How to Start a Roofing Company: A Complete Guide

Thinking about starting a roofing company with no experience?

While the industry is built on experience, plenty of people venture into it fresh without any past exposure. The roofing sector is resilient and ever-growing, boasting a steady 4% annual increase in demand. This means there's no shortage of work, making it an opportune time to start a roofing business—even if you're a newcomer.

You absolutely can start a business in the roofing industry with no prior experience. As unbelievable as it sounds, it's true.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of launching a successful roofing company without prior experience. We'll cover what you need to get started, the appeal of the roofing industry, who should consider this path, the importance of leveraging software, and pitfalls to avoid.

Why you can start a roofing company without roofing experience

There's no doubt that installing a roof requires experience and hands-on skills. But installing a roof and running a business are two different things.

Being a business owner requires a unique set of skills. Not all roofers could run their own roofing business. So, if you're a business-savvy person, it is possible to hire the right people and build a successful roofing company.

That doesn’t mean, however, that roofing experience doesn’t help. Experience can help you grow your business quicker and make it easier since you'll already have industry connections.

If you want to start a roofing company and don't have experience in roofing, we'd recommend learning as much about roofing as possible.

Why the roofing industry?

For many people looking to start a profitable business, roofing is very appealing. Why? A few reasons:

• Steady demand: With continuous development in communities and increasing housing needs, roofing services remain essential. It is considered a "recession-proof" industry. People will always need roofs.
• Growth potential: The industry has shown consistent growth, offering ample opportunities for new businesses. Most roofing companies fail in the first five years, often because they lack business savvy and lean solely on their roofing experience. If you can budget, forecast, hire the right people, and plan ahead, it is possible to grow a successful business.
• Diverse opportunities: From residential to commercial projects, metal and shingle, tile and solar, the opportunities in roofing are vast. If you're willing to put in the work, you can make it happen.

Who should start a roofing business?

Starting a roofing company isn't just for seasoned roofers. It's suitable for:

• Entrepreneurs: Individuals with a knack for business management and growth strategies. Running a roofing business is similar to running any small business in many ways. You have to be okay with putting in the work.
• Investors: Those looking to diversify their portfolio in a stable industry. Some small roofing companies might want to sell. Instead of starting a new business, you could buy an existing, successful one.
• Roofing professionals: Many roofers who have spent years in the industry decide to start their own businesses. They lean on their skills, networks, and connections to become their own bosses.

6 things to do before starting your roofing business

Once you know you want to start your own roofing company, here are six things you can do to get the ball rolling:

1. Learn about the industry: Start by studying what you would like to learn. Setting some time aside every day is a good idea to learn about starting a roofing company.
2. Learn from experts: Talk to experts for industry-specific knowledge on starting a roofing company. You can also access free roofing webinars and podcasts from roofing business experts like Roofr for insights into running your company efficiently.
3. Interact with the roofing community: Attend roofing business events to build a network and connect with people on the same path as you.
4. Read widely: Read books to expand your knowledge of the roofing industry. A book like "The calm after the storm" by Daniel Koren is helpful in that regard. This book contains information about the roofing process, roof damage and repairs, and, more importantly, how you can help clients with the insurance claims process should any damage come to their roof. Another great book is “The Roofing Machine” by Martin Petegraw.
5. Gain firsthand experience: You can also try gaining some experience yourself. See if you can join a crew or work for a season as a roofer. It's one of the best ways to get acquainted with the roofing industry and its system.
6. Be open-minded and sharp: Different rules govern the roofing industry, so you'll need to be open-minded and adapt to that ecosystem. The ever-changing industry trends, new equipment, and more can be a gamechanger for your business.

What do you need to start a roofing business?

Once you have that foundation built and are ready to get started, here are a few things you'll need to take care of:

• Craft your business plan: Outline your company's vision, target market, services, and financial projections. You'll want to decide what types of roofing you'll do, too.
• Review legal requirements: Register your business, obtain necessary licenses, and understand local regulations.
• Insurance: You'll want general liability insurance and more specific insurance to protect yourself, your team, and homeowners. A roof is an important part of a home, and you don't want to take any risks.
• Team: If you aren't from the roofing industry, then you'll want to hire to fill your knowledge gaps. Hire experienced roofing professionals, installers, and salespeople who know the industry. They can also help you learn.
• Equipment: Invest in high-quality tools and equipment, like safety gear. You can ask your team for recommendations as well. You'll also want to look at where you want to order materials from and secure partnerships there.
• Marketing strategy: Develop a plan to reach your target audience effectively. Consider business cards, logos, company names, social media, advertising, website creation, and other branding needs for your business.

