How to Start a Roofing Business in Aurora, IL: Complete Guide

Get licensed, plan your business finances, and lay the marketing blueprints. That’s all you typically need to start a roofing business in Aurora. It all sounds simple on paper, but we know it's harder than it sounds.

There are countless hidden steps that most novices ignore. We believe every dream is worth pursuing and every roofing business is worth starting. To help you get started, this guide breaks down the 8 steps to starting a successful roofing business.

1. Create a Roofing Business Plan

This is where you create the blueprints of your roofing business. To make it simpler, here's a brief breakdown of this stage into 3 steps:

Define your niche and services

You can provide various roofing services including roof repairs, installing residential or commercial roofing systems, and more. Think about the skills in your company and the services you can provide. When you have an idea of the skill, determine the type of services you want to provide in Aurora, IL. 

Clarifying your niche already will also help you choose between the Limited and Unlimited licenses. Furthermore, it will help you market, specialize, and cut unnecessary costs. For example, if you're only willing to work on residential properties, then you don't need to get an Unlimited Roofing License.

Set a budget

Plan your business costs, which include budgeting for:

• Licenses
• Tools 
• Vehicles
• Insurance
• Marketing

Forecast the revenue and expenses for the first twelve months. This helps get an idea of the approximate budget you must have for your business. Also, read about and understand the costs of starting a roofing business to make well-informed decisions.

Market Research 

Solid research is the key to a successful business. Start by studying your competitors. Identify the gaps in your local market to position your services more effectively. This helps you stand out among your audience and proves why you are their best choice out of all.

Aurora has diverse roofing needs, for example, some people want green or flat roofs, while others need a robust metal setup to combat the mercurial weather. Look at the demand and make decisions accordingly.

2. Get the Roofing Insurance

A roofing business can be highly rewarding, but equally risky. Even with years of professional workmanship, unforeseen issues can occur. Furthermore, you cannot get your roofing license without the necessary insurance. That is why getting roofing insurance is important for a business owner.

Types of Insurance 

If you're applying for a roofing contractor license in Illinois, there are 3 to 4 insurance types. You'll have to acquire the necessary ones, which include:

• General Liability Insurance: You must carry a general liability of at least $250,000 for property damage and $500,00 for injury or death. 
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: You must have this insurance coverage even if you're hiring part-time, or seasonal workers. It covers the medical expenses and lost wages for roofers injured on the job.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: This covers the damage to your work vehicle from accidents, thefts, and others.

Workers compensation insurance is perhaps the most important one. About 90% of Illinois roofing businesses fail in the first 5 years because of worker compensation issues. Prepare yourself for every possible outcome to have the best possible opportunity to thrive.

3. Apply for Your Roofing Contractor License

Here comes the main part: your roofing contractor license. If you're in Illinois, you directly apply online for your license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR). 

Decide if you want to apply for a Limited or Unlimited roofing license. The former allows you to work on residential projects with up to 8 units. Whereas the latter allows you to work on residential and commercial projects. 

Apply for Your Roofing Contractor License in Illinois

Here's a brief walkthrough of the license application process:

• Proof of previous work experience: There's no formal experience requirement, but you must have the basic knowledge to pass the exam.
• Pass the licensing exam: Pass the Limited or Unlimited license exam administered by Continental Testing Services, Inc.
• Get a surety bond: You must get a surety bond of $10,000 for a Limited License. Or, $25,000 for an Unlimited License. 
• Get insurance: Provide proof of insurance, which includes General Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Commercial Auto Insurance. 
• Submit your application: Pay the fee and submit your application.

Register as a Roofing Contractor with the City of Aurora

After getting your state license for roofing installation, fulfill all requirements for roofing contractor registration in Aurora. Here's an overview of all roofing license requirements that you must meet: 

• Your state license number must be on all Aurora permit applications. 
• Aurora requires a Ventilation Calculation Worksheet for all roofing permits. 
• You must comply with Aurora's adopted building codes for installation specifics.
• Once done, proceed with the following steps: 
• Submit the City of Aurora Contractor Registration Application. 
• Provide General Liability Certificate and Workers' Comp coverage. This is typically at least $1,000,000 and $500k per occurrence. 
• Submit the application along with the application fee. 

