how to write a business plan for a roofing company

Roofing Business Plan: Tips and Sample Template

Even though starting a roofing business can be challenging, you'll have a higher chance of success if you have a good roofing company business plan to run everything efficiently.

Roofing is a lucrative industry to get into, especially for people who are willing to work hard and get the job done. Every home and building needs a roof, so, there’s a market there for sure for people who want to build a roofing business. Why, then, do 96% of roofing businesses fail in the first 5 years? A big reason is that many roofers skip a vital step in building a successful business: Crafting a thoughtful roofing business plan.

There’s a saying that goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail” and that rings true for businesses. Anyone can start a business, but it takes work to build one that last. Having a business plan for your roofing business can help you set yourself up for long term and lasting success.

In this blog, we’re going to help you craft a roofing business plan by exploring:

• What a business plan is.
• Why you need one.
• 5 Tips for creating your roofing business plan.
• A traditional formal for a business plan.

We’ll end off with some info about how roofing business software , like Roofr , can help you set up your business for long term success.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document that lays out a companies objectives, goals, and actions to achieve those goals. It acts as a template for what they want to accomplish and how they will get there. This of it as a roadmap of your roofing business' journey, from when you create it to a particular growth point in the future (typically in three to five years).

Why do you need a roofing business plan?

Your roofing business plan is not only helpful for you when planing, but comes in handy for establishing and growing your business. A business plan is usually a requirement for:

• Landing investors and winning over extra capital to fund your business when you’re getting started.
• Applying for business licences, loans, or any other documents you need.

Business plans are also super helpful to:

• Keep you focused on your goals and objectives as you grow.
• Provide a kickoff point when you’re getting started.
• Get you thinking about marketing plans and how you want to promote your business.
• Ensure you have all your brand info — like logo, colors, fonts, etc — decided proactively.
• Establish financial goals and limits.

Business plans also get you to consideration whether you’ll want to invest in roofing tech like Roofr to streamline your processes and optimize your business.

How to create a great roofing business plan

Now that you know what a business plan is and why you need one, it’s time to get into writing one!

It doesn’t matter if you are a new company, or have been around for a while — it’s never too late to build a business plan! You may want to go back and update it — or your goals and plans — over time, too.

Here’s our top 4 tips for writing a great business plan.

1. Have a realistic plan

Realistic is KEY. By realistic, we mean both realistic goals, budgets, and timelines. Another way to think of it is to make sure that every plan and goal is SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Set goals that relate to your business strategy, your annual revenue, or lead goals. Everything should bet set in a time frame that makes sense - annual revenue, monthly leads, 5 year growth, etc.

Being realistic is key for long-term success. If you set a goal that is unrealistic, it’s easy to become defeated or unmotivated quickly. Having $10 million in venue in your first year is not realistic for most new roofing companies. But, growing to $10 million in venue in 5 or 10 years? A bit more realistic.

It’s also important to set goals based on your own location. What worked for a roofer in California won’t be the same for a Roofr in Georgia.

2. Think about your purpose for your company

By “purpose” we mean beyond the obvious. Yes — you want to sell roofs and install roofs.

But, what drives you?

What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

Your purpose could be to motivate a team and unite them to achieve a common goal. Your purpose could center around being highly profitable and seeing the healthy growth of your roofing business. It could be about bringing tech to the industry and learning how to use roofing tech.

What your purpose is can determine what you include in your business plan, or even how you write it. For an investor, it can be helpful to hear about your purpose or dreams .

You can also set goals and objectives based around your bigger purpose. If your goal is to leave a legacy of a roofing company that treats its employees really well, then you could set goals for how much you want to pay them, if you want to host employee appreciation days, how many hours they’ll work, what your retention rate should be year over year, etc.

3. Establish certain company values

Your company values can be industry-specific, but should also target customer loyalty while ensuring employee satisfaction. By acknowledging these values and additional ones, you can achieve both short-term and long-term business goals.

Some examples of company values for roofers are:

Quality Craftsmanship: Being committed to delivering the highest quality roofing solutions, ensuring durability and longevity for our customers.

Customer Satisfaction: Customer happiness could be your ultimate goal. Commit to going the extra mile to meet and exceed our clients' expectations.

Safety First: Prioritizing the safety of our employees and clients by following strict safety protocols and ensuring a secure work environment.

Innovation: Staying at the forefront of roofing technology and continuously seek innovative solutions to enhance our services and products.

4. Enlist yearly initiatives and goals

Yearly goals are really powerful for long term change. Try to think about what your goals are in year chunks. They should be big enough to take a year but, again, be realistic. Make a list of all your yearly initiatives and goals to keep an eye on the growth of your business. These initiatives can become milestones for growing your company, specific revenue or head count you want to hit, or a number of jobs you want to close.

Roofing business plan template

Here’s a common format to follow when creating roofing business plan s:

• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• The Business Opportunity
• Competitive Analysis
• Target Market
• Marketing Plan
• Financial Summary
• Funding Requirements

You can also include sections on your sales strategy, product or service details, any 5 or 10 year specific plans, etc. Think about your own objectives and goals and build from there — but there 9 are pretty standard.

Here’s what each of those 9 should include.

1. Executive summary

An executive summary for a business plan should be a brief overview of the rest of the document. It should be that first “grab” to a reader who is looking over your plan. Any key opportunities, goals, objectives, or plans should be included, but smaller details don’t need to be added.

Keep it short!

2. Company description

By the time someone is done reading this part of your plan, they should know:

• What your business does.
• Who your customers are.

If you do siding, eavestroughs, or anything else, be sure to call that out here. Your company name, and yours — if you’re the owner — should also be included.

This should also be nice and short!

3. The business opportunity

In this section, you can dive a bit deeper into who you are as a company. What are your values? That legacy piece that we talked about earlier — this is a great place to highlight that. If you’re seeking investment money, then you can win them over on your company here.

4. Competitive analysis

This section should cover your competition. Look at who your main competition is, what they’re doing, and anything you can learn about how they run their company. Keep in mind that depending on your area of expertise and target demographic, not every roofer in your area could be competition. For example, if you are a residential roofer, then don’t bother looking at commercial roofers.

5. Target market

Don’t be afraid to get specific! Your target market can include everything up to:

• Household income.
• House size.
• Family size.
• Occupation.
• And anything else!

It can seem counterintuitive to go so specific on who you want to target for your business, but getting really niched down can actually make marketing efforts more effective.

6. Marketing plan

How do you want to market? Now that you’ve niched down your target audience, look at where that audience is. Many roofers use Facebook to connect with homeowners. Does your ideal neighbourhood have a facebook group? You can also look at more traditional forms of marketing like radio ads or billboards. Again — depending all on your target market.

At the very least, you should have a website on your marketing plan. Every single potential customer is going to look for you on the internet, so make sure you have a presence there! You could also include any tools like Roofr’s Instant Estimator in this section and identify how it will bring in qualified leads.

7. Financial summary

This section is all about the money. You’re going to outline:

• Operating expenses
• Historical financial statements
• Budget planning
• Income expectations
• Revenue goals

You can included any financial goals in here too.

8. Team info

If you already have employees or plan to hire, this section should contain all your info for that. Company positions or team headcount requirements, hiring processes, job requirements, etc. If you’re just getting started, this may seem premature, but remember that these plans are all about how you want to grow. This kind of information can be really helpful when getting business licences or securing an investment.

9. Funding requirements

This section is specifically for businesses who are seeking outside investment. If you’re building a business plan for yourself, then you may not need this. Funding requirements should outline how much money you’re looking for, what you plan on doing with it, what ROI — return on investment — you’re expecting, and anything you’re willing to provide back to an investor (money, shares, etc) .

Other inclusions for a roofing business plan

Your goals and objectives related to each section can be included within that section itself, but you could also include a page of all your goals and objectives in a single place. If you think you’ll go back to your business plan often to reflect on your goals, it could be a good idea.

Our big tip for writing a business plan?

Always go down the rabbit hole.

If you find yourself wondering if it’s important or if you should include it, do it. At the end of the day, the more in depth your business plan is, the more thought you’ve put into what you want to achieve. That will never be a bad thing.

Roofing business plan FAQs

How much investment am i going to need.

As you know, every new business requires a substantial financial backing to work. The same goes for a roofing business.

However, the amount of funds you’ll need depends on the business size you want, labor availability, budgeting for tools and machines, and if you want to save on costs by using roofing platforms like Roofr. Sadly, there’s no exact figure for starting a roofing business, but you may be able to ask around the industry to gauge what a reasonable budget would be.

What are some funding sources for roofing companies?

For many new roofing companies, the source of operational finances is personal savings. Obviously, that doesn’t always work. After all, the more your business grows, the more you’ll spend on your operations.‍

If you don't have much personal savings, there are numerous financing avenues to turn to. For example, bank loans, credit cards, and angel investors.

Bank loans and personal savings are the most efficient ways to fund your roofing business, since the other funding methods are not as reliable and effective.

What equipment do I need when starting my business?

While you’re thinking about all these big, heavy questions around your business, take time to think about the seemingly “smaller” things: your tools! Once you’re ready to go, you’ll need af ew things to get started:

• Underlayment
• Roofing material
• Roofing accessories (drip edge, vents, etc)

A roofing business plan is a plan for success

Don’t think of your business plan as something you have to do. Think of it as your first deep dive into the legacy you want to leave and what you wish to accomplish for your business. Hopefully this guide helps and you feel confident to get started on your own roofing business plan.

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Roofing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Roofing Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Roofing business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Roofing businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Roofing business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Parker Roofing LLC is a new residential roofing company located in Columbus, Ohio. We provide multiple roofing services to the homeowners of Columbus, including installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement services. We know that other roofing companies in the area don’t follow through with their promises. They overcharge for their services and don’t always do the job properly. We aim to be the #1 roofing company in the area by providing the best customer service in the industry, charging affordable rates, and providing quality roofing services to every client.

Parker Roofing LLC is founded by Jonah Parker who has over twenty years of experience as a roofing contractor. He has worked for several other businesses and provided roofing services to hundreds of clients over the years. His extensive experience, customer service skills, and previous clientbase will ensure the business is a success.

Product Offering

Parker Roofing LLC will provide residential roofing services to homeowners in the Columbus, Ohio area. These services will include roof installation, maintenance, replacement, inspections, and repairs. We also install gutters and skylights. Parker Roofing LLC will utilize a variety of roofing materials, including solar tiles, clay tiles, shingles, silicone, metal, and more.

Customer Focus

Parker Roofing LLC will primarily serve homeowners living in Columbus Ohio. Columbus has a 44% home ownership rate, so many residents will require our services at some point. We will also work with real estate companies and property management companies who need roofing services for their residential properties.

Management Team

Parker Roofing LLC is run by Jonah Parker. Jonah has worked for several other roofing companies over the past twenty years and has created a loyal following of clients through his work. After working for other businesses, he is ready to utilize his skills, connections, and loyal customer base to create his own roofing company.

Success Factors

Parker Roofing LLC is primed for success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Quality roofing services for an affordable price.
• Management team with extensive roofing experience and a focus on maintaining long-term relationships with customers.
• Skilled team of roofing professionals who will get the job done right the first time.

Financial Highlights

Parker Roofing LLC is seeking $225,000 in debt financing to launch. The funding will be dedicated to the office build out, purchase of initial supplies, working capital, marketing costs, and startup overhead expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office build-out: $50,000
• Equipment and supplies: $50,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $50,000
• Marketing costs: $25,000
• Working capital: $50,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Parker Roofing LLC.

Company Overview

Who is parker roofing llc.

  We primarily aim to serve homeowners living in the Columbus area, as they need professional and friendly experts when something goes wrong with their roof. However, we will also provide roofing services for real estate companies and property management companies who need roofing services for their residential properties.

Jonah recently conducted a market analysis and consumer survey to see if the business would be in high demand. The results from these were very positive, with many consumers saying that they would be interested in hiring the company’s services as soon as the business launches. Jonah immediately began to plan out his business after receiving the results and is now ready to launch Parker Roofing LLC.

Parker Roofing LLC History

After spending several years in the roofing industry, Jonah Parker has gained the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to start his own roofing business. In April 2023, he quit his job at his employer and incorporated Parker Roofing LLC as an LLC.

Since incorporation, Jonah has achieved the following milestones for Parker Roofing LLC:

• Developed the company’s name, logo and website
• Finished the list of services the company will provide
• Determined equipment and inventory requirements
• Found a potential office location

Parker Roofing LLC Services

Parker Roofing LLC will provide the following services:

• Roof installation
• Roof inspections
• Roof replacements
• Roof maintenance
• Roof repair
• Skylight installation
• Gutter installation

Industry Analysis

Roofing is essential for every building. A sturdy roof protects residents from the elements, such as snow, rain, and sleet. Roofing is also necessary to prevent the natural elements from destroying a building from the inside out. The roofing industry is an essential industry, as very few buildings can thrive without a roof. This makes the industry highly profitable and provides market stability.

The roofing industry is expected to grow over the next several years. This is primarily due to the increase in housing construction, leading to millions of new homes being built and needing roofs. Demand is also high due to many older buildings needing roof repairs and replacements. According to Allied Market Research, the global roofing industry was valued at $102.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from now until 2030. This moderate growth ensures the industry will remain profitable, so it is a great time for new roofing companies to enter the market.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Parker Roofing LLC will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Real estate companies
• Property management companies

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Parker Roofing LLC will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Smith & Smith Roofing

Smith & Smith Roofing has been a major residential roofing service for the Columbus area for the past forty years. Run by Charles and Jane Smith, the company employs over 100 roofing contractors and has helped install and replace hundreds of roofs for local residents. Though Smith & Smith will continue to be successful, they are a minor competitor because they only provide installation and replacement services. We will have a competitive advantage by offering repair, maintenance and other services to our clients.

Columbus Roofing Solutions

Columbus Roofing Solutions is a roofing contractor that exclusively installs roofs on newly constructed buildings. They install roofs for new homes in housing developments as well as new offices and other commercial businesses. They do not offer repair or maintenance services and they don’t make roofs for existing properties. Though we expect to compete heavily with Columbus Roofing Solutions for clients building new homes, we will not compete with them for our other customer segments.

Sturdy Roofs LLC

Sturdy Roofs LLC is a local roofing company that provides a variety of roofing services for both residential and commercial buildings. The company works with roofs of all styles and materials, but prioritizes the use of energy-efficient and green materials when possible. As such, they are extremely popular with upper market clients and those with the disposable income to make their property more environmentally friendly.

Though Sturdy Roofs LLC will maintain its success, their services price out many residents in need of roofing services. They also make most of their money through commercial contracts. We will not provide commercial roofing services, so we expect Sturdy Roofs LLC to be a minor competitor.

Competitive Advantage

Parker Roofing LLC will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Pricing : Parker Roofing LLC will provide an array of roofing services that will be priced competitively and be more affordable than the competition.
• Customer-Focus : Parker Roofing LLC’s focus will be on providing customer-focus service that prioritizes customer satisfaction and maintaining long-term relationships.
• Management : Jonah has been extremely successful working in the roofing industry and will be able to use his previous experience to make clients feel comfortable with the process.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Parker Roofing LLC will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Client-focused roof installation, restoration, and repair services, where the company’s interests are aligned with the customer.
• Service built on long-term relationships and personal attention.
• Quality services for affordable rates.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Parker Roofing LLC is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The company will have several social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. These accounts will showcase pictures of our crew as well as a list of the services we provide. The company will use targeted marketing to appeal to our target demographics.

SEO Website Marketing

Parker Roofing LLC will invest funds into maintaining a strong SEO presence on search engines like Google and Bing. When a person types in “local roofing services” or “Columbus roofing services”, Parker Roofing LLC will appear in the top three choices.

Advertisement

Advertisements in print publications like newspapers, magazines, etc., are an excellent way for businesses to connect with their audience. Parker Roofing LLC will advertise its services in popular magazines and news dailies. Obtaining relevant placements in industry magazines and journals will also help in increasing brand visibility.

Parker Roofing LLC understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied customers. The company will encourage its clients to refer other individuals and businesses by providing discounts on future services for every new client produced. This strategy will increase in effectiveness as time goes on.

The pricing of Parker Roofing LLC will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when hiring our roofing services.

Operations Plan

Parker Roofing LLC will utilize the following operations plan. Operation Functions:

• Jonah will be the Owner of Parker Roofing LLC. He will run the general operations of the company and provide roofing services to his initial clientbase. He will start off running the business on his own, but will gradually hire the following staff:
• An Administrative Assistant who can answer phones, schedule appointments, and work on general administrative tasks.
• An Accountant who will manage all client invoicing, billing, and payables.
• A Marketing Assistant who will run all the marketing and promotions campaigns.
• Several contractors who will provide quality roofing services.

Milestones:

Parker Roofing LLC will have the following milestones complete in the next six months:

• 5/1/202X – Finalize lease agreement for office space
• 6/1/202X – Office build out
• 7/1/202X – Hire and train essential staff
• 8/1/202X – Begin marketing campaign
• 9/1/202X – Launch Parker Roofing LLC
• 10/1/202X – Reach break even

Though Jonah has never run a business before, he has spent enough time in the industry to understand the operations and management aspects of running a roofing business. However, Jonah will hire several other staff to help provide roofing services as well as run other aspects of the business that Jonah is unfamiliar with.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Parker Roofing LLC will come charging our clients for our roofing services.

The cost drivers for Parker Roofing LLC will include the overhead costs, salaries, cost of supplies, and marketing expenses.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number Of Clients:
• Annual Lease: $25,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, roofing business plan faqs, what is a roofing business plan.

A roofing business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your roofing business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Roofing business plan using our Roofing Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Roofing Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of roofing businesses , some examples include: Hot roofing, Metal roofing, Single ply roofing, and Shingling.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Roofing Business Plan?

Roofing businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Roofing Business?

Starting a roofing business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Roofing Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed roofing business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your roofing business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your roofing business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Roofing Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your roofing business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your roofing business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Roofing Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your roofing business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your roofing business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful roofing business:

• How to Start a Roofing Company

How to Develop a Roofing Company Business Plan

A business plan is a detailed roadmap outlining the goals and objectives of a business, as well as providing strategies for achieving these goals. Here’s how to create one, even if it’s your first.

Lisa Taylor

Staff Contributor

Strategic Planning

Starting any kind of company requires a solid business plan , and roofing companies are certainly no exception. Without a business plan, you’re flying blind. That’s not a great way to ensure profitability.

But if you’ve never put together a business plan, it can seem daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide.

In this article, we’ll explain what a business plan is and why you need one. Then we’ll outline a 5-step process for creating a business plan. And last but not least, we’ll suggest a few specific things you can do right now, today, to get started.

Let’s jump right in.

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a detailed roadmap outlining the goals and objectives of a business, as well as providing strategies for achieving these goals.

Business plans typically include things like:

• An executive summary
• An industry overview
• Market analysis
• Competitive analysis
• An operational plan
• Financial forecasts
• Descriptions of products and services
• Your organizational structure
• Management team information

If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. You don’t necessarily have to include everything on that list in your roofing company business plan. (We’ll walk you through the essentials later in this article.)

For now, it’s enough to understand what a business plan is at a high level. Think of it as a GPS system for your business. Your plan will help you reach your destination, turn by turn.

A well-designed business plan will almost certainly increase your chances of success.

It provides a clear roadmap for your business. It will highlight potential challenges and opportunities. And it will guide you as you move through the pivotal early stages of establishing and growing your business.

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Why you need a business plan for your roofing company.

A roofing company business plan is essential for several reasons. Let’s start with some industry-level basics.

The Roofing Industry

The roofing industry is valued at $104.2 billion. What’s more, that figure is expected to grow.

That’s great news in terms of your potential customer base. But it also means there will be plenty of competition. Roofing companies of all sizes, small and large, will go after the same customers you’re trying to win over.

If you want to stay relevant and competitive as the industry expands, you need a plan.

Top-Tier Services

Your business plan can help you stand out from all that competition. A solid business plan will outline what you offer and how your offers are a superior choice for your target clients.

It can also help you identify and target specific niches within the market. That will make it easier and more strategic to offer specialized products and services.

The roofing industry can be unpredictable. Changes in weather and economic conditions can affect the demand for services.

Efficient Operations

Your business is a key ingredient in creating efficient, effective, recession-proof business operations. After all, it’s a lot easier to maintain profitability when you’re already streamlined.

A business plan will provide the following:

• Organization

Marketing Your Roofing Company

Finally, your business plan will guide your initial marketing efforts.

Using your business plan as a guide, you’ll be able to determine your target audience, set your marketing budget, identify the best venues for marketing campaigns, and fine-tune your focus on the most profitable services you offer.

Create a Roofing Company Business Plan in 5 Steps

Writing a roofing company business plan may seem overwhelming. It certainly can be challenging if you’ve never written one before. But it’s a critical investment in your future.

That’s why we’ve simplified the process, outlining the key steps.

If you work your way through the 5 steps below, you’ll have the foundation of a solid, results-oriented business plan for your roofing business.

