Roofing Contractors in Huntsville, Alabama
Avg. Hourly Wage
$22.96/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Avg. Annual Wage
$47,757/yr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Licensed Establishments
257
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
April through September, with highest demand May-July during storm season
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for quotes, 3-7 days for emergency repairs
Estimate
Common Job Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle replacement | $8,500 – $15,000 |
| Metal roof installation | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Roof repair (storm damage) | $800 – $3,500 |
| Gutter installation | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Roof inspection | $150 – $400 |
| Emergency tarp/temporary repair | $300 – $1,200 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Alabama requires a Home Builder License (Residential) or General Contractor License (Commercial) through Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Written exam required covering trade knowledge, business law, and safety. $185 exam fee, $200 initial license fee. 16 hours continuing education every 2 years. Bond requirement $12,500 minimum.
Permit Requirements
Building permit required through City of Huntsville Building Services for roof replacement or structural repairs. $50-150 permit fee based on project value. Permit application requires licensed contractor signature, plans, and proof of insurance.
Inspection Schedule
Initial inspection within 48 hours of permit issuance. Final inspection required within 10 days of completion. Additional inspections may be required for structural modifications or after severe weather events.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, vehicle insurance minimum $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. Many contracts require $1 million liability coverage.
How to Get Licensed
- 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Must be 19 years old, provide 4 years verifiable experience in construction or related field, or hold relevant degree. Clean criminal background required.
- 2
Submit application
Complete application through Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors website. Include experience documentation, references, and financial statements. $50 application fee.
- 3
Obtain surety bond
Secure minimum $12,500 surety bond through licensed surety company. Bond amount may be higher based on project volume and financial capacity.
- 4
Schedule and pass examination
Register for written exam covering business law, trade knowledge, and safety regulations. $185 exam fee. Passing score 70%. Test offered monthly in Montgomery and Birmingham.
- 5
Pay licensing fees
Submit $200 initial license fee upon exam passage. License valid for 2 years. Include proof of insurance and bond documentation.
- 6
Complete continuing education
Complete 16 hours continuing education every 2 years through approved providers. Submit documentation 30 days before license expiration. $200 renewal fee.
About This Market
Huntsville's roofing market runs hot, driven by severe weather patterns and steady residential growth around Redstone Arsenal. Storm damage creates surge demand April through September, while new construction maintains baseline work year-round. Competition is moderate with 15-20 established contractors, but storm seasons separate pros from weekend warriors. Metal roofing gaining ground due to hail resistance. Costs run 10-15% below Birmingham due to lower overhead, but material delivery adds time. Alabama's licensing requirements bite hard - that Home Builder License isn't a weekend project, and the state board doesn't mess around with unlicensed work. Huntsville building department runs tight ship, especially after tornado seasons. Your permit better be pulled before you touch that roof, and inspections happen fast or your project stalls. Insurance claims work drives 40% of revenue here, so know your storm damage protocols. Peak season means 60-hour weeks and material shortages. Off-season is for maintenance, training, and building relationships with insurance adjusters.
Data Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to work as a roofing contractor in Huntsville, AL?▾
How much do roofing contractors make in Huntsville?▾
When is peak roofing season in Huntsville?▾
What permits are required for roofing work in Huntsville?▾
What insurance coverage do roofing contractors need in Alabama?▾
Contractors in Huntsville
0 roofing contractors in Huntsville.
No contractors listed yet.
Are you a roofing contractor in Huntsville?
Get listed on The Board free. Manage your leads, jobs, and follow-ups with The Forge.
Get Listed Free