Bolin & Son Construction: What to Know Before Hiring for Roofing Work
Who Bolin & Son Construction is and what they do
Bolin & Son Construction is a roofing contractor operating in South Carolina. The company handles roof installation, repair, and replacement work for residential and commercial properties. Before you contact them or sign a contract, you should understand what questions to ask any roofing contractor—including what insurance they carry, whether they're licensed in your county, what warranty they offer on materials and labor, and how they handle payment scheduling.
Like any contractor, Bolin & Son's reputation, pricing, and service quality depend on the specific job, the crew assigned, and the materials chosen. Getting multiple quotes from different contractors is standard practice and helps you compare costs and scope of work side by side.
Key Takeaways
- Before hiring any roofing contractor, verify they hold current licensing and insurance appropriate to your county in South Carolina.
- Request a written estimate that lists materials, labor costs, timeline, and warranty terms—not just a total price.
- Ask whether the contractor will handle permits and inspections, or whether you are responsible for obtaining them from your local building department.
- Check references from recent jobs and ask to see photos of completed work similar to yours.
- Understand the payment schedule: most reputable contractors do not ask for full payment upfront.
What to ask before you hire
Start by asking whether Bolin & Son holds a current roofing license in your county. South Carolina does not issue a single statewide roofing license; instead, licensing requirements vary by municipality. Call your local building department or county clerk to confirm what license type is required where you live, then ask the contractor to provide proof.
Request proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects you if someone is injured on your property; workers' compensation protects their employees. Ask the contractor to provide a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured, and verify the coverage limits are adequate for the scope of your project.
Ask for a detailed written estimate that breaks down the cost of materials, labor, and any additional fees. The estimate should also specify the roofing material (asphalt shingles, metal, tile, etc.), the timeline for completion, and the warranty—both on materials from the manufacturer and on the contractor's labor. A one-page estimate with only a total price is a red flag; you cannot compare it fairly to other quotes.
Understanding permits and inspections
Most roof replacements and major repairs require a building permit from your city or county. Ask Bolin & Son whether they will obtain the permit on your behalf, or whether you need to do it yourself. If they obtain it, confirm whether the permit fee is included in their estimate or billed separately.
After the work is complete, your local building department will typically schedule an inspection to verify the work meets code. Ask the contractor who will schedule this inspection and who will be present when the inspector arrives. Some contractors include this in their service; others expect the homeowner to arrange it. Clarify this before work begins so there are no surprises.
Payment and contract terms
Reputable roofing contractors typically ask for a deposit—often 25 to 50 percent of the total cost—when you sign the contract, with the balance due upon completion or in installments as work progresses. Be cautious of any contractor who demands full payment upfront or who asks for cash only.
Before you sign anything, read the contract carefully. It should include the scope of work, materials to be used, start and end dates, payment schedule, warranty terms, and what happens if either party needs to cancel. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification in writing before you sign.
Checking references and past work
Ask Bolin & Son for at least three references from customers whose roofs they installed or repaired within the past two years. Contact those references and ask specific questions: Did the work finish on time? Did the crew clean up after themselves? Have there been any leaks or problems since completion? Would they hire the contractor again?
If possible, ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours—same material, same roof pitch or complexity. If the contractor has work in your neighborhood, ask permission to drive by and look at it from the street. A visual comparison is often more useful than a verbal description.
What to do if there's a problem
If you discover defects or damage after the work is complete, contact the contractor in writing (email or letter) and describe the problem clearly. Include photos if possible. Most warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship for a set period—typically one to ten years depending on the material and the contractor's terms. Review your contract to understand what is and is not covered.
If the contractor does not respond or refuses to address a legitimate warranty claim, you can file a complaint with your county's building department or licensing board. South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DHEC) also maintains records of complaints against contractors. Document everything—emails, photos, dates of communication—in case you need to pursue the matter further.
Comparing multiple contractors
Get estimates from at least two or three roofing contractors before you decide. This is not just about price; it helps you understand what different contractors include in their scope of work and what they charge for extras. One contractor might include gutter cleaning in their estimate; another might charge separately. One might warranty labor for five years; another for ten.
When you compare estimates, make sure you are comparing the same material and the same scope of work. An estimate for architectural shingles is not directly comparable to one for basic three-tab shingles. Ask each contractor to specify the exact product they plan to use, including the brand and grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Bolin & Son Construction is licensed in my area?
Call your city or county building department and ask what roofing license is required in your jurisdiction. Then contact the contractor and ask them to provide proof of that specific license. You can also ask the building department whether they have any record of complaints against the contractor.
What should a roofing warranty cover?
Warranties typically cover defects in materials (manufacturer warranty) and defects in workmanship (contractor warranty). Ask the contractor to specify how long each warranty lasts, what is covered, what is not covered, and whether the warranty transfers if you sell the house. Some warranties exclude damage from storms or improper maintenance.
Can I negotiate the price after I get an estimate?
You can ask, but most contractors price their work based on materials and labor costs, which do not have much room to move. If you receive a significantly higher estimate from one contractor, ask why—it may be because they are using a higher-grade material or including services the other contractor did not mention.
What happens if the contractor damages my property during the work?
Their liability insurance should cover accidental damage to your property. This is another reason to verify they carry adequate insurance before work begins. If damage occurs, report it to the contractor immediately and document it with photos. The contractor should file a claim with their insurance company.
How long does a roof replacement typically take?
A typical residential roof replacement takes three to seven days, depending on the size of the roof, the complexity, the weather, and the material being used. Ask the contractor for a realistic timeline and confirm whether that includes cleanup. Weather delays are common, so build in extra time when planning.