How to Price a Roofing Job

Step 1: write an executive summary.

The executive summary is a brief overview of your business plan. It outlines your goals, including what you hope to achieve with your roofing company. It can be short-, medium-, or long-term.

It should include the following:

• Your target market – The group of potential customers you’re most focused on winning over.
• Services provided – The primary services you plan to offer to your target market.
• Competitive advantage – Why you’re a better option than the competition for your target market when it comes to the services you provide.

Those three core pieces of information are the foundation of all your sales and marketing efforts. These are the basics you absolutely have to know before you start trying to win over customers.

If you (and your salespeople) can clearly articulate your services and competitive advantage to your target marketing, you’re set up for success.

Step 2: Create a Company Overview

In the company overview section, you’ll provide detailed information about your roofing company.

For example:

• A brief history of your business
• Detailed descriptions of your services
• Share unique features or offerings that set you apart from your local competition
• Details about your staff
• Certifications or accreditations you (or your company) holds

As you can see, there’s some overlap here with the information in your executive summary. Your company overview will go into greater detail, providing even more specifics.

Step 3: Complete Market Analysis

Market analysis is the process of researching the current and potential size of a specific market. In this case, you’ll be focused on your target market.

For example, if you’re focused on upper-middle-class homeowners in your zip code, you’ll want to do some research to answer questions like:

• How many potential customers fall in this demographic?
• How old are these potential customers?
• What kinds of services are these customers most interested in?
• What do these customers focus on when making buying decisions?

Market analysis helps you understand the demand for your products or services. It will also shed light on how you can make your offerings stand out from your competitors.

Here are some common target markets for roofing customers. You might want to consider these when doing market research.

Homeowners are often a primary target market for roofing companies. It makes sense. They’re responsible for the maintenance and repair of their own homes, including their roofs.

Be sure to consider single-family homes, as well as multi-family dwellings such as townhomes and condominiums.

Property Managers

Property managers may also be a target market for roofing companies. They oversee the maintenance and repair of rental properties.

Like homeowners, they’ll need help when it comes to roof repairs. But unlike homeowners, these can easily be bigger jobs.

Property managers are often responsible for apartments, commercial properties, office buildings, and shopping centers.

Commercial Property Owners

Commercial property owners may also need roofing services for their properties. As a bonus, a single property company may own multiple properties. One closed deal could mean a lot of potential business.

Commercial property companies own all kinds of properties—everything from single-family dwellings to large commercial facilities.

3 Technologies Roofing Companies Need

Need-based target markets.

Roofing companies may also target specific demographics based on services needed.

For example, some roofing companies focus on customers who own heritage properties. These properties are more likely to need roof repairs or replacements due to the roof’s age.

They may also target a specific location. Some areas produce higher demands for roofing services as a result of harsh weather conditions.

Step 4: Complete Competitive Analysis

In this section of your business plan, you’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

Competitive analysis will help you identify and analyze your competitors. You’ll want to focus on things like your competitor’s products and services, marketing strategies, pricing models, and overall financial health.

This information can be used to guide your strategic planning and marketing efforts. Below are some specific things to really dig into when doing competitive analysis.

One key factor to consider when analyzing your competitors is their reputation.

While it’s important to consider if they have good reputations, be prepared to push beyond a high-level review. You won’t need to do intense research, though. You just need to ask a few key questions.

• Based on their marketing (their website, social media feeds, and ads), who are they targeting?
• What part(s) of town are they focused on serving?
• What products and services are they known for?
• Do they have a strong online presence?
• Do they have a lot of positive online reviews?

When you have an idea of their strengths and weaknesses, you can design your offerings and marketing efforts to take advantage of opportunities they’re missing.

Customer Service

Another factor to consider is the competition’s level of customer service. While this overlaps a bit with reputation, there are some nuanced differences.

Here are some questions to ask.

• Do they have a dedicated customer service team?
• Are they known for being responsive and helpful?
• What forms of support do they offer? For example, do they provide support by phone, email, or online chat?
• When they get negative customer reviews, how do they respond?

Pricing is always a key decision-making factor. It’s essential to understand how your competitors are pricing their offerings.

However, we will offer a word of caution here. Some new business owners mistakenly think lower prices are the way to go in every situation. Sometimes going lower is a solid strategy, but not always.

And even if your prices are lower, you don’t want to sell on price alone. If you do, someone else can easily undercut you.

Here’s what you should consider.

• Are their prices low, average, or high compared to the cost of supplies and labor?
• Are they selling based on price?
• Are they positioning themselves as a premium provider and charging higher prices?

Your competitors’ pricing strategies can help you determine your own pricing. You want to find the right balance. Stay competitive (so you attract customers) without going lower than necessary (so you’re also profitable).

Marketing Efforts

The competition’s marketing tactics can provide valuable insights. You can learn who their target audience is, how they reach their target audience, and how they’re presenting their company to their target audience.

As you look over their marketing materials, ask the following.

• Are they using traditional (non-digital) marketing methods like print and radio ads?
• Are they more focused on digital marketing techniques like social media and email marketing?
• If they’re investing in digital marketing, what venues are they focused on?
• What tone and personality do they lean into in their marketing materials?

Related Article

How to Do Email Marketing for Contractors & Construction Companies

Step 5: operations and management.

In this section, you’ll outline the day-to-day operations of your roofing company. Be sure to include the management team and each member’s roles and responsibilities.

If you’re starting with a small operation, it may be tempting to skip this section. However, we recommend that you document your operational and management plans even if your company will launch with only a handful of employees.

Solid operational policies will make your initial period of growth much easier. You might include the following.

Location and facility

You should document the base of operations for your roofing company, including information about vehicles. Think through each of the following questions.

• Will you operate your business from your work vehicle?
• Will you have an office, storefront, or warehouse?
• Are there any unique features of your facility?
• Is your facility easily accessible for your employees and customers?

Equipment includes the tools and machinery (owned by the business) that are needed to complete jobs. Common items include things like ladders, roofing materials, and power tools.

Document the age, condition, and maintenance needs of your equipment. Include any plans you have for upgrading or expanding your equipment in the future.

Policies and Procedures

Your documented policies and procedures are a critical part of your business plan. These will make complicated decisions much easier. They’ll also help ensure you’re consistent in how you handle customers and employees alike.

Consider documenting the following, at a minimum.

• Employee conduct and expectations (including criteria for employee discipline)
• Safety protocols
• Customer service policies (including how complaints will be handled)
• Quality control measures
• Expectations for managers and company leaders

Partnerships and Collaborations

Do you have any partnerships with other home services providers? Are you planning to establish any? Strategic partnerships are a great way to generate leads, so they’re a good idea.

But you never want to establish a partnership without a clear (documented) understanding of how the partnership will work.

Training and Development

Finally, you should outline any training and development opportunities you plan to offer to your employees. This might include on-the-job training, professional development courses, or mentorship programs.

Training and development opportunities can enhance employees’ skills and knowledge. That will help them be successful in their current roles. Plus, it’s a nice incentive to include when hiring.

Training and development shows your company cares about your staff’s future success.

Start Developing Your Roofing Company Business Plan

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include one final note. Your business plan isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. Instead, you should review it regularly. We recommend reviewing (and possibly updating it) once a year.

Regular, intentional updates ensure your plan remains relevant. As your business grows, its needs will change. Your business plan should reflect that.

While creating a full business plan takes a bit of time, there are some things you can do today to jumpstart your efforts. Here are a few ways you can get started right away.

• Write a vision statement for your company. A vision statement is a sentence that outlines an organization’s long-term goals and objectives. It should be aspirational but also achievable. Writing a vision statement will set you up to craft your business plan.
• Outline some 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and legacy goals. Where would you like to be a year from now? 5 or 10 years from now? And what sort of legacy do you want to leave? Again, these high-level questions will set you up to align your business plan with your values.
• Define your target market. What kind of customers are you most interested in working with? What customers do you think will be the most profitable for your business? What customers will be the most satisfying to serve?
• Take a quick inventory of what you already have. Collect any policy documentation you already have in hand. Make a list of the equipment your company already owns. List out all the marketing efforts you already have going. Each of these will give you a jumping-off point for your complete business plan.

About the Author

Lisa loves words—particularly how they have the potential to transform lives when shared with positive intent. When she’s not connecting the dots for writing projects, she is outside enjoying everything nature says with no words.

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Roofing Company Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Construction & Engineering Industry » Roofing Business

Are you about starting a roofing company ? If YES, here is a complete sample roofing business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

If you are thinking of starting a business with huge returns on investment, then one of your best bet is to venture into the real estate industry. Of course, there are several money spinning business opportunities in the real estate industry and one of them is to start a roofing company.

A Sample Roofing Company Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Players in the roofing contractors are involved in installing roofs, siding, sheet metal and roof drainage systems, such as downspouts and gutters.

They also carry out activities such as also treating roofs (e.g. spraying, painting or coating), coppersmithing, tinsmithing, installing skylights, installing metal ceilings, flashing, ductwork and capping. Their jobs could be new work, additions, alterations, maintenance and repairs.

If you are a closer watcher of the Roofing Contractors industry, you will agree that the industry largely depends on demand from building construction activity in residential and nonresidential markets, both of which have been experiencing increase in demand over the last half a decade.

Combined with profit margin expansion, players in the Roofing Contractors industry have increased the scope of their operations to meet accelerating demand due to the housing recovery, causing employee and operator numbers to increase.

IBISWorld projects solid growth in revenue generated in the industry in the coming years, supported by increased investment in housing and commercial building. Increasing home valuations and higher per capita disposable income are also expected to boost consumer spending on home improvements services such as roofing and roofing maintenance et al.

The Roofing Contractors industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in most countries of the world. Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 99,844 registered and licensed roofing companies scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 247,447 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $38 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at 2.2 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that there is no establishment in this industry that has a lion market share. A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that the Roofing Contractors industry is in the mature phase of its life cycle.

The report stated that the demand for roofing and siding installation and maintenance is closely related to cyclical fluctuations in building construction investment and property values. The report further stated that the industry revenue is subject to volatility based on the strength of its downstream construction markets.

As a result, the industry value added (IVA), a measure of the industry’s contribution to the overall economy, is projected to grow at an annualized 2.9 percent over the 10 years to 2022. In comparison, US GDP is projected to grow at an annualized 2.1 percent during the same period

The Roofing Contractors industry is highly regulated in the United States of America and anyone who aspires to start a roofing company must apply and obtain a license before they can legally operate in the industry.

Lastly, as a roofing company, it is very important to be creative, to be able to use your ideas to meet the rapidly changing needs of the society when it comes to properties; you should be able to convert the roof of a dilapidated building into a beauty of some sort if indeed you want to become a major player in the Roofing Contractors industry.

2. Executive Summary

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is a U.S. based and licensed roofing contractor company. Our head office will be located in a standard and centrally located office facility in the heart of Harrisburg–Pennsylvania.

Although our Head Office will be located in Harrisburg – Pennsylvania where we intend starting our operations, but we will open our branch offices in major cities in all regions of the United States of America – within the first five years of operation we would have set up our offices in the following locations; New York City, Los Angeles, Florida, North Dakota, Boston, Dallas and Washington.

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is going to be a self-administered and a self-managed roofing contractor company. We will engage in roofing contractor services such as installing ceramic or concrete tiles, slate or shingles, installing single-ply, built-up, metal, liquid and modified bitumen roofing systems,

Installing, repairing and replacing gutters and downpipes, installing sheet metal, replacing broken tiles and shingles, repairing capping in cement or acrylic mortar, applying roof sealer compounds and cleaning existing roof materials, installing engineered wood, brick, vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement siding, installing soffit under easement fascias, securing flashings and cappings and repairing leaks.

We will work towards becoming one of the largest roofing companies in the United States of America with active presence in major cities.

We are quite aware that roofing contractor business requires huge capital base, which is why we have perfect plans for steady flow of cash from private investors who are interested in working with us. We can confidently say that we have a robust financial standing and we are ready to take on any opportunity that comes our way in the Roofing Contractors industry.

As part of our plans to make our customers our number one priority and to become one of the leading roofing company in the United States of America, we have perfected plans to adopt international best practices that can favorable compete with the best in the industry.

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company have overtime perfected plans that will help us to become a specialist in turning the roofs in slums into beautiful cities and turning the roof of a run –down and dilapidated building into a master piece and that hopefully will be our brand and signature.

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company will be owned majorly by Pius Whiteland and his immediate family members. Pius Whiteland has a Degree in Building Engineering and he has worked with top construction companies in the United States of America for many years prior to starting his own business.

Other investors with same investment ideology whose name cannot be mentioned here for obvious reasons are going to be part of the business especially as it relates to pooling cash together for large contracts from the government and big corporations.

3. Our Products and Services

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the Roofing Contractors industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our roofing company is to favorably compete with leading players in the Roofing Contractors industry both in the United States of America and in the world at large.

We are well prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the United States to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition. Our business offerings are listed below;

• Installing ceramic or concrete tiles, slate or shingles
• Installing single-ply, built-up, metal, liquid and modified bitumen roofing systems
• Installing, repairing and replacing gutters and downpipes
• Installing sheet metal
• Replacing broken tiles and shingles
• Repairing capping in cement or acrylic mortar
• Applying roof sealer compounds and cleaning existing roof materials
• Installing engineered wood, brick, vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement siding
• Installing soffit under easement fascias
• Securing flashings and cappings and repairing leaks.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to become the number one roofing contractor company in the whole of Harrisburg – Pennsylvania with active presence in major cities in the United States of America and Canada.
• Our mission as a roofing contractor company is to develop a highly successful, profitable all round roofing contractor business which provides quality services in our community and to become a standard for an ideal roofing contractor company not only in the State of Pennsylvania but also throughout the United States of America and Canada where we intend sourcing for clients.

Our Business Structure

Our company’s structure is not entirely different from what is obtainable in the Roofing Contractors industry, as a matter of priority, we have decided to create a structure that will allow for easy growth for all our employees and also, we have created platforms that will enable us attract some of the best hands in the industry.

We are quite aware that the success of any business lies in the foundation on which the business is built on, which is why we have decided to build our roofing company on the right business foundation. We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target.

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is fully aware of the modus operandi in the Roofing Contractors industry, hence adequate provision and competitive packages has been prepared for independent marketing agents. Our marketing department will be responsible for managing this aspect of our business structure. Below is the business structure we will build Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company on;

• Chief Executive Officer

Project Manager

• Company’s Lawyer / Secretary

Admin and HR Manager

• Roofing Services (Construction and Renovation) Engineers
• Business Developer / Sales and Marketing
• Customer Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (President):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all projects on behalf of the company
• Supervises roofing and renovation projects
• Ensures compliance during project executions
• Provides advice on the management of projects
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Uses IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of ongoing projects
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and billing of every project
• Represent the organization’s interest at various stakeholders’ meetings
• Ensures that project desired result is achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied.

Company’s Lawyer / Secretary / Legal Counsel

• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Consults and handles all corporate legal processes (e.g. intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, financial / securities offerings, compliance issues, transactions, agreements, lawsuits and patents et al)
• Develops company policy and position on legal issues
• Researches, anticipates and guards company against legal risks
• Represents company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
• Plays a part in business deals negotiation and take minutes of meetings
• Responsible for analyzing legal documents on behalf of the company
• Prepares annual reports for the company
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Roofing (Renovations / Construction) Engineers

• Responsible for handling core services such as installing ceramic or concrete tiles, slate or shingles, installing single-ply, built-up, metal, liquid and modified bitumen roofing systems, installing, repairing and replacing gutters and downpipes, installing sheet metal, replacing broken tiles and shingles, repairing capping in cement or acrylic mortar, applying roof sealer compounds and cleaning existing roof materials, installing engineered wood, brick, vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement siding, installing soffit under easement fascias, securing flashings and cappings and repairing leaks.
• Establishes and enforces company’s engineering and construction standards
• Ensures that roofing renovation / construction work meets or exceeds standards within a designated geographic area.
• Provides overall direction on assigned roofing projects; reviews and makes recommendations on planning and design of projects; negotiates contracts or participates in contract negotiations; monitors day‐to‐day progress and activities on project construction sites.

Marketing and Sales Executive / Business Developer

• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s need s, and communicate with clients
• Finds and qualifies land for development based on company’s land requirements; maintains a land search database; initiates discussions with property owners about the possible sale of property
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managers with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Front Desk / Customer’s Service Officer

• Receives Visitors / clients on behalf of the organization
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the line manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

The fact that roofing contractor business is a very rewarding business does not mean that there are no challenges in the industry.

Starting a roofing contractor business in the United States of America comes with its own fair share of challenges, you would have to abide by the law and also compete with loads of other entrepreneurs in the construction industry business value chain who also are interested in making a living and building a business in the US.

In order to compete favorably in the Roofing Contractors industry as a roofing company we have been able to hire the services of tested and trusted business and HR consultants to help us conduct critical SWOT analysis for us. We intend maximizing our strengths, explore all opportunities we will come across, properly manage our weakness and confront our threats.

Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company;

Some of our strength that we will be bringing to the table in the Roofing Contractors industry is our robust relations with homeowners, construction companies and properties investment moguls in the whole of the United States of America.

Our access to funding and also, we have a team of experts who have cut their teeth in the construction and roofing contractor industry. We can boast of having a team that has what it takes to grow a new business from scratch to profitability within record time.

As a newbie in the Roofing Contractors industry, we might have some challenges competing with big time property developers and other roofing companies that have been in the industry for many years; that perhaps is part of our weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the Roofing Contractors industry especially as a roofing company is massive considering the numbers of homeowners who have the financial capacity to renovate their homes as at when due and people who are forced to repair or maintained the roofs of their building due to leakages. We are well – positioned and ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a roofing company are unfavorable government policies , and global economic downturn; global economic downturn usually affect spending power and the construction industry cum roofing contractors line of business is known to encounter decline in sales and profits during this period.

There is hardly anything we could do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

If you are a closer watcher of the trends in the Roofing Contractors industry, you will agree that the industry largely depends on demand from building construction activity in residential and nonresidential markets, both of which have been experiencing increase in demand over the last half a decade.

Another obvious trend that is common in the Roofing Contractors industry in the United States of America is that most of them are improvising on more means of making money in the construction industry and as matter of fact they are also acting as building contractors amongst many other functions that they are involved in.

Lastly, one thing is certain for every roofing company; if they are hardworking, creative and proactive, they will always generate enough income to meet all their overhead and operational cost, keep their business going without struggle and make reasonable profits from all business deals that they are involved in.

8. Our Target Market

As a roofing company, our target market cuts across contractors and people (home owners) of different class and people from all walks of life.

We are coming into the Roofing Contractors industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the highly – placed people in the country and at the same with the lowly placed people who are only interested in renovating their roofs, fixing new roofs or repairing old roofs at an affordable price.

As a matter of fact, our target market is the whole of the United States of America and we have put plans in place to recruit freelance agents (brokers) nationally to represent our business interest wherever they are located in the United States of America. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically design our products and services for;

• Construction companies
• Corporate organizations
• Home Owners
• Properties Owners
• The government of the United States of America (Government contracts)
• Managers of public facilities

Our competitive advantage

No doubt, the Roofing Contractors industry is indeed a very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can successfully help them build new roof over their building or fix and repair existing roofs to fit into the picture of the ideal home they have in mind.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the Roofing Contractors industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality roofing repairs, maintenance and fixing jobs and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company might be a new roofing company in the roofing contractor industry, but the management team and the owner of the business are considered gurus in the industry, professional who have what it takes to grow a business from scratch to become a top brand within the shortest time possible.

They are people who are core professionals, licensed and highly qualified, people that can successfully help her clients handle any roofing related jobs to fit into the ideal picture of a 21 st century facility. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our team of experts, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us attract clients from all across the United States of America.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups roofing companies in the United States) in the industry.

It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives. We will also engage freelance marketing agents on a commission level to help us market our services.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the roofing contractors cum construction industry.

We have successfully built a vibrant construction and real estate network that covers the whole of the United States of America so as to help us build a profitable business. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company;

• Securing flashings and cappings and repairing leaks

10. Sales Forecast

It is a known fact that as long as there are construction jobs going on and there are home owners in the United States of America, there will always be need to for them to fix new roofs, repair and maintain leaking and hold roofs from time to time to conform with the trends in the neighborhood or city. Hence the demand for the services of roofing contractor companies to help them solve these needs.

We are well positioned to take on the challenges that are synonymous to roofing contractor businesses in the United States, and we are quite optimistic that we will meet out set target of generating enough income / profits from the first month or operations and grow the business beyond Harrisburg – Pennsylvania to other states in the United States of America within record time.

We have been able to critically examine the real estate market cum roofing contractors line of business and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions peculiar to similar start – ups in the United States of America;

Below are the sales projections for Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company it is based on the location of our business and the services within the real estate and construction industry that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $500,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $1.2 million
• Third Fiscal Year-: $1.7 million

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within the locations where we have a strong business presence.

Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher since some factors are beyond our control.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We quite mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions in the roofing contractors market in the United States of America, hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization. The training is not restricted to only our full – time employees but also all our freelance contractors that are scattered all over the United States of America.

Our goal is to become one of the leading roofing companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force in the industry. Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the construction industry, the real estate industry and also property owners and potential clients through the United States of America
• Promptness in bidding for government contracts and other contracts as it relates to roofing contractor jobs
• Advertise our business in real estate / properties magazines and websites
• List our business on yellow pages (local directories)
• Attend real estate related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to successfully work with their budget
• Leverage on the internet (social media platforms) and our official website to promote our business
• Encourage word of mouth marketing especially when we have a home for sale
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries with the aim of networking and marketing our services.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to take the roofing contractors cum construction industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise our roofing contractor business;

• Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
• Place our flexi banners with our company’s logo and contacts in every property we put up for sale
• Sponsor relevant TV shows so as to be able to communicate our brand and what we do
• Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Badoo, Google+ and other platforms (real estate online forums) to promote our business and list our properties for sale and for lease.
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations in Harrisburg – Pennsylvania and key cities in the United States of America
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in constructions sites and other targeted areas from time to time
• Attend landlord and residence association meetings with the aim of networking and introducing our business.
• Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and ambulances are well branded with our company’s logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Part of our business strategy is to ensure that we work within the budget of our potential clients to help them fix new roofs or maintained and repair old roofs to meet their expectations.

Since we are not directly in control of the pricing system as it relates to roofing materials, we can only abide by what is obtainable when it comes to fixing a price for roofing fixing, repairs and maintenance contract. But one thing is certain, we will ensure that we deliver excellent jobs when have we are contracted to do so.

Lastly, we will ensure that we keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to our clients from time to time especially when they recommend clients to us.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America. Here are the payment options that Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards / Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for services rendered without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for services rendered.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a roofing contractor company; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it will cost us to set up Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company in the United States of America;

• The cost for office remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $20,000.
• Cost for payment of rent for a suitable Office facility with enough space in Harrisburg – Pennsylvania for 12 month at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of – $105,600.
• The budget for insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $5,400.
• The cost for computer software apps (Accounting Software, Payroll Software, CRM Software, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Pro, drug interaction software, Physician Desk Reference software) – $7,000
• The cost for hiring Consultant – $2,500.
• The budget for permits and license – $2,000
• The total fee for incorporating the business in The United States of America – $750.
• The cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $15,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ( $500 ) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500 ).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
• The cost of Launching our official Website – $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need over two hundred and fifty thousand ( 250,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a small scale but standard roofing contractor company in the United States of America. Please note that the salaries of all our staff members for the first month is included in the expenditure.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is a business that will be owned and managed by Pius Whiteland, his immediate family members and other business partners. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $150,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our roof fixing, maintenance and repair services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Pius Whiteland® Roofing Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Office Facility and remodeling the facility in Harrisburg – Pennsylvania: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from the CEO / President and Business Partners: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with constructions companies, government contractors, landlord associations and other key players in the industry (networking and membership of relevant real estate bodies): In Progress

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• How to Start a Roofing Company
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How To Write a Business Plan for Roofing Company in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on roofing company.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Are you considering starting a roofing company? With the roofing industry's steady growth in the US, now is a great time to enter this market. According to recent statistics, the roofing industry is expected to reach a value of $47.5 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for new roofs, repairs, and maintenance services. To ensure your roofing company's success, it's essential to have a well-thought-out business plan in place. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the nine steps you need to follow to write a comprehensive business plan for your roofing company.

The first step in creating a business plan for your roofing company is to identify your target market. Determine whether you will focus on residential or commercial clients or both. Research your target market's demographics, preferences, and needs to tailor your roofing services to their expectations.

Next, conduct thorough market research to gain a deeper understanding of the roofing industry's current trends, demand, and opportunities. This research will help you identify any gaps in the market and position your roofing company accordingly.

It's vital to analyze your competition in the roofing industry. Identify the key players in your area, study their offerings, pricing strategies, and customer base. This analysis will allow you to differentiate your business and develop a competitive advantage.

Before launching your roofing company, you must determine and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements. This may include obtaining licenses, permits, and insurance specific to the roofing industry. Consulting with legal professionals will help ensure you meet all necessary obligations.

Calculate the startup costs for your roofing company, taking into account expenses such as equipment, materials, insurance, and marketing. Secure financing through loans, investments, or personal savings to cover these initial expenses.

Developing a pricing strategy is crucial for your roofing company's profitability. Consider factors such as material costs, labor expenses, overheads, and desired profit margins. Determine competitive yet profitable prices that will attract customers while ensuring your company's financial sustainability.

Create a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan to promote your roofing services. Utilize online platforms, social media, and local advertising channels to reach potential customers. Highlight your unique selling points and emphasize the quality of your work to stand out from competitors.

Identify the necessary equipment and resources for your roofing company. This may include tools, vehicles, safety gear, and skilled labor. Research reputable suppliers and contractors to ensure you have access to reliable resources.

Finally, outline the organizational structure of your roofing company. Define roles and responsibilities for key positions, such as project managers, sales representatives, and administrative staff. Clearly define how each department will contribute to the company's success.

By following these nine steps, you'll be well-equipped to write a comprehensive business plan for your roofing company. With careful planning and execution, your roofing business can thrive in this growing industry.

Identify The Target Market

In order to successfully start and run a roofing company, the first step is to identify your target market . This involves understanding the specific group of customers who are most likely to need and use your roofing services.

Start by considering the geographic location you plan to serve. Are you targeting homeowners in a specific city, region, or state? Or are you looking to provide roofing services to businesses and organizations? Identifying the specific area you want to focus on will help you tailor your marketing efforts and allocate your resources effectively.

In addition to the geographic aspect, consider the demographics of your target market. Are they primarily homeowners, business owners, or both? What is their average income level? Are they primarily residential or commercial customers? Understanding the demographics of your target market will allow you to tailor your services and marketing messages to their specific needs and preferences.

Tips for identifying your target market:

• Conduct market research to gather data and insights about your potential customers.
• Consider partnering with real estate agents, contractors, or home improvement professionals who can refer customers to your roofing company.
• Attend local trade shows, conferences, and networking events to connect with potential customers and learn more about their needs and preferences.
• Use online platforms such as social media, forums, and online communities to gather feedback and insights from customers in your target market.

By clearly identifying your target market, you can develop a focused marketing strategy, tailor your services to meet their needs, and ultimately increase your chances of success as a roofing company.

Conduct Market Research

Market research is an essential step in understanding the roofing industry and identifying potential customers. It helps you gather valuable information about the target market, including customer preferences, needs, and buying behavior. Conducting thorough market research enables you to make informed decisions and tailor your business strategy to meet the demands of your target audience.

Here are some important steps to follow when conducting market research for your roofing company:

• Identify your target market:
• Define the specific demographic and geographic characteristics of your ideal customers.
• Consider factors like income level, age, location, and property type to narrow down your target market.
• Analyze customer needs and preferences:
• Identify the main problems or issues that customers face when it comes to roofing.
• Conduct surveys or interviews to gather insights about their preferences and expectations.
• Understand the factors that influence their decision-making process, such as price, quality, and reputation.
• Assess market demand:
• Estimate the size of the market and the demand for roofing services in your target area.
• Consider factors like population growth, housing development, and economic trends that may impact the demand for your services.
• Look for potential gaps or opportunities in the market that you can capitalize on.
• Study the competition:
• Identify other roofing companies in your area and analyze their offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies.
• Identify any unique selling points that can differentiate your business from competitors.
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors to refine your own business strategy.

Market Research Tips:

• Use online resources, such as industry reports, trade publications, and government statistics to gather data about the roofing industry.
• Utilize social media platforms and online forums to engage with potential customers and gather insights about their needs.
• Consider conducting focus groups or customer surveys to gather qualitative data and gain deeper insights into customer preferences.
• Stay updated with industry trends and innovations to anticipate future demands and adjust your business strategy accordingly.

Analyze The Competition

Analyzing the competition is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for your roofing company. Understanding your competitors and their offerings will help you identify your unique selling points and develop effective strategies to differentiate your business in the market.

Start by researching other roofing companies in your target market. Look for their websites, social media profiles, and online reviews to gather information about their services, customer feedback, and pricing. This will give you insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you can potentially outperform them.

Additionally, consider conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of your competitors. This analysis will help you assess your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, identify opportunities you can leverage, and anticipate potential threats to your business.

Here are some important factors to consider when analyzing the competition:

• Product and service offerings: Evaluate the range of services and products your competitors offer. Determine if they specialize in specific types of roofing or if they offer additional services such as gutter installation or attic insulation.
• Pricing strategy: Understand how your competitors price their services. Compare their pricing structure, discounts, and payment options to determine how you can position your pricing in the market.
• Unique selling points: Identify what makes your competitors unique and how they differentiate themselves from others. Look for areas where you can offer something different or provide additional value to attract customers.
• Customer feedback: Pay attention to customer reviews and ratings of your competitors. Analyze common complaints and concerns to identify areas where you can excel in customer satisfaction.
• Market share: Determine the market share your competitors hold in your target market. This will give you an idea of the competition intensity and help you identify areas where you can gain a competitive advantage.
• Visit local trade shows and industry events to network with other roofing companies and gain firsthand knowledge about their operations.
• Consider conducting mystery shopping or hiring a professional consultant to assess your competitors' customer service, responsiveness, and quality of work.
• Stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements to identify potential gaps in your competitors' offerings that you can fill.

Determine The Legal And Regulatory Requirements

When starting a roofing company, it is crucial to understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements that govern the industry. By ensuring you are in compliance, you can avoid penalties, lawsuits, and other potential legal issues that could hinder the success of your business.

Firstly, register your roofing company as a legal entity with the appropriate government authorities. This could be as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has its own legal and financial implications, so it is essential to choose the one that suits your specific needs.

Obtain the necessary licenses and permits required to operate a roofing company in your area. The requirements vary depending on your location, so research and contact the appropriate local, state, and federal agencies to determine the specific licenses and permits you need.

Additionally, secure adequate insurance coverage to protect your roofing company and its clients. This typically includes general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and property insurance. Consult with an insurance professional to identify the coverage that best suits your business requirements.

It is also important to comply with safety regulations to ensure the well-being of your employees and clients. Familiarize yourself with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and implement safety protocols in your daily operations. This will not only protect your workers but also enhance your reputation as a responsible and trustworthy roofing company.

• Consult with a business attorney or a legal professional who specializes in the construction industry to navigate the complex legal requirements.
• Join relevant trade associations or organizations to stay updated on industry regulations and network with experienced professionals.
• Keep thorough records of licenses, permits, insurance policies, and safety training to demonstrate compliance if required.

By understanding and fulfilling the legal and regulatory requirements, your roofing company will lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success in the industry.

Calculate The Startup Costs And Secure Financing

Calculating the startup costs for your roofing company is a crucial step in developing a comprehensive business plan. It is important to accurately estimate all expenses associated with starting and running your business, as this will determine the amount of financing you will need to secure.

Start by identifying all the necessary expenses, such as equipment and materials, licenses and permits, insurance, marketing and advertising costs, office space, utilities, and salaries for employees. Use industry averages and quotes from suppliers to get an accurate estimate of these costs.

Once you have calculated the total startup costs, you will need to determine how you will finance your business. There are several options to consider:

• Personal savings: Using your own savings to finance your startup is a common option for many entrepreneurs.
• Bank loans: Approach banks and financial institutions to secure a loan for your startup costs. Provide them with a detailed business plan and financial projections to increase your chances of getting approved.
• Investors: Seek out potential investors who are willing to provide funding in exchange for equity in your roofing company.
• Grants and government programs: Research grant opportunities and government programs that provide financial assistance to small businesses in the roofing industry.
• Consider creating a contingency fund to account for unexpected expenses that may arise during the startup phase.
• Explore crowdfunding platforms as an alternative means of securing financing for your roofing company.
• Improve your chances of securing financing by having a strong business plan, detailed financial projections, and a solid credit history.

Develop A Pricing Strategy

Developing a pricing strategy is a crucial step in establishing a successful roofing company. Setting the right price for your services will help you attract customers, cover your costs, and maximize your profits. Here are some important considerations when developing your pricing strategy:

• Cost estimation: Start by determining the cost of labor, materials, and other overhead expenses for each roofing project. Consider factors such as the size of the roof, complexity of the job, and any additional services required.
• Competitive analysis: Conduct market research to understand the pricing trends in your area. Analyze the rates charged by your competitors and identify any unique selling points that can justify higher pricing.
• Value-based pricing: Consider the value you provide to your customers when setting your prices. Focus on the quality of your work, customer service, and any warranties or guarantees you offer.
• Profit margin: Determine the level of profit you aim to achieve. Factor in your costs, expenses, and desired profit margin to ensure your pricing is profitable.
• Markup method: Decide whether you will use a fixed markup or a percentage-based markup on your costs to determine your selling price. Evaluate which method aligns better with your business goals and industry standards.
• Consider offering different pricing options to cater to various customer needs. This can include tiered packages or add-on services at an additional cost.
• Regularly review and adjust your pricing strategy based on market conditions, changes in costs, and customer feedback.
• Do not underprice your services to undercut competitors. Remember, quality work and excellent customer service deserve fair compensation.

By carefully considering these factors and developing a comprehensive pricing strategy, you can ensure that your roofing company remains competitive while also maximizing your profitability.

Create A Marketing And Advertising Plan

Creating a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan is crucial for the success of your roofing company. This plan outlines the strategies and tactics you will use to promote your services, attract customers, and build brand awareness. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Define your target audience: Identify the specific homeowners, businesses, or organizations that are most likely to require roofing services. Understanding your target market will help you tailor your marketing messages and choose the most effective channels to reach them.
• Establish your unique selling proposition (USP): Determine what sets your roofing company apart from the competition. Highlight your strengths, such as quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, or competitive pricing, to differentiate yourself in the market.
• Develop your branding: Create a strong and memorable brand identity that reflects your company's values and positioning. Design a logo, choose a color scheme, and develop a consistent brand voice that resonates with your target audience.
• Build an online presence: In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Create a professional website that showcases your roofing services, displays customer testimonials, and provides easy contact options. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website's visibility on search engines and consider incorporating online advertising methods such as pay-per-click (PPC) ads and social media marketing.
• Utilize traditional advertising methods: Don't overlook traditional advertising methods such as print advertisements in local newspapers or magazines, billboards, and direct mail campaigns. These can still be effective in reaching local communities and generating leads.
• Establish strategic partnerships: Identify potential partners in related industries, such as construction contractors or home improvement stores, and explore opportunities for collaboration or referrals. Building strategic partnerships can help you expand your customer base and increase brand awareness.
• Implement tracking and analytics: Monitor the performance of your marketing activities by using tracking tools and analytics. This will help you identify which marketing channels and campaigns are generating the most leads and conversions, allowing you to optimize your efforts and maximize your return on investment.

Tips for an Effective Marketing and Advertising Plan:

• Allocate a budget specifically for marketing and advertising activities to ensure you have the necessary resources to execute your plan effectively.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt your marketing strategies based on the changing needs of your target audience and the effectiveness of your campaigns.
• Regularly monitor and engage with customer feedback and reviews to maintain a positive online reputation.
• Consider offering special promotions or incentives to attract new customers and encourage repeat business.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies to leverage new marketing opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

By creating a well-thought-out marketing and advertising plan, you can effectively reach and attract your target customers, differentiate yourself from competitors, and drive the growth of your roofing company.

Identify The Necessary Equipment And Resources

When starting a roofing company, it is vital to identify the necessary equipment and resources that will be required to run your business efficiently. Having the right tools and resources not only ensures that you can complete roofing projects effectively, but it also contributes to the overall professionalism and credibility of your company.

Here are some important equipment and resources to consider:

• Roofing Tools: Invest in high-quality roofing tools such as hammers, nail guns, saws, measuring tapes, shovels, and safety equipment like harnesses and helmets. Having the right tools will enable your roofing team to work safely and efficiently.
• Roofing Materials: Identify the specific roofing materials that you will require for different types of projects. This may include shingles, tiles, metal panels, adhesives, insulation, and flashing. Building a good relationship with suppliers and getting quality materials at competitive prices is essential to maintain profit margins.
• Transportation: Depending on the scale of your roofing projects, determine whether you need a fleet of vehicles or if a single truck will suffice. Consider whether you need vehicles to transport materials and equipment to job sites or to provide transportation for your team members.
• Technology and Software: Utilize technology and software to streamline your roofing operations. This may include project management tools, scheduling software, accounting software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Implementing these tools can help improve efficiency, accuracy, and communication within your company.
• Training and Education: Invest in training and education for your roofing team to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to perform high-quality work. Stay up-to-date with the latest roofing techniques, safety protocols, and industry standards to maintain a competitive edge.
• Insurance and Legal Requirements: Identify the insurance coverage required for your roofing business, such as general liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, and business auto insurance. Consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with local laws, permits, licensing, and any other regulatory requirements.
• Consider purchasing equipment and materials in bulk to take advantage of discounts and better pricing.
• Regularly maintain and update your equipment to minimize downtime and enhance safety.
• Establish partnerships with reliable suppliers to ensure a steady supply of quality materials.
• Explore leasing options for expensive equipment to manage startup costs effectively.

By identifying the necessary equipment and resources, you can ensure that your roofing company is well-prepared to handle projects efficiently, deliver quality work, and provide a positive customer experience.

Outline The Organizational Structure

When outlining the organizational structure of your roofing company, it is important to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each member of your team. This will help create a structured and efficient work environment, ensuring that tasks are delegated appropriately and everyone knows their role in contributing to the success of the business.

To start, determine the key positions that your roofing company will require. These may include:

• Owner/Founder: As the owner or founder of the company, you will oversee the overall operations and make strategic decisions.
• Project Managers: These individuals will be responsible for overseeing the execution of roofing projects, managing timelines, and ensuring quality work.
• Estimators: Estimators will be responsible for providing accurate cost estimates for roofing projects and creating competitive bids.
• Roofing Crew: These are the team members who will perform the actual roofing work, including installation, repairs, and maintenance.
• Administrative Staff: Administrative staff will handle various administrative tasks such as accounting, customer service, and scheduling.

Tips for structuring your organizational team:

• Clearly define job descriptions and responsibilities for each position to avoid confusion and ensure accountability.
• Consider hiring experienced professionals who bring knowledge and expertise to each role.
• Provide training and ongoing support to your team members to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills.
• Encourage open communication and collaboration among team members to foster a positive work environment.

Remember that the organizational structure of your roofing company may evolve over time as the business grows. Stay open to adjustments and be prepared to adapt to changing needs and market demands. By outlining a clear organizational structure, you can establish a strong foundation for your roofing company's success.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a roofing company involves several important steps. By identifying the target market, conducting market research, analyzing the competition, and determining the legal requirements, you can lay the foundation for a successful roofing business. Additionally, calculating startup costs, developing a pricing strategy, creating a marketing and advertising plan, identifying necessary equipment and resources, and outlining the organizational structure will help streamline operations and attract customers. By following this checklist of nine steps, you can create a comprehensive business plan that sets your roofing company up for success.

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Roofing Business Plan Template & Guidebook

A well-crafted business plan is essential to achieving success in the roofing industry. The #1 Roofing Business Plan Template & Guidebook provides entrepreneurs with a comprehensive resource to help them create a plan that will stand out among their peers. This guidebook is filled with valuable tips, templates and advice to help individuals create an effective business plan that will set them up for success. It covers every element of the planning process, from developing your mission statement to creating a marketing strategy and creating financial projections. With this resource at hand, aspiring business owners can equip themselves with the tools necessary to turn their dreams into reality.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Roofing Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Roofing Business Ideas [2023]
• 25 Catchy Roofing Business Names:

How to Write a Roofing Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your roofing business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your roofing business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a roofing business:

Our mission at XYZ Roofing is to provide high-quality roofing services with exceptional customer service, utilizing cutting-edge technology and materials to ensure safe and reliable roofing solutions. We strive to create strong, lasting relationships with both our clients and our industry partners that will lead to increased value for all.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Roofing Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your roofing business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your roofing business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your roofing business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your roofing business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a roofing business?

• Safety equipment, such as hard hats, boots, goggles, and gloves
• Tools, such as a hammer, a pry bar, nail sets, hand saws, and screw guns
• Roofing materials such as shingles, nails, flashing material and sealants
• Dumpster or waste disposal services
• Climbing harnesses and ladders
• Certificates or permits from local authorities to carry out roofing work in the area

5. Management & Organization of Your Roofing Business.

The second part of your roofing business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your roofing business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Roofing Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a roofing business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a roofing business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your roofing business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your roofing business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your roofing business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a roofing business.

A business plan for a roofing business is important because it allows you to create a comprehensive plan for how your company will operate and succeed. It outlines key areas such as your target market, services offered, pricing strategy, marketing efforts, employee training and development, and financial plans. A business plan also helps you secure financing from banks and other potential investors.

