| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Small / solo | $20,000–$25,000 |
| Small | $26,666–$43,333 |
| Medium | $33,334–$54,167 |
| Large | $50,000+ |
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| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Contractor license | $200–$1,000 |
| Insurance (GL + workers comp) | $5,000–$15,000/year |
| Equipment (ladders, tools, safety) | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Truck + trailer | $15,000–$40,000 |
| Dump trailer | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Initial marketing | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Working capital | $10,000–$30,000 |
Total startup: $40,000–$120,000. Roofing companies are among the most profitable trade businesses: an average roof replacement generates $8,000–$15,000 in revenue with 35–50% gross margins. A 2-person crew can complete 2–4 roofs per month, generating $200,000–$600,000 in annual revenue. Storm chasing (working insurance claims after hailstorms) can generate $1M+ in revenue per season for experienced companies. The biggest ongoing expense is workers compensation insurance — roofing has some of the highest rates at $15–$25 per $100 of payroll. Check if your homeowners or auto insurance policy covers any portion of the expense before paying out of pocket.
The total cost of roofing business depends on your approach to launch. A bootstrapped startup focusing on essentials will spend a fraction of what a fully-equipped operation requires. The key decision is how much infrastructure you need before generating revenue versus what can be added as the business grows.
Ongoing costs are often underestimated relative to startup costs. Monthly expenses like rent, utilities, insurance, software subscriptions, marketing, and payroll add up quickly. Model your monthly burn rate carefully and ensure you have sufficient runway to reach profitability.