How To Start a Roofing Company: A Complete Guide

A storm rages outside, the wind rattling the windows and whistling through the cracks of a house. But inside, a family sleeps peacefully under a sturdy, expertly installed roof. 

As a roofing company owner, you get to create that sense of comfort and security for hundreds of homeowners. 

Starting a roofing business is a great career move if you love hands-on work. But it requires careful planning. It’s not just about skill with tools. You have to manage finances, understand regulations, and know how to bring in new customers.

Here’s what you need to know about how to start a roofing company from the ground up. Learn everything from initial planning to finding your first clients so you build a rock-solid foundation for your new venture.

How To Start a Roofing Company

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a step-by-step on everything you need to do to start the business.

1. Make a Business Plan

A business plan is like a map for your roofing company. It outlines your business idea, goals, and how you’ll achieve them. You can always refer back to it if you’re stuck or want to decide what to do next.

A business plan is also useful if you decide to borrow money or bring in partners. It shows them you’re serious and have a clear path in mind. Plus, a good business plan helps you stay focused and make smart decisions as your company grows.

Here are the key items to put in a business plan:

• Executive Summary. This brief overview of your business captures the main points of your plan.
• Company Description. This section details what your roofing business does and what makes it stand out from the competition.
• Goals and Objectives. Here, you outline what you want to achieve in the short and long terms.
• Market Analysis. Provide information about your target customers and competitors.
• Marketing and Sales Strategies. Explain how you’ll attract and keep customers.
• Operations Plan. This describes how you’ll run your business day-to-day.
• Financial Projections. Here, you include estimated income, expenses, and profits.
• Management Team. This section introduces who will run the business and their experience.
• Funding Requirements. Finally, explain how much money you need to get started and grow the business.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — How To Develop a Roofing Company Business Plan 

2. Determine Initial Costs and Profit Projections

Do some research to figure out how much money you need to begin. Your location, goals, and experience all inform starting capital. 

You should also consider how to price your jobs accordingly. You should be able to pay for labor and equipment while making a profit.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Roofing Business?

Starting a roofing business typically costs at least $5,000, depending on what supplies you need. This might seem like a lot, but it covers many important things you need to get started. And your profits will make up for it if you achieve success.

When figuring out your startup costs, you may need to budget for:

• Tools and equipment
• A work truck
• Insurance
• Licensing
• Marketing

Keep in mind that it’s better to overestimate your costs than to run out of money early on. Plan carefully, and you’ll be on solid financial footing from the start.

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How Much Do Roofing Company Owners Make?

Roofing can be a profitable business. But like any industry, earnings vary. It depends on factors like your location, the size of your business, the types of roofing jobs you take on, and how well you manage your costs and pricing.

So, how much do roofers make, exactly? According to PayScale, the average roofer makes about $20 an hour. But the benefit of owning a business is that you can control how much you make. If you’d prefer to boost your pay to $25 or $30 per hour—or even more—that’s within your right. Just keep in mind that you still have to charge competitive prices to get clients.

3. Get Licenses and Insurance

Before you start working on roofs, you need to have your paperwork in order. So, what license do you need to start a roofing company, and is it always required?

Depending on your state, you may need a specific roofing license, a general contractor license, or something else. Most require roofing businesses to have these licenses and to be registered. This protects customers and makes sure roofing contractors know what they’re doing. Some states only ask for a license if you’re working on projects above a certain caliber.

Many states also require licensed roofers to have insurance. This usually includes:

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If you have employees, this covers them if they get hurt on a roofing job.
• General Liability Insurance. This protects your business if something goes wrong, like damage on a customer’s property.

Even if your state doesn’t require insurance, it’s smart to have it anyway. It can save you from serious financial problems when accidents happen.