Who should you ask for help with your roofing business plan?

You should ask a professional business consultant or an attorney who specializes in small business formation and development for help with your roofing business plan. They can provide expert advice on forming and running a successful roofing business. Additionally, it may be helpful to research online resources or check out local business networks for support.

Can you write a roofing business plan yourself?

Writing a business plan can be a daunting task, but it is an important step in starting and running a successful roofing business. To write a comprehensive business plan, research the roofing industry and your local market, create financial projections, and define your competitive advantages. You'll also want to include ideas for marketing, customer service, and other operational elements. A professional business consultant can help you with this process if needed.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Roofing 101: The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Roofing Company  

• Katelyn Bilicich
• October 25, 2022

Roofing is an industry on the rise. In 2020, the global roofing market was valued at $102.4 billion, and is predicted to reach $156 billion by 2030. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 4.3% . Looking at numbers like that, prospective roofers, or contractors who might be working for someone else, may well consider opening their own roofing businesses.

It’s not news to anyone that starting a company is challenging and risky at the best of times, much less during an uncertain economy. So while the roofing industry is booming, prospective roofers need a comprehensive guide to starting a business that will thrive for years to come. After all, there is a big difference between being an expert at installing slate and running a successful company.  

Business Planning 

Anyone looking to open their own business needs a solid and actionable business plan to get their idea off the ground. Before looking for financing, buying equipment – and definitely before hanging a shingle (literally or otherwise) – a business owner needs to think through every step of the entrepreneurial process. 

While putting together a business plan, it is important to stay positive and keep that “new idea energy,” because excitement and optimism will inspire the best ideas and lead to the smartest solutions while fueling the entire planning process. 

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Roofing Company? 

The first thing to consider when founding any enterprise is cost. Roofers must account for the following as basic overhead:  

• Insurance  
• Equipment  
• Wages  
• Marketing  

Thankfully, financing is available in the form of loans and grants from both the local and federal government, as well as private organizations dedicated to developing small businesses . Entrepreneurs of different backgrounds all have organizations willing to support their dreams if they do some research and fill out the right applications.  

What is the average profit margin for roofing? 

A successful business is one that makes more money than it loses, right? In any industry, it is important to know the average profit margin against which to measure success and growth.  

For the average roofing company, gross profit margins run between 20 and 40 percent. New and larger companies may have slimmer margins: the former as they ramp up business and the latter due to higher overhead.  

Is a Roofing Company Profitable? 

The roofing industry is doing great, but before committing to a plan, it’s important to know the statistics on revenue. According to Roofing Contractor , a 2021 survey reported that primarily residential roofing contractors reported a median annual revenue of $500,000 to $4.9 million, with 14% actually reporting between $5 million to $9.9million. However, being able to determine what portion of that revenue is actually “profit” is what makes the difference in the bank. This is where understanding your profit margin becomes important. 

How to Price Your Services 

New business owners need a strategy for pricing their services to reach target profit margin. Pricing guides for the roofing industry are easy to find, but here is a basic step-by-step explanation of how to estimate a roofing job .  

• Interview the client about the job, inspect the roof, and consider local building codes  
• Measure the roof  
• Estimate costs of roofing materials  
• Estimate labor and rental costs  
• Account for profit margin after overhead 

Remember that 90 percent of roofers underbid for jobs, so it is vital to value one’s own services highly and charge their actual worth. Because the name of the game isn’t revenues: it’s profitability. 

Branding Your Roofing Business 

Running a roofing company involves a lot more than just fixing roofs. Small business owners wear a lot of hats, including that of Chief Brand Officer. A business’s brand is the first impression it makes on peers and potential clients, and can mean the difference between thriving and struggling. 

Business Cards & Basics 

The key to good branding is to explore all options for getting the word out about your company. Business cards are a tried and true option for roofers, but the modern age opens up plenty of great digital marketing opportunities for roofers . Websites, social media, branded email blasts, newsletters, and more can all spread the word about a new business. Likewise, asking satisfied customers to post reviews on services like Yelp or Google can go a long way to making a company look great.  

What’s a Good Name for a Roofing Company? 

All the branding in the world can’t help a company with an unmemorable name. Marketing research offers some key tips when choosing a name. For just a few rules of thumb, roofers should pick a name that appeals to their desired customers, that is comforting and familiar enough to be associated with home and family, and that features the name of the area being serviced.  

Roofers should avoid overly long or confusing names, or that use unfamiliar language or contain business tags like LLC or Inc. that don’t actually apply to the company. It’s important to remember that the legal name of your company doesn’t need to be the public brand, but if you are doing business under a different name than your legal entity, you will need to file paperwork (usually known as a “fictitious business name”) with your local government.  

Legal & Accounting Considerations for Your Roofing Business 

Many new entrepreneurs worry about legal processes and bookkeeping, sometimes to the point of avoiding those tasks. But both legal coverage and accounting for business are easier and more straightforward than they appear, especially with modern software and plenty of resources online and elsewhere. The roofing community can point new roofers to helpful accountants and legal advisors or lawyers who are more than happy to offer advice.  

What Business Type Should I Choose? 

 There are four basic business structures, each with its own benefits:  

• Sole proprietorships – Run by one owner with all the decision-making power and liability  
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) – More complex than a sole proprietorship but less so than a corporation, offering the owner more protection without too many complications  
• S Corporation – S corporations pass the net income of the business onto the stockholders of the business in order for them to be taxed on their personal tax returns. Essentially, there’s only one tier of federal income tax to pay and it is a helpful business structure if there will be multiple partners in the business. 
• C Corporation – Stockholders, officers, and the board of directors have total authority over the corporation. However, it is possible for an individual to fulfill all three roles. In other words, it’s possible to start a corporation and be in complete charge of every aspect of the business. 

These structures and more exist to provide flexibility to the business owner, who should select the model best suited for the level of complexity they are willing to handle in exchange for liability protection and resilience. 

What License Do You Need To Start A Roofing Company? 

Starting a roofing company requires more than just the gumption to climb a ladder and start hammering nails. Every state has its own licensing requirements. Most such processes involve fees and dues, so it is important to research all the necessary steps and prepare a full business plan before committing to any tests or payments. 

Roofing Insurance 

Roofing does involve risk, both of personal injury and damage to property. There is no special insurance for roofing as an industry, but roofers can and should purchase as much insurance coverage as they can afford. Besides the two major categories covered below, roofers should also consider:  

• Commercial auto insurance  
• Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance  
• Professional liability insurance  

Individual projects may also come with surety bonds, wherein an insurer reimburses the client if the roofer fails to fulfill the contract.  

General Liability Insurance 

General liability insurance is there for basic third-party risks. This includes accidents, personal injury, property damage, and libel and branding injuries. Roofers can save money by bundling liability and commercial property insurance into a single policy.  

Workers’ Compensation 

Nearly every state requires business owners to pay into workers’ compensation programs, even if they have no employees. These policies help cover the costs of workplace injuries denied by health insurance. 

Managing Your Accounts 

Before getting a roofing business up and running, roofers may want to hire a dedicated accountant to handle the bookkeeping day-to-day. Freelance bookkeepers are available online and through services like Upwork, and are usually all a small business needs. The cost to retain these professionals on Upwork and similar sites is often well worth the extra time to complete or recharge between jobs.  

Roofing Equipment 

Roofing is a contracting and construction job. Working with one’s hands means holding the right tools. Aside from the basics like a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and more, roofers need items like:  

• Roofing shovel or other tool to tear off shingles  
• Pry bar  
• Utility or roofing blade  
• Air compressor  
• Roofing hatchet  
• Hammer tacker stapler  
• Roofing nail gun 

Renting vs Buying  

Renting equipment is a great way to save on long-term expenses, upkeep costs, and commitment. When starting out, it’s a good idea to rent most big items, especially the ones that see situational use. As the business grows, it makes sense to buy the more commonly used equipment, and of course, roofers should own the basic tools they use every day.  

Roofing Software 

Business software has become indispensable in nearly every industry and roofing is no different. The right roofing software platform simplifies every aspect of a roofing business, from measurements to estimates to the all-important collection of data for analytics. 

Estimate Software 

Estimating and quoting the price of work is as sensitive as it is important. A good software platform automates the estimate process and makes it foolproof, making it much harder for the roofer to underquote for their hard work.  

A good software platform also allows users to add notes and pictures from inspections even as it offers the best estimate tailored specifically to roofing on the market. 

Measurement Software 

Measuring a roof is one of the most vital steps in both the quoting and planning process. A premium roofing software not only stores all measurements but also uses aerial imaging for comprehensive and incredibly accurate measurements. Such measurements make estimates and invoicing much smoother, as well as help produce accurate roof measurement reports.

(Looking for a measurement ordering service instead? Try RoofSnap’s roof measurement report orders .    The first one is on us.)     

Contract Software 

Roofers are contractors, and that means the contract itself is all-important for taking a job. Advanced roofing software tools should allow roofers to send contracts and receive signatures remotely, taking a lot of the waiting out of the contracting process. This is especially useful when paired with enhanced measurement systems and automated estimates.  (Check out our Roofing Contract Software page for more details on RoofSnap & roofing contracts.)

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Hiring Your Roofing Crew & Office Staff 

While any contractor’s business often revolves around the owner’s reputation and skill (at least at first), running that business alone severely limits the potential for growth. Roofers need at least some staff, to make jobs safer, faster, and more efficient in the field, and to handle office tasks.  

Hiring & Training Your Crew 

Hiring and training the best staff is a major task. It is key to remember that finding experienced and skilled contractors is a great option, but so is training newcomers who show dedication and promise – don’t get caught up in the “Entry-Level Catch-22.” 

Training is so rewarding that even resources for training trainers abound. Roofers Coffee Shop and Roofing Academy are just two options. 

Job listings are easy (and often free) to post on sites like Craigslist, Indeed, and Google. And even with the dominance of online job hunting, newspapers remain a strong option for recruiting. 

A good crew is hard to come by.

Curb turnover by downloading our “Guide to Retaining Top Talent” .

Hiring & Training “Office” Staff 

Not every roofing business owner needs a formal office location, but office tasks like answering phones, organizing inventory and files, and data entry are mandatory regardless. 

While these tasks are a good way to give younger relatives (paid!) work experience, it is easy to find enthusiastic office staff. Business owners need not be clerical wizards themselves to train staff in their preferred organizational methods, though letting an experienced office worker build best practices can be very rewarding. 

Especially early on, freelancers can be an economical alternative to full-time or salaried hires.  

Building Sales Infrastructure 

Both field and office workers will be encountering potential clients, so all staff should be trained in sales techniques. Sales is a whole field that is difficult to master. Roofers who put a training plan and resources in place will set themselves up for success.  

Ongoing Training 

As with training other job skills, plenty of online influencers have channels dedicated to sales techniques. Many roofing business owners should start by training themselves using these same resources. 

Online “influencers” like The Roof Strategist and The Roofershow can be great sources of training techniques. 

Making Sales Easy 

Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to make sales without putting in too much effort. Setting up promotions and referral programs will encourage satisfied customers to tell their friends and family about a roofing business in hopes of receiving discounted service.  

How Do I Make My Roofing Business Successful? 

Starting a business is a challenge all its own – making that business thrive takes dedication, resourcefulness, and even luck. Here are just a few tips for improving one’s chances of becoming a prosperous roofer:  

• Do plenty of research. 
• Minimize your liability  
• Work on sales skills  
• Don’t overspend  
• Hire reliable staff  
• Take jobs you know you can complete  

(For a more in-depth guide on scaling your business, we’ve got you covered .) 

Digital Marketing 

Any business owner should understand the basics of digital marketing. Paid online advertising like banners are one way to spread the word, while social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and NextDoor let business owners engage directly with potential clients. 

When setting up a website and other online presence, search engine optimization (SEO) skills can mean the difference between being right up at the top of a Google search and banishment to the dreaded second page.  

Traditional Marketing 

Door-to-door salesmanship can get politicians elected, and it can definitely help bring customers to a roofing business. Pamphlets and fliers are valid options, especially if they include discounts and promotions, but sometimes just pounding the pavement and introducing oneself to local homeowners can really make an impression. Just be sure to convey friendliness and professionalism. 

And never underestimate the power of networking. The roofing community is online like any other, from helpful subreddits and professional resources, and there are professional conventions and other meetups to attend. A friendly attitude toward fellow local roofers can help, even if they’re competitors in the market. It is also vital to cultivate working relationships with other trusted contractors in the area, as satisfied clients are likely to use, for example, their favorite landscaper’s recommended roofer, and vice versa.  

KEEP READING: Roofing Lead Generation: 6 Ways to Get More Roofing Leads

Creating a Great Customer Experience 

Ultimately, there is no better way to run a successful roofing business than to be a great roofer. And a great roofer knows the job is about more than just craftsmanship – professionalism and memorably good customer service are a must. Customers should be satisfied both with the completed project and how they are treated throughout the relationship. 

To offer the best customer service, be sure to communicate openly and honestly, make eye contact, and keep calm at all times. Try whenever possible to see things from the customer’s perspective. 

With the right business plan, staff, marketing, and customer relationships, any new roofing business can get in on the rising fortunes of this thriving industry.  

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How to Start a Roofing Business: 9 Tips to Grow & Thrive

20 articles

If you’re looking to start a roofing business, it’s the perfect time to flip the switch. Industry research notes that the US roofing industry consists of more than 80,000 businesses employing 250,000 people — and annual industry revenues exceed $50 billion. It’s an excellent time to consider starting a roofing company, as both the residential and commercial sectors are experiencing a wave of new construction, and that means opportunities for the roofing industry, which is expected to grow revenues by around 1% annually for the next five years. 

Moving from working as a roofing contractor to starting your own business may feel a bit dizzying, but it doesn’t have to be. Establishing a business legally is a straightforward process, and creating a plan for growth is exciting. As you get deeper into the process, you’ll get to tackle challenges with cash flow, marketing, hiring, and more. 

We worked together with Kyle Shirley, founder and owner of Sol Vista Roofing in Denver, to create a guide to start and grow a roofing business from the ground up. 

Table of Contents

1. Lay the sheathing: Registration, licensing, and insurance

Handling the fundamentals is like putting down the deck at the start of a roofing project: It sets you up for success later. Starting a business starts with the legal and logistical nuts and bolts that get you ready for growth later on. 

Here are a few key steps to make sure you cover:

• Register your business with your state’s Secretary of State. You’ll need a name for your business entity and a business structure — often a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC). 
• Get the proper license and insurance according to your state’s requirements. We have a contractor licensing guide for every state you can refer to — as many states do require specific licensing for roofing businesses. 
• Obtain a business bank account and any software or staff you’ll need for accounting and bookkeeping. It’s important to keep your business’ finances separate from your personal accounts. 

Once you’re registered, licensed, insured, and financially prepared, you’re ready to start thinking about how to grow your roofing business from the ground up. 

2. Make a clear business plan aimed at growth

The first step in growing your roofing business is to create a plan to grow. Start with your business plan – if you didn’t have a business plan when you started your roofing business, now would be a good time to write it down. 

“A strong business plan consists of thorough market research,” says Kyle Shirley. “You should look into the top players in your city or market, then perform a SWOT analysis to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. New businesses can leverage technology, automation, and lower overhead costs to compete with existing businesses. Your business plan lays out your strategy for breaking into the market and financial projections for the first five years, giving you a sense of how many jobs you need to take on to grow and scale.”

Below, we’ve listed some items your business plan should definitely include . 

Set goals for your business

Goals may include the revenue you want to generate over the next five years, the number of new jobs you will take on, or targets for hiring employees. The clearer you can be with your growth objectives, the easier it is to determine what resources you need in order to accomplish them. 

Get clear on your customers

Are you going to specialize in a specific niche, or diversify your client base? Will your business focus on residential customers or commercial roofing projects ? The audience you are trying to reach — and the types of roofing jobs you want to take on — will determine your marketing strategy and hiring requirements, as well as other business decisions.

Analyze your competition

Once you’re clear on your goals and the types of roofing projects you’re going after, look at what your competition is doing. What kinds of jobs are they bidding on? How can you differentiate your company from existing businesses?  

Action item: Create a growth plan for your roofing company.  Why it matters: Avoid the most dangerous business error of all: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” 

3 . Keep the cash flowing like water down a valley

Here’s a little-known fact about growing a roofing business: It can be incredibly cash-hungry. If you start growing without proper financial management, you will quickly find your company out of cash and in bankruptcy court. That’s not an overstatement: Cash flow is the number one reason why roofing contractors fail . 

“The construction business has a long cash conversion cycle,” notes Kyle Shirley, “so you need to go in with eyes wide open, understanding the average days sales outstanding (DSO) for your market — which you can find by reaching out to local or state roofing organizations. From there, you can track your accounts receivable, accounts payable, and overhead expenses to see your current cash flow. Even better, you can project your sales, labor costs, and materials costs further out to make sure that the revenue coming in is going to cover your costs.” 

In order to grow, a roofing company must proactively manage cash flow — or you’ll end up doing about as well as a roof without flashing. Since you’re a seasoned roofer, you know that payments can lag behind job completion — sometimes way behind. But your costs keep adding up, and you need cash on hand to continue hiring skilled roofers, buying materials and equipment, and taking on more or bigger roofing jobs. 

To grow your roofing business sustainably, it’s not enough to be a skilled roofer. You need to be a master of your cash flow. 

Becoming a successful business owner means knowing when to delegate and when to stay involved. When it comes to cash flow, it’s important to always have your finger on the pulse. 

Review your cash flow regularly

If you have an accountant, work with them to create a real-time view of your cash flow that you can check any time. Even without a dedicated accountant, you can use a cash flow forecast to predict your cash needs for the upcoming week, month, or year. Revise your projections to include actual expenses and revenue to make sure your model is accurate. 

Modern construction accounting software can take into account expenses, accounts payable, and accounts receivable to help you spot cash flow problems before they sink your business. 

WATCH : How to calculate cash flow for a construction project  

Use cash flow to inform your business decisions

When making financial decisions for your roofing business, operate with certainty rather than assumptions. Cash flow predictions and analytics are useful, but you’ll also want to lean on cash flow statements from past months and years that give a true picture of how your roofing business is doing. 

Beyond staying on top of cash flow as an owner, you’ll also want to make sure that you develop operational excellence among your team as your business grows: prompt invoicing , strong payment terms, and efforts to drive down costs where possible. 

Action item: Evaluate a recent cash flow statement and develop a real-time cash flow dashboard. Make it a priority to check in on your business cash flow at least weekly. Why it matters: If your business is cash flow negative, it doesn’t matter if you have significant revenue coming in down the line. Growing and maintaining your roofing business means having positive cash flow to expand your workforce and take on new jobs. 

4. Set your prices as carefully as you assemble a roof

While cash flow is critical for survival, profit is essential for growing a roofing business. Your profit is the money you will use to reinvest in the business for continued growth. Too many roofers fail to price their services correctly, either aiming too high to attract customers or too low to maintain profitability. 

Read more: The profit roadmap for contractors

For many business owners, nailing down the right pricing structure feels like a mystery, and some resort to simply copying competitors in hopes of success. But here’s the truth: Roofing businesses charge wildly different rates (from $3.50 to $10 per square foot in commercial roofing or $4.35 to $11 per square foot in residential roofing), and you need to figure out the price that will work for your business.

“Most contractors are not charging enough,” says Kyle Shirley. “Businesses tend to focus on their labor and material cost, but most people are not factoring in overhead. Some contractors I speak to think they don’t have any overhead, but even a solo contractor has to cover gas and insurance costs. Other overhead costs include marketing, technology (software, a website, etc.), and rent — though there are many more. And of course, your pricing also has to include a profit margin, because that profit is what you can re-invest in your business to grow.”

Your prices are going to depend on your region, whether you’re doing commercial or residential roofing work, and your specialization. Fortunately, getting the price right isn’t difficult, and you only have to follow one simple rule: The customer has to cover every cost. 

When you’re just doing individual roofing jobs, it’s easy to forget about the cost of doing business — but when you’re running a business, you need to remember that every job you take on needs to cover overhead as well . In addition to materials and labor for roofing jobs, you need to cover the cost of staff, offices, benefits, and more. 

Oh, and you do want to make a profit, right? Your pricing needs to take all of this into account. The average profit margin across the roofing industry is 7.2% , but you may adjust that number higher or lower depending on your business needs.

Keep reading: Contractor’s guide to profit and overhead

Action item: Take a look at your current hourly rate and billable hours, then determine whether they are actually covering your costs and working toward making a profit. Why it matters: Too many businesses fail because they undercharge or overprice their services. Make sure you know the real cost of running your roofing business and price accordingly. 

5. Hire & retain employees that form a great underlayment

Your employees are the face of your roofing business, which means that whoever you hire will represent your company in front of your customers. Successful business owners put their people first because a thriving team leads to a growing company. Roofers know that an underlayment helps protect the finished roof, so get team members who will help hold your company together.

“As a new business owner, you need employees who will build your reputation and earn a good review,” Kyle Shirley emphasizes. “When we started out, we did a lot of interviews and vetting. We tested our roofers out on different projects and jobs to make sure they would represent Sol Vista Roofing as professionals. We want customers to feel fantastic about the service they get so they’ll spread the word. That’s crucial when you’re just starting out.”

Update your benefits package to remain competitive

The more you can offer potential employees, the better employees you will attract. Strong health benefits, retirement plans, and leave policies may seem like high costs, but the value of productive employees can quickly outweigh the initial investment. Hiring, training, and developing an excellent team is the best investment you can make in growing your roofing business. 

When your employees consistently treat your customers with respect and demonstrate professional knowledge, growth comes naturally. Also, when you invest in your employees, they’re more likely to stick around, helping you to keep turnover low and engagement high. 

Provide training opportunities

Create onboarding procedures for every position that orients new employees to skills as well as company culture. While standardizing training for roofers is important, don’t forget about your back-office employees. Make sure your office staff have access to tools and courses that help them do their jobs more efficiently.

Training doesn’t have to be expensive. Levelset’s Payment Academy offers free courses on collections and credit, construction financial management, and more. 

Make it clear how employees can grow from the start. Rather than providing a job, open up a career path for everyone who works in your roofing business. Strong employees are attracted to growth opportunities, so provide incentives and promotions for performance to everyone who works for you.

Action item: Look at your processes for hiring, training, and development to identify areas for improvement.  Why it matters: Employees are the single greatest asset of any roofing business. Treat them accordingly. 

6. Create clear policies and procedures for every aspect of your business

As your business grows, you’ll have less direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of the company. Too many business owners try to fight fires or manage every aspect of operations, but this is a recipe for burnout and stagnation.

“As you open your doors and take on new customers, document your policies and standard operating procedures,” says Kyle Shirley. “It doesn’t have to be pretty, but you need to write it down. Then, over time you can refine your procedures as you learn more about your business. How would you have handled that sale differently? Update the procedure. We have procedures for everything our company does, and those documents are visible to every one of our employees. If someone on my team asks how to get a measurement report for a roof, I point them to the procedure. As your business grows, you won’t have your hands in every aspect of operations, but good policies and procedures will make sure your team is consistent.”

Instead, you need to optimize your operations by building great processes, writing them down, and trusting your employees. Take all that you’ve learned about roofing, sales, and more—and add in knowledge from your employees. Use this accumulated experience to standardize how your team handles calls, evaluates customer creditworthiness , and manages repairs and installations. 

You need to have clear, written instructions for every company process. A policy serves three purposes: 

• Keeps everyone on the same page
• Saves supervisors from having to repeat information
• Ensures that wisdom isn’t lost when you have employee turnover 

Trust your employees

Once you have standard procedures, let your employees follow them. Too many business owners try to micromanage, but this approach is rarely successful. Instead, refine your procedures over time and use ongoing training to empower your employees to handle every situation. 

In the end, your business is a collection of many different processes — from simple phone greetings to deciding whether to file a mechanics lien for non-payment . Having clear, unified processes for every aspect of your roofing business improves productivity and prevents knowledge from disappearing when employees leave your company. 

Action item: Identify processes that need standardization, write out clear instructions for those processes, and keep going until you have documentation to handle (nearly) every aspect of your roofing business. Why it matters: As you grow, you’ll have less direct control over your business. By crafting great processes, your wisdom stays in every aspect of the company even as your attention moves toward strategy rather than day-to-day operations. 

7. Execute a focused marketing and sales strategy

You can have the best roofers, office manager, and accountant on the planet, but if you don’t win jobs, your roofing business will not grow. Build a sales and marketing team that understands your target audience — and what gets them to say “yes” to the sale . 

“A sales procedure is one of the most important things you can have,” says Kyle Shirley. “And you want it to include everything. Our sales team parks on the street so they don’t block a homeowner’s driveway. We get to know the customer first. We walk around the property with the homeowner, and we gradually get a sense of what they need from us. After we do an inspection, we present our quote on site — and we explain the value that we bring, like our warranty. We don’t want to email that quote later, because we want a chance to discuss what we’re offering to the homeowner.”

On residential jobs, the homeowner is dealing with a potentially large outlay of funds and may be in a stressful situation—like a failing roof or the impending sale of their home. You want your sales staff to act with empathy and understanding. 

If your goal is to get more commercial or public jobs, you’ll need someone experienced in writing winning bids. Bidding a private commercial project can be different from bidding a government job — your team should understand the difference.    

“Commercial roofing sales is much more about building relationships over time,” notes Kyle Shirley. “You do good work with a developer and they begin to understand what you offer. You show them that you get their problem and you present solutions that will work for them. We’ll often send a video with our bids to explain our reasoning, which helps replicate that personal touch you usually get working on the residential side with homeowners.”

Both residential and commercial roofing companies need to be able to demonstrate their value to potential customers by addressing their needs and maintaining professionalism.

Growing a roofing business requires that customers know who you are and how to find you. Having a recognizable brand, strong online presence, and an easy-to-use website are vital for growth. 

“In terms of marketing, we do one-to-one outreach on the commercial side and lots of mass digital work on the residential side,” says Kyle Shirley. “We love Google pay-per-click (PPC) ads, and we’re active on social media platforms so that we can be visible in front of homeowners. You need to pay for a search engine optimization (SEO) person as well as some type of new media ads. But don’t discount legacy marketing: postcards, yard signs, door hangers. In some markets, going door to door after a storm is a viable tactic.”

According to Findstack , 72% of people use Google reviews to find businesses , and those with at least 200 reviews generate twice as much revenue on average. As a residential roofing business owner, you need to recognize that the majority of your marketing efforts must go toward optimizing for Google searches, which is where the majority of your potential customers are likely to find you when they’re looking for help with small service jobs or large remodeling projects.

Optimize your website

Either hire an outside agency or an internal specialist who can help you rank in Google for relevant search terms, like “roofer in X city.” You’ll want a strong domain name (www.yourdomain.com), well-written marketing copy, and perhaps even a regularly updated blog with information that supports potential customers. 

You can have your business show up in Google Reviews and on Google Maps by signing up for a business profile .  

Your website needs to work well on both computers and mobile devices, have your contact information readily available, and include a contact form that is easily accessible. When your potential customers find your website from a Google search, make it easy for them to get information about your business and reach out to you.

Feature recent roofing projects that highlight the types of projects you want to work on. Write up the project details, like problems you solved, your standards of cleanliness during construction, and the communication process with the project owner. 

Create a recognizable brand

Beyond optimizing your website and working toward better rankings in Google, you’ll want to make sure that you have a strong brand. Considering your business’ colors, logo, slogan, name, uniforms, trucks, and more can make marketing easier — and make it easier for your business to spread by word of mouth.  

If people know about your business, you’ll get more business. Once you’re an established name in your area, marketing becomes easier, but it never loses importance. Staying ahead of the competition means continually reaching out to potential customers and positioning your roofing business as the best solution to their needs.

4 techniques for closing sales

Here are four ways that strong roofing businesses get the sale for both repair work and new installations:

• Participate in a sales training program that includes role playing over the phone and in person. 
• Encourage your salespeople to spend more time listening than speaking, and to take notes on what the customer is looking for. 
• Ensure your sales staff do a thorough inspection , provide options, and use the echo customer’s language to share that they’ve understood.
• Provide a detailed proposal on site , including transparent pricing and line item costs that give the customer a clear sense of your value. 

Action items: 

• Evaluate your sales performance and audit your processes to see if there are areas for improvement.
• Review your sales and marketing materials regularly to make sure they speak to the audience you’re trying to attract. 
• Take a close look at your current branding and your online marketing efforts to find areas for improvement.

Why it matters: Without a strong sales and marketing machine, there are no jobs to bring in revenue for your business. Making sure that your sales staff is well trained is a crucial part of running a successful roofing business. 

The majority of your customers are looking for you online, so making sure you stand out there is critical for business success. And it’s not just important for residential jobs — even developers and general contractors will look up your website as part of their prequalification process to determine your ability to complete a commercial roofing job. 

8. Know the laws that pertain to roofing businesses

Construction law is complex, and roofers have a lot of rules to follow. Failure to comply with building codes and other regulations can result in project delays, steep financial penalties, or a loss of your contractor license.

In addition to property rules, roofer’s licensing requirements , and other laws, you also need to be able to read and understand your construction contract thoroughly. If you’re not careful, you may end up agreeing to contract terms that delay payments or hurt your business financially. Someone at your company should review every contract — or even better, hire a legal team to do it for you.

9. Be the leader your company needs

Becoming a strong leader for your business is an important step if you want to grow. Business leaders with a clear vision, strong communication, and deft organization are able to overcome challenges and make wise decisions as they grow. 

Many roofing business owners started out as roofers or supervisors. The upside of that path is that you have excellent background knowledge about the industry that can inform decisions about materials, techniques, or sales. On the other hand, very few people are natural born leaders, and working as an individual roofer doesn’t always offer the opportunity to develop leadership skills. 

So start working on becoming a better leader right now. 

Always keep communicating

As the business owner, it’s easy to get stuck in your silo — but it’s a mistake. Your roofers, salespeople, customer service representatives, accountants, and more are at the front of your business and have information you need. Take time to ask three simple questions: What’s going well? What isn’t? How can I help you?

Stay open to feedback

It’s easy to get caught in a rut doing business the way you’ve always done it. Be open to new insights by meeting with other business owners, attending classes, joining professional groups, and getting feedback from members of your team. 

Never stop learning

Leadership skills develop over time and by incorporating insights from many sources. Listen to leadership podcasts , read leadership books , and take leadership classes with the intent to never stop growing as a leader.

The success of your roofing business starts with your own success as a leader. Build from your strengths and work on your weaknesses to develop into a business owner capable of growing and expanding where you want to be. 

Action item: Make a plan to become a better business leader this year.   Why it matters: Your roofing business’ success starts with you. Leadership skills take time to develop, and these skills will help you gain the insights you need for continuous growth. 

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Roofing Business Plan: A Simple 5-Part Strategy

It’s no secret that it can be difficult to get started in the roofing industry. One of the many issues is having the right plan to get started. There are many things…

Estimated Read Time:   4 minutes

It’s no secret that it can be difficult to get started in the roofing industry. One of the many issues is having the right plan to get started. There are many things to consider, such as where you’re going to get your customers from or how you will become profitable.

Given that this business has so much working against getting started, we’ve simplified the process by giving you a simple 5-part strategy for starting your own roofing business.

Table of Contents

Define Your Business Goals

Before you begin, make sure you have clearly defined your business goals. Setting specific targets makes it far easier to measure your progress and keep yourself from getting frustrated along the way. Some of those goals might include:

• Number of customers you expect to have at the end of your first year
• Number of jobs you plan on completing by quarter
• Percentage increase in the number of customers and jobs completed each month.

With a clear view of what’s expected, you’ll be able to track your progress easily and meet your goals with minimal frustration.

Determine Your Target Market

Now that you’ve narrowed down your goals as a roofing business owner, try to determine who your target market will be. For example, while roofing services are often thought of as a local business, this might not necessarily be the case for you.

The majority of potential customers will likely be those living around the company’s location. However, if there are other companies in the area, try to see who their customers are and which ones you have the best chance of getting.

• Ask friends and family if they know anyone who might need roofing services.
• Contact local organizations, like churches or daycares, to see if they have any referrals for you.
• Take an inventory of area homes that are in disrepair — you never know what sort of business opportunity could be there.

Choose A Market Niche

Another way to increase your odds of success is to narrow down the area you plan on targeting. You can do this by choosing a specific market niche that will be easier for you to fill than merely trying to go after everyone. In addition, you should try to fill a niche that’s not already being served to give yourself an advantage.

Some niches include:

• Apartment complex owners
• Business owners
• Warehouse owners

Develop A Marketing Strategy

Now that you’ve defined your target market and chosen a niche, it’s time to develop a marketing strategy. For roofing businesses, this can be tricky since most people aren’t going to look for someone to replace their roofs. However, if you put excellent quality into your marketing and properly present yourself, you’ll be able to turn up new customers.

How are you going to market? Will it be through online ads or direct mail? Maybe both will work for you, or perhaps neither will. The only way to honestly know is by testing both methods and seeing which is more profitable.

Some things you may want to consider include:

• Flyer drops in neighborhoods that surround your business
• Sending out letters to all of the people listed in the target market’s area code
• Getting on a reputable contractor list
• Keeping an active social media presence on all social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

Calculate Costs and Set Prices

Once you’ve decided on your target market, niche, and marketing plan, the next step in your roofing business plan is to calculate costs and set prices. Again, this is pretty straightforward but can be a little bit more complicated when first starting out.

To set your prices, consider the following:

• The materials you plan on using
• Labor costs
• Any permits or licensing fees needed for your business
• Costs for marketing and sales
• Roofing equipment

By following the steps laid out in this roofing business plan guide, you can significantly increase your chances of succeeding with your new roofing business. As long as you can develop a strong marketing plan and stick with it while also keeping costs low and prices reasonable, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t be successful.

Marketing is everything when it comes to growing a successful roofing company – if you want to drive serious leads , connect with Hook Agency today to get started.

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Crafting Effective Roofing Business Plans

• by Briquelle Simpson
• August 14, 2023,
• last updated 6 months ago

Why do some roofing businesses thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? The answer often lies in the foundation of a well-crafted business plan. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

In this article, we’ll delve into what a roofing business plan is, why it’s a crucial tool for your success, how to create one, and answer some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.

• Creating a comprehensive roofing business plan is essential for long-term success.
• Analyzing competitors, understanding target customers, and developing marketing strategies are key to standing out in the roofing industry.
• Funding options such as personal savings, bank loans, and angel investors can help you get your roofing business off the ground.

What Is a Roofing Business Plan?

A solid roofing company business plan is the backbone of any successful roofing business. It provides a roadmap for your company’s growth, outlining the necessary steps to achieve your goals and objectives.

A roofing business plan is like a roadmap for your company’s future. It’s a comprehensive document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and tactics for achieving them.

Why Do You Need a Roofing Business Plan?

Create a clear vision.

A business plan helps crystallize your goals and objectives, providing a clear direction for your roofing company. It ensures everyone on your team is aligned and working toward a common purpose.

Give Your Company Guidance and Focus

With a solid plan, you can concentrate on the tasks that truly matter and avoid distractions. It enables you to prioritize activities that will drive your business forward.

Manage Risks

A well-constructed business plan forces you to consider potential challenges and devise strategies to mitigate risks. This proactive approach can save you from unforeseen pitfalls and keep your roofing company from failing .

Instill Credibility for Funding

If you’re seeking investments or loans, a comprehensive business plan demonstrates your commitment, seriousness, and potential return on investment to lenders and investors.

The Essentials of a Roofing Company Business Plan

By creating a comprehensive plan, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way and set your roofing business on the path to success. Here are the key sections you need in your roofing business plan.

• Company overview
• Market analysis
• Organization and management
• Customer analysis
• Marketing and sales
• SWOT analysis
• Funding and financial projections
• Implementation plan

Let’s dive into what you should put into each of these sections.

Company Overview

The executive summary is a snapshot of your business, presenting a brief history, mission, and the types of roofing projects your company will undertake. A well-defined mission statement can inspire your team and attract potential clients by showcasing your company’s values and commitment to quality.

For example, if your roofing company aims to provide fast service and top-notch quality in a busy city like Seattle, your mission statement should reflect these core values.

It’s important to ensure that your mission statement is clear, concise, and accurately reflects your mission.

Market Analysis

Understanding the roofing industry and its trends is crucial for the success of your business. A thorough and accurate marketing analysis can help you identify potential growth opportunities and refine your marketing strategy.

The roofing industry in the United States has seen an annual growth rate of 3.1% over the past few years. Knowing the current state of the market and staying updated on market trends will enable you to make informed decisions and seize opportunities as they arise.

Crafting a Competitive Analysis for Your Roofing Business Plan

As part of the market analysis in your business plan, you’ve got to look at what others are doing in the industry. You need to know your competition’s strengths and weaknesses.

Here’s how to make a competitive analysis:

• Identify your direct and indirect competitors: Recognize the other players in the roofing industry, from large corporations to small, local roofing companies.
• Analyze the competition’s strengths and weaknesses: Look at their marketing strategies, service offerings, and pricing models to see what’s working for them and what isn’t, so you can avoid making the same mistakes and capitalize on opportunities they may have overlooked.
• Develop a competitive advantage: Offer innovative services, use high-quality roofing materials, or provide exceptional customer service to set your roofing business apart.

Your competitive analysis will help you create a more effective marketing strategy and position your roofing business for success.

Organization & Management

Your management team can effectively guide your business toward success. A strong team is crucial for making informed decisions and implementing effective strategies in the roofing industry.

To find the best managers and new hires , your roofing business plan should outline the relevant experience and leadership skills you’re looking for. Remember that strong leaders can motivate and inspire their team, make quick and effective decisions, and manage resources efficiently.

You can also look to roofing mentors by creating an advisory board. Build an advisory board of experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds, and you’ll be able to tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support your team.

Customer Analysis

To effectively market your roofing services and grow your business, you need to know your target customers. Outline your target audience in your roofing business plan with demographic (age, income, location, etc.) and psychographic (preferences, values, lifestyles, buying habits, etc.) profiles.

With a deeper understanding of your customers, you can create marketing campaigns that are more likely to resonate with them, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Marketing Plan

Your roofing business plan isn’t complete without a well-thought-out marketing plan. Detail your marketing strategies and develop a cohesive marketing plan to attract more customers, increase your revenue, and establish a strong presence in the roofing industry. 

The key to an effective marketing strategy lies in implementing:

• Online marketing tactics: SEO , social media , blogging , and email marketing
• Offline marketing tactics: roofing flyers , truck wraps , networking events , and direct mail

You’ll also want your marketing plan to touch on the 4 P’s of marketing:

• Product: The specific roofing services your business offers
• Price: The pricing strategy for your services.
• Place: The location of your business and any associated distribution channels
• Promotion: The various marketing tactics you’ll use to get your roofing services in front of potential customers. 

By carefully considering these elements, you can create a comprehensive marketing plan that resonates with your target audience and drives business growth.

SWOT Analysis

Now that your roofing business plan covers what strengths and weaknesses your competitors have, you need to evaluate your own. A SWOT analysis will help you uncover your company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to help you make informed business decisions.

Start your own SWOT analysis

Discover your roofing company’s strengths, weaknesses, and more with this easy-to-use SWOT template.

Financial Projections & Funding

Financial planning plays a vital role in the success and expansion of your roofing business.

You should carefully prepare the financial section of your roofing business plan. It should include assumptions, a break-even analysis, profit and loss projections, cash flow, and a projected balance sheet.

Additionally, your roofing business plan should mention how you’re going to go about funding your company. Personal savings, bank loans, and angel investors are all viable funding sources, each with advantages and risks. Let’s briefly go over each of those.

• Personal savings: Reliable, low-risk option that allows you to retain full control over your business and its operations. However, accumulating the necessary funds can take time, and you may not have enough money to cover all your expenses.
• Bank loans: Larger amounts of capital, but you’ll have to pay back the loan with interest. You’ll need a well-prepared business plan and a solid credit history to secure a bank loan.
• Angel investors: Individuals who invest in early-stage companies in exchange for equity. Working with angel investors typically means giving up a portion of your company’s ownership, which could affect your control over business decisions.

By carefully analyzing your financial projections, you can ensure accurate financial planning, allocate resources effectively, and anticipate potential challenges before they arise.

Implementation Plan

How will you implement the goals you’ve written in your roofing business plan? That’s where the operation or implementation plan comes in.

Operational planning involves managing daily operations, setting SMART long-term goals, and monitoring progress. This section lays out the step-by-step approach you’ll take to achieve your goals, including timelines and key milestones.

Make sure that you provide a clear path for your company’s future. Additionally, regularly review your business plan and adjust as needed to help you stay on track and adapt to changes in the market and industry.

Roofing Business Plan FAQs

Do i need a business plan if my roofing business is already established.

Absolutely! A business plan provides guidance for growth, changing markets, and obstacles.

How often should I update my business plan?

Review and update your roofing business plan annually or whenever your business environment experiences significant changes.

What if my roofing business plan doesn't go as planned?

Flexibility is key. Business landscapes evolve. Adjust your plan as needed to stay on track or pivot when necessary.

Make a Winning Roofing Business Plan

Crafting a roofing business plan isn’t just a box to check—it’s a strategic tool that can steer your roofing business toward long-term success. You’re setting the stage for growth, innovation, and effective decision-making by outlining your goals, strategies, and potential challenges.

Remember, just as you wouldn’t start a roofing project without a blueprint, don’t navigate the world of roofing entrepreneurship without a business plan to guide your way. Here’s to reaching new heights in your roofing company!

Grow your business

Table of contents, keep on learnin', related articles, from good to great: nurturing team strengths & addressing weaknesses, the fascinating history of roofing, roofing shoes: the 20+ best shoes and boots for roofers.

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How to Start a Roofing Company

Starting a roofing company can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful roofing company.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a roofing company is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Roofing Company :

• Choose the Name for Your Roofing Company
• Develop Your Roofing Company Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Roofing Company
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Roofing Company (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Roofing Company with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Roofing Company
• Buy or Lease the Right Roofing Company Equipment
• Develop Your Roofing Company Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Roofing Company
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Roofing Company

The first step to starting a successful roofing business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your roofing business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your own roofing company.

2. Develop Your Roofing Company Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a new roofing company is to develop your business plan. The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your roofing business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your roofing company and what type of roofing company you operate. For example, are you a shingle roofer, metal roofer, or slate roofer?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the roofing industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target market are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when looking for services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your roofing company? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your roofing company make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your roofing company.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your roofing company and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the roofing company and the business are the same legal entity. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a roofing company together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a roofing company include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a roofing company is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your roofing company, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

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4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Roofing Company (If Needed)

In developing your roofing company business plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a roofing company to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a new roofing business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

There are a few things to consider when looking for a location for your roofing company. First, you’ll want to find a spot that is accessible and visible to potential customers. You’ll also want to make sure that the location is zoned for commercial use and has enough space to accommodate your business. Finally, you’ll need to consider the cost of leasing or purchasing property in the area.

Once you have a few potential locations picked out, it’s time to start doing research. Make phone calls and email inquiries to get the specific information you need from each property owner. Inquire about the number of years left on their leases, restrictions they place on businesses operating within the space, and any additional costs or fees associated with renting or buying their property.

6. Register Your Roofing Company with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your roofing company’s name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your roofing company to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

In order to start a roofing business, you will need to obtain the following licenses and permits:

• Business License : allows you to operate a business in your city or state.
• Contractor’s License : allows you to perform construction work in your state.
• Roofing Contractor’s License : allows you to perform roofing work in your state.
• Tax ID Number : allows you to collect taxes from your customers.
• Sales Tax License or Seller’s Permit : for selling products.
• Zoning Approval : typically at the city or county level, this provides authorization for construction or use of a building or land for a particular purpose.
• Fire Department Approval : a process by which the local fire department reviews and approves the installation of a fire alarm system.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Roofing Company

The type of insurance you need to operate a roofing company may vary depending on the size and type of company.

In general, business insurance policies that you should consider for your roofing company include:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Roofing Company Equipment

To start a roofing company, you will need some essential equipment. This includes ladders, roofing tar, roofing nails, and a hammer. You may also want to invest in a tarp to protect the area below the roof while you are working.

12. Develop Your Roofing Company Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your roofing company.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your roofing company. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional roofing company’s website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your business website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your roofing company.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Roofing Company

The software that you need to run a roofing company can vary depending on what type of roofing company you want to start. If you’re starting a residential roofing company, you’ll need software for estimating prices, managing roofing jobs, and invoicing clients. If you’re starting a commercial roofing company, you’ll need software for estimating prices, as well as for bidding on and managing projects. 

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your roofing company. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

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How to Start a Roofing Company FAQs

Where can i download a roofing company business plan pdf.

You can download our Roofing business plan PDF here. This is a roofing company business plan PDF template you can use in PDF format.

Is it hard to start a roofing company?

Starting a roofing company can be difficult because there are many regulations that must be followed. In addition, the roofing industry is highly competitive, so it's important to have a good marketing strategy and offer high-quality products and services. However, with the right knowledge and skills, starting a roofing company can be rewarding.

How can I start a roofing company with no experience?

First, you'll need to do some market research to determine if there is a demand for roofing services in your area. You'll also need to set up a business entity and register with the state. You'll need to have a business plan and marketing strategy, and you'll need to find qualified roofing contractors to work with your company.

What type of roofing company is most profitable?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the most profitable type of roofing company will vary depending on the specific market and industry conditions. However, in general, a commercial roofing company is likely to be more profitable than a residential roofing company, as the former typically commands higher prices for its services.

How much does it cost to start a roofing company?

To start your own roofing company, it can cost between $15,000-$20,000 for the initial investment. This includes setting up a business license, renting or purchasing equipment, and hiring employees.

What are the ongoing expenses for a roofing company?

The expenses for a roofing company can vary depending on the size of the company, the services offered, and the location. However, some of the most common ongoing expenses include labor costs, roofing materials costs, and marketing and advertising expenses.

How does a roofing company make money?

There are a few different ways that a roofing company can make money. One way is by providing a service where a roofing contractor installs a new roof for their customer. They can also make money by repairing roofs for their customers. Another way that they can make money is by selling materials such as shingles, flashing, ridge vents, and other roofing supplies.

Is owning a roofing company profitable?

Owning a roofing company can be profitable if you are able to find quality employees, stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies, and generate a large enough customer base. 

There are many reasons why roofing businesses can be profitable. One reason is that there is a lot of demand for roofing services, as most homeowners need to have their roofs replaced at some point. Another reason is that the cost of materials and labor is relatively low, which allows for a healthy profit margin. Finally, the industry is relatively recession-proof, which means that demand for roofing services remains high even during tough economic times.

Why do roofing companies fail?

There are a few reasons why new roofing companies can fail. One reason is that the company may not have good marketing or may not be well-known in the community. Additionally, the company may not have good customer service or may not be reliable. Finally, the company may not have good pricing or may not be competitive in the market.

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How to start a roofing company

The North American roofing market is projected to reach $47.5 billion by 2025. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about starting a roofing business so you can take advantage of this thriving industry.

Steps for starting a roofing company

Having a clear vision of what you want to do—at least to start—will get you on a path toward success.

Step 1: Plan ahead for a successful roofing business Developing a business plan and gaining a robust understanding of your market

Step 2: Find resources to help you get started Finding the right employees and take advantage of small business resources

Step 3: Pick a name for your roofing company Selecting the right name for your company

Step 4: Make sure your roofing company can legally operate Obtaining the permits and licenses you need to legally run a roofing business

Step 5: Insure your roofing business Choosing the right insurance to protect your roofing business

Step 6: Get all of your roofing tools and equipment Having the right tools so you can get to work

Step 7: Investing in roofing software Selecting business management tools that will help your company run smoothly

Step 8: Reach the right people Marketing your roofing company, acquiring positive customer reviews, and encouraging word of mouth referrals

Step 1: Plan ahead for a successful roofing business

Create a roofing business plan.

When starting a roofing company, having a strong business plan will help you make informed decisions and evaluate your performance. It’s important to set realistic, specific objectives for your roofing business—then map out how you will achieve those objectives. Key components to creating an actionable roofing business plan include:

• Know how profitable roofing companies operate. Roofing contractors primarily make their money from roof replacements and repairs. However, contractors also charge separate fees for inspections, evaluations, or roof removals.
• Decide what trades you will offer. While it’s clear that your main service will be focused on roof replacements and/or repairs, you may also want to consider complementary trades such as gutters, siding, and windows.
• Identify your target market. Some contractors will target certain geographic regions, while others may target specific types of jobs, like insurance restoration, or the installation of specific types of roofs, such as solar.
• Determine upfront and recurring costs. You will need to account for ongoing expenses, like rent on office space, technology like business management software; one-time costs, such as obtaining a business license; and variable expenses, such as marketing materials.
• Plan out your pricing strategy. Some contractors offer the cheapest possible service whereas others position themselves as a premium product. Deciding how to price your services compared to your peers will help inform how you market your roofing business and to whom.

Step 2: Find resources to help you get started

Once you have a business plan in place, it’s time to find the people, organizations, and resources that will help you start a successful roofing company.

Look for small business resources

In many areas, the local chamber of commerce or small business association will have resources geared towards helping new businesses, including roofing companies. There may also be trade associations in your area you can join.

All of these organizations offer a variety of services that can help you get started, from business advising and continuing education, to networking, and marketing resources.

There are many online resources you can take advantage of when starting a roofing business. Consider joining a Facebook group for roofing contractors where you can ask questions and receive advice and resources from other contractors.

Find roofing industry resources

In addition, many industry vendors, from publications like Roofing Contractor to roofing software companies like AccuLynx , offer blogs, ebooks, and other informative resources to help new business owners.

Roofing industry resources will provide you with direct and accurate information about different trends, laws, and tips on how to run a successful roofing business.

Hire an accountant

When you start a new roofing company, having an accountant on board from the beginning will help ensure your business is financially healthy. Your accountant should review your business plan to make sure it is financially viable and help you create a budget.

Partner with the right team

You don’t need to hire an entire team right away. Instead, focus on filling the most essential roles:

• Foreman/crew leader
• Production/general manager
• Roofing crews/subcontractors
• Salespeople
• Administrative staff

Use resources such as job boards, local trade associations, and recommendations from friends to build a strong team. You’ll want to hire people who are committed to your roofing business goals, excited about the industry, and willing to work hard.

Read more about hiring the right team and roofing crews here.

Step 3: Pick a name for your roofing company

Your roofing company name should help you stand out from your competitors and give potential customers a strong first impression of your business. Here are a few key tips to consider as you select a name.

Don’t involve too many people

Keep your brainstorming process simple and only involve up to two other people. If your list of possible names is too long, it will be difficult to narrow it down and pick the right one.

Check the names of competitors

Before you select a name, research other roofing companies in the area to make sure your name is unique. If the name of your business is the same as or similar to other roofing businesses in your area, homeowners may confuse you with your competitors.

Avoid names that are too hard to spell

The easier your name is to spell, the easier it will be to find your roofing business online. With 56% of people using voice search on their smartphones to find local businesses, an unusual or difficult spelling can easily get misinterpreted by the voice search tool. Stick to simple spellings to make sure homeowners can find you easily.

Consider SEO value

There are other factors besides spelling to consider when selecting a company name that will be easily found online. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your website/business name to increase its visibility in internet search results. A roofing business name with high SEO value is:

• Unique to your geographic area
• Easy to remember
• Related to your industry (e.g. may incorporate the word “roofing” or “contractor”)

As you evaluate possible names for your new roofing company, make sure they meet these criteria, and search your top contenders to see which ones perform the best in search.

Create a logo

How your business “looks” is just as important as a name that is easy to remember. Your logo should be unique, clear, and represent your brand, so people can build a connection with it. Be sure to hire a professional designer to create your company logo.

According to IKO , a good company logo can have:

• An image only (industry-related or name-related)
• Text only (consider the font)
• Images and text
• Color (most roofing companies choose two)

Step 4: Make sure your roofing company can legally operate

Before you can start any roofing work, you’ll need to fulfill all the legal requirements for operating a roofing business in your area.

Register your business with the government

While most roofing businesses don’t need to register with the federal government, you will likely need to register with the state government in order to conduct business activities within a given state. The type of registration you need to file will depend on your business structure (e.g. LLC, partnership, or corporation), as well as on the laws of the state .

Obtain permits and licenses

Permitting and licensing requirements can vary between states, counties, and even cities or towns. In most states, you will need a general contractor’s license ; in some areas, you may also need special licenses for roofing or the other trades your business offers. Your local chamber of commerce or small business association can help you identify the permits and licenses your roofing company needs before starting.

Follow OSHA requirements

You will need to adhere to OSHA guidelines to implement safety measures, and provide proper training for you and your employees. Doing so will help reduce the risk of accidents that can happen on a job.

Step 5: Insure your roofing business

Starting a new roofing company represents a major investment of your time and money. Insuring your roofing business will help you protect your investment and prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Here are a few different types of insurance your roofing company might need:

• General liability insurance: This insurance covers property damage, personal injury, and bodily injury that is the fault of your company. If your roofing business damages a homeowner’s property or someone is hurt on your premises, general liability insurance will cover the cost.
• Worker’s compensation: Depending on the number of employees at your roofing company, your state may require you to have a worker’s compensation policy. This policy will provide financial assistance to your employees if they are injured on the job.
• Professional liability insurance: Having professional liability insurance will protect your roofing business against lawsuits and claims of negligence. Professional liability insurance is especially helpful for roofing businesses who recommend specific products or treatments, as it will protect your business from fallout if these products fail to perform as expected.
• Vehicle insurance: If your roofing company plans to own or lease any vehicles, you’ll need this insurance to provide coverage for them and protect against financial burden if your vehicles are involved in an accident.
• Equipment insurance: If you’ve invested in expensive roofing equipment, use this insurance to protect your investment and provide coverage in case of damage or loss. Some general liability insurance plans will allow you to add extra coverage for equipment.

Some states require that businesses carry specific types of insurance. You can verify what insurance you will be required to carry with a local business association.

Step 6: Get all of your roofing tools and equipment

You can’t repair or replace a roof if you don’t have the tools and equipment to do so. As you start a new roofing company, focus on getting the essentials that you must have right away.

Upfront costs for materials can be costly, so buying extra tools and equipment as you need them can help you save money when you’re just starting out.

Some key tools and equipment to purchase include:

• Other hand tools
• Safety equipment (e.g. hard hats and harnesses)
• Laptop or tablet

If you have the essentials, you can get your roofing company started. As your business grows, you will figure out what you need to buy more of to meet project needs, and you will also have more funds available to buy more expensive tools and equipment. Once you have the basics covered, you can consider upgrades, like branding all of your equipment for extra visibility.

Step 7: Invest in roofing software

The technology you use to manage your roofing business can have a big impact on your company’s ability to grow. Thousands of roofing contractors use business management software or a roofing CRM to streamline their everyday tasks and manage their work.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider implementing business management software when starting a roofing company.

Efficient workflows

Inefficient or disorganized processes can hold your employees and company back. Since roofing contractor CRMs are designed to streamline every part of your workflow , implementing it right from the beginning will help establish efficient processes from the get-go.

The right roofing software can make your job easier by having integrations with material suppliers, aerial measurement providers, financial/accounting software, canvassing software, and more.

Integrations connect your roofing software with other essential tools you use, eliminating the need for manual data entry and duplicate work. They allow your data to flow seamlessly between different platforms, saving you time and minimizing errors.

Clear communication

It’s important for everyone to be on the same page when coordinating roof repairs. With a roofing contractor CRM, all of your teams are working from the same system so they have access to the same information.

Team members can see job details and make updates in real-time from anywhere, keeping everyone in the loop and improving communication between the office and the field.

Easy job tracking and management

In order to compete in a crowded market, your roofing company needs to follow up with leads promptly and keep jobs moving forward.

Roofing contractor software with robust job/project management capabilities will help you track leads and stay updated on the status of your jobs so nothing falls through the cracks. Once your jobs are in production, your roofing CRM will enable you to manage schedules and keep work progressing efficiently.

Better customer service

Great customer service will help you build a positive reputation for your new roofing business. One way to serve your customers well is to keep them informed at every step of the process and reach out to them promptly if anything changes.

Roofing business management software can help you automate customer communications so you can consistently deliver timely updates.

Time and money savings

Some roofing companies use multiple software applications to stay organized and manage their business. The cost of this can quickly add up, and so can the time spent managing each individual tool. Roofing companies that rely on a single system to run their business save time and money in the long run.

It’s common for new roofing companies to have growing pains as they figure out the best business practices. Implementing a roofing contractor CRM as a key part of your strategy can help you ensure your processes run smoothly right from the start.

Step 8: Reach the right people

Start connecting with homeowners in your target market and build your customer base as soon as your new roofing company is ready to start work.

How to market a roofing company

Here are a few proven roofing marketing tactics to help your company get started:

• Company website: Most homeowners do their research online, and a strong website will give them a positive impression of your roofing company. On your website, make sure your contact information is easy to find, describe what sets your roofing company apart, and prominently display any special offers or deals.
• Social media: Creating a social media account for your roofing company , such as a Facebook page, helps you showcase your work and connect with potential customers on a platform they frequent. You can also purchase ads on social media to reach a local audience.
• Google listing: Setting up a Google Business Profile allows you to promote your business in Google Search and Google Maps. When homeowners search for roofing companies in your area, they’ll see your business name, website, and other company information.
• Door knocking: Canvassing a neighborhood can be the best way to reach homeowners in areas that have been hit by storm damage. Be prepared to pitch your business in a few sentences and leave behind a flier or card to remind the homeowner of your services.
• Truck wraps: Turn your company vehicles into advertisements for your services with truck wraps. Be sure your name, phone number, and website address are clearly visible on all sides of the truck.

Whatever your marketing strategy includes , be sure to allocate time and budget to execute it, and adjust it if it doesn’t work. A successful marketing strategy will pay for itself by generating qualified leads that you can turn into satisfied customers.

How to set up a profile on a review site

Homeowners rely on review sites such as HomeAdvisor and Yelp to help them decide which roofing company to use. Listing your business on review sites gives former customers a place to rate their experience, and future customers an opportunity to learn why they should choose your roofing company.

Here’s how you get started with setting up a profile:

• Pick a review site. Set up a profile on the same site(s) as your competitors. This will help you reach homeowners that are also seeing your competition.
• Add your business information. Your profile should include your company name and location so the site can verify your business. Many review sites require you to “claim” or “verify” your business profile in order to be listed and reviewed.
• Customize your profile. This is a way to show off your company. Add photos of previous jobs, links to your website, and a description of the services you offer.

Be sure your profiles are always up to date . It’s also important to respond to all customer reviews–even the negative ones. Thank anyone who leaves a positive review, and if you receive a negative review , respond by addressing their concerns and express that you will improve in the future. Both responses show that you care for your customers.

How to encourage word of mouth marketing

Word of mouth marketing is a powerful tool for gaining new customers and establishing a reputation as a trustworthy roofing company. These strategies can help you gain referrals and grow your customer base.

• Put up yard signs. Ask your customers if you can put a simple sign with your company name in their front yard. These signs help promote your roofing company to the neighborhood and turn your current project into an advertisement for your services.
• Offer incentives for referrals. Offer a reward or discount to your customers for referring someone they know to your roofing company. This is a great way to generate new customers from the networks of your current customers.
• Encourage reviews. Include language on your website, in your emails to customers, and on your sales materials that reminds customers to leave a review of your roofing company.
• Follow up with past customers. Get in touch with past customers periodically to see if they need any repairs or have any questions. Checking back in with former customers reminds them of the great work you did, making it more likely that they will use your services again, and recommend them to others.

Working to deliver great customer service while encouraging reviews and referrals will help you reach more potential customers and take advantage of existing networks.

FAQs when starting a roofing company

How much does it cost to start a roofing company.

Cost may vary, but you can generally expect to spend between $15,000 – $20,000 to start a roofing company. Ultimately, this number can depend on a variety of factors unique to your business including the services you offer, equipment purchase, office space, number of employees you hire, etc.

How much do roofing company owners make?

According to FinModelsLab , the average revenue for a roofing company ranged from $1 million to $20 million. While this is a wide range, your potential profit depends on a variety of factors, including company size/location, experience, market conditions, etc. Typically roofing companies make between 20% and 40% gross profit , so an owner can increase their revenue by doing more jobs, offering more services, and selling higher-paying jobs.

Do you need experience to start a roofing company?

You can start a roofing company with decades or roofing experience or none, however, having some will be beneficial. If you don’t have a lot of experience working on roofing projects, you will need to spend time learning the industry and hiring the right people who understand it. Resources from industry publications, trade organizations, and thought leaders can also help you gain valuable experience and insight.

What license do you need to start a roofing company?

The licenses you need can depend on the state, county, city, or town you are operating in. Most states do require you to at least have a general contractor’s license.

Common roofing industry terms

When starting a roofing business, you may be overwhelmed with new terms. Here are some of the most common roofing industry definitions:

• Roofing business management software: Set of programs, or a single system that allows roofing contractors to run, improve, and automate their processes.
• CRM for roofers: Customer relationship management (CRM) technology helps manage relationships and interactions with leads and customers.
• Eave: The portion of the roof that hangs over the walls of the home. This is typically where gutters are installed.
• Hip: Where 3 to 4 sloped surfaces meet together. On a ‘hip roof’, the edges of the roof are enclosed.
• Rake: The exposed edge of a pitched roof slope.
• Ridge: The peak where 2 sections of roof slopes intersect.
• Roof pitch: The steepness of a roof that is typically referred to as X/12, where X=the number of inches of rise in a roof for every 12” of run.
• Shingles: A roof’s primary covering. Roofers commonly install asphalt-fiberglass shingles, although other materials exist. Common varieties of shingles include three-tab, architectural/dimensional, and designer.
• Square: Measurement of 100 square feet, commonly referred to in roofing jobs as ‘squares’.
• Valley: The line formed where two sloped roof surfaces meet.

The software to help your new roofing company grow

Starting a roofing company can seem like a daunting challenge. But with the right tools and strategies, you can build a thriving business.

AccuLynx is an all-in-one business management software created specifically for roofing contractors. As a leader in the roofing industry, thousands of new roofing companies have used AccuLynx to get off the ground, grow profits, and scale their businesses.

By bringing together every aspect of your business in a single cloud-based system, AccuLynx helps you stay organized, work more efficiently, and reduce repetitive tasks. In fact, AccuLynx customers save 468 hours per user annually and new users see a 32% increase in job profits after one year.