While you're doing this, remember to submit the tax filings as a business entity. These are necessary to establish yourself as a valid business owner and company in Aurora, IL.

4. Market Your Roofing Services

Your business won't get the visibility it deserves without a good marketing strategy. Here's how to market your roofing services:

Create an online presence

Creating a website is essential for businesses. It helps you reach your target audience without depending on good luck for customers would find you. Once you make a website, optimize your Google Business Profile, and create your social media accounts to show your past work.

Post your successes on social media and ask clients if they do the same through their profiles. This will give you free shoutouts and word-of-mouth advertising. 

Use Local SEO

Local SEO helps you appear in search results. For example, when someone searches for "best roofing contractors in Aurora", SEO will help your business appear among the search results. Moreover, blogs, web pages, Google, and Meta Ads will help increase your website's visibility. 

Google LSA is a great way to gain a local audience and potential contracts. You can learn about these in any YouTube video by searching for "Google LSA."

Offline Marketing

As important as digital marketing is you cannot ignore offline marketing. Local businesses rely on traditional tactics like door hangers, referrals from happy clients, and yard signs to gain popularity. Understand and employ every tactic to get residential and commercial roofing jobs.

Do not rely on one form of marketing, because local preferences can change quickly. Market your business through various mediums to diversify your leads and solidify your business.

5. Register Your Roofing Company

You must register your company to give it a solid base. Here's a rundown of what that entails:

Choose a business structure 

Decide between a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Sole Proprietorship. Most often register as an LLC, as it ensures that your business is protected. You can get an LLC for $300 to $400 through an agency or register directly with the secretary of state.

Large businesses can apply for an S-Suite business, but that requires large capital investments. We always recommend an LLC for small business owners.

File with the State and IRS

It's time to register your roofing business with Illinois. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN), ITIN, and register. These are valid and necessary registrations for taxes and business credibility.

We've helped countless people get their businesses set up in Chicago, Aurora, and other cities in Illinois. If you're new to the whole industry and thoroughly confused, contact us. Our experts will guide you through the registration process and teach you the necessary skills required to thrive in this industry.

6. Hire Skilled Roofers and Start a Roofing Company

Finding the right talent can often be overwhelming, but not if you take the right steps. You can either depend on external recruiters or post job adverts online. There's a third hidden way that we'll teach you shortly.

Finding the roofing professionals

Ensure checking the work experience, certifications, and work ethic of the applicants. We know finding skilled workers is difficult, even in places like Aurora, where skill is a given. The roofing industry relies on connections, and most new roofing business owners don't have enough connections.

The easiest way to build connections is through apprenticeships and institutes. If you're a new business owner with no idea about the industry, join our roofing classes. We help you build connections with other people in the same industry.

Build your team

Finding professional roofers might take a while, but once you do, ensure that it's a dependable team. Ensure proper compensation, roofing training, and safety. While the roofing industry and techniques don't change often, training your team is still necessary.

Increasing the skill level of workers makes them more likely to stay loyal to the company. It also helps your business stand out because a skilled worker is directly correlated to happy customers. You can train workers in roofing, communication, paperwork filing, and even sales

7. Invest in the Right Roofing Equipment

Investing in the right equipment ensures efficiency and the delivery of high-quality roofing work. Start by reviewing all the equipment you need. Following that, decide if you plan to rent or buy this roofing equipment. 

