March 2015

Choosing the Best Roofing Vehicle

For ladder rack comparisons for pick up trucks go here.

When starting a roofing company, one of the first big purchases you will make is a work vehicle.  There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a vehicle for your roofing business.  You should take your time when choosing the best roofing vehicle for your business.  Don’t just get what all the other roofers have.  This isn’t about keeping up with the neighbors.  You need to get what is best for YOU and YOUR business.

What is your purpose for purchasing the vehicle in the first place?

Obviously, the main purpose is to be used for your roofing company, but the question you need to answer to help in the decision-making is: HOW will it be used?

If you want the vehicle to be driving billboard for your business, then you will most likely want to purchase a new, or nearly new vehicle.  Image will be your #1 priority.  You will not want to spend good money to have a 10 year old vehicle wrapped in your brand.  When you are first starting out, you may want to be more practical, and consider a vehicle with reliability, load capacity, fuel economy, and other factors that will take precedence over a shiny new truck.

Personally, I am not overly impressed when I see a shiny roofing truck wrapped in fancy graphics.  I would just rather spend my money in other ways.  I’m not trying to be overly critical, and I’m not saying to not advertise.  I just have been able to be successful over the years without it.  You have to decide how you want to spend your marketing dollars.  It just might be more wise to work your way up to a head-turning truck, rather than going into debt right out of the gate.

Truck or van?

Answering the question of how the vehicle will be used may also determine if you will be choosing a truck or van.  I have always preferred a pickup truck.  I like the easy access to the bed, the ability to fill it with materials or waste, and being able to use it for odd jobs like transporting large appliances.  I have talked to other roofers convinced that a van is the best way to go.  They like the large storage area, and the fact that their equipment will stay dry and safe.  Another option for a pickup truck to protect your equipment is adding a bed cap.  The negative of a bed cap is more difficult access to the inside bed, and loss of some use of the bed for hauling large materials and debris.  You will have to decide what priorities you have in relation to these points.  Towing a trailer can always be another option to give that extra room while keeping the bed covered.

How much do you want to spend?

Here’s another question where the answer may go back to how you are planning to use the vehicle.  If your main concern is reliable, sturdy transportation, I don’t see a real reason to spend 35K or 40K on a new truck, only to have it get beat up and covered in roof coating in a few years.  I realize many will disagree with me on this.  It’s your money. If you want truck payments in your budget, that is your decision.  I prefer to buy a decent looking, reliable used truck for cash, and put the rest of the money in the bank.

What brand of truck is best for roofing?

I’m not going to get into this debate.  The Chevy vs. Ford debate is the same as the Coke vs. Pepsi argument.  Everyone has their own preferences.   In reality, I think just about any truck will work as long as it is strong enough to handle the loads you will be giving it, and it is in your budget.  All major truck manufacturers- Ford, Chevy, Toyota, GMC, Nissan, and others, have pickup trucks that will meet your roofing needs.

What size truck do you need?

Some other considerations are truck cab size and bed size.  An large cab is nice not only for extra employees, but also for storing certain smaller materials or power tools you may not want in your toolbox or outside in the bed.  A long bed is great for full sheets of plywood, and for making up for lost space taken up by a large toolbox.

Ultimately, the best roofing vehicle for you will be a truck or van that best meets your needs, and fits in your budget, not what some other roofer thinks you should have.

How To Start A Roofing Business in Arizona

You must complete certain steps in order to start your roofing company in Arizona.  You may want to start here: Starting a Roofing Business.
Getting started– The official website about how to start a business in Arizona is found here: Arizona Business Startup Checklist

One of the first things you will need to do is register your business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name or DBA (“Doing Business As”) here: Arizona Trade Names and Trademarks

If you need help selecting a name for your roofing business:  

Before registering your business, you will need to select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: Arizona Business Structure

You will need to register your business with the state of Arizona.

Find out more about business registration in the state of Arizona here: Arizona Business License

You will need to open a business account at your bank.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

You will need to register your business for tax purposes and may want to hire an accountant.

If you are a small company, it is not too difficult to file your own taxes.  As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here:

You will need to register as a contractor with the state of Arizona.

You must apply for a contractor’s license to become a roofing contractor in Arizona.  Find out more about registration here: Arizona Contractor Registration .

-Get Roofing Software

Roofing software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

You will need to get some form of liability insurance.

In Arizona and many states, understanding the regulations and laws regarding the need for contractor liability and bonds for contractors can be tricky. Having the right coverage is crucial for all roofing contractors.

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Roofers need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Create Your Roofing Brand

You will want to have a memorable logo, company slogan, and other visuals you can use with your marketing materials that will show customers what you are about. 