“As a new roofing company, I feel like I am head and shoulders ahead of other new roofing companies because I use AccuLynx.”

As the #1 roofing software, AccuLynx contains all the tools you’ll need to effectively start and grow your roofing company, including:

Sales/CRM features

Easily track sales and stay on top of your pipeline so nothing slips through the cracks.

Finance features

Know how your business is performing so that you can continue to grow.

Production features

Gain greater visibility into your roofing jobs and keep everything on track.

Business management features

Work smarter and grow your roofing business with a single, all-in-one platform.

See AccuLynx in action

Learn more about how AccuLynx, the #1 roofing software can help set your roofing business up for success.

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Roofing Business Plan Sample

Published Aug.15, 2018

Updated Apr.24, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

Do you want to start roofing business?

Do you want to start roofing business ? This is the sort of business whose demand can never subside as every house requires a roof and every roof requires time-to-time maintenance. Although the startup is a bit difficult, however you won’t be at loss provided that you plan your roofing business carefully.

To write an effective business plan , you need an accurate marketing analysis, distinct sales strategy, notable professionals and an accurate financial plan. If you are having a difficulty in making your business plan, you can take help from this sample business plan for a roofing business startup named, ‘Edward Roofers’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Edward Roofers will be managed and owned by two brothers, Paul Edward and Kim Edward. The business is based on installing, repairing and shingling roofs of residential houses and small offices. Our business, as well as all our workers, are insured and licensed. Our roofing company mission statement is to provide flawless and trusted service to the people of Seattle.

2.2 Management

If you are willing to start a roofing business, you will surely be thinking that  what do i need to start a roofing business . Well, besides the general tools, trucks, and ladder, the only thing that matters, is the expertise and skill of your workers. Edward Brothers have hired licensed and insured professionals and have decided to manage the workers by themselves.

2.3 Customers

Finding out that who can be your possible customers, will guide you in defining your work policies according to their interests. If you are starting a roofing business, then the residents, proprietors, construction contractors and small companies’ owners of the city where your business is located, will be your target customers.

2.4 Target of the Company

Companies’ targets to provide the best roofing service to the people of Seattle, and to generate a good profit within the first three years of launch, as summarized in the following table:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Paul Edward and Kim Edward are starting a roofing business , named ‘Edward Roofers’ and will be the managers themselves. The two brothers are famous for their coordination with each other and for their quick and successful power wash company. Edward brothers are trusted in the whole Seattle for the value and importance they give to their clients, workers and their work.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

Before thinking that how to start a roofing business , you must be clear that why do you want to start it. Edward brothers have solely started the roofing business because of its rising demand, and to widen their business scales. They believe in earning a profit by giving the customers maximum satisfaction.

3.3 How the Business will be started

Roofing business is more difficult to run successfully than to start. Edward Roofers will be a registered and insured business run by a team of skilled, licensed and insured workers in the management of Paul and Kim. Basic equipment like roofing tools, trucks, ladders, inventory etc. will be bought. The company will make an online purchasing facility to take orders and scheduling times.

The detailed start-up requirements as forecasted by our company’s analysts is given below:

Services for customers

Before starting roofing business , you must decide on the services you will provide your customers. It is not the number of your services that decide the reputation of you and your startup, it is the quality. If you are going to start a roofing business , you should set your services according to your manpower and investment. To compete with your competitors, you must put all your resources in providing the customers with best-quality service and satisfaction.

Edward Roofers will provide the following services:

• Installing Roofs: We have licensed and insured workers with ten-year experience to shingle your roofs with metal or asphalt with architectural shingles available in almost all colors.
• Repairing Roofs: In case, your roof is leaking or in need of replacing shingles from some part, we are there to perform our duty.
• Roof Ventilation: We have intake and exhaust vents and the experts to install them in your roofs for attic ventilation.
• Ice & Water Shields: We have experts to install ice and water shields in your roof to prevent damage by wind-driven ice or rain.

Our work and workers are insured, in case of any damage to your property or any of our worker, the company will be liable to pay the retaliation and no charges will be taken from you.

Marketing Analysis of Roofing Business

If you are starting a roofing business, you must do an accurate marketing analysis in your roofing business plan . Roofing business is an outdoor business, so in your roofing company business plan , you must include the ways by which you can connect to your customers and provide them a fast service in such a busy city. For marketing a roofing business , the best way besides keeping the prices low is to make it easy for your target customers to avail your services.

If you are searching marketing ideas for roofing companies , one of the best roofing marketing ideas  is to provide your customers an easy availability to you. As people usually hesitate to go far off companies to buy their services, so it is recommended to make a website for your roofing company marketing , with an online payment and ordering system. This will help your business flourish, as the reviews of your prior clients can be analyzed by new ones, and people from any corner of the city won’t find hesitation in calling you to their location.

In case you need help regarding your startup, you can take help from a number of sample roofing business plans  available online, as this sample roofing business plan of Edward Roofers.

5.1 Marketing Trends

Roofing business is a type of business which can never experience a downfall, as every building requires a roof and every roof requires timely maintenance. Especially in the United States, roofing business is growing rapidly due to broad economic developments. There are about 100,367 roofing businesses running in the United States, generating a revenue of $42 billion annually. It is reported by IBISWorld that the business has employed more than 260 thousand people and has seen an annual growth of 3.5% during the recent years. So, if you are starting this business due to its rising demand, you must first prepare yourself to survive in so large competition. If you have come up with extraordinary competitive advantages, no hurdle can mitigate the success of your startup.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

An accurate business plan requires an accurate analysis of your potential customers. It is always better to analyze your target customers and identify their needs, to meet their expectations and requirements. Edward Roofers has hired a marketing analyst who has found the following people as his target audience.

5.2.1 Residents: The residents of Seattle, will be our biggest target customers. The residents will avail our services of installing roofs as well as roof ventilation and installing water and ice shields. Moreover, they will require our services of repairing or shingling the damaged parts of their roofs due to wild climatic patterns.

5.2.2 Construction Contractors: Our second biggest purchasers will be the construction contractors. Contractors need a number of people for diverse services while constructing buildings. Roofing and ventilation is the service which is essential in every type of structure, so we are expected to get orders from the contractors as well.

5.2.3 Proprietors & Small Company Owners: Small company owners and some proprietors when are in a need of some construction or repairing work, prefer to get the service done by small yet trusted companies like us. So, we expect to get orders for ventilation or repairing roofs from this category too.

The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Packages Pricing

The people of Seattle are able to pay high for the high-quality services. To provide our customers with the best quality services and the best material we can’t compromise on the prices. So keeping in view our target audience and their demands, we haven’t priced our services low, instead, our prices are almost in the same range as of our competitors.

5.4 Business Target of the Company

Our business target is to become the most trusted and most successful roofing company in the whole of Seattle. We want to serve our fellow citizens by providing them with our reputable service. Besides that, we also have some financial targets, which includes generating at least a profit in the first five months that can balance our startup costs. And growing our business and range of our services to serve a further large audience.

6.1 Competitors

You can never estimate how much does it cost to start a roofing company until you know your competitors and their business strategy . Either you have to come up with extraordinary competitive edges, or you have to keep your prices low in the initial stages for if you want people to avail your services.

Edward Roofers is located in Seattle, where people are financially stable and don’t compromise dollars over work quality. Thus, we haven’t priced our services low, instead, we have come with the unmatched and most valuable competitive advantages. Our business and all our workmen are insured, which means that if any of our workers make even the tiniest mistake, our company will be responsible for its repair. Moreover, if any of our workers get some injury while working, you won’t be liable for any charges. Our biggest competitive advantage is our quick service, and the value we give our customers and their property, only we in the whole market are providing an online booking system for receiving your orders and scheduling time so that you don’t need to come to our office if it is far or if you don’t want to!

6.2 Sales Strategy

If you are looking for starting a roofing business tips , we are telling you the biggest tip which is advertising your business through print & social media by providing different packages in the initial stages, this is the only way of getting the attention of your target customers.

6.3 Sales Forecast

The detailed information about the sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table.

6.4 Sales Monthly

6.5 Sales Yearly

Personnel plan

Roofing business is a type of business which is totally dependent upon your workers and management system. So, if you are looking for how to start your own roofing business , set your first priority to recruit the right person for the right job. You can take help from many roofing business plan examples like this one.

Edward brothers will manage the business themselves, by hiring the following personnel:

• 8 Warehouse Officers for loading and recording stocks
• 8 Roof loaders
• 1 Accountant for managing finances
• 2 Receptionist for receiving orders
• 2 Persons for receiving orders online or via telephone and managing companies’ website
• 5 General Workers for routine assistance

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for the next three years.

Financial Plan

The success of a startup and the growth of any business depends upon its accurate financial planning and an estimate that how the company will balance the startup costs with the earned profits. Edward brothers have hired the services of a professional financial plan developer to outline the roofing company profit margins over the next three years. The business will be financed by both brothers and is expected to grow rapidly due to the excellent coordination between the two.

Since roofing business isn’t an indoor business, so the major amount will be spent on hiring the expert professionals and buying the best quality material. If you are looking for how to start my own roofing business  or if you need some guidance regarding the financial plan, you can take help from this sample business plan. However, if you are starting your business on a large scale then it will be better to hire a professional to write you an accurate financial plan with exact figures.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

Download Roofing Business Plan Sample in pdf

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How to Start a Roofing Company

Just about every structure requires a roof, whether it is a house, business, school, or government building. Roofers have a consistent flow of work as roofs do not last forever. In general, the typical roof lasts about 15 years. However, roofs require periodic inspections, maintenance and repairs after installation.

Learn how to start your own Roofing Company and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a roofing company by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Roofing Company
• Form your Roofing Company into a Legal Entity
• Register your Roofing Company for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Roofing Company
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Roofing Company
• Get Roofing Company Insurance
• Define your Roofing Company Brand
• Create your Roofing Company Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your roofing company. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Roofing Company Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your roofing company?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a roofing company.

Though a roofing business can be launched from one's home, additional space will eventually be necessary as the business grows. Storage space must be available to house roofing materials. Additional expenses range from trucks for the transportation of materials to an leasing/purchasing an administrative office, paying for high-speed Internet, utilities and labor costs. Liability and workers' compensation insurance premiums must also be paid.

What are the ongoing expenses for a roofing company?

Roofing business owners must pay their employees. Other ongoing expenses include liability and workers' compensation insurance premiums, utilities, Internet, trucking costs and office sundries such as coffee, lunches, cleaning supplies etc. A new truck will likely cost $20,000 or more.  A dumpster rental costs about $350.  Alternatively, you can purchase a dumpster for around $3,000.  In terms of labor, installers usually receive $15 per hour.  Foremen receive around $20 per hour.  Laborers typically make between $10 and $12 per hour.  If you hire an office manager, he will likely make $15-$20 an hour.  Rent for an office/storage space will likely be $1,000 per month.  Budget in another $7,000 for liability insurance, $200 for monthly utilities, $1,000 for office supplies and at least a couple hundred dollars per month for advertising.

Who is the target market?

Roofers tend to favor clients who own property with a flat roof. Roofs with steep angles are much more difficult to work on. Most roofers prefer to do business with individuals who own numerous properties. Establish a business relationship with such an individual and it will likely mean additional projects in the future.

How does a roofing company make money?

Roofers make money in a variety of ways. Some charge for roof inspections/evaluations. A comprehensive roof evaluation requires much more than examining the roof from ground-level with a pair of binoculars. It requires climbing a ladder to the top of the roof and examining the structure's shingles, chimney, soffit, gutters, fascia, and so on. Roofers also make money by performing roof repairs, roof replacements and roof installations on new structures.

Some roofers charge upwards of $100 for a comprehensive roof evaluation. Others offer free roof inspections with the hope that the property owner will lean on them for subsequent repairs/replacements. A roof replacement typically costs between $6,000 and $14,000 depending on the materials used, the size of the roof, the roof's angles and an array of other factors. If a roof is to be replaced, you can charge around $1,000 to tear the old roof off. The cost of roof repairs hinges on the extent of the damage and the type of material to be used for the repair. Be sure to account for additional costs when providing clients with a quote. Such additional costs include fuel, insurance, truck maintenance, advertising, dumpster fees, taxes and so on.

How much profit can a roofing company make?

It is possible for roofing businesses to make a six figure profit in the initial year or couple years of operation. Roofing businesses that are in business for years can make several hundred thousand dollars in profit each year. Expand across counties, states and the nation and your roofing business will have the potential to make millions in profit.

How can you make your business more profitable?

The key to maximizing your roofing business's profitability is to keep material and labor costs down while securing a steady stream of new clients. Establish a reputation as a high-quality roofer and you will eventually be able to charge more than your competitors as customers will be willing to pay a premium for a roof that stands the test of time.  It is also possible to have sideline businesses such as a roofing consulting company. Experienced roofers have an abundance of skills and knowledge that others are willing to pay for. If you own a dumpster and won't be using it on a specific day or week, you can rent it out.  If you pay for office/storage space that you do not use in full, this space can be rented to another business owner.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your roofing company is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a roofing business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

For information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in  US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Service Agreement

Roofing businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your roofing business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

A roofing business can be run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a storefront :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a roofing business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a storefront :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your roofing business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Roofing Company needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Roofing Company.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a roofing company

Many roofers obtain additional clients through word-of-mouth referrals. Please your customers and they will be inclined to recommend your business to friends, family, co-workers and others. Though conventional forms of outbound advertising on TV, radio and newspapers are effective, an inbound marketing push will also help. Key in on search engine optimization efforts by establishing a website with a blog that establishes your business as an authority in your industry. Check out your competitors' prices for roof evaluations, repairs and replacements. Match or beat their prices and customers will eventually gravitate toward your roofing business.

How to keep customers coming back

As noted above, word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful means of attracting new customers. Be sure to mark your company's trucks with your business name and logo so everyone who passes by one of your work sites knows that your crew is doing the job. Aim to exceed customer expectations so they are inspired to return to your roofing business for additional projects as time progresses.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

If you like to work with your hands, desire to be your own boss, and want a consistent flow of work, the roofing business is for you. Aside from making plenty of money, opening a roofing business will provide homeowners and business owners with a much-needed line of defense against the elements. The roofing business requires climbing ladders to access roofs. If you embrace the opportunity to work high in the air on angular surfaces, the roofing business is right up your alley. This business also requires overseeing a team of workers who perform the majority of the manual labor. The best roofing business owners and managers understand how to properly delegate duties, communicate with clarity and lead employees in an effective manner.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a roofing company?

The typical roofing business owner has an incredibly busy workday. They are constantly looking to establish relationships with property owners of all varieties, from business owners to homeowners, apartment complex owners, condominium owners and beyond. Aside from recruiting clients, roofing company owners also search for high-quality, low-cost roofing materials. They ensure an ample supply of these materials are on-hand to meet the demands of each roofing project. Furthermore, roofing business owners assign workers to specific projects to ensure each client's roofing project is completed in a thorough and timely manner.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful roofing company?

If you plan on performing some of the roofing work yourself when first starting out, you must be comfortable working with your hands at high elevations. You should have a mechanical aptitude, be in good physical shape and willing to use your body as well as your mind to complete challenging roofing projects of all varieties. Roofing business owners who elect to remain in a comfortable climate-controlled office must have solid managerial skills. They handle important duties ranging from ordering roofing materials to coordinating logistics, managing work crews and hiring/terminating employees.

What is the growth potential for a roofing company?

Successful, hardworking roofing business owners enjoy unlimited potential for growth. This is especially true of roofers located in urban or suburban areas with large populations. Roofs require plenty of attention and repairs, especially in areas that experience frequent rainstorms, windstorms, snow storms and other inclement weather. The only constraints on a roofing business's growth are a lack of capital to purchase roofing materials and hire personnel. Most roofers find enough clients to expand their business at their desired growth rate.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a roofing company?

The best way to start a roofing business is to learn under the wing of an accomplished roofer. Watch a professional roofer at work, work alongside him, read about roof repair/replacement strategies and hire individuals who have years of experience. Another key component to operating a successful roofing business is pressing the flesh. Get out there and network! Attend industry events, socialize with business owners and spread the word about your roofing company's merits. Of critical importance is your web presence. Build a visually friendly and informative website that features your company's services, examples of prior work etc. It certainly helps to create online content with search engine optimization in mind so prospective clients can find your business with ease.

How and when to build a team

Though you will be able to perform some roof evaluations and repairs on your own in the first weeks and months of your roofing company's launch, you will eventually need to hire a team of roofers. If your business grows, you will reach the point where you manage a team of roofers from the comfort of your office. Key in on experience and work ethic when hiring roofers. You need skilled individuals who aren't afraid of hard work. After all, working high up on an angled roof on blazing hot summer days is not easy. Check each candidate's references and work history to get a gauge as to whether he is cut out for this grueling work.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Franchise opportunity
• National Roofing Contractors Association

Real World Examples

• Michigan Company
• ATL Company 

Further Reading

Have a question leave a comment.

Original text

Download this comprehensive guide for completing a business plan narrative. Sections included:

• Executive Summary : Summarize the business, including its name, address, legal form, owners, market need, products/services, financial projections, and financing requirements.
• Company Summary : Detail startup costs, facility descriptions, equipment needed, and operational details, including location advantages and disadvantages.
• Products & Services : Describe the offerings, pricing strategy, cost margins, and any packaging or shipping concerns.
• Market Analysis : Analyze market characteristics, target market demographics, customer profiles, and buying criteria, supported by research.
• Competitive Assessment : Identify competitors, their market share, strengths and weaknesses, and compare their pricing and services to yours.
• Marketing/Sales Strategy : Develop a value proposition, pricing, distribution, sales strategy, and marketing plan to capture market share.
• Management Plan : Outline the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications of owners and key managers, including projected salaries and employee positions.
• Financial Plan : Provide a summary of financial projections for the first three years, with detailed assumptions and sensitivity analysis.
• Appendix : Include pro forma financials, resumes, leases, contracts, and personal financial statements for lenders.

Copyright © 2024 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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Roofing Sales Articles

Selling your roofing services to a potential customer is tough. Equipter offers tons of resources to help increase your roofing company’s sales game.

7 Tips for Starting a Roofing Business Plan

Starting a roofing business plan isn’t busy work; it’s the foundation for creating a successful company that takes care of you, your family, and your employees. Think of it as a get-it-done guide. Business plans can even help you obtain funding for equipment investments or expansion. (Find more details in Why a Business Plan Should Be on Your Roofing Biz To-Do List .)

1. Create a vision. 

A formal business plan doesn’t necessarily need to start with a vision, but, in reality, it can be hard to build a company when you’re not quite sure where you’re going or what you as an owner want. Invest time in writing down a vision for your roofing business, a vision that includes a short set of values that define it. At Equipter , those values are Quality, Innovation, Relationships, and Faith.

2. Be realistic.

It’s important to have a vision, but it’s also essential to have a realistic view of time, money, and other resources. For example, always assume business projects, such as an office expansion, will take at least 10-15% longer than expected.

3. Be specific. 

Simply writing “have a fantastic sales year” into a roofing company business plan won’t do a thing to help you achieve that goal. Get rid of vague descriptions and substitute them with specific, measurable goals, such as “increase sales in the Lancaster service area by 20%,” or “finish two additional jobs every week by August.”

4. Do your homework.

Effective business plans are rooted in research. For example, you need to identify and understand your ideal roofing customer profile . You’ll also need to know your competition and their strengths and weaknesses. Going through the competitive analysis process may also help you pinpoint the productivity and marketing tactics that work—and those that don’t. Use the research to hone a business strategy that helps you differentiate your roofing company from other roofers in the area.

5. Tailor the plan, as needed. 

6. Ask for a second opinion.

A second, or even third, point of view can find holes or gaps you may have missed while writing a business plan for your roofing company. Enlist a colleague or an entrepreneur friend to review the plan and make suggestions. If you don’t know anyone able to help, contact your local SCORE office , chamber of commerce, or networking group for a recommendation.

7. Put your plan into action.

All the time and research you invest in a business plan for your roofing company will be wasted if it collects dust. It’s likely impossible to tackle everything on the plan at once without losing your sanity, so begin with a priority list. Five Steps to Turn Your Business Plan into Your Action Plan shares a no-fuss way to get the plan in gear.  

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10 Ways to Use Video in Your Business Strategy

By Annie Crawford

May 14, 2024

Using video in your business strategy can be a powerful way to engage and build rapport with your customers. The best part? All you need is your cell phone.

GAF Real Talk LIVE host Alan Lopez sat down with GAF video specialist Pablo Nivar to discuss low-stress, low-budget, start-today actions that contractors can use to introduce video content into their business strategy. Here are some of the lessons and easy-to-follow guidance highlighted during the pair's conversation.

Why You Need Video

In today's modern world, engaging customers on multiple levels is key. Video allows you to connect face-to-face in a sense and create engaging content that's not overly promotional, which can encourage users to buy. According to a 2021 study, 80% of consumers consider trust a deciding factor in their buying decisions.