Essential Roofing equipements

Here's a list of the must-have roofing equipment: 

• Ladders and Scaffolding: Get the adjustable extension ladders and the stable scaffolding systems. It's best to get OSHA-approved setups to avoid safety violations. 
• Roofing Shovels and hammers: Heavy-duty shovels will help remove old shingles. And, specialized hammers help with precision during repairs. 
• Safety Helmets and Harnesses: Get the safety helmets for your team. And, equip everyone with full-body harnesses for fall protection. 
• Compressors and Nail Guns: Portable air compressors are easy to transport, and nail guns speed up shingle installation. 
• Work Vans: You'll need a van or a truck to transport equipment, the team, and other materials. And, branding your truck or work van will be a plus for local exposure. 

Rent Or Buy Equipment

When you start your roofing business, renting might be a better option. Whereas buying is a long-term investment. If you're renting out the equipment, it's easier to test out the tools before buying them.

When buying equipment, get the essentials first. Don't go overboard when starting out. Once your business starts growing, buy the equipment that you were frequently renting out and believe they must be in your kit.    

8. Focus On Customer Services and Quality Roofing Workmanship

Every successful business stands on good customer service and quality workmanship. Here's what you need to do as a new roofing business owner.

Communicate with your clients

Keep your clients informed about every step. From cost estimation to post-installation clean-up, communicate with your client about it all. These basic steps will help you build trust, transparency, and a wider audience.

Deliver as promised

Ensure that you strictly meet the deadlines. Avoid delays as much as possible, and promptly address customer concerns. Use the best roofing CRM tools for quick invoices, transparent quotations, and timely management.

Tips to Start a Successful New Roofing Business

A roofing business can lead to great profits, but only if you avoid the common pitfalls. Here are 5 tips to start a new roofing business:  

1. Start as a Small Business

Residential projects are better for building a reputation and gaining experience. Starting small will gradually reduce the risk and help you gain roofing experience. 

2. Locally Market Your Roofing Company

Whether it's via digital marketing, or offline local marketing, both significantly help your business gain the visibility it deserves. 

3. Meet the Roofing License Requirements

Comply with your roofing license and ensure that it's up to date. Renew your roofing license on time to avoid penalties and delays in work. Furthermore, stay insured like your life depends on it.

4. Offer Roofing Financing Options

Partnering with third-party financing companies will help your clients manage their high-cost projects. For example, they can help break down the cost into installments.

5. Prioritize Customer Follow-Ups

A quick follow-up can show that you care about the post-project progress. Ask for a review or if the client has any questions. This can help generate positive reviews and referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to become a commercial roofing contractor in Aurora?

You must get the Unlimited Roofing License by passing the exam and registering with the IDFPR. Then complete the  OSHA safety training, meet the local permit requirements as a roofing company in Aurora, and follow the roof inspection rules. 

Do roofers in Aurora need a license?

Yes, roofing companies must get a roofing license in Aurora before offering any roofing solution. Roofers can get their contractor license through the City of Aurora’s Building Division. The license requires passing a roofing exam, submitting proof of liability insurance, and paying a licensing fee for residential and commercial properties. 

What Is the difference between residential and commercial roofing services in Aurora?

The main difference between a residential and a commercial roofing contractor in Aurora is that residential roofing involves sloped roofs with asphalt shingles or tiles. Whereas commercial roofing uses flat or low-slope systems with materials like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen.

How much does a roof replacement cost in Aurora?

If you're looking for affordable roofing contractors, remember that a full roof replacement in Aurora might cost between $7,000 and $15,000. The complete roof replacement cost depends on roof size, material, pitch, and labor for the properties in Aurora. 

Bottom Line on Starting a Business in Aurora, IL

You'll need a license, some startup capital, roofing equipment, and skilled workers to start a roofing business in Aurora, Illinois. You can get a license from the IDFPR after passing the exam. When that's done, register your business through an LLC and file the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State and the City of Aurora.

When you're done with these basic steps, start looking for skilled labor. Look for local roofing opportunities through marketing and smart tactics. Build a strong social media influence and employ any marketing tactic necessary to gain valuable clients.

This all might seem confusing at first, but it's surprisingly easy when you get the hang of it. If you don't know where to start, join our roofing classes. We help you get licensed, build connections, and start your roofing business.