A roofing company provides repairs or replacement of a home’s roof. It may also provide other exterior remodeling services. Some roofing companies specialize in certain types of roofing materials, while others perform both commercial and residential work. The profitability of a roofing business depends on its customer base and the quality of its services.

There are several steps to starting a roofing company Rockwall, including registering with the state or province, determining the best legal entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or LLC) and obtaining any required permits. Most states require contractors to obtain licensing and insurance. Local zoning and building codes may also need to be reviewed and approved before a roofing company can begin operations.

Recruiting employees and marketing your roofing company is important to its success. The simplest way to find employees is through referrals from satisfied customers. Some roofing companies also advertise on the internet through websites, branded email blasts and social media. Recruiting through job fairs can be effective as well.

In addition to workers, a roofing company requires equipment such as ladders, scaffolding and a truck. The cost of these items can be expensive. If you are just starting out, buying used equipment is a good option to minimize initial expenses. Similarly, don’t spend more than you have to for a new truck; you might be able to find one for less money by checking classified ads and by visiting supplier outlets.

The average gross profit margin for a roofing contractor is 20 to 40 percent. Profitability varies among businesses, with higher costs and overhead potentially making it more difficult for newer and smaller roofing contractors to compete against larger firms with more experience and better pricing.

Licensed contractors must maintain liability insurance, which covers third-party injuries or damages related to a roofing project. This type of insurance is a requirement in most states for any roofing business that employs workers or contracts with customers. Some roofing companies also purchase a general business policy for commercial property damage, which protects the business against property losses that might occur outside of a specific construction site.

Roofing companies should invest in software for project management and estimation and also integrate cutting-edge technology such as drones for roof inspections to improve efficiency and client satisfaction. These technologies can also help to lower turnover and keep experienced personnel on staff. Those without the budget to hire full-time office employees can outsource many of the administrative duties like answering phones, scheduling appointments and recording inventory data to freelancers. For small roofing companies, this is often a more affordable solution than paying full-time salaries to staff for these tasks.