Roofing Contractors in Memphis, Tennessee
Licensed Establishments
339
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
March through November, with highest demand May through September due to storm season and optimal weather conditions
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for estimates, 3-7 days for emergency repairs during storm season
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 – $4,500 |
| Gutter installation | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Flat roof membrane replacement | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Emergency roof tarping | $300 – $800 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Tennessee requires a Home Improvement Contractor License for projects over $25,000 or a Residential Building Contractor License. Must pass state exam, provide $10,000 bond, maintain liability insurance. License renewal required every 2 years with continuing education.
Permit Requirements
City of Memphis requires building permits for roof replacements and structural repairs. Permits range $50-200 based on project value. Minor repairs under $1,000 typically exempt.
Inspection Schedule
Initial permit inspection before work begins, progress inspection for structural work, final inspection upon completion. Allow 24-48 hours notice for inspections.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, contractor bond $10,000 for licensed contractors
How to Get Licensed
- 1
Meet basic requirements
Must be 18+ years old, provide social security number, and have clean criminal background. No felony convictions related to contracting work.
- 2
Complete pre-license education
Take 16-hour pre-license education course from approved provider. Course covers Tennessee construction law, business practices, and safety requirements.
- 3
Pass state examination
Schedule and pass Tennessee contractor examination through PSI testing. Exam covers trade knowledge, business law, and state regulations. 70% passing score required.
- 4
Obtain required bond and insurance
Secure $10,000 contractor bond and general liability insurance minimum $300,000. Provide certificates of coverage with license application.
- 5
Submit license application
Complete application through Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance online portal. Include exam results, insurance certificates, bond documentation, and $285 license fee.
- 6
Maintain license compliance
Renew license every 2 years with continuing education requirements. Maintain insurance and bonding throughout license period. Update license for any business changes.
About This Market
Memphis roofing market runs hot with 339 licensed establishments statewide competing for work. Storm damage drives 60% of business here - hail, wind, and tornado activity create steady demand year-round. Residential dominates with aging housing stock needing frequent repairs. Competition is fierce on insurance claims, margins tight on commodity shingle work. Metal roofing gaining ground due to storm resistance.
Get your Tennessee contractor license sorted first - exam isn't a joke and bonding requirements will bite you if you skip steps. Memphis permit office moves slow, factor that into scheduling. Storm season brings gold rush mentality but also fly-by-night competition undercutting prices. Build relationships with insurance adjusters and local suppliers. Summer heat makes roof work brutal - start early, hydrate your crew, or lose good workers to easier trades.
Data Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contractors in Memphis
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