Dave's Roofing: What to Know Before You Call

Dave's Roofing serves residential and commercial properties across South Carolina

Dave's Roofing is a contractor operating in South Carolina that handles roof repair, replacement, and maintenance for homes and businesses. Like any roofing company, it's one option among many in your area—and the right choice depends on your specific roof, budget, timeline, and what you need done.

Before you contact any roofing contractor, you should understand what questions to ask, what to expect in a quote, and how to protect yourself during the work. This guide walks you through those steps so you can make an informed decision about whether Dave's Roofing or another contractor is the right fit for your project.

Key Takeaways

• Get written quotes from at least two or three roofing contractors so you can compare price, materials, timeline, and warranty terms side by side.
• Ask any contractor for proof of licensing, insurance, and references from recent jobs in your area before you sign a contract.
• A detailed contract should specify the scope of work, materials to be used, start and end dates, payment schedule, and what happens if weather delays the job.
• South Carolina does not require roofing contractors to be licensed, so verification of insurance and bonding is especially important.
• Check online reviews and the Better Business Bureau, but remember that reviews reflect individual experiences and may not predict your outcome.

What to ask any roofing contractor, including Dave's Roofing

Before you decide on a contractor, you need answers to the same questions regardless of which company you're considering. Start by asking whether they carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance—this protects you if someone is injured on your property or if damage occurs during the work. Ask to see proof of both, not just a verbal yes.

Next, ask for a written estimate that breaks down the cost of materials, labor, and any other charges. A vague quote like "$5,000 for a new roof" tells you almost nothing; you need to know what materials they're using, how many squares of roofing they're installing, what the labor rate is, and whether disposal of old materials is included. Ask how long the job will take and whether weather delays will extend the timeline or the contract.

Request references from at least three jobs completed in the last year or two in your neighborhood or town. Call those references and ask whether the work was completed on time, whether the contractor cleaned up afterward, and whether they would hire the same company again. Ask about the warranty on materials and on the workmanship—how long does it last, what does it cover, and who honors it if the contractor goes out of business.

Understanding roofing materials and what affects the cost

The price of a roof replacement depends heavily on the materials you choose. Asphalt shingles are the most common and least expensive option in South Carolina; a typical residential roof might run anywhere from several thousand to over ten thousand dollars depending on the size of your home and the quality of shingles. Metal roofing costs more upfront but lasts longer and may lower your insurance premium. Tile and slate are premium options that cost significantly more but can last 50 years or longer.

The slope and complexity of your roof also affect cost. A simple rectangular roof is cheaper to replace than one with multiple peaks, valleys, and dormers. If your roof has structural damage underneath the shingles, that repair work will add to the bill. The contractor should inspect the roof and tell you whether the underlying structure is sound or needs work before new shingles go on.

Ask the contractor whether they will remove the old roof or install new shingles over the existing layer. Removal costs more but is often necessary if there are already two layers of shingles or if the old roof is damaged. Some areas allow two layers; others do not. Your contractor should know your local building codes and tell you what's required.

How to verify a contractor's background and reputation

South Carolina does not require roofing contractors to hold a state license, so you cannot check a licensing database the way you can in some other states. This makes insurance and bonding even more critical. A bonded contractor has posted a financial may provide that protects you if they fail to complete the work or if they damage your property. Ask whether Dave's Roofing or any contractor you're considering carries a performance bond for your project.

Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for any complaints filed against the company and how they responded. A few complaints is normal for any contractor; what matters is whether the company resolved them. Look at Google reviews and Yelp, but remember that people who had problems are more likely to leave a review than people who had a smooth experience. A 4.5-star rating with dozens of reviews is more meaningful than a 5-star rating with three reviews.

Ask the contractor how long they've been in business and whether they're a sole proprietor or part of a larger company. Contractors who have been around for many years and have a physical office are generally lower risk than those operating out of a truck with a phone number. If something goes wrong after the job is done, you want to know you can reach them.

What should be in your contract before work begins

Never start work without a written contract. The contract should include the contractor's full name and business address, your address, a detailed description of the work to be done, the exact materials to be used (brand and grade), the total cost, the payment schedule, and the start and expected completion dates. It should specify what happens if the job takes longer than expected and who is responsible for cleanup and disposal of old materials.

