How to Start a Roofing Company in Kentucky in 13 Steps

1. Learn the trade and get certified

Before starting a roofing company, you’ll need to master the craft and consider getting certified to stand out.

Get roofing experience through apprenticeships

Hands-on experience is crucial. Many roofers in Kentucky begin their careers through apprenticeship programs, which can involve three to four years of on-the-job training (paid) and instruction.

Organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Indiana/Kentucky offer apprenticeship programs certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs provide a structured path to becoming a roofer.

Another option to get experience is working for an established roofing company. This allows you to learn the ropes and build a network in the local construction community.

Consider certification from the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association

Unlike some states, Kentucky doesn’t require a statewide roofing contractor license. But local governments often set their own rules, with cities like Louisville and Bowling Green having licensing requirements. Check with the city or county clerk’s office where you’ll be working.

Many local government websites list what’s needed for contractors. Louisville, for instance, requires you to register with the city and show proof of insurance.

Separately, getting certified from the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association (KRCA) can improve your credibility. Here are the requirements:

• Insurance: Maintain a minimum of $1 million in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Bonding: Secure a $10,000 judgment bond, which assures clients that you’re reliable and committed to delivering the services you promise. You can download a roofing bond sample from the KRCA.
• Code of ethics: Agree to abide by the KRCA Code of Ethics.
• Continuing education: Commit to at least 10 hours of education every year to stay updated with industry changes.

READ MORE: How to become a certified roofing contractor (state-by-state)

2. Write a roofing business plan

When it comes to starting a roofing company, a solid business plan is like the foundation of a house, keeping everything sturdy and on track. A good plan maps out your goals, and provides you with a clear strategy to achieve them

And you’ll need a business plan if you need to secure funding for your business from a bank or other lender.

Here’s what to include in your roofing business plan:

• Cover page and table of contents to help the reader move through the document
• Executive summary to give the reader a quick summary of your roofing company planning, including the funding you need and your competitive advantage
• Business overview introducing your new business and explaining what you’ll provide, why, and for which customers (e.g., residential roofing, commercial roofing)
• Services list showing which roofing services you’ll provide to customers (e.g., roof inspection, roof replacement), as well as any seasonal services that’ll keep you earning income during the off-season
• Pricing strategy, including prices for your roofing installation and roof repair services
• Market analysis showing what the income potential is for a roofer in your service area
• Competitive analysis outlining competing roofing companies in your neighborhood and what makes you stand out
• Marketing plan explaining how you’ll reach ideal customers, including tactics and costs
• Employee planning showing what each employee will be responsible for and when you’ll hire new roofers
• Financial plans, including startup costs, operating costs, and expected revenue

3. Get business financing

Once you have your banking and accounting in order, you’ll need financing to get your roofing company up and running. Here’s how to do it without any money, only using funding from outside sources:

• Get government funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Apply for a small business loan or line of credit from your local bank, or a friend or family member who wants to support your business
• Open a credit card to help with cash flow during the startup process
• Apply for the Jobber Grants program, which offers $150,000 in available funding to recognize excellence in small home services businesses

4. Register your roofing company

Choosing the right business structure and completing the necessary registrations are essential to starting your roofing company in Kentucky. Your structure will impact your taxes, liability, and day-to-day operations.

Here’s how to go about it:

Choose a business structure

In Kentucky, small businesses often choose from these common business structures:

• Sole proprietorship: A simple structure where you and your business are legally the same. This option has minimal setup costs but doesn’t provide liability protection.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): A popular choice for roofing companies because it offers liability protection while maintaining flexible management and tax options.
• Corporation: A more complex structure, suitable for larger businesses, offering liability protection but requiring more paperwork and higher maintenance costs.

For a roofing business, an LLC is often the best choice because it protects your personal assets if you face legal challenges. You can learn more about the specifics of LLCs at the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal.

Register your business name

Before officially registering your company, make sure your business name is unique and hasn’t been claimed by another business already. It should also be clear that your business name suggests you’re a roofing entity. 

