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: PA Business One Stop Shop
-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.
Worker’s compensation provides financial assistance to employees who are injured or become ill on the job. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. By offering worker’s compensation, you can help protect your employees and ensure that they receive the care they need in the event of a workplace accident or injury.
If you have any employees, it’s essential to obtain worker’s compensation insurance coverage. This not only helps safeguard your employees’ health and livelihood, but it also protects your business from potential liability and financial damages. 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.
-City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to operate your business in certain cities, 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.
If you have employees, it’s also important to follow OSHA regulations to ensure a safe work environment. Be sure to research and understand the specific regulations that apply to your business.
-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