 lawsuit or a denied insurance claim? That's the question.
Verify K&D's License (Public Record)
K&D Roofing holds NC General Contractor License #84720.
You can verify this (and check for complaints/disciplinary actions) at:
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
nclbgc.org/contractors/searchSearch: "K&D Roofing" or "Todd Kennedy" or License #84720
You'll see:
- License status (active/inactive)
- Issue date and expiration
- Any complaints or disciplinary actions (we have zero)
- Bonding and insurance verification
This is public information. If a roofer claims to be licensed and you can't find them in the database, they're lying.
Licensed GC + GAF Master Elite + FORTIFIED = The Trifecta
K&D Is One of the Only Contractors in NC with All Three
Licensed General Contractor (NC #84720)
→ Legal accountability, permits, insurance, ability to handle full exteriors
GAF Master Elite® Contractor (Top 2%)
→ Access to best warranties, factory-trained crews, labor coverage
FORTIFIED Representative™ (IBHS Certified)
→ Engineered storm resistance, insurance discounts, third-party verified
There are maybe 10–15 contractors in the entire Triangle with all three designations. Most roofers have zero.
Licensed GC FAQs
Do I really need a licensed contractor for a roof replacement?
Legally? No (in NC, jobs under $30,000 don't require a license). Practically? Absolutely. Here's why: Legal protection (state complaint process, bonding), Insurance requirements (workers' comp, liability), Permit compliance (required by code, enforced by insurance companies), Ability to handle non-roofing issues (structural repairs, fascia, soffits). Unlicensed roofers are cheaper for a reason—they're offloading risk onto you.
How do I verify a contractor's license?
Go to nclbgc.org/contractors/search and search by name or license number. You can verify K&D's license: NC General Contractor #84720 (publicly verifiable on the NC Licensing Board website).
Can K&D handle more than just roofing?
Yes. As a licensed General Contractor, we can handle: Roofing (shingle, metal, flat, FORTIFIED), Siding (vinyl, HardiBoard, Ascend), Windows (replacement, new construction), Fascia and soffit (repair or replacement), Structural repairs (rotten decking, framing issues), Storm damage restoration (roof + siding + windows in one project). One contractor. One contract. One warranty.
Does K&D subcontract work?
No. Our crews are W-2 employees—not subcontractors. Why that matters: Consistency (same crews, same training, same quality standards), Accountability (we control every aspect of the job), Insurance compliance (our workers' comp covers everyone on your roof). Many roofers sub out to random labor crews. You don't know who's on your roof, they're not insured, and the 'roofing company' has no control over quality. K&D crews are ours—trained, vetted, insured, and accountable.
Your Roof Won't Fix Itself.
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