To verify a name is available, search the Kentucky Secretary of State website.

If you’re an LLC or corporation, you’ll register your business name as part of your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.

If you’re a sole proprietor, you can file a “doing business as” (DBA) name with the local county clerk’s office.

Register your roofing business with the state

Next, you’ll need to officially register your company with the Kentucky Secretary of State. Here’s how:

• File formation documents: For an LLC, file the Articles of Organization (Form KLC) online or by mail with a filing fee of $40. For a corporation, file the Articles of Incorporation (Form KNC) with a filing fee of $50.
• Get your EIN: An EIN (employer Identification number) is required if you plan to hire employees or open a business bank account. You can get one for free from the IRS.
• Register for state taxes: Roofing businesses must register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue to pay sales and employee withholding taxes. You can register online via the Kentucky Online Gateway.

5. Get the necessary Kentucky business licenses and permits

In Kentucky, the licensing process is fairly straightforward. But there are some steps you’ll need to follow depending on where you plan to operate.

Local business licenses and permits

Even if you don’t need a specific roofing license, you’ll almost certainly need a local business license. This license lets your city or county know you’re operating a legitimate business in their area. The cost and application process vary depending on where you’re located.

For example, Fayette County provides a clear guide for getting a business license, including a modest annual fee.

Building permits for roofing jobs

Don’t forget the permits for your actual work. Many local governments require permits for roofing jobs, especially for structural changes or large-scale replacements.

While homeowners sometimes handle permits for residential projects, any commercial work will usually require you to pull the permit. Contact your local building department to confirm what’s needed.

Jefferson County, for instance, has specific requirements for construction permits, which include roofing jobs.

Pro Tip: Create a checklist for each city or county where you plan to work. Licensing costs can add up, so factor them into your startup budget.

6. Set up your banking and accounting

Get your business banking and accounting all set up before you start accepting or making payments as a roofer. This will be a big help when tax season rolls around.

Open a business bank account

A small business bank account keeps your roofing business finances organized. Shop around to find a trusted Kentucky bank with low fees and interest rates. Here are some suggestions to start:

• Bluevine
• Fifth Third Bank
• Old National Bank
• Oxygen
• Paducah Bank
• U.S. Bank

Think about getting a business credit card too. This can help you improve cash flow, manage expenses during slow months, and build up the credit rating of your business.

Get a bookkeeper or accountant

It’s a good idea to get a bookkeeper or accountant familiar with Kentucky tax laws. They’ll help you:

• Track your income and expenses
• Pay bills
• Create and send invoices
• Manage payroll
• Maintain your business’s finances

You may also want an accountant to help you monitor your company’s financial health, make strategic recommendations, and help you file your taxes.

7. Get insurance and bonding

Roofing can be dangerous—you’re several stories in the air, working on top of a home or building. Business insurance reduces the risk to yourself and your company in case of an incident.

Get a roofing business insurance policy that includes at least:

• General liability insurance for property damage and personal harm. Expect to pay between $300–$1,000 per month. Look for a policy that offers at least $1 million in coverage to meet the requirements for KRCA certification. For more information, visit the Kentucky Department of Insurance.
• Commercial property insurance for damage to your office or equipment.
• Business income insurance to keep you up and running after an incident or disaster.
• Workers’ compensation insurance in case an employee is injured at work. In Kentucky, the rates are based on your industry and the number of employees you hire. For more information, check out the Kentucky Office of Workers’ Claims.
• Professional liability for claims and lawsuits over professional mistakes.
• Commercial auto insurance for company vehicles.
• Surety bonding to guarantee that your company will complete contracted work according to the agreed terms. In Kentucky, surety bonds aren’t required, but they may be for certain municipalities to get your contractor license.

8. Price your roofing services

Understanding local market rates is essential for pricing your services competitively and profitably. The average cost of roof replacement in Kentucky ranges from $7,000 to $12,000, depending on factors like material, size, and labor costs.

Material costs in Kentucky can vary based on availability. Asphalt shingles, which are popular, generally cost between $142.82 to $232.08 per 100 square feet.

Use resources like the KRCA or online resources like ProMatcher’s Cost Report for Kentucky to validate your pricing.

Figure out how much you’ll charge for your roofing services to stay profitable. Here’s how to price a roofing job:

• Understand the scope of work by meeting with the client to discuss budget and expectations. You’ll also need to look up building codes and survey the roof.
• Measure the roof to determine how much material you’ll need, based on the home’s square footage and roof pitch.
• Estimate material costs based on your roof measurements and the price per square foot of shingles, tiling, or metal roofing materials. Factor in nails, flashing, underlay, and vents, too.
• Estimate labor costs by adding up labor hours and multiplying that number by your hourly wage as a roofer.
• Calculate overhead costs per week, then break that down into hourly overhead costs. Multiply your hourly overhead by the number of labor hours the project will need.
• Add up your costs for materials, labor, and overhead. You can do this using our free service price calculator.
• Add markup by multiplying your project costs by your markup percentage. Use our free profit margin calculator to make sure your jobs will always be profitable.
• Create an estimate using our free roofing estimate template and send it to potential customers for approval. This is an easy way to impress clients and win more jobs.

9. Buy roofing equipment and secure suppliers

Plan to spend at least $1,000–3,600+ on equipment when you’re starting out. The cost may be different if you plan to offer slate, tile, or other roofing services apart from asphalt shingles.

This amount might feel high, but you can spread it out over time with financing for larger purchases. You can also buy used equipment instead of new to further cut down on costs.

When you’re just starting out, you’ll likely need these roofing tools and equipment at minimum:

• Air compressor
• Chalk box
• Electric drill
• Extension ladder
• Framing square
• Nail pouch
• Pry bar
• Roofing caulking and caulk gun
• Roofing nailer
• Roofing nails
• Shingle remover
• Tape measure
• Tin snips

You’ll also need a dumpster and a roof hoist, but these can cost thousands of dollars. It’s best to rent them until you’re profitable enough to fit them into your budget.

Next, talk to roofing suppliers in Kentucky. Reach out to suppliers in your area to learn about the materials they offer and at what prices.

Look for companies that provide the products you need and offer advantages like payment plans, product bundles, or special discounts. Forming a reliable partnership with a local supplier can give you access to quality materials, consistent inventory, and potential savings—all of which are important for running a successful roofing business.

10. Brand your roofing company

You need a recognizable roofing brand to stand out from other Kentucky competitors, attract customers, and build trust in the community. Here’s how to start creating one:

Pick a name

Come up with a roofing business name that’s catchy, memorable, and says something important about your business.

You might consider using Kentucky-related terms like “Bluegrass,” “Commonwealth,” or “Bourbon State” in the name.

Choose colors

Pick a set of colors that will make your customers think or feel a certain way about your business.

You might go with Kentucky blue as your primary color, reflecting the state’s connection to bluegrass. Or green to represent the state’s landscapes and forests.

You could also incorporate gold or yellow, like the goldenrod—Kentucky’s state flower—which suggests happiness and creativity.

Design a logo

Hire a designer to create a logo for your roofing company, or design one yourself using an online logo builder like Looka.

Incorporate landmarks or geographical features, such as rolling hills or a river. Or consider a horse or horseshoe to represent Kentucky’s equestrian heritage.

You can apply all these brand elements to your uniform, vehicle, and marketing materials. In the end, it could look something like this:

11. Market your roofing business to Kentucky customers

Your business is legal, and now it’s time to land your first roofing contract. Use these marketing ideas to start getting roofing jobs in Kentucky:

