Just about every structure requires a roof, whether it is a house, business, school, or government building. Roofers have a consistent flow of work as roofs do not last forever. In general, the typical roof lasts about 15 years. However, roofs require periodic inspections, maintenance and repairs after installation.
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
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Start a roofing company by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Roofing Company
- Form your Roofing Company into a Legal Entity
- Register your Roofing Company for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Roofing Company
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Roofing Company
- Get Roofing Company Insurance
- Define your Roofing Company Brand
- Create your Roofing Company Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your roofing company. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Roofing Company Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a roofing company?
Though a roofing business can be launched from one’s home, additional space will eventually be necessary as the business grows. Storage space must be available to house roofing materials. Additional expenses range from trucks for the transportation of materials to an leasing/purchasing an administrative office, paying for high-speed Internet, utilities and labor costs. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance premiums must also be paid.
What are the ongoing expenses for a roofing company?
Roofing business owners must pay their employees. Other ongoing expenses include liability and workers’ compensation insurance premiums, utilities, Internet, trucking costs and office sundries such as coffee, lunches, cleaning supplies etc. A new truck will likely cost $20,000 or more. A dumpster rental costs about $350. Alternatively, you can purchase a dumpster for around $3,000. In terms of labor, installers usually receive $15 per hour. Foremen receive around $20 per hour. Laborers typically make between $10 and $12 per hour. If you hire an office manager, he will likely make $15-$20 an hour. Rent for an office/storage space will likely be $1,000 per month. Budget in another $7,000 for liability insurance, $200 for monthly utilities, $1,000 for office supplies and at least a couple hundred dollars per month for advertising.
Who is the target market?
Roofers tend to favor clients who own property with a flat roof. Roofs with steep angles are much more difficult to work on. Most roofers prefer to do business with individuals who own numerous properties. Establish a business relationship with such an individual and it will likely mean additional projects in the future.
How does a roofing company make money?
Roofers make money in a variety of ways. Some charge for roof inspections/evaluations. A comprehensive roof evaluation requires much more than examining the roof from ground-level with a pair of binoculars. It requires climbing a ladder to the top of the roof and examining the structure’s shingles, chimney, soffit, gutters, fascia, and so on. Roofers also make money by performing roof repairs, roof replacements and roof installations on new structures.
How much can you charge customers?
Some roofers charge upwards of $100 for a comprehensive roof evaluation. Others offer free roof inspections with the hope that the property owner will lean on them for subsequent repairs/replacements. A roof replacement typically costs between $6,000 and $14,000 depending on the materials used, the size of the roof, the roof’s angles and an array of other factors. If a roof is to be replaced, you can charge around $1,000 to tear the old roof off. The cost of roof repairs hinges on the extent of the damage and the type of material to be used for the repair. Be sure to account for additional costs when providing clients with a quote. Such additional costs include fuel, insurance, truck maintenance, advertising, dumpster fees, taxes and so on.
How much profit can a roofing company make?
It is possible for roofing businesses to make a six figure profit in the initial year or couple years of operation. Roofing businesses that are in business for years can make several hundred thousand dollars in profit each year. Expand across counties, states and the nation and your roofing business will have the potential to make millions in profit.
How can you make your business more profitable?
The key to maximizing your roofing business’s profitability is to keep material and labor costs down while securing a steady stream of new clients. Establish a reputation as a high-quality roofer and you will eventually be able to charge more than your competitors as customers will be willing to pay a premium for a roof that stands the test of time. It is also possible to have sideline businesses such as a roofing consulting company. Experienced roofers have an abundance of skills and knowledge that others are willing to pay for. If you own a dumpster and won’t be using it on a specific day or week, you can rent it out. If you pay for office/storage space that you do not use in full, this space can be rented to another business owner.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your roofing company is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your roofing company were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a roofing business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
For information about local licenses and permits:
- Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
- Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Service Agreement
Roofing businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example service agreement.
Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your roofing business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.
Certificate of Occupancy
A roofing business can be run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a storefront:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a roofing business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a storefront:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your roofing business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Roofing Company needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Roofing Company.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a roofing company
Many roofers obtain additional clients through word-of-mouth referrals. Please your customers and they will be inclined to recommend your business to friends, family, co-workers and others. Though conventional forms of outbound advertising on TV, radio and newspapers are effective, an inbound marketing push will also help. Key in on search engine optimization efforts by establishing a website with a blog that establishes your business as an authority in your industry. Check out your competitors’ prices for roof evaluations, repairs and replacements. Match or beat their prices and customers will eventually gravitate toward your roofing business.
How to keep customers coming back
As noted above, word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful means of attracting new customers. Be sure to mark your company’s trucks with your business name and logo so everyone who passes by one of your work sites knows that your crew is doing the job. Aim to exceed customer expectations so they are inspired to return to your roofing business for additional projects as time progresses.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
If you like to work with your hands, desire to be your own boss, and want a consistent flow of work, the roofing business is for you. Aside from making plenty of money, opening a roofing business will provide homeowners and business owners with a much-needed line of defense against the elements. The roofing business requires climbing ladders to access roofs. If you embrace the opportunity to work high in the air on angular surfaces, the roofing business is right up your alley. This business also requires overseeing a team of workers who perform the majority of the manual labor. The best roofing business owners and managers understand how to properly delegate duties, communicate with clarity and lead employees in an effective manner.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a roofing company?
The typical roofing business owner has an incredibly busy workday. They are constantly looking to establish relationships with property owners of all varieties, from business owners to homeowners, apartment complex owners, condominium owners and beyond. Aside from recruiting clients, roofing company owners also search for high-quality, low-cost roofing materials. They ensure an ample supply of these materials are on-hand to meet the demands of each roofing project. Furthermore, roofing business owners assign workers to specific projects to ensure each client’s roofing project is completed in a thorough and timely manner.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful roofing company?
If you plan on performing some of the roofing work yourself when first starting out, you must be comfortable working with your hands at high elevations. You should have a mechanical aptitude, be in good physical shape and willing to use your body as well as your mind to complete challenging roofing projects of all varieties. Roofing business owners who elect to remain in a comfortable climate-controlled office must have solid managerial skills. They handle important duties ranging from ordering roofing materials to coordinating logistics, managing work crews and hiring/terminating employees.
What is the growth potential for a roofing company?
Successful, hardworking roofing business owners enjoy unlimited potential for growth. This is especially true of roofers located in urban or suburban areas with large populations. Roofs require plenty of attention and repairs, especially in areas that experience frequent rainstorms, windstorms, snow storms and other inclement weather. The only constraints on a roofing business’s growth are a lack of capital to purchase roofing materials and hire personnel. Most roofers find enough clients to expand their business at their desired growth rate.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a roofing company?
The best way to start a roofing business is to learn under the wing of an accomplished roofer. Watch a professional roofer at work, work alongside him, read about roof repair/replacement strategies and hire individuals who have years of experience. Another key component to operating a successful roofing business is pressing the flesh. Get out there and network! Attend industry events, socialize with business owners and spread the word about your roofing company’s merits. Of critical importance is your web presence. Build a visually friendly and informative website that features your company’s services, examples of prior work etc. It certainly helps to create online content with search engine optimization in mind so prospective clients can find your business with ease.
How and when to build a team
Though you will be able to perform some roof evaluations and repairs on your own in the first weeks and months of your roofing company’s launch, you will eventually need to hire a team of roofers. If your business grows, you will reach the point where you manage a team of roofers from the comfort of your office. Key in on experience and work ethic when hiring roofers. You need skilled individuals who aren’t afraid of hard work. After all, working high up on an angled roof on blazing hot summer days is not easy. Check each candidate’s references and work history to get a gauge as to whether he is cut out for this grueling work.