The contract should also state the warranty terms—how long the materials are covered and how long the workmanship is covered. Ask whether the warranty is transferable if you sell your home. Include a clause that the contractor will obtain any required permits and that the work will comply with local building codes. Some contractors will not start until you've obtained a permit; others will handle it. Make sure you know who is responsible.

Do not pay the full amount upfront. A typical payment schedule is one-third down to order materials, one-third when the work begins, and one-third on completion. Some contractors ask for half down and half on completion. Avoid any contractor who demands full payment before the work is done. If the contractor needs to order materials, a deposit is reasonable, but you should not pay for labor that hasn't happened yet.

Common roofing problems in South Carolina's climate

South Carolina's heat, humidity, and occasional severe weather create specific challenges for roofs. Asphalt shingles can deteriorate faster in intense sun and heat; a contractor should recommend shingles rated for high-temperature climates. Humidity and standing water can lead to mold and rot underneath shingles, so proper ventilation and drainage are critical. Ask the contractor whether they will inspect your attic ventilation and whether any improvements are needed.

Wind damage from summer storms and hurricanes is common. If you're replacing a roof after storm damage, check whether your homeowners insurance will cover part of the cost. Some policies cover roof replacement after a named storm; others do not. The contractor can help you document the damage for an insurance claim, but they cannot determine what your policy covers—you need to contact your insurance company directly.

Gutters and downspouts are part of your roof system. If water is not draining properly away from your home, it can back up under the shingles and cause leaks. Ask the contractor whether your gutters need cleaning, repair, or replacement as part of the roofing work.

Getting multiple quotes and comparing them fairly

Contact at least two or three roofing contractors and ask each one for a written quote. Make sure each quote is based on the same scope of work—same materials, same size roof, same timeline. If one quote is significantly lower than the others, ask why. It could be that they're using cheaper materials, they're cutting corners on labor, or they're planning to do less work than the others. A quote that's significantly higher might mean they're using premium materials or they're including work the others aren't.

Create a simple spreadsheet with each contractor's name, the total cost, the materials they're proposing, the warranty terms, the timeline, and any other differences. This makes it easier to see which contractor offers the best value for what you actually need. The cheapest quote is not always the best deal if it means lower-quality materials or a contractor who cuts corners.

Once you've chosen a contractor, get everything in writing before they show up with tools. A handshake agreement or a verbal promise is not enforceable if something goes wrong. A written contract protects both you and the contractor by making clear what each of you is responsible for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced or just repaired?

A contractor can inspect your roof and tell you whether repairs will extend its life or whether replacement is the better choice. Generally, if your roof is over 20 years old, has multiple leaks, or has large areas of missing or damaged shingles, replacement is more cost-effective than repair. If the damage is isolated to one area, repair may be enough. Get that assessment in writing so you have it for insurance purposes if needed.

What should I do if I find a leak after the contractor finishes?

Contact the contractor immediately and describe the problem. Most contractors offer a warranty on their workmanship, which means they will return and fix leaks caused by their installation at no charge. This is why the warranty terms in your contract matter—make sure you understand what's covered and for how long. If the contractor is unresponsive, you may need to hire another contractor to fix it and then pursue the original contractor for reimbursement.

Can I install a new roof over my existing shingles?

It depends on your local building codes and the condition of your existing roof. South Carolina allows two layers of shingles in some jurisdictions but not others. Installing over existing shingles is cheaper but may hide underlying damage. A contractor should inspect your roof and tell you what your local codes allow and what they recommend for your specific situation.

How long does a typical roof replacement take?

A straightforward residential roof replacement usually takes one to three days, depending on the size of the roof and the weather. More complex roofs with multiple peaks or dormers may take longer. The contractor should give you a timeline in the contract and let you know how weather delays will be handled.

What happens if the contractor damages my property during the work?

This is why liability insurance is essential. The contractor's insurance should cover accidental damage to your home, landscaping, or other property. Make sure the contract specifies that the contractor is responsible for any damage caused by their work and that their insurance will cover it. Take photos of your property before work begins so you have documentation if a dispute arises.