How to Start a Roofer Business
From licensing questions and safety training to the first roof repair a homeowner pays for.
A roofing business needs the contractor licensing rules for your state and city sorted, safety training in place, the business registered and given a tax ID, liability insurance and a first job billed correctly. Materials deposits, damage found mid-job and photos on invoices are covered in the roofer invoicing guide linked below.
Before quoting, check with your state's board for contractor licensing and with the city's building department about licenses and permits for roofing work.
On training, the BLS roofers profile (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says "There are no specific education requirements for roofers." It also says "Most employers require that roofers complete safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, either before or after being hired."
Worked example, with sample figures: a roof repair is billed at 6 hours of labor at $75.00, 6 × $75.00 = $450.00, plus 2 bundles of shingles at $38.00, 2 × $38.00 = $76.00, for $450.00 + $76.00 = $526.00. Use your own figures; these are only an illustration.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your roofer business on solid footing.
- 1
Check contractor licensing where you work
Before quoting a job, check with the state contractor licensing board and the city building department.
- 2
Get safety training
The BLS roofers profile (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says "Roofers should have excellent balance to avoid falling, because they often work on steep slopes at great heights." Arrange fall-protection training before the first job.
- 3
Register the business
The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "How and where you need to register depends on your business structure and business location."
- 4
Get an EIN
The IRS EIN page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) says "You never have to pay a fee for an EIN."
- 5
Buy liability insurance
The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) describes general liability insurance as coverage that "protects against financial loss as the result of bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, defending lawsuits, and settlement bonds or judgments."
- 6
Quote, repair and invoice the first roof
Send an estimate, do the repair and bill the homeowner with labor and materials on separate rows. The roofer invoicing guide covers deposits and extra damage.
Tips for starting your roofer business
- Keep every materials receipt with its job. The IRS recordkeeping page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated May 1, 2026) says "You may choose any recordkeeping system suited to your business that clearly shows your income and expenses."
- Plan for estimated tax. The IRS estimated taxes page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated September 25, 2026) says sole proprietors "generally have to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed."
- Photograph the roof before and after each repair for your job file.
- Check the weather forecast before scheduling, and tell the homeowner how delays are handled.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Estimate Attachments
Billed's features page says: "Attach important files and images with your estimates."
Convert An Estimate To Invoice
Billed's features page says: "Convert your estimate to invoice with a single click after getting approval from your client."
Attach Receipts
Billed's features page says: "Never lose a single receipt again. Keep all of your receipts in Billed App."
Partially Paid Invoices
Billed's features page says: "See partially paid invoices and send payment reminders to your customers."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Bill Your First Roofing Job
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Step | Who to ask | Dated source |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing and permits | State licensing board, city building department | Your state and city |
| Safety training | Fall-protection training | BLS roofers (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) |
| Registration | State business filing office | SBA launch guide (In the US, checked October 31, 2026) |
| Insurance | A licensed agent | SBA launch guide (In the US, checked October 31, 2026) |
| First job | Estimate, repair, invoice | Roofer invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
For roofers opening their own company. If you'll work for a roofing contractor as an employee, this checklist won't apply.