What to Know About Above All Contractors for Your Roof
Above All Contractors is a roofing company serving South Carolina homeowners
Above All Contractors is a roofing business based in South Carolina that handles residential roof repair, replacement, and maintenance. Like any contractor you hire for roof work, it matters to understand what they do, how to contact them, and what questions to ask before signing a contract.
This guide walks you through what you should know about working with any roofing contractor in South Carolina—including how to vet them, what to expect in a quote, and what protections exist if something goes wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Before hiring any roofing contractor, verify they hold a current South Carolina license and carry liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
- Get written quotes from at least two or three contractors so you can compare pricing, materials, and timeline side by side.
- A detailed contract should name the specific materials, the start and end dates, the total cost, and what happens if weather delays the work.
- South Carolina's Residential Builders Commission handles complaints about licensed contractors, and your city or county may have additional permit requirements.
- Check references and online reviews, but remember that one negative review does not tell the whole story—look for patterns instead.
How to verify a contractor's license and insurance
South Carolina requires roofing contractors to hold a license from the Residential Builders Commission. You can search for a contractor's license status on the commission's website by name or license number. A current license means the contractor has met training and bonding requirements and is subject to state oversight.
Ask the contractor directly for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage before they start work. Liability insurance protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged during the job. Workers' compensation covers injuries to the contractor's own employees. Request a copy of the insurance certificate—not just a verbal confirmation. If the contractor cannot provide this, that is a sign to look elsewhere.
You can also contact the Residential Builders Commission to ask whether any complaints have been filed against a specific contractor. This does not may provide a contractor is problem-free, but it gives you one more data point.
What to expect in a roofing quote
A solid quote breaks down the cost and scope clearly. It should name the specific roofing material (asphalt shingles, metal, tile, or whatever you are considering), the square footage of the roof, the labor cost, any removal or disposal fees, and the total price. It should also state the timeline—when work begins and when it should be finished—and what happens if weather delays the project.
The quote should be in writing, not a verbal estimate. If a contractor gives you a price over the phone without seeing the roof, that price is a guess and may change once they inspect the actual damage or condition. A site visit is normal and expected.
Compare quotes from at least two contractors. If one quote is much lower than the others, ask why—it may mean they are using cheaper materials, cutting corners on labor, or have made an error. If one is much higher, ask what is included that the others are not.
What should be in your contract
Before work begins, you and the contractor should sign a contract that covers the following: the exact materials and brand names, the scope of work (what is being repaired or replaced), the total cost and payment schedule, the start date and expected completion date, what happens if the project takes longer than planned, and how changes to the scope will be handled if they come up during the work.
The contract should also state who is responsible for obtaining permits and who pays for them. In South Carolina, some municipalities require a permit for roof work, and the contractor should know this. If the contract does not address permits, ask the contractor directly whether your city or county requires one and who will handle it.
Do not sign a contract that leaves blanks or uses vague language like "roof repair as needed." The more specific the contract, the fewer surprises you will face when the bill comes or when the work is done.
Payment and warranty information to clarify
Ask the contractor what payment schedule they expect. Some want a deposit upfront, some want payment upon completion, and some want partial payments at milestones (for example, half when work starts, half when it is finished). Understand this before you sign.
Ask about the warranty on the work itself—how long the contractor guarantees their labor—and the warranty on the materials from the manufacturer. These are two separate things. The contractor's labor warranty might be five years, while the shingle manufacturer's warranty might be twenty years. Get both in writing.
If the contractor is using materials from a specific manufacturer, ask whether the manufacturer's warranty requires professional installation by a certified installer. Some warranties are void if the work is not done by someone on the manufacturer's approved list.
How permits work in South Carolina
Whether you need a permit for roof work depends on your city or county. Some municipalities require a permit for any roof replacement; others only require one if the work involves structural changes. Call your local building department or check their website to find out what applies to your address.
If a permit is required, the contractor should either include the permit cost in their quote or tell you upfront what it will be. Some contractors handle the permit application themselves; others ask the homeowner to obtain it. Clarify this before signing the contract.
A permit typically involves a building inspector visiting the site before and after the work to make sure it meets code. This protects you—it means someone is checking that the work is done safely and correctly. Do not skip the permit process to save money; unpermitted work can create problems when you sell the house or file an insurance claim.
What to do if there is a problem
If the contractor does not finish the work as promised, does poor-quality work, or does not show up, document everything in writing—emails, photos, dates, and what was said. Contact the contractor first and give them a chance to fix the problem. Keep copies of all communication.
If the contractor does not respond or refuses to fix the issue, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. The commission investigates complaints and can take action against a licensed contractor's license if they find a violation. You can also consult a lawyer about your options, though this is usually a last resort.
If you paid with a credit card, you may also have a chargeback option through your card issuer. Check your card's terms to see what protections are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a contractor is licensed in South Carolina?
Visit the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission website and search by the contractor's name or license number. A current license will show up in their database. You can also ask the contractor for their license number and verify it yourself before hiring them.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a binding price—the contractor commits to that cost for the work described. An estimate is an educated guess and may change once work begins. Always ask whether what you receive is a quote or an estimate, and get it in writing either way.
Can I negotiate the price with a roofing contractor?
You can ask, but roofing is a labor-intensive trade with material costs that do not vary much between contractors. If you negotiate, ask what is being cut—materials, timeline, or warranty—rather than assuming the contractor will simply accept less profit.
What should I do if the contractor wants full payment before starting work?
Be cautious. Most reputable contractors ask for a deposit (often 25 to 50 percent) and the balance upon completion. If a contractor demands full payment upfront, that is a red flag. Paying in full before work is done leaves you with little recourse if the work is not finished or is done poorly.
Do I need a permit for a roof repair versus a roof replacement?
It depends on your local rules. Some municipalities only require permits for replacements, not repairs. Call your city or county building department to ask what applies to your specific project before you hire a contractor.