-Create Your Roofing Website

It is important to have a solid, attractive website that is SEO-optimized in order to attract a steady flow of roofing leads.  Contact us if you need a website built.

-Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

-Get Roofing Training.

Get training and certifications in certain roofing applications to provide higher quality work and better serve your customers: Roofing Training

-Follow The Roofer’s Helper on Instagram.

Enter giveaways, see the best and worst of roofing, get your work featured, and more! Join over 150K roofing fans! >>Follow the #1 roofing account on Instagram!

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.

-Financing.

Depending on your startup budget, you may need to apply for financing to help pay for equipment.

-Roofing Marketing.

To get your roofing business going, you will need to use multiple marketing techniques that work best with your location and the services you offer: Roofing Marketing Ideas

How To Start A Roofing Business In California

There are a number of steps to take to start a roofing business in the state of California. You may want to start here: Starting a Roofing Business. You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your roofing and/or siding and gutter company, along with links to more information. Getting started- California’s official website about how to start a business in California is found here: California Business Portal

-Register your business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: California Business Name Availability .  Your fictitious name must be registered with your county clerk. If you need help selecting a name for your roofing business:  

-Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: California Business Entities More on business structure: How To Select a Roofing Business Structure

-Register your business.

After choosing your business structure, you can register your business with the state of California.  Find out more here: Register Your Business Entity

-Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

-Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here:

-Register as a Contractor.

To become a roofing contractor, you must apply for a contractor’s license in the state of California.  The registration application is found here: Contractors State License Board .

-Get Roofing Software

Roofing software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-Get Liability Insurance.

In California and many states, understanding the regulations and laws regarding the need for contractor liability and bonds for contractors can be tricky. Having the right coverage is crucial for all roofing contractors.

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Roofers need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Create Your Roofing Brand

You will want to have a memorable logo, company slogan, and other visuals you can use with your marketing materials that will show customers what you are about. 

-Create Your Roofing Website

It is important to have a solid, attractive website that is SEO-optimized in order to attract a steady flow of roofing leads.  Contact us if you need a website built.

-Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

-Get Roofing Training.

Get training and certifications in certain roofing applications to provide higher quality work and better serve your customers: Roofing Training

-Follow The Roofer’s Helper on Instagram.

Enter giveaways, see the best and worst of roofing, get your work featured, and more! Join over 150K roofing fans! >>Follow the #1 roofing account on Instagram!

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.

-Financing.

Depending on your startup budget, you may need to apply for financing to help pay for equipment.

-Roofing Marketing.

To get your roofing business going, you will need to use multiple marketing techniques that work best with your location and the services you offer: Roofing Marketing Ideas

How To Start A Roofing Business In Texas

How To Start A Roofing Business In Texas

There are a few steps to becoming a successful roofing business in Texas.  You may want to start here: How To Start a Roofing Business.  Before you spend any money, do thorough research into all the costs that will be involved in getting started and maintaining the business.

It is a lot easier to start a roofing business in Texas than in other states.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your roofing company, along with links to more information.

These links may also be helpful if you want to start a siding or gutter business, or any other construction-related company.  Getting Started- Here is a website that will help if you want to become a roofing contractor in Texas: Start a Business In Texas

-Register your business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: Registering a Business Name In Texas

If you need help selecting a name for your roofing business:  

-Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.: Selecting a Business Structure In Texas

More on Business Entities: Choosing a Roofing Business Structure

-Register your business.

You can register your business with the state of Texas here: Texas Business Registration

-Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

-Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here:

-Register as a Contractor with the State of Texas.

While there are licensing boards offering roofing licenses, at this time, the state of Texas does NOT require roofing contractors to be licensed.

-Get Roofing Software

Roofing software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-Become a Certified Roofing Inspector.

Becoming a certified roof inspector through the NRCIA (National Roof Certification and Inspection Association) will help you conduct thorough and accurate roof inspections, while providing professional data that can be used when selling a roofing job.  Find out more>

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Roofers need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Create Your Roofing Brand

You will want to have a memorable logo, company slogan, and other visuals you can use with your marketing materials that will show customers what you are about. 

-Create Your Roofing Website

It is important to have a solid, attractive website that is SEO-optimized in order to attract a steady flow of roofing leads.  Contact us if you need a website built.

-Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

-Get Roofing Training.

Get training and certifications in certain roofing applications to provide higher quality work and better serve your customers: Roofing Training

-Follow The Roofer’s Helper on Instagram.

Enter giveaways, see the best and worst of roofing, get your work featured, and more! Join over 150K roofing fans! >>Follow the #1 roofing account on Instagram!

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.

-Financing.

Depending on your startup budget, you may need to apply for financing to help pay for equipment.

-Roofing Marketing.

