Harper Roofing Company of Charleston: What to Know Before You Call

Who Harper Roofing is and what they do

Harper Roofing Company is a Charleston-based roofing contractor that handles residential and commercial roof work across the Lowcountry. The company operates from Charleston and serves the surrounding area, taking on jobs that range from roof repairs and replacements to inspections and maintenance.

Like any roofing contractor you might call, Harper Roofing will send someone to look at your roof, give you an estimate, and handle the work if you decide to hire them. Before you contact them—or any roofer—it helps to know what questions to ask, what to expect during the process, and how to protect yourself as a homeowner.

Key Takeaways

• Get at least two or three estimates from different roofers before deciding, so you can compare price, materials, and timeline.
• Ask any roofer about their licensing, insurance, and warranty on both materials and labor before signing a contract.
• Check references from recent jobs in Charleston or nearby, and ask to see photos of completed work.
• Never pay the full amount upfront; most reputable roofers ask for a deposit and the balance after the work is done.
• Verify that your roofer pulls the proper permits from the City of Charleston or your county, depending on where your home sits.

What to ask a roofer before you hire them

When you call Harper Roofing or any contractor, have a list ready. Ask whether they are licensed to work in South Carolina and whether they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation. A licensed, insured roofer protects you if someone gets hurt on your property or if damage happens during the job. Ask to see proof—a license number you can verify and a current insurance certificate.

Ask what warranty they offer. Most roofers warranty their labor for a set number of years (often five to ten), and the roofing materials themselves come with a manufacturer's warranty that may last much longer. Get both warranties in writing as part of your contract. Ask how long the job will take, whether they handle cleanup, and what happens if weather delays the work.

Ask for references from jobs they completed in the last year or two, ideally in Charleston or nearby. Call those references and ask whether the work was done on time, whether the crew was professional, and whether they would hire the same roofer again. Ask to see photos of finished work, not just before-and-after shots from a website.

Understanding the estimate and contract

A roofing estimate should spell out the materials you are getting (the type and grade of shingles, underlayment, flashing, and anything else), the square footage of your roof, the labor cost, and the total. It should also say whether the price includes removing your old roof, disposing of the debris, and repairing any damage found underneath. If the estimate is vague—just a number with no breakdown—ask for details before you sign anything.

Your contract should match the estimate and include the start date, expected completion date, the total price, the payment schedule, and what happens if the job takes longer than planned. It should say who is responsible for permits and inspections. In Charleston, the city requires permits for most roofing work, and the contractor usually handles getting them, but confirm this in writing. Never agree to pay the full amount upfront. A standard payment structure is a deposit (often 25 to 50 percent) when you sign, and the balance when the work is finished and inspected.

Permits and inspections in Charleston

The City of Charleston requires a permit for roof replacement and most roof repairs. Your contractor should know this and should handle pulling the permit as part of their job. The permit process involves submitting plans or photos of your roof to the city, paying a fee, and having a city inspector come out after the work is done to make sure it meets code.

If you live outside Charleston city limits but in Charleston County, your county building department handles permits instead. Ask your roofer which jurisdiction covers your address and confirm they will pull the permit. Some contractors try to skip the permit to save time and money, but unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim. It is worth the extra time and cost to do it right.

Protecting yourself during the job

Once work begins, check in regularly. Walk around your property and look at what is being done. A professional crew will keep the site clean, secure loose materials, and protect your landscaping and gutters. They should have tarps down if rain is forecast, and they should not leave nails or debris in your yard.

Do not make the final payment until you have inspected the finished work and the city inspector (if required) has signed off. Look for straight lines, proper overlap of shingles, secure flashing around chimneys and vents, and clean gutters. If something does not look right, point it out before you pay. Most roofers will fix small issues without argument if you catch them before they leave the site.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the work is not done to your satisfaction, contact the roofer in writing (email is fine) and describe the problem. Give them a reasonable time to fix it—usually five to ten business days. Keep copies of all emails, photos of the problem, and your contract.

If the roofer does not respond or refuses to fix the issue, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC) if the contractor is licensed. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or consider small claims court if the cost of fixing the problem is within the court's limit (usually a few thousand dollars in South Carolina). Before it gets to that point, try to resolve it directly with the contractor or ask a lawyer whether you have grounds for a claim against their insurance.

Comparing roofers in the Charleston area

Harper Roofing is one option among many in Charleston. Other established local roofers include companies that have been in the area for decades, as well as newer contractors. The best way to choose is to get at least two or three estimates, compare what each one is offering, check references, and go with the one that feels most professional and trustworthy—not necessarily the cheapest.

Price matters, but the lowest bid often means corners are being cut. A roofer who charges significantly less than others may be using lower-grade materials, cutting labor short, or skipping steps like proper ventilation or flashing. A price that is in line with other estimates and comes with good references is usually a safer bet than a bargain that sounds too good to be true.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a roof replacement cost in Charleston?

Cost varies widely depending on the size of your roof, the materials you choose, and the complexity of the job. A typical residential roof replacement in the Charleston area runs anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Get multiple estimates to see what contractors in your area are charging for your specific roof.

How long does a roof replacement take?

A standard residential roof replacement usually takes two to five days, depending on the size of the roof, the weather, and whether the contractor finds damage underneath that needs repair. Ask your roofer for an estimated timeline and what could delay the job.

Do I need a permit to repair my roof?

In Charleston, most repairs do require a permit, though very minor work like replacing a few shingles may not. Ask your roofer or call the City of Charleston Building Department to confirm what your specific job needs. It is better to get a permit than to skip it and face problems later.

What should I look for in a roofing warranty?

Look for two warranties: one on the labor (usually five to ten years) and one on the materials (often 20 to 50 years, depending on the shingle grade). Get both in writing and understand what they cover—some warranties do not cover damage from storms or improper maintenance. Ask the roofer to explain what is and is not covered.

Can I get a roof inspection before hiring a roofer?

Yes. Many roofers offer free inspections, and some charge a small fee. An inspection tells you the condition of your roof, how much life is left, and whether repairs or replacement is needed. Getting an inspection from a roofer you are considering hiring is a good way to understand what work is actually necessary.