What to Know Before Hiring Jimmy's Roofing Company

Jimmy's Roofing Company serves residential and commercial properties across South Carolina

Jimmy's Roofing Company is a South Carolina-based contractor that handles roof installation, repair, and replacement for homes and businesses. The company works with asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and other common materials. Before you contact them or any roofing contractor, you should understand what the job involves, what questions to ask, and how to protect yourself in the process.

Roofing work is expensive and affects your home's protection from weather. Getting multiple quotes, checking references, and understanding the contract terms matters more than choosing based on price alone. This guide walks you through what to expect when working with a roofing contractor and how to make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Always get written quotes from at least two or three roofing contractors before deciding, so you can compare price, materials, and timeline.
• Ask any contractor for references from recent jobs in your area and contact those homeowners directly about their experience.
• A roofing contract should specify the materials used, the total cost, the start and completion dates, and what happens if weather delays the work.
• Check that the contractor carries liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance before they set foot on your roof.
• South Carolina does not require roofing contractors to be licensed, so reputation and references are your main protection against poor work.

What to ask a roofing contractor before hiring

When you call a roofing company, have your roof's age and condition ready to discuss. Ask whether they recommend a full replacement or a repair, and why. A contractor who immediately pushes a full replacement without inspecting the roof is a red flag. Legitimate contractors will climb up, look at the damage, and explain what can and cannot be fixed.

Request a written quote that breaks down the cost of materials, labor, and any disposal fees. Ask how long the job will take and whether weather delays are included in that timeline. Find out whether they handle the permit process themselves or whether you need to obtain permits from your city or county. Ask about their warranty—both on materials and on their workmanship—and get the warranty terms in writing.

Confirm that they carry liability insurance (in case someone is injured on your property) and workers' compensation insurance (which covers their employees if they are hurt). Ask for their insurance company name and policy number, and verify the coverage by calling the insurance company yourself. Do not take their word for it.

How to check a contractor's background and reputation

South Carolina does not require roofing contractors to be licensed by the state, which means anyone can legally call themselves a roofer. This makes your own research essential. Ask the contractor for at least three references from jobs completed in the past year, preferably in your neighborhood or city. Call those homeowners and ask whether the work was completed on time, whether the quality met expectations, and whether they would hire the contractor again.

Search online for the company name plus "reviews" or "complaints." Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for any filed complaints and how the company responded. Look at Google reviews and Yelp, but remember that online reviews can be skewed—a few angry customers or fake positive reviews do not tell the whole story. Weight recent reviews more heavily than old ones, and look for patterns in what people say rather than focusing on a single review.

Ask whether the contractor is bonded. A bond is a form of insurance that protects you if the contractor fails to complete the job or does not pay their suppliers. Not all contractors carry bonds, but those who do have passed a background check and financial review.

Understanding the contract and what it should include

Never start work without a signed contract. The contract protects both you and the contractor by spelling out exactly what will happen. A good roofing contract includes the following: a detailed description of the work (for example, "remove existing asphalt shingles and install new GAF Timberline HD shingles in Charcoal"); the total price and payment schedule; the start date and expected completion date; what materials will be used and their brand names; what the contractor will do with old roofing materials (haul away, recycle, or leave for you to dispose of); the warranty on materials and labor; and what happens if the job is delayed by weather or other factors.

The contract should also state that the contractor will obtain any required permits, or clearly state that you are responsible for permits. It should specify whether the price is fixed (you pay exactly that amount) or whether it could change if unforeseen damage is discovered once work begins. Ask the contractor to explain any part of the contract you do not understand before you sign.

Do not pay the full amount upfront. A typical payment schedule is a deposit (often 25 to 50 percent) when you sign, a second payment when materials arrive or work begins, and the final payment only after the work is complete and you have inspected it. If a contractor demands full payment before starting work, that is a warning sign.

What happens during and after the roofing job

Once work begins, the contractor should protect your property by laying tarps, securing debris, and keeping the work area safe. The job typically takes one to three days for a standard residential roof, depending on size and complexity. Weather can delