Author: Rich Prue

How to Start a Construction Company In VirginiaThere are a number of steps to take to start a construction business in the the state of Virginia.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly. You may want to start here:  How To Start A Construction Company.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your own construction company, along with links to more information.Getting started- The state of Virginia provides resources for getting your business started: Virginia Business One Stop-Select your business structure.Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here:…

Even with the innovation of pneumatic roofing nail guns, hammers are still necessary in roofing.  There are many different shapes and sizes of hammers available, each with different specific functions.  For residential roofing, four styles of hammers are mostly used.  What type you use depends on what type of roofing you are doing.  Asphalt shingles, slate, tile, and cedar shingles are the most common roofing material for sloped residential roofs, and installation for these materials usually requires a hammer and fasteners. Some common hammer options include smooth face, milled face (to help grip the nail), magnetic nail holder, steel head,…

Need to find out how many slate per square?  (A square is the equivalent of 100 square feet) Use the calculator below.  The answer depends on the length and width of the slate, and also the headlap that is used when installing.  The normal headlap is 3 inches, but this may need to be increased when installing on a lower slope roof.  When calculating how much slate you’ll need for a project, don’t forget to add additional slates for waste!How much does slate weigh per square?  It depends on the size of the slate.  On average, slate (measured at approximately…

A Rookie’s Mistake A guest article by Alex Zuniga from Academy Roofing & Construction in Corpus Christi, Texas (academyroofing361@gmail.com) There are many reasons why we choose to start a roofing company. Either because of the love for the trade, financial independence or not having to work for someone else. Whatever the case, there was a burning sensation of passion that ignited within us. A lot of us had to start by doing the work ourselves. Nothing wrong with that. I think it’s better when you actually know how the whole installation process goes. That way when you begin hiring roofers, you…

Table of Contents HOW TO START A ROOFING BUSINESSA Roofing Business Startup GuideThe following information includes the framework for how to get your roofing company off the ground including creating a business plan, legal requirements, marketing strategies, and more. You can find much more by exploring The Roofer’s Helper website.If you want to start a roofing business, you must realize that running a profitable roofing company is a lot more than knowing how to find a leak or replace a roof. Just because you can do a great job installing shingles, managing a crew as a foreman, or selling roofs,…

As it is with many businesses, the “fun” part is often the field work, while the difficult part is the paperwork and other behind-the-scenes stuff.  Marketing, especially in the age of the internet and social media, is a necessary part of running a successful roofing company, whether you think it is fun or not. Marketing and advertising can be very expensive.  Whether you are new roofing company, or a roofing veteran, the last thing you want to do is to go into debt trying to get some customers.  You also don’t want to waste valuable time and money utilizing poor…

Choosing A Roofing Business Name  Roofing-related company name ideas: Roofing Company Name Ideas Roof Cleaning Business Name Ideas Gutter Business Name Ideas Here are a number of ways (in no particular order) to help you decide on a roofing company name : 1.  Create a Business Plan:  With a clear business plan including your long-term goals, narrowing down your choices for a business name will be easier.  Find out more about getting started on a business plan here. 2.  Choose a Business Structure:  Sole-proprietorships and Partnerships often are not considered legal entities, and may have less restrictions on name registration.  Structures…

Roofing is a dangerous job, and it is important to provide a safe working environment for all employees in your roofing company.  It is not only crucial from a safety standpoint, but also from a legal standpoint.  Osha has strict rules about job safety that will result in huge fines if not followed. Below is a list of roofing safety gear and equipment you may need to help protect you and your employees from injuries and to help your company avoid unnecessary fines.  This is just a sample list.  The safety equipment you will need may vary depending on the type of…

Scams targeting contractors can come in a variety of forms through email, text, phone, and even social media.  Being able to recognize scams and avoid them (or report them) can help save valuable time and money. There are different types of scams.  Some “scams” are from actual businesses, but the services they offer don’t always bring the results you expect.  These often deal with marketing, lead generation, websites, gaining social media followers, “updating your Google listing”, and more.  If it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Most scams contractors will encounter are “nuisance scams”.  They often come…

Trying to sign up a roof job, especially when you are new to the roofing business, can be intimidating.  If you are a new roofing company owner, you will quickly find that filling your schedule with jobs may take some effort. Here are a few tips to help give you a better chance at lining up some new customers. First Impressions Whether with a cold call, or responding to a request for an estimate, the first impression you give a customer can go a long way in the process of selling a roof job.  You may get an emphatic “NO!”…