To get your roofing business going, you will need to use multiple marketing techniques that work best with your location and the services you offer: Roofing Marketing Ideas

How to Start a Roofing Business in Florida

There are some stages to complete to become a successful roofing business.  You may want to start here: How To Start A Roofing Business.

The state of Florida has specific requirements for roofing businesses.  Make sure you research the regulations in the area you are planning to start your business so you can operate legally.
Here are a few websites to help you get started with your business in Florida:

-You will need to select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here:

-You will need to choose and register your business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: Fictitious Name Registration

If you need help selecting a name for your roofing business:  

-You will need to register your business with the state of Florida.

You can register your business with the state of Florida here: Florida Business Registration

-You will need to open a business checking account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

-You will need to find out about the requirements for taxes, and possibly hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here:

-You will need to register as a Contractor with the state of Florida.

There is a fee to register.  The registration fee must be paid every other year.  There are two types of contractor licenses in Florida- Registered and Certified.  Registration – The applicant has taken and passed a local competency examination and can practice only within that locale.  Certification – The applicant has taken and passed an examination and can practice throughout Florida.  You can find out more about applying for your registration here: Florida Contractor Registration .

-Get Roofing Software

Roofing software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-You will need to get liability insurance.

In Florida and many states, understanding the regulations and laws regarding the need for contractor liability and bonds for contractors can be tricky. Having the right coverage is crucial for all roofing contractors.

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Roofers need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Create Your Roofing Brand

You will want to have a memorable logo, company slogan, and other visuals you can use with your marketing materials that will show customers what you are about. 

-Create Your Roofing Website

It is important to have a solid, attractive website that is SEO-optimized in order to attract a steady flow of roofing leads.  Contact us if you need a website built.

-Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

-Get Roofing Training.

Get training and certifications in certain roofing applications to provide higher quality work and better serve your customers: Roofing Training

-Follow The Roofer’s Helper on Instagram.

Enter giveaways, see the best and worst of roofing, get your work featured, and more! Join over 150K roofing fans! >>Follow the #1 roofing account on Instagram!

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.

-Financing.

Depending on your startup budget, you may need to apply for financing to help pay for equipment.

-Roofing Marketing.

To get your roofing business going, you will need to use multiple marketing techniques that work best with your location and the services you offer: Roofing Marketing Ideas

How to Start a Roofing Business In Pennsylvania

How to Start a Roofing Business In Pennsylvania

There are a number of steps to take to start a roofing business in the the state of Pennsylvania.  You may want to start here: Starting a Roofing Business. You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your roofing company, along with links to more information.
Getting started- The state of Pennsylvania has a resource about starting a business in Pennsylvania here: Start a Business In Pennsylvania Guide (PDF Download)

-Register your business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here:  Pennsylvania Fictitious Names

If you need help selecting a name for your roofing business:  

-Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: Choosing a Roofing Business Structure

-Register your business.

You can register your business with the state of Pennsylvania here: Pennsylvania Business Registration

-Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

-Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here:

-Register as a Contractor.

There is a fee to register.  The registration lasts two years.  You can apply for your registration here: Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration .  You will receive a certificate in the mail along with your official Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor number.  According the the law, “The registration number must be included in any advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals that you use in Pennsylvania.”

-Become a Certified Roofing Inspector.

Becoming a certified roof inspector through the NRCIA (National Roof Certification and Inspection Association) will help you conduct thorough and accurate roof inspections, while providing professional data that can be used when selling a roofing job.  Find out more>

-Get Roofing Software

Roofing software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-Get Liability Insurance.

In Pennsylvania and many states, understanding the regulations and laws regarding the need for contractor liability and bonds for contractors can be tricky. Having the right coverage is crucial for all roofing contractors.

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Roofers need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Free Quote Now>

-Create Your Roofing Brand

You will want to have a memorable logo, company slogan, and other visuals you can use with your marketing materials that will show customers what you are about. 

-Create Your Roofing Website

It is important to have a solid, attractive website that is SEO-optimized in order to attract a steady flow of roofing leads.  Contact us if you need a website built.

-Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

-Get Roofing Training.

Get training and certifications in certain roofing applications to provide higher quality work and better serve your customers: Roofing Training

-Follow The Roofer’s Helper on Instagram.

Enter giveaways, see the best and worst of roofing, get your work featured, and more! Join over 150K roofing fans! >>Follow the #1 roofing account on Instagram!

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.

-Financing.

Depending on your startup budget, you may need to apply for financing to help pay for equipment.

-Roofing Marketing.

To get your roofing business going, you will need to use multiple marketing techniques that work best with your location and the services you offer: Roofing Marketing Ideas

Setting up a Roofing Website

One of the most important parts of marketing in this digital age is having an internet presence.  There are a number of ways to have your business show up on the web, but a website is one of the most important.  A website will give your business credibility.  This is the same credibility that having a Yellow Pages listing used to have.