Don't Stress—Start Simple

Fear about entering the professional video space is the biggest hurdle Nivar says he encounters among contractors as a GAF CARE video specialist. Fortunately, you don't need a big budget or professional equipment to successfully begin your video strategy.

At the start, your videos are about building relationships. Use that to your advantage by working with what you have, and focus on engaging topics instead of fancy videography.

Think Authentic Videos, Not Marketing

Have the instinct to sell, sell, sell ? Nivar explains why you should think again and create the kind of social media video content you like. Prioritize genuine content that tells a story and builds connection.

If this sounds hard, Nivar and Lopez break down 10 types of videos for you to create. For each video type, Nivar gives examples and wording you can use. You don't have to reinvent the wheel; making videos can be easy and even enjoyable.

10 Types of Videos to Create for Your Social Platforms

1. before and after videos.

Before and after videos can be a powerful way to showcase your work and benefit your brand without being overtly "salesy."

2. Client Testimonials

Client testimonials can build a foundation of trust for future customers, helping them see the quality work you've completed and how you've collaboarated with past customers.

3. Educational Content

You can offer educational content without giving away your expertise for free. Think about what's relevant to your regional audience and focus on teaching, not selling.

4. Your Company Story

Creating a company story video shouldn't be your first action, but it can be an impactful way to imbue humanity into your brand down the line. This presents a great opportunity to share your mission and vision, as well as introduce the people that help run the business.

Answering questions you often receive is a great way to directly engage your customer base with content that's relevant to them.

6. Time Lapse

Time-lapse videos can fulfill the need for "how it's done" content and show the value of your work. An entire project can be distilled down to minutes.

7. Tips and Tricks

Sharing tips with homeowners builds trust with your audience and gives them something valuable to take away from the video.

8. Repair How-Tos

Empowering homeowners to do their own minor repairs doesn't put you out of a job. In fact, it can show them you're committed to helping them solve their problems. Keep in mind that you should never inspire customers to climb onto their own roof, and instead encourage them leave that work to professionals.

9. Customer Appreciation

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Making videos that show customers you value them for choosing your business—and how it makes a difference—can potentially lead to future work with both existing customers and new clients.

Leaving sales videos for last on your creation list can actually net you more business. You want to promote your business, of course, but it's best to make authentic connections first.

Tips for Great Videos

Knowing what to record is one thing, but understanding how to take video to benefit your brand is another. During their conversation, Nivar and Lopez not only cover how to use video in your business strategy but also need-to-know logistics. Important topics of discussion include video length, creating calls to action without being pushy, what not to say so you don't alienate customers and other businesses, and how to engage viewers with dialogue that hooks from the start. Additionally, the pair shares tips around enhancing the customer experience during installation using quick video recordings, which just might help earn extra praise in your video testimonials.

Introducing Video to Your Business Strategy

If you've never jumped into the world of video content creation, Nivar and Lopez offer simple solutions that give you the tools to launch immediately. Watch their GAF Real Talk LIVE episode for in-depth information and exact steps you can take to start creating your videos. You can even contact the pros for more guidance. Be sure to also follow GAF on Facebook for more Real Talk LIVE episodes and other quality roofing content.

Remember, you don't have to go it alone. You can keep expanding your business power with the free trainings, education, and support available to GAF contractors through the CARE Contractor Training Center .

About the Author

Annie Crawford is a freelance writer in Oakland, CA, covering travel, style, and home improvement. Find more of her work at annielcrawford.com.

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How to start a candle business in 2024: 5 easy steps to selling candles from the comfort of your home

Starting a candle business can be an excellent source of additional income.

Small business owners fear they won't survive a second Biden term

Katlyn Swaffer and Maher Youssef explain how their small businesses have been affected by inflation and call on President Biden to address the issue.

Americans are rapidly working on side hustles as an additional source of income.

Fifty-four percent of Americans have begun a side hustle in the last twelve months, according to MarketWatch, as a means of making more money in addition to a primary source of income. 

All you really need to start a side hustle is an idea and an understanding of how to execute that idea. Taking a creative approach to your entrepreneurship can include a hobby-like business, and one of the more popular ones today is candle making.

Whether you have made a candle before or not, through trial and error, there are simple tricks to producing a product that is unique from what else is on the market.

One side hustle that can bring you extra income is a candle business. You can begin the business at home, selling online and at local craft fairs.  (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty Images)

WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF YOUR FLOURISHING GARDEN? HERE ARE 4 WAYS TO TURN YOUR CROPS INTO CASH 

You can make candles in your own home pretty easily. Here's a guide to get you started on your candle business. 

• Learn how to make candles from home
• Come up with a brand name, logo and label for your candles
• Write a business plan
• Register your business
• Decide how you are going to sell and get your business going

1. Learn how to make candles from home

The first step to starting your business is learning how to make candles. You'll need minimal supplies to get you started, including containers for your candles, wax, wicks and fragrance. 

It will take trial and error to perfect the look of your candle, the wick placement and the amount of fragrance you need for the perfect scent. If you want to add color to your candle, you'll also need to purchase dye. 

At first, the top of your candle may not appear totally smooth, your wick may be crooked, or you may not have enough fragrance for the scent. 

Practice makes perfect. The more candles you make, the better you'll get and the quicker you'll be ready to sell.  (Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

All the candles you make during your trial and error period can be gifts for friends and family because they probably won't be good enough to sell.

You could also buy wax molds to add uniqueness to your candles. 

TIPS FOR SELLING EGGS AND TURNING A PROFIT RIGHT FROM YOUR BACKYARD 

Once you have made numerous candles with success, you're ready to move to step two. 

2. Come up with a brand name, logo and label for your candles

You will need a unique brand name and logo for your business and a label for your candles. 

Your brand name should be something unique and memorable. You'll also want to create a logo for your business and a label to put on each of your candles. 

On each candle should be your brand name/logo as well as information about the candle itself, like the scent, instructions and safety information. 

3. Write a business plan

All businesses start out with a plan. 

A business plan is a document that describes the company and also highlights its goals. 

In a business plan, you can include elements like the mission statement, the products offered, the target audience of the company, marketing plans and financial information. 

HOW TO START A LEMONADE STAND WITH YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER 

Your business plan is by no means set in stone. As your company grows and changes, your plan will, too. You can always make edits to your business plan when needed. 

4. Register your business

To run a business, you'll need to register it. The process varies depending on your state, so you'll need to look into the legal requirements where you live to avoid getting fined or having your business shut down. 

Once your business is registered, you'll receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number is given to businesses for tax purposes.  

Also, make sure you obtain any necessary business licenses or permits in the state to legally operate your business. 

You'll want to have all these legal steps taken care of before you start selling candles. 

Make sure to have the scent of the candle and the name of your business clearly displayed on each container.  (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty Images)

5. Decide how you are going to sell and get your business going

Now, it's time to officially launch your business. 

You will need to determine a price for your candles. According to Forbes, you'll want to aim for a 25% to 50% profit margin, so keep that in mind when you are considering how much to charge. 

You should create a website for your business with your contact information for customers to reach out to you. You can also sell your candles through your own website. 

Another way to sell is through an online marketplace like Etsy. 

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE 

It's also a good idea to start social media channels for your business. Include high-quality pictures of your product on these channels. 

Social media is not only a great way to market your business, but another way you can sell your candles. 

During the warmer months, consider buying a booth at a local craft fair to sell your products. This is a great way to spend some time outside while also speaking directly with customers. 

Money blog: This savings account could bag you a free £8,500 in five years

Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes is back with tips on the savings market and how to make the most of your money. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog below, and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Thursday 30 May 2024 10:30, UK

• Record number of homes for sale as property growth outstrips sales  
• Think twice before buying your holiday clothes from Zara
• Prospective parents putting off having children by cost of living crisis
• Get your holiday money now! Pound hits nearly two-year high against euro
• Manchester United staff 'given week to resign' in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's WFH crackdown

Essential reads

• The savings account that could bag you a free £8,500 in five years  
• Head chef at UK's number one gastropub shares favourite cheap pasta recipe
• Women in Business : 'A truck unloaded a £600 car that her son bought on eBay thinking it was a toy' - the schoolgate stories that led to GoHenry
• Money Problem : 'My mortgage lender is ending my two-year fix and I haven't been in the house for two years - can they do this?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

People who bank with TSB have had trouble getting into the mobile app this morning.

Many took to social media to report difficulty logging in to their accounts.

The official X account of TSB, responding to several complaints about the app being down earlier, said: "We're aware that customers are experiencing issues with our digital services. We're sorry for any inconvenience and are working hard to resolve it."

One customer reported that the app had remained down overnight:

In an updated statement, the bank said the issue has now been resolved.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience it caused," it said.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Shares in Auto Trader have rocketed more than 13% to a record high this morning.

It comes after the company reported a bumper set of results for the 2023/24 financial year - including a 26% rise in group operating profits.

The online car marketplace says recent demand has been strong - and it expects its performance to continue.

Dr Martens is also up on the FTSE 250 index - despite revealing it suffered an almost 43% fall in pre-tax profits during the 12 months to March (read more below...)

Its shares climbed more than 9% at one point earlier this morning, but have since eased back to almost 6%.

The British footwear brand has said it is "confident" it can revive its fortunes and says it plans to make savings of up to £25m to turn things around.

Elsewhere, the FTSE 100 is pretty flat - it opened 0.2% down but is currently up by a tiny 0.03%.

Mining firm Anglo American is among the companies hit by falls this morning.

Its shares have dropped by just over 1% after its rival BHP Group walked away from a proposed £38.5bn takeover of the company.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.27 US or €1.17 (or €1.1753, to be precise).

It comes after the pound reached a 19-month high against the Euro at one point yesterday - with £1 equalling €1.1784 - before later dropping back down.

The cost of a barrel of benchmark Brent crude has dipped slightly compared to yesterday. The price is $83 (£65).

If you're heading to Spain this summer and might get some of your holiday clothes from Zara, you might be better off waiting until you're over there.

The Spanish company sells items much cheaper over there - whether it's women's, men's or kids' clothes.

You can search prices in English on their Spanish website to get an idea of how much you'd save. 

We found big potential savings on just about every item we looked at - and the savings are even bigger than usual, with the pound reaching a two-year high against the euro yesterday.

For example, this white mini dress with ruffled hem is €27.95 in Spain but £32.99 (or €38.74).

A black dress described as "flowing voluminous" is €29.95 over there, but £35.99 (€42.27) in the UK.

These men's "balloon fit" jeans are €35.95 in Spain, but £45.99 (€54.01) in the UK.

A double-breasted blazer suit and trousers is €129.9 in Spain, but in the UK you'd pay £158.99 (€186.72).

Finally, a ruffled gingham kids' jumpsuit is €22.95 compared with £25.99 (€30.52).

Martin Lewis first highlighted these potential savings in 2015 when he wrote: "This isn't just about Zara similar pricing structures apply for other members of the same group, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear and Uterqüe."

A Zara spokesperson told the Money blog: "Zara's fashion offer is the same in the over 200 markets where it is available: quality, well-designed products at compelling prices. 

"These prices do vary between markets due to a number of factors which include shipping costs and exchange rates."

The supply of homes for sale has reached its highest level in eight years, according to a new report on the state of the housing market.

Zoopla said a 20% annual increase in properties has boosted choice for buyers and could help to steady house price growth over the rest of the year.

This idea is supported by Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, who said growing supply is "one reason that UK house price growth this year will be limited to low single digits". 

According to Zoopla, the average estate agent office has 31 homes for sale - the highest level in eight years and up from a low of 16 in 2022.

The South West has seen "well above average" growth in the number of homes for sale, the property portal said, with a third more homes on the market across the region compared to a year ago.

The increase has likely been fuelled by planning changes in relation to holiday lets and the prospect of double council tax for second homes, Zoopla said.

According to Zoopla, a 13% increase in sales agreed has failed to keep pace with growth in the number of properties on the market.

Growth supply across the UK has been driven by a "rebound" in the number of three and four+ bed homes for sales as mover confidence improves, it said.

On property prices, Zoopla said there are still geographical divides with southern regions seeing "modest" falls, while the strongest price growth is seen in Belfast (3.6%), Burnley (2.5%) and Bolton (2.4%).

This compares to the biggest falls in Ipswich (-3%), Hasting (-2.7%) and Norwich (-2.4%).

The north-south divide is "primarily driven by affordability pressures in the face of higher mortgage rates", according to Zoopla - and it is expected to persist throughout 2024.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla said growth in the supply of homes for sale is "evidence of renewed confidence amongst homeowners".

Homeowners who are "serious about moving in 2024" should price their homes "realistically" to achieve a sale, he added.

Mr Bill said the "main obstacle" faced by buyers is "stubborn" inflation, which is keeping mortgage rates high.

"Asking prices therefore need to reflect the fact that buyers have more choice and tighter budgets," he said.

More than a fifth of would-be parents have made changes to their plans to start a family or have put it off altogether due to the cost of living, a new poll suggests.

Inflation has pushed expenses for the average family with young children up by more than £1,000 a month, research by mutual Royal London has found.

And despite inflation falling to its lowest level in nearly three years in April, the annual rate of price rises still stands at 2.3%, meaning life is still more expensive than it used to be.

Its survey of more than 4,000 adults reveals that 22% of people aged 18 to 34 have made alterations to their family planning due to the cost of living crisis.

Some 8% of people in this age bracket said they have delayed having children due to a lack of funds.

Nearly a fifth (18%) of surveyed adults who are parents said rising costs mean they have been left with no money for unexpected bills or emergencies.

Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said it's clear that people are now "making changes to their longer-term life plans".

"When prices for food and energy were increasing, we saw people cut back and make changes to their spending and shopping habits, but now we're seeing that some major life decisions are being delayed as people are weighing up whether or not they can afford to act on the plans they'd made."

Lender Creditspring says having children is "fast becoming a luxury that is financially out of reach for a huge number of prospective parents". 

"Millions of younger people are in the impossible position of having to choose between children and their financial security," chief executive Neil Kadagathur said.

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives us an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money.  This week, she's looking at Lifetime ISAs. 

With inflation falling and savings rates staying pretty stable, the majority of savings accounts are paying more than inflation. 

But if the interest is tax-free and you can benefit from a 25% government bonus on each deposit, that makes the Lifetime ISA (LISA) an even more important savings account to consider if you are eligible.

The top two accounts are not actually offered directly by banks but instead they are financial apps that use various partner banks which will vary from time to time. 

So you need to do your research to check that opening a LISA with either provider will not take you over the Financial Services Compensation (FSCS) limit, which is £85,000 per banking licence.

Introduced in April 2017, the LISA offers a much-needed boost for younger savers who are looking to save for a deposit on their first home or for retirement.

The LISA is the obvious choice for anyone aged 18-39, as you can deposit up to £4,000 a year and you'll receive a government bonus of 25% on each deposit, which you can keep as long as you use the proceeds to buy your first house - or until you are aged at least 60 as a retirement pot. 

And the proceeds are tax-free.

If you deposited a lump sum of £4,000 a year for five years, you would receive £1,000 bonus in the month after the deposit - and after five years, assuming an interest rate of 4.40%, which is the best cash LISA rate available, you would have around £28,500 - made up of:

• £20,000 personal deposit
• £5,000 government bonus
• £3,500 tax-free interest

There are plenty of rules to watch out for with a LISA too, so it's important to know the restrictions as well as the benefits before committing the money. 

For example, there is a penalty for withdrawing the cash before the age of 60 for anything other than a first home purchase and the LISA must be held for a minimum of 12 months to avoid the charge.

The penalty, if it were to apply, is 25% of the amount withdrawn.

Although this would seem to simply be a return of the government bonus, it actually works out that there is an extra penalty of roughly 6.25% that will apply. 

So, as well as losing the bonus, some of the money deposited would also be taken.

A LISA can be held in cash or in stocks & shares. 

The most appropriate choice would depend on timelines, with shorter term funds usually better kept as cash and invested stocks and shares ISAs being more suitable for long-term money (five-plus years). 

Any interest or growth would be tax-free within that Lifetime ISA wrapper.

If you've missed any of the features we've been running in Money this year, or want to check back on something you've previously seen in the blog, this archive of our most popular articles may help...

Pets At Home has reported a dip in profits – which it has partly blamed on owners spending less on toys and accessories for their animals.

The chain, which also provides vet services, said pre-tax profit for the year to March was £105.7m, down 13.7% on the same period the year before.

The retailer said on Wednesday that profitability had been "impacted by short-term availability issues as we transitioned to our new DC [distribution centre] and weaker performance of discretionary accessories".

However, the company also said it was confident in its growth strategy and insisted it was "not threatened" by a new watchdog investigation into the vet industry.

The Competition and Markets Authority recently launched the probe following concerns that pet owners could be paying too much for healthcare.

Pets At Home also reported that revenues for its vet business jumped 16.8% as it continued to expand into the sector.

It said total revenue grew by 5.2% to £1.5bn for the year.

Whoever wins the general election, one potential headache for the new administration will be Thames Water.

The current government has already drawn up contingency plans, known as Project Timber, for the possible collapse of a company currently saddled with debt of £15.4bn.

The scenario also features strongly on a dossier of potential crises compiled by Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, that an incoming Labour government would face.

Talk of a potential collapse has moved up the agenda because Thames Water's owners, which include the Canadian pensions giant Omers, the Universities Superannuation Scheme, a unit of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the China Investment Corporation, have declined to inject more equity into the business. They had previously offered to inject a further £3.25bn, on top of £500m last year, were Ofwat, the regulator, to support the company's plans.

But Ofwat is refusing to allow Thames to raise its levels of investment and customer bills to the extent that the company is proposing . 

Thames had asked Ofwat to approve an £18.7bn investment which would have entailed a 44% average increase in customer bills over the next regulatory period due to run from 2025-30. It tweaked this submission in April to raise investment to £19.8bn during the period with no extra increase in bills.

Ofwat was due to publish its "final deliberation" on investment plans and customer bills for the entire water industry, including Thames, on 12 June but has moved it back to 11 July due to the general election.

The Guardian reported earlier this week that Ofwat is set to refuse the requests of most water companies, including Thames, with some operators being allowed to raise bills by as little as half of what they had asked for.

Such an approach is consistent with Ofwat's historic approach of keeping water bills low as its main priority rather than, for example, permitting higher investment to tackle sewage spills.

However, there are signs that Ofwat may be prepared to compromise, at least to an extent.

The Financial Times reports today that the regulator is drawing up plans for a special "recovery regime" for Thames and other financially stressed UK water companies in a bid to avoid nationalisation.

It suggests that companies with "recovery regime" status could receive fewer or no regulatory penalties to encourage them to invest in infrastructure improvements instead, as well as being given more "realistic" targets for reducing sewage and water leaks and outages.

The regulator finds itself with a dilemma. Ofwat does not want Thames to collapse, not least because such an event would intensify criticism that the regulator allowed Thames's previous owners – most notably the Australian investment bank Macquarie – to load the company with debt while extracting enormous dividends (the current investors have received no dividends since 2017).

Ofwat's ministerial overlords – of both parties – will also be aware that an administration of Thames would deter the very international investors the UK desperately needs to attract to pay for infrastructure improvements.

On the other hand, though, Ofwat does not want to face accusations that it is being unduly lenient on a company that has been badly behaved in the past.

Now, it is fair to say that Ofwat is offering an olive branch here. Only two weeks ago, it said it was "minded" to punish Thames for breaching licence conditions over a £37.5m dividend paid to shareholders in October last year (Thames points out the payment was made to Kemble Water, its parent holding company, and was necessary to maintain the latter's solvency). That could result in another fine worth tens of millions of pounds.

The big question is whether this compromise will be enough to shore up Thames's financial situation. Ofwat has fined Thames £175m during the last three years which, while being a large sum, is a relatively trifling amount set against Thames's debts.

So it probably would not be enough, of itself, to persuade Thames's owner to pump more equity into the business. Omers, the biggest single shareholder in Thames, has already written down the entire value of its 31.7% stake in the company to nothing. USS, which has more than half a million scheme members in British universities and which owns nearly 20% of Thames, has written down the value of its shareholding from £956m at the end of 2022 to just £364.4m as at the end of last year.

What today's news reveals is that there is a compromise to be reached here. The extra month before Ofwat is due to publish its draft deliberation has bought both sides a little more time.

But it feels as if, with Ofwat in no mood to back down with Thames over its proposed increase in investment and customer bills, the latter's shareholders have run out of patience.

A "special administration" of Thames – something neither Rishi Sunak or Sir Keir Starmer would want to see – still feels like the way to be betting.

NOW Broadband is raising prices by an average of £3 a month from 5 July.

The company, owned by Sky, didn't raise prices in line with inflation in April - making it somewhat of an outlier.

But the summer raise will add an average of £36 a year to customer bills.

However, the company offers a no-penalty exit option.

Sabrina Hoque, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: "Another mid-contract price increase unfortunately means bigger bills for already cash-strapped consumers. 

"However, it is encouraging that NOW Broadband customers have the option to leave penalty free if they don't want to accept this change."

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