4. Register Your Business

Your choice of which business structure to register has important implications for your paperwork, your regulatory burden, and the way your company works. The two most likely options are:

• Sole Proprietorship. This is the simplest option if you’re working alone. It’s easy to set up, but you’re personally responsible for any business debts.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC requires a little more paperwork, but it protects your personal assets if something goes wrong with the business. It’s a good choice for small to medium-sized roofing companies.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — How To Register a Business in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

5. Set Up Banking and Accounting

Managing money is a big part of running a roofing business. Start by opening a business bank account. This keeps your personal and business money separate, which makes taxes easier and looks more professional to customers.

Next, set up a system to track your money. You can hire an accountant, use a bookkeeper, or try accounting software. Whichever you choose, make sure you’re keeping good records of all the money coming in and going out.

Good accounting helps you:

• Know if you’re making a profit
• Plan for big expenses
• Pay the right amount of taxes
• Make smart decisions about your business

6. Obtain the Essential Tools and Equipment

To start your roofing business, you need the right tools. Here’s a list of essential equipment for your roofing toolkit:

• Extension ladder
• Roofing nailer
• Air compressor
• Electric drill
• Shingle remover
• Pry bar
• Nail pouch
• Roofing nails
• Roofing caulking and caulk gun
• Tape measure
• Chalk box
• Framing square
• Tin snips

7. Hire and Train Your Roofing Team

As your business grows, you may want to think about hiring a team. This usually happens when you have more work than you can handle alone. Here’s what to consider when building your roofing crew:

• Experience. Look for people with roofing skills. But be open to training the right newcomers, too. A passionate beginner can also do great work as long as you’re willing to train them properly.
• Safety Awareness. Roofing work can be dangerous, so hire workers who take safety seriously.
• Reliability. You need team members who show up on time and work hard.
• People Skills. Your crew will interact with customers, so great communication is crucial.

When you hire new workers, take time to train them well. Teach them about:

• Your company’s specific way of doing things
• Safety rules and best practices
• How to use tools and equipment properly
• Customer service expectations

Start small and add more workers as your business expands. Good employees are worth the investment in time and training. 

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8. Market Your Roofing Business

To attract customers and show them what you can do, get the word out about your roofing business. Here are some effective ways to market your services:

• Create a Professional Website. Share information about your services, photos of your work, and customer reviews.
• Use Social Media. Post updates and before-and-after pictures on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Ask for Referrals. Encourage satisfied customers to tell their friends and family about your work.
• Offer Free Inspections. This can help you meet potential customers and spot roofing issues they might not know about.
• Partner With Other Businesses. Team up with real estate agents, home improvement stores, and other adjacent roles to find new clients.
• Join Local Business Groups. This can help you network and find opportunities in your community.

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6 Tips for Running a Successful Roofing Company

To help your roofing business thrive, keep these tips in mind:

1. Prioritize Quality Work. Always do your best job, even on small projects. Happy customers recommend you to others, helping your business grow through word-of-mouth.
2. Stay Up-To-Date. Roofing techniques and materials change over time, so keep learning. Attend industry workshops, read trade magazines, and consider getting additional certifications to improve your skills and knowledge. Make this your top priority if you’re starting a roofing company with no experience.
3. Build Strong Relationships. Treat customers, suppliers, and employees with respect and honesty. Good relationships can lead to repeat business and a more loyal, hardworking team.
4. Manage Your Finances Carefully. Keep detailed records of your income and expenses, and review them regularly. Set aside money for slow seasons and unexpected costs to keep your business stable year-round.
5. Focus on Safety. Protect your workers and your business by following all safety rules and using proper equipment. Regular safety training and inspections prevent accidents and show customers you’re a responsible professional.
6. Work on Your Communication Skills. Have clear, honest talks with customers about project details, timelines, and costs. Good communication with your staff can also improve teamwork and prevent misunderstandings on the job.

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Win More Clients On-The-Spot With Quick and Professional Estimates

Making accurate estimates is a cornerstone of running a successful roofing company. That’s where Joist comes in.

Joist lets you create and share your estimates in just minutes with its easy-to-use mobile estimating tool. It’s packed with powerful features built for contractors, including Deposits, Markups, and Contracts. Start your business on the right foot.