You can choose to hire someone to build your roofing website, or you can tackle the project yourself.  If you are thinking about trying to set-up your own website, here are a few basic steps:

The first step in getting a website is selecting a domain name.  This can sometimes be trickier than it seems, especially if numerous roofers around the world have your same business name.  Instead of “SmithsRoofing.com”, you may have to add additional words such as a location “SmithsRoofingBoston.com”, or choose some other catchphrase such as “TheRoofLeakDetector.com”.  You will want something easy to remember.  The domain name is important, but not nearly as important as the content of your website, so don’t lose too much sleep over deciding on it.

The next step is choosing a web host provider.  This is the company that will host your website. Your web host can also help with the domain name an may include it for free in a hosting package.  You can get a FREE domain with web hosting purchase and check for website name availability here.

Next, you will need to choose the type of website you want.  The WordPress platform is popular, and has a relatively easy learning curve (compared to learning HTML and CSS code).  There are many templates available that allow you to simply plug in your information, hit “publish”, and you are online!setting up a roofing website

Your next step is inserting the content onto your site.  You don’t necessarily need a logo, but if you have good logo, it will help the appearance of your site.  Some important pages to have are and “About” page, a “Services” page, and a “Contact” page.  You really don’t need much more than that.  In fact, you could really set up a 1 page website including all the necessary information that would be adequate.

Information you want to include on your page should include: service areas, email and phone contact information, services you provide, and any other useful information (years in business, specialties, etc.)  Keywords are important in your content.  It may seem obvious, but make sure your actual business name, location and other important information are included, and spelled correctly.  If not, your website may suffer in Google rankings when someone is searching for your services.

Resources

Contractor Resource List

Whether you are just starting your business, or are a seasoned professional, you may find you need advice or direction from other roofing contractors from time to time.  Here are a number of helpful roofing-related forums, websites, and organizations to check out:

The Roofer’s Helper on Instagram

The Roofer’s Helper on Facebook

National Roofing Contractors Association

Roofer’s Coffee Shop

Roofpedia

Roofing Contractor Magazine

Roofing Talk Forum

Contractor Talk Forum

Metal Roofing Alliance Forum

For roofing education and training sites:

Roofing Education and Training

Trade Shows and Media Partners

International Roofing Expo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roofing Training and Education

Roofing Training and Education Websites

Roofing can be a rewarding career.  Depending on what type of roofing you are interested in, education and training is essential.  If you have your own roofing company and are looking to expand services, you may need to have your employees get additional training or get certified for certain roofing applications.  As roofing products continually change, installation practices may need to be updated. Roofing training courses can include information on asphalt shingles, slate and tile, modified bitumen, TPO, PVC, EPDM, torch-down, and many other types of roofing applications.  Other roofing courses may include information on safety, employee relations, business management, etc. Whether you are a roofer who owns a company, or an employee who desires additional training, it is important be as knowledgeable as possible in your field.  Here are a few of the best resources on where to get both free and paid roofing training, education and certifications in the United States, Canada, and the UK:

United States

Canada

United Kingdom

Forming a Roofing Business Plan

Before you get started, you need to decide on the scope of your business.  Do you want commercial work, residential, or a mix?  Will you specialize in asphalt shingles, metal roofs, slate, or some other type?  Will you focus on repairs, new installation, or both?  Will you offer other services such as chimney work, gutters, siding, windows, or other?  Do you want to be independent, or join a union?  Do you want to stay small, or grow into a large company?  How will you structure your business tax-wise: Sole-Proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc.?  Not all of these questions need to be answered right away, but when forming your business plan, it would be helpful to have a short and long term vision of what you want your business to be.  This doesn’t set anything in stone, but it will help you get organized and plan accordingly.

How you envision your business in the short and long term will affect the equipment will initially need to purchase, the legal aspects you will need to address, the employees you will potentially need to hire, and how you will advertise.

Before diving in to any business, you should develop a business plan.  A plan will help organize your goals and priorities and help you make wise decisions.

Get Organized

As you get started, you will need some sort of organizational structure so you can keep your customer communications and roofing-related paperwork in order.  You won’t necessarily need a full office when starting out.  An office desk dedicated to your business would be helpful.

  • Set up an office
  • E-mail
  • Business phone
  • Estimate forms
  • Bill Forms

Equipment

Equipment will probably account for the largest portion of your startup costs.  Starting out, you don’t necessarily need all brand-new equipment.  You will save thousands of dollars in startup costs by purchasing a used truck, and other equipment.

Employees