Austin Kendall Roofing: What to Know Before You Hire
Who Austin Kendall is and what they do
Austin Kendall is a roofing contractor operating in South Carolina who handles residential and commercial roof work. The company takes on projects ranging from repairs and replacements to inspections and maintenance. If you're looking at roofing options in the state, you'll want to understand what sets different contractors apart—their experience, the materials they use, how they handle warranties, and what their actual customers say about the work.
Before hiring any roofing contractor, including Austin Kendall, you should gather basic information: their licensing status, whether they carry insurance, how long they've been in business, and what their past clients report. This guide walks you through what questions to ask and what to look for when vetting a roofing contractor in South Carolina.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina requires roofing contractors to be licensed; verify any contractor's license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation before signing a contract.
- Ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, since you could be liable if an uninsured worker is injured on your property.
- Get written estimates from at least two or three contractors so you can compare pricing, materials, and warranty terms side by side.
- Check online reviews and ask for references from recent projects to understand how a contractor handles communication, cleanup, and follow-up issues.
- A detailed contract should specify the scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and what happens if the job takes longer than expected.
How to verify a South Carolina roofing contractor's license
South Carolina law requires roofing contractors to hold a license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can search for a contractor's license status on the department's website by entering the company name or the individual contractor's name. This search tells you whether the license is active, what type of work it covers, and whether there are any complaints or disciplinary actions on record.
If a contractor cannot provide a license number or the number does not appear in the state database, do not hire them. An unlicensed contractor leaves you without legal recourse if something goes wrong, and you may face fines yourself for hiring someone who was not properly licensed.
Insurance and liability protection
A roofing contractor should carry two types of insurance: general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. General liability covers damage to your property or injury to bystanders during the work. Workers' compensation covers medical costs and lost wages if a worker is injured on your roof.
Ask the contractor to provide a certificate of insurance before work begins. Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active and covers roofing work—do not rely on the contractor's word alone. If a worker is injured and the contractor has no workers' compensation insurance, you could be held liable for medical bills and legal costs.
Getting written estimates and comparing offers
Contact at least two or three roofing contractors and ask each one for a written estimate. A solid estimate should list the specific materials (shingle type, underlayment, flashing), the square footage being covered, labor costs, disposal fees, and the warranty on both materials and workmanship. It should also include a start date and expected completion date.
Do not automatically choose the lowest bid. A price that is much lower than others may signal that the contractor is cutting corners on materials or labor, or that they underestimated the scope of work and will ask for more money mid-project. Compare what each estimate includes, ask why prices differ, and factor in the contractor's experience and reputation alongside cost.
Checking references and online reviews
Ask the contractor for the names and phone numbers of three to five customers from projects completed in the past year. Call these references and ask specific questions: Did the work start and finish on time? Was the site cleaned up daily? Did the contractor address problems that came up? Would they hire this contractor again?
Also search for the contractor's name on Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and local South Carolina business directories. Look for patterns in reviews—one negative review may be an outlier, but several complaints about the same issue (missed deadlines, poor communication, shoddy work) suggest a real problem. Pay attention to how the contractor responds to negative reviews; a professional response shows they take feedback seriously.
What should be in your roofing contract
Before any work starts, you and the contractor should sign a written contract. This document protects both of you by spelling out exactly what will happen. The contract should include:
- A detailed description of the work (roof replacement, repair, inspection, etc.) and the specific materials to be used.
- The total cost and the payment schedule (for example, 50 percent down, 50 percent upon completion).
- The start date and expected completion date, plus what happens if the job runs over.
- The warranty period for materials and workmanship, and what the contractor will and will not cover.
- A clause stating that the contractor will obtain all required permits and inspections.
- Cleanup responsibilities—whether the contractor removes old roofing materials and debris or leaves that to you.
Do not sign a contract that has blank spaces or terms you do not understand. Ask the contractor to explain anything unclear, and get any verbal promises in writing. If the contractor resists putting terms in writing, that is a red flag.
Common roofing problems and what to watch for
South Carolina's climate—hot, humid summers and occasional severe weather—puts specific stress on roofs. Watch for signs that a roof needs attention: missing or curling shingles, water stains on ceilings or attic wood, granules (small pebbles) collecting in gutters, or visible sagging. Moss and algae growth is common in humid areas but does not necessarily mean the roof is failing.
If you notice damage after a storm, document it with photos and contact your insurance company before hiring a contractor. Some insurers will send an adjuster to assess the damage and may cover repair or replacement costs. A contractor who pressures you to file a claim or who offers to handle the claim for you should be approached with caution—let your insurance company guide the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical roof replacement take?
A standard residential roof replacement usually takes three to five days, depending on the size of the roof, the weather, and how much old material needs to be removed. The contractor's written estimate should include a timeline. Weather delays are common in South Carolina, so ask the contractor how they handle rain or high winds that stop work mid-project.
What is the difference between a roof repair and a replacement?
A repair fixes a specific problem—a leak, missing shingles, or damaged flashing—and typically costs less. A replacement removes the entire old roof and installs a new one, which is more expensive but lasts longer. A contractor should inspect your roof and recommend which option makes sense based on the roof's age and condition.
Do I need a permit for roof work in South Carolina?
Most roof replacements and major repairs require a permit from your local building department. The contractor should handle this as part of the job. Ask in your estimate whether the permit fee is included in the price. Working without a required permit can cause problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.
What warranty should I expect on a new roof?
Shingle manufacturers typically offer warranties of 20 to 50 years, depending on the product. The contractor should also offer a workmanship warranty, usually 5 to 10 years, that covers installation problems. Get both warranties in writing and understand what they cover and what voids them—for example, some warranties do not cover damage from storms or improper maintenance.
What should I do if I am unhappy with the work after the contractor finishes?
Document any problems with photos and contact the contractor in writing (email or letter) within the warranty period. Give them a chance to fix the issue. If they refuse or the problem persists, contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to file a complaint. You may also consult a local attorney about your options.