Using software to build a successful business

In today’s digital age, leveraging the right software can be a game-changer for your roofing company. Here’s why:

• Efficiency: Software streamlines tasks like measurements, proposals, and project management. You can use software to order satellite measurements, keep your team organized, track leads and job progress, and send proposals to customers. You can accomplish a lot with minimal effort using the power of software.
• Professionalism: Software boosts your image as a high-quality business. For many people, the use of software and professionalism go hand in hand. Use software to provide high-quality proposals to homeowners and win their trust.
• Competitive edge: Not all roofing companies lean on software to give them that added bump over competitors. When you're starting off new, build that foundation by getting settled into software quickly. It'll make it easy to scale and grow.

Streamline your roofing process with Roofr

When starting a roofing company, especially without prior experience, having the right tools can make all the difference. Roofr offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions designed to simplify your operations, boost efficiency, and help you stand out in a competitive market. Here’s how Roofr can elevate your business:

Satellite measurements: 

Roofr's satellite measurement tool allows you to quickly and accurately measure roofs without stepping foot on a ladder. By leveraging satellite imagery, you can obtain precise measurements in a matter of hours. This tool not only saves time but also minimizes risks associated with physical inspections.

Benefits:

• Reduces time spent on-site
• Provides accurate measurements for precise estimates
• Enhances safety by eliminating the need to climb roofs

Digital proposals: 

Creating and sending proposals has never been easier. With Roofr's digital proposal tool, you can generate professional, branded proposals in minutes. This tool is designed to impress your clients with clear, detailed estimates and a polished presentation.

Benefits:

• Speeds up the proposal process, enabling quicker client decisions
• Customizes proposals to reflect your brand
• Includes options for upselling additional services, increasing deal size

Lead capturing:

 Roofr's lead-capturing tools, such as the Instant Estimator, help you efficiently capture and qualify leads. The estimator allows potential clients to receive quick quotes by entering their details online, streamlining the lead generation process.

Benefits:

• Captures qualified leads with minimal effort
• Provides quick responses to potential clients, improving conversion rates
• Integrates with your CRM for seamless follow-up

Online payments:

Roofr simplifies the payment process with digital payment solutions that allow clients to pay online quickly and securely. This feature ensures that you get paid faster and reduces the administrative burden of tracking payments.

Benefits:

• Speeds up the payment process
• Offers clients a convenient, secure way to pay
• Reduces delays in cash flow, improving financial stability

Customer communication tools:

 Effective communication is key to maintaining strong client relationships. Roofr's customer communication tools like email and SMS messaging empower you to keep in touch with clients easily. This transparency builds trust and enhances the overall customer experience.

Benefits:

• Keeps clients informed, reducing misunderstandings
• Enhances customer satisfaction by providing regular updates
• Builds trust, leading to more referrals and repeat business

Why Roofr?

Incorporating Roofr into your operations is not just about convenience; it's about positioning your business for long-term success. These tools help you operate more efficiently, reduce errors, and provide a superior customer experience. As you grow, Roofr scales with you, offering additional features and integrations to meet your expanding needs.

By utilizing Roofr’s full suite of tools, even a roofing business started with no prior experience can achieve professional-grade operations from day one. Whether it's generating precise roof measurements, crafting impressive proposals, capturing leads, or managing customer relationships,Roofr equips you with everything you need to succeed.

3 things to avoid when building a roofing business

Whatever you do, make sure you don't...

1. Skimp on safety Always prioritize safety protocols to protect your team and clients. The best and most successful roofing businesses care about their people. Put them first, and they'll want to help you grow.
2. Overextending yourself, financially: Be cautious with expenditures and avoid taking on  too much debt. This is one of the main reasons so many roofing companies fail. Forecast your seasons, be smart with your budgets, and get creative with your marketing.
3. Neglect customer service: Exceptional service fosters loyalty and referrals, essential for growth. In roofing, referrals are everything. Word of mouth can make or break your business. Take customer experience seriously, and your bookings will thank you.

Starting your roofing company

Capitalizing on software for roofing contractors sets your company apart from the horde. With Roofr, you’ll be able to develop high-quality proposals, generate roof reports in under 24 hours, and easily convert leads to clients.

Our mission is to provide everyone in North America with an affordable roof, and many roofing experts and contractors have turned to Roofr for similar purposes.

If you want a complete sales toolbox for your company, consider choosing Roofr, especially if you’re planning on starting a roofing company with no experience. 

Register for Roofr today to scale your business, even without prior experience!