8 Things You Should Do After Getting an Illinois Roofing License

The best possible step after acquiring an Illinois roofing license is to look for jobs or focus on your business. Your journey only begins after you get your roofing license. There are multiple steps that you must take, like every other successful roofer.

If you've been a member of the Illinois Roofing Institute, you already know what to do. If you haven't attended the classes, we've got the complete guideline listed down.

8 Things To Do After Getting a Roofing License in Illinois

So you've passed the exam and received your license, but don't know what to do? Here's a roadmap of everything you should do after officially becoming a roofing contractor:

• Check Your Roofing License: This is a basic thing that everyone should do. While errors are rare, some licenses can have misprinted names, a faulty number, or status. Always double-check the status of your license.
• Look for Jobs: The first thing you need to do after getting a license is to earn its worth. Fortunately, roofing is always in demand, especially in states like Illinois. You just need to know where and how to look.
• Need More Experience or Specialization: Still, think you need more time? Join a roofing apprenticeship in Illinois. It will allow you to learn while you earn with your roofing license.
• Register Your Business: If you've always wanted to start a roofing business, then now's a good time as any. Register your business, make those plans, implement them, and thrive.
• Register a Business Bank Account: Even if you're not opening a roofing business, open a separate account. Separating finances and budgeting becomes easier when you know how much you need and want to spend.
• Advanced Sales Training: If you're trying to get a sales job as a roofer or want good leads, join the Advanced Sales Training program. It will teach you how to find and convert good leads into long-term client trust.
• Connect With the Industry: The roofing industry thrives on connections. If you were in our class, you might already have some connections. If you weren't, it's never too late to start! 
• Join Roofing Forums: The best way to progress your career is to stay in touch with new trends and techniques. Join roofing forums, talk to people, and read their experiences because it will help you more than reading a thousand books.

Blueprints for New Roofing Illinois Roofing License Holders

Getting a license is the beginning of your journey, and there's a lot more that you have to do. Here's a detailed breakdown of everything you should do after getting your Illinois roofing contractor license:

1. Check Your Roofing License

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) rarely makes any errors while issuing licenses. However, no department is ever truly free from human error. You should always double-check the details on your license. 

Here's what you should check:

• Name: Every roofing license in Illinois has your (qualifying party) name. Please ensure that the name is spelled like your legal name, for example, John shouldn't be spelled as Jon.
• License Type: The type (Limited or Unlimited) should be listed at the top of your license. Double check it, and if it's not what you expected, please contact the IDFPR.
• License Number: Your license should have a number starting with 104 (Limited) and/or 105 (Unlimited) in the upper left corner. A Limited License will most likely have a number starting with 104.
• Expiry Date: Your roofing license will have an expiry date in the upper right corner. The expiry date should be 2 years ahead of the license application date. Double-check the dates, because it affects license renewal timelines.
• Check the Status: Check the status of your license with Illinois' online license lookup tool. It will give you the current status and applicability of your license. If your license is showing "Inactive," contact the IDFPR.

Note: Please ensure that you have the right license to start a roofing comnpany. Most new business owners get the wrong license, which leads to delays and unnecessary hassle.

2. Look for Jobs

Approximately 50 to 60% of all roofers seek employment in various companies. That's the easiest way to gain some experience and get the most out of your license. The tricky part is finding a job.

Here's where you can find some roofing jobs:

• Visit Local Roofing Companies: In states like Illinois, every roofing company is looking for skilled and licensed individuals. Call your local roofing companies or visit them in person. That's your best bet at getting a job.
• Search for Jobs on Online Platforms: You can try Indeed, Glassdoor, Zip Recruiter, and other similar job boards. These often have jobs for roofers and almost every other professional.
• Talk to Contractors: Niche-related contractors and agencies might help you land a gig. For example, real estate agencies often have openings for roofers and local 

3. Get More Experience

Roofing is always a developing career, with tons of specializations that you can pursue. For example, you might want to become a specialized metal roofer or new energy-efficient green roof models. If you have a goal like this, it's high time to gain more experience.

Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees, and everyone needs food on the table. Joining a roofing apprenticeship is one way to gain experience while earning a substantial income.

You'll earn the bare minimum in the beginning, but there are huge upsides down the road. If you want any ideas about specialization, here are some high-income options that you can take:

4. Register Your Business

You have your work cut out for you if you want to start a roofing business in Illinois. Getting a roofing contractor is the first step to that journey. Here's a list of some other things that you need to do:

• Design Brand Information (Name, Roofing Services, etc.)
• Choose a Business Model (LLC)
• Submit Tax Application
• Create Brand Presence (Website, Social Media)
• Arrange Office and Equipment
• Hire Experienced Workers
• Connect with Niche-Related Agencies (Real-Estate)
• Work on Business Growth

Yes, there are some steps you need to take before you can start performing roofing work. And yes, I know it can become confusing for new roofers who don't have prior experience. We will help you through the process while you're pursuing a license and even after you graduate.

5. Register a Separate Business Account

Whether you're working as an individual or a business, you need to register a separate business account. A separate account is necessary for businesses, but even individuals need to track their expenses and income.

We recommend getting a separate account with your local bank. Ideally, one that's: 

• Close to your home or business
• Has great customer support
• Offers mobile applications
• Offers seamless digital banking
• Is FDIC Insured

Please do not use fintechs to store your money. Fintechs are great for transactional convenience, but they are not FDIC-insured. If the bank fails, you lose your money.

6. Join Advanced Sales Training

The Advanced Sales Training Program is for graduates of Illinois Roofing Institute who want to understand growth, leads, and business generation. The course isn't necessary for everyone, but it helps you understand effective ways to get residential or commercial roofing jobs.

You can join this training program at the Illinois Roofing Institute or any other academy of your choice. Nevertheless, we highly recommend it for budding business owners, general contractors in sales, or commercial roofers.

7. Connect with the Industry

You'll have to build connections with other roofers, vendors, contractors, and distributors. These connections will help you secure contracts, acquire materials, gain credibility, and promote business growth.

One good way of building connections is through roofing institutes. Spending time and learning with people from the same industry can help you build mutually beneficial relationships.

Other alternatives include roofing groups on social media or interacting with other roofers in the area. There are over 4000 active roofers in the state of Illinois. With the right approach, you can surely meet some people who share your goals.

8. Join a Roofing Forum

Getting a license doesn't automatically make you the best roofer in the world. The roofing industry experiences legal, technical, and operational evolutions. You have to learn about and adapt to these changes.

One great way of keeping your head in the game is by joining a roofing forum. Think of it like a Facebook specifically for roofing-related questions. You can ask for opinions, tips, or even spark up conversations about general queries.

Two great forums that we recommend are: Roofing Talk and Contractor Talk. Alternatively, you can join communities on Reddit like: r/Roofing, r/Roofers, or r/Home. If you have enough friends in the industry, create a community to help other novices.

FAQs on Post Licensing Options

Is it hard to start a roofing business in Illinois?

Yes, starting a roofing business in Illinois is a tall order. You have to undertake an emotional, physical, and financial burden to start a roofing company. Furthermore, operating a roofing company requires deep insights and experience in the industry.

How many people start their own business after getting a roofing license?

According to some estimates, around 15% to 25% of individuals who obtain a roofing license go on to start their own business. The percentage varies by state, market demand, and access to startup capital. Most begin as subcontractors or work for a roofing company before launching independently.

Is the roofing job market saturated in Illinois?

The roofing job market is not saturated in Illinois. According to the current statistics, roofers are in high demand across Illinois, especially in the city of Chicago. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady 6% job growth through 2032, with Illinois offering consistent opportunities in both urban and rural areas.

Bottom Line and Things To Do After Getting a Roofing License

The first thing you should do after getting a roofing license is check its authenticity. After that, you should decide on whether you want to be an employee or a business owner. This is my opinion, but I recommend gathering more experience before starting a business.

New roofers are often ill-equipped, which leads to financial and emotional losses. Gain experience, build connections, and begin when you're completely ready. We at Illinois Roofing Institute will be ready to help you whenever you're ready.