Cook's General Contracting: What to Know Before You Hire

Cook's General Contracting handles roofing, siding, and general home repairs across South Carolina

Cook's General Contracting is a South Carolina-based contractor that works on roofing projects alongside siding, gutters, and other exterior home repairs. The company operates in multiple counties and takes on both residential and commercial jobs. If you're looking at roofing contractors in the state, Cook's is one option to research and compare against other local firms.

Like any contractor, the quality of your experience depends on the specific project, timeline, crew, and how clearly expectations are set from the start. This guide walks you through what to know before hiring any roofing contractor—including how to vet Cook's alongside other options.

Key Takeaways

• Cook's General Contracting operates in South Carolina and handles roofing, siding, gutters, and general repairs for residential and commercial properties.
• Before hiring any contractor, get written estimates from at least three companies so you can compare price, materials, timeline, and warranty terms side by side.
• Check a contractor's license status through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC) and ask for references from recent roofing jobs in your area.
• A roofing contract should specify the start date, completion date, total cost, materials to be used, cleanup responsibility, and what happens if weather delays the work.
• Verify that any contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance before they set foot on your roof.

How to research Cook's and other roofing contractors

Start by gathering information about Cook's General Contracting through multiple channels. Search for the company name online, check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints or resolutions, and look at Google reviews and Yelp to see what past customers report. Pay attention to patterns—one bad review is different from five similar complaints about the same issue.

Call Cook's directly and ask how long they've been in business, what areas of South Carolina they serve, and whether they have references from roofing jobs completed in the last year. A contractor willing to give you three to five names of recent customers is more transparent than one who refuses or offers only old projects.

Do the same research with at least two other roofing contractors in your area. Comparing three companies gives you a realistic sense of pricing, materials, and how each one communicates. A contractor who is significantly cheaper than the others may be cutting corners; one who is significantly more expensive should be able to explain why.

Verify licensing and insurance before you sign

South Carolina requires roofing contractors to be licensed. You can check Cook's license status through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. Search for the company name and verify that the license is current and in good standing. If the license has been suspended, revoked, or expired, that is a red flag.

Ask Cook's for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. General liability covers damage to your home or property during the job; workers' compensation covers injuries to crew members. Request the policy numbers and call the insurance company to confirm coverage is active. Never hire a contractor who cannot or will not provide this documentation.

Some contractors also carry bonding, which protects you if the job is not completed or if there are liens filed against your property. Bonding is not required in South Carolina, but it is a sign of financial stability and professionalism.

What to include in a written roofing contract

A roofing contract should be in writing and signed by both you and Cook's (or any contractor you hire). The contract protects both parties by spelling out exactly what work will be done, when, and for how much. Here is what must be included:

• The start date and expected completion date (or a range if weather is unpredictable).
• The total cost and payment schedule—for example, 50 percent down and 50 percent upon completion, or a third down, a third at mid-project, and a third at the end.
• A detailed description of the roofing materials to be used (shingle type, color, brand, warranty terms).
• The scope of work—what is included and what is not (for example, is old roofing removed and disposed of, or is it left for you to handle?).
• Who is responsible for cleanup and debris removal.
• What happens if the job takes longer than expected due to weather, material delays, or unforeseen damage.
• The contractor's warranty on workmanship and the manufacturer's warranty on materials.
• A clause stating that the contractor will obtain any required permits and inspections.

Do not sign a contract that leaves these details blank or vague. If Cook's or any contractor resists putting terms in writing, that is a reason to look elsewhere.

Payment terms and what to avoid

Never pay the full cost upfront. South Carolina law allows contractors to collect a deposit, but it should not exceed one-third of the total contract price. The remainder should be paid in installments tied to completion of specific stages of work, with a final payment held until the job is fully done and inspected.

Be cautious of contractors who demand cash only or who pressure you to pay before work begins. Paying by check or credit card creates a paper trail and gives you recourse if something goes wrong. If a contractor insists on cash and refuses other payment methods, that is a warning sign.

Do not allow a contractor to file a lien against your home without your knowledge. A lien is a legal claim on your property if the contractor is not paid. South Carolina law requires contractors to provide you with a notice of lien rights before work begins. Read it carefully and understand what it means.

What happens after the roofing work is complete

Once Cook's (or any contractor) finishes the roof, do a walkthrough before making the final payment. Check that all debris has been cleaned up, that the roof looks as specified in the contract, and that any damage to gutters, siding, or landscaping has been addressed or documented.

Ask for a final invoice and a copy of the manufacturer's warranty on the roofing materials. The warranty typically covers defects in the shingles or other materials for a set number of years (often 20 to 30 years, depending on the product). The contractor's workmanship warranty is separate and usually covers installation for a shorter period—often 5 to 10 years.

Keep all contracts, invoices, warranties, and photos of the completed work in a file. If problems arise later, you will need these documents to file a claim or dispute.

When to contact the South Carolina Attorney General or licensing board

If Cook's or any contractor fails to complete the work, does poor-quality work, or refuses to honor the warranty, you have options. First, send a written letter (email or certified mail) describing the problem and requesting a resolution within a specific timeframe—usually 10 to 14 days.

If the contractor does not respond or refuses to fix the problem, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can also contact the South Carolina Attorney General's office if you believe the contractor has engaged in unfair or deceptive practices.

Small claims court is another option if the cost of the dispute is under the court's limit (currently $7,500 in South Carolina). You do not need a lawyer to file, and the process is faster and cheaper than civil court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Cook's General Contracting is licensed in South Carolina?

Visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website and search for the company name. You will see the license number, issue date, and current status. If the license does not appear or shows as inactive, the contractor is not legally permitted to do roofing work in the state.

What should I do if a contractor wants full payment before starting work?

Do not pay it. South Carolina law limits upfront deposits to one-third of the contract price. A contractor who demands more or wants the full amount before work begins is not following state law and is a significant risk. Walk away and hire someone else.

Can I sue a roofing contractor if the work is poor quality?

Yes, but first try to resolve it directly by sending a written request for repairs. If the contractor refuses, you can file a complaint with the licensing board, contact the Attorney General, or pursue small claims court. Having a written contract and photos of the problem will strengthen your case.

What is the difference between a contractor's warranty and a material warranty?

A material warranty covers defects in the roofing shingles or other products and is issued by the manufacturer. A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation and is issued by the contractor. Both should be provided in writing and kept with your records.

Do I need to get a permit for a new roof?

Most South Carolina municipalities require a roofing permit. The contractor should obtain it as part of the job, and the cost is usually included in the estimate. Ask Cook's or any contractor whether permits are included in the quoted price and who is responsible for getting them.