Steps to being a Self Contracted Roofer?? Michigan

nhelsel12

I want to become licensed to roof residential housing in Michigan by myself. What I am trying to accomplish is having a very small roofing business? Not sure if that's what you would even call it. I was thankfully able to learn quite a bit working a summer for a branch of the DNR (Department of Natural Resources). Now what I would like to do is hopefully take some classes and legitimately be able to make a little money over the summer. If anybody could help me on this or point me in right direction I would really appreciate it.

joecaption

First go down to your local building dept. and ask what licencing you would need. They should be able to give you info and a web site for your state licencing requirements.
You can also Google youy state board of contractors for info on what you will need to do.
Every state has differant rules.
Your also going to have to come up with the money for insurance. Roofers have one of the highest rates in the industry.
In VA they now want anyone that does any paying job working on any home or business, even painting, hanging sheetrock, siding, sheetrock to have a state licence and a local business licence.
I have to take a class which is 45 min. away from my home to learn how to pass the test, pay over $200.00 for books, plus the cost of the class, then have to pay again to take the test. 80% of the test is just how to do paper work, nothing to do with building anything.
How many local small time guys are going to go through all that? Most in my area gave up and are doing something else.
All that for even a class C licence which limits you to no more then $7500.00 per job and also has an annual cap on how much you can make.

Windows on Wash

This is the better forum for that type of talk.

http://www.roofingtalk.com/

__________________

nhelsel12

Was there a Credit Hour requirement? I was able to talk to one of my parents neighbors who roofs by himself and he was talking about 60 hrs. being required. Also yearly fee's and paying for classes every 2 years or so to know the new codes? That's kinda down the road but figured I'd try to straighten it out. I heard the test was a lot of code also and you're saying paper work, as far as what?? Do you need to take any credit hours of actual roofing onsite?

Roofmaster417

What Window's said.


Lord have mercy we have another roofing contractor on the horizon.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

titanoman

Do people aspire to do roofing, or does it fall in their lap?

You can make damn good money, if you're fast, I guess.
Especially tile and specialty roofs like copper and slate.
Probably short seasons in Michigan.
Good luck on your endeavor.

Sent from a Samsung Galaxy S2

nhelsel12

To be honest Titanoman I was able to work for a summer, roofing with the only group of people I have been able to consistently wake up and be happy I was there. I plan on using this as a crutch for more schooling, though I would be lying if I said I hated roofing. I'm sure I will run into some rough edges but it was the first time I was able to get done with a project and see how well everything lined up. How I was able, in an organized fashion, to tear off, replace, and then finish it up to a very sharp looking end picture. Also, just understanding how everything worked. Being able to just clean the slate and start from a clean surface. Just was a sense of pride and organization that really made me understand working for yourself and for a living. In my opinion, could have been any trade that sparked that "Understanding" and sense of "Pride". I was just able to really get my hands on with this and grasp a decent understanding. So....B. Final answer. Kinda fell into my lap. I am only 23, like I said just trying to get financially comfortable so I can attend college...And I will check out that roofing forum. Thanks for the direction...

oh'mike

Good luck---I am encouraged to hear the word 'organized' as a point of pride---

We need new contractors---organized ones that are proud of the work they do--

You just made some friends here with your attitude--that will carry you a long way in life---Good Luck--Mike---

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

ParagonEx

I started my company at 23.

Your age has no bearing on if you can make it happen or not.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

titanoman

I know a few people that are driving pretty nice trucks right now keeping work lined up for their guys that were just hard working laborers 5 years before.
Take pride in your work.
A nice roof makes a nice house most of the time.
And take care of your crew. Get them to work together long enough to become a well oiled machine.
Get an education in business.
Roofing, like most construction, will wreck havoc on your body. You'll be all gimped up by the time you're 40.

Man, the things I could do when I was young.

Sent from a Samsung Galaxy S2

oh'mike

Yep--working half of the day meant 12 hours--

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--