(LifeWire) - Overview of the Roof Repair Business
Houses all around you can be your market as the owner of a roof repair home-based business. It's the ability to get the jobs and perform them safely and satisfactorily that can make your roof repair business thrive.
Many states do not require roofers to be licensed contractors, although some do. Among those that do, California allows the unlicensed roofer to complete jobs under $500. That said, only those who already know their stuff should attempt this line of work. An apprenticeship or vocational school is a good place to start leaning sound roofing techniques. Roofing.com provides helpful forums and resources for all levels of experience.
Revenue from a roof repair home-based business can accumulate quickly, with fees running between $95 and $350 to repair a 10-foot square of cement shingles and between $135 and $1,000 for wood shingles, according to Costhelper.com. That far exceeds the estimated median hourly $15.51 rate for salaried roofers who work for someone else, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. The roofing industry is expected to grow by a robust 14% through 2016, according to the handbook
Pros of a Roof Repair Home-Based Business
- Roofs wear out faster than other building components, generating more roof repair jobs.
- Independents who offer roof repair services can gain a foothold by performing less complex jobs at a very competitive rate.
- Outdoor-lovers are in their element when they are actively engage in roof repair.
- Many jobs, such as leaks, are emergencies, creating instant demand for your services, and providing the possibility of being able to charge higher rates for emergency services.
- Roofing is often ranked as one of the 10 riskiest professions. A US Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that there were 37 deaths for every 100,000 workers in roof repair.
- You may be called to work under adverse weather conditions. Bad weather can also stall routine jobs or make your work more hazardous.
- As a new roof repair operation, breaking into the more lucrative market of commercial buildings will be difficult.
- Carpentry skills and roofing experience
- At least $2,000 in startup capital, according to Entrepreneur.com.
- Relationships with suppliers in order to procure good deals on supplies as well as earn potential job referrals
- Print and online advertising, signage, flyers and a website to promote your roof repair business
- Proper insurance and bonding
- Ladders, hand tools, harnesses, among other things, and a truck or van in which to load them.
Grover Manning's two-person roofing outfit in Louisburg, Kan., has $88,000 in estimated annual sales, according to his company's profile at Manta.com.
Related Home-Based Business Ideas
- Home-Based Business Idea: Gutter Cleaning Service
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- Bathtub Reglazing Work from Home Business
- Home Based Business Ideas: Garage Organizer
More on Starting a Home-Based Business
- Starting a Home Business
- 8 Steps to a Business Identity
- 9 Obstacles to Starting a Home Business - and How to Overcome Them
