How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Columbia, SC

Choose a roofing contractor by checking four things before you sign: a South Carolina license you can look up, a permit pulled in their name, a written warranty, and a contract that spells out the job. Reviews and a local address matter too. But those four are what protect you if something goes wrong.

Does a roofer in South Carolina need a license?

Yes, for most jobs. South Carolina lists roofers as a residential specialty trade under the Residential Builders Commission (SC Code 40-59-20). That means the roofer on your house should be registered with the state.

You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it. The state runs a free Licensee Lookup at verify.llronline.com (SC LLR). Type in the company name. If nothing comes up, ask why.

A real roofer will put the number where you can see it. Ours is on every page of our site. We’re SC Residential Specialty License #60303.

Why does the building permit matter?

The permit is your quiet second check. South Carolina tells local permit offices to refuse a permit unless the applicant shows they’re licensed or registered (SC Code 40-59-280). So a roofer who pulls the permit has already proved who they are to the county.

What if a roofer asks you to pull the permit yourself? That’s a warning sign. It puts the job in your name, not theirs. Ask who pulls it before you sign anything.

What should you ask a roofer before you hire them?

Ask questions that get specific answers. Vague answers tell you plenty too.

1. Can I see your South Carolina license number?
2. Who pulls the permit?
3. Which shingle or metal system will you install?
4. What does your labor warranty cover, and for how long?
5. Who’s on my roof, your crew or a sub?

Then ask how long they’ve worked in the Midlands. Our summers are hot and wet. A crew that’s been here a while knows how that wears on a roof. They’ll also still be here when you call about the warranty.

Ask how they handle what they find under the shingles. Soft decking shows up on a lot of tear-offs. You want to hear how they’ll tell you, before the work goes on.

What should the contract and warranty say?

Get it in writing. The contract should name the materials, the scope of work, cleanup, and the warranty. If it doesn’t, it isn’t finished.

There are two warranties on a new roof. The manufacturer covers the materials. The contractor covers the labor. Some manufacturers only extend their best coverage through certified installers. Our guide to roof warranties explains what each one covers and what voids it.

Is insurance paying for the roof? South Carolina gives you a specific right here. If your insurer tells you in writing the claim isn’t covered, you can cancel the roofing contract before midnight on the fifth business day (SC Code 40-59-25). The roofer has to give you that notice in bold, with a cancellation form attached. No form in the paperwork? That roofer either doesn’t know the law or skipped it. Our roof insurance claim guide walks through the rest of that process. Only your insurer decides coverage.

Frequently asked questions

How many roofers should I talk to? Talk to more than one. You’ll learn fast who answers your questions and who dodges them.

Should I hire the crew that knocks after a storm? Check them like anyone else. Look up the license, ask who pulls the permit, and get a local address. Our roof storm damage repair page covers what a scheduled storm repair looks like.

Does manufacturer certification matter? It can. It often decides which warranty you’re eligible for. Ask which manufacturer, and ask to see it.

Who should you call in Columbia?

The Red Shirt Guys have over twenty years of experience inspecting and replacing roofs in Columbia. We’re veteran-owned, licensed with the state, and we install systems from CertainTeed, ATLAS, GAF, TAMKO and Owens Corning. See our residential roofing services, then book a free roof estimate or call 803.243.3968. Bring your questions. We’ll answer every one.

More roofing guides →