• Print business cards with your company name, logo, and contact details, and distribute them at local events, community gatherings, and businesses in the Kentucky towns you’re targeting. Focus on areas where homeowners may need roofing services.
• Apply vehicle wraps or decals with your company name and phone number. These make your work truck a moving advertisement as you drive through Kentucky neighborhoods. If you have the budget, consider upgrading to a custom vehicle wrap for an even more professional appearance.
• Leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor to connect with Kentucky homeowners in your service area. Join local community groups where residents might post about needing roofing services.
• Create a website where potential Kentucky customers can learn about your business, view completed roofing projects, and book consultations.
• Invest in local SEO so potential customers can find you when they search Google for things lik, “northern Kentucky roofers” or “roofing contractor near me.” 
• List your company on Google Business, Yelp for Business, Bing Places, Angi, Thumbtack, and other online directories and lead generation sites where Kentucky homeowners look for roofing companies.
• Network with other contractors in Kentucky’s home service and roofing industries. Attend business expos, local chamber of commerce events, and Kentucky Home Builders Association meetings to find partnerships.
• Send direct mail to the neighborhoods where you want to work. This could include postcards, flyers, and door hangers. Make sure you comply with local Kentucky ordinances regarding unsolicited mail or door-to-door marketing—you can search by city in American Legal Publishing’s Code Library for Kentucky.
• Advertise online through platforms like Google search, Local Services Ads, or Facebook campaigns. Target specific cities, towns, or ZIP codes in Kentucky to reach the right audience.
• Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to market your roofing company. After you’ve landed a few jobs, start a customer referral program and ask happy customers to leave you an online review.

READ MORE: Roofing apps every Kentucky roofing contractor needs

12. Create a sales strategy

When starting your Kentucky roofing company, you might not have a dedicated salesperson to help sell your services. That means you’ll have to do it yourself—and you’ll need a strategy to win new roofing work.

Start by building your sales skills. Explore sales books, online courses, or even local workshops to learn how to close deals. Organizations like the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) often offer sales training or business coaching.

Take notes or record your sales calls to figure out what resonates with customers, what doesn’t, and refine your approach.

Then create a “sales kit” that Kentucky homeowners and businesses will find compelling. Include roofing material samples, photos of past work, and any documentation that shows the quality of your work. This might include material warranties, your service guarantee, and a breakdown of your roofing process. People appreciate transparency.

If you don’t have photos of completed work yet, focus on promoting the benefits of working with you. Highlight the following:

• Your professionalism
• Your processes
• Your service guarantees
• The quality of your materials
• Any local insights about roofing in the area—such as understanding the weather challenges and recommending materials suited for Kentucky’s climate

13. Grow your roofing business across Kentucky

Roofing is a big job. As your business grows, you’ll need more hands to do the work efficiently and meet demand. Start by hiring roofers who have experience in roofing or construction and a positive attitude.

Train your team to meet your standards. Even if your new hires have experience, on-the-job training helps everyone understand your processes and deliver the level of service your customers expect. Create a detailed health and safety plan to protect your workers and stay compliant with Kentucky workplace regulations.

READ MORE: Roofer job description: how to write your own (with free template)

There will probably come a time when you’re ready to expand your roofing services to new markets. Once your company is established in your local area, look for opportunities to serve neighboring central Kentucky regions.

By marketing your business in new areas, you can tap into a larger customer base and grow your revenue. As your business scales, you may need to hire an office manager or virtual assistant to handle scheduling and administrative tasks. This allows you to focus on overseeing projects and expand your business across the state.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start an LLC in Kentucky?

To start an LLC in Kentucky, file a Certificate of Formation with the Kentucky Secretary of State and pay the $40 filing fee. You’ll also need to choose a business name, appoint a registered agent, and draft an operating agreement. For annual compliance, submit an annual report and pay a $15 fee.

How much does it cost to get a roofing license in Kentucky?

Kentucky doesn’t have roofing license requirements, but local jurisdictions may require one. Check with your local city or county government for fees. For example, a contractor license in Louisville costs $125.

How long does it take to get a roofing license in Kentucky?

The time frame depends on local requirements. If licensing is required, it can take a few weeks, depending on application processing times and whether you need to complete exams or additional paperwork.

Do you need a license to do roofing in Kentucky?

No, Kentucky doesn’t require a roofing license. But some cities and counties have specific requirements, including getting a business license or local contractor license. Check with your local government.