Should I start in the roofing business?

Question

I want to join the roofing business because I think it would be a good opportunity for me to learn more about roofs and sales. I think joining will also help me in real estate investing so I can personally check the roof out and know how many years are left on the roof. I had a home inspection done on a house. I personally called both home inspectors and they believed the roof had 8-10 years left. The roofer said the roof was in bad condition. The roofer also said they charge $200 to get a written report. I am new to real estate investing so any advice/tips would be helpful.

The roofing training is free too so, at a minimum, I will be educating myself and learning more.

Tim Johnson · Answer

roofers are a different animal.  If your a clean cut guy, look at doing plumbing electric or hvac and you will make way more money.

Just my 2 cents

Tamara Deering · Answer

Yes, definitely it never hurts to learn one of the trades.  Personally, I wish I had gone into plumbing or electrical, even HVAC.  Seriously, you're in TX you know that the HVAC guys hold our lives in their hands, they must have some serious union, because they are the only trade that has effectively shut out the DIY market.  I know it sounds like I'm being sarcastic but I'm not, the ability to understand and repair the infrastructure in a house is what will make the difference from being able to make money on a deal or not.  The $2,000 or so extra you can offer on a house because you can take care of the roof at cost may be the difference between a winning bid and a losing one.  Go for it, the worst that will happen is that you will have a job to add to your resume.

Pat L. · Answer

Roofing is brutal get lic in HVAC. My wife does the tax returns for a 20 something kid who is a plumber by trade & a lic HVAC installer. He made $100k plus last year & that probably doesn't include the cash deals.

Jon A. · Answer

Roofing is incredibly hard work. There is a reason all roofers tend to look the way they do. I did it in college in eastern nc in the summer and it was by far one of the most miserable jobs I have ever had. I have done several roofs here in western nc and every time I do one I swear I will never do another. That being said, if you can get a solid crew together and few trucks you can probably do well. I don't know how much it will help you as an investor though. I would look at something that requires a license. For example, become an electrician. Or possibly a GC. Anyone that can swing a hammer in my area can be a roofer.

Jim Jaworowicz · Answer

Roofing is only a small part of investment "Real Estate".  If you want to  focus your education on the "Repair" side of the equation, consider becoming a home inspector.

Rich McElaney · Answer

@Kevin Tad-y I took the home inspector course from American Home Inspector Training (AHIT) and there are quite a few training companies to choose from (NACHI, ICA, your local community college etc - google home inspector training to find them.) You'll need to pass the training facilities' testing first and then you have to pass the national exam in order to get your license. You can either choose an intensive course ( 7 full days in a row plus training inspection in the field) or a longer course - such as a semester at the local community college.

If you decide to run your own inspection business once you're licensed you'll need the basics - business cards, a website, a services list and pricing and a way to let potential clients know you're available. Going to real estate offices to get to know the office managers and attending networking events (local REIA groups, meetups and local BP member meetups) are both critical to meet potential users of your services.

Another option is to find a growing inspection business in your market that has a good reputation, good inspection software,  and proven business practices and learn the business working for them. You won't make as much as being out there on your own but you can build the skills you're looking for faster. It takes a lot of energy and time to build an inspection business from scratch.

Kevin T. · Answer

@Rich McElaney

Thank you for your advice. Do you have any recommendations/advice on how to become a  home inspector? Also, what tips do  you have to ensure that you get clients?

Rich McElaney · Answer

@Kevin Tad-y I second some of the comments here regarding becoming a home inspector. I passed the state and national exams a year ago and then joined an existing company that had the software and processes to streamline the inspection process. You'll get a more complete education on how to assess the integrity of a home which will help tremendously in your real estate investing.

Feel free to ping me directly if you want to go deeper on this topic - happy to help out.

Benjamin Tighe · Answer

If roofing is your interest go for it. If you are looking to get trade experience, find a trade that has a real apprenticeship program. Job security and education are better in those trades. If you just want to work something part time to learn the ropes start talking to some of the remodeling contractors in your area. These guys usually have knowledge in multiple trades and the project management skills would do more for you that knowing the difference between 3 tab and architectural shingles. Framing and carpentry could be valuable when gauging projects as well.

The roofer will tell you the roof is bad regardless of actual condition if they are not trustworthy or in need of work. Gotta take motives into account.

Kevin T. · Answer

@Tamara Deering Thank you for your words of encouragement.

Should I start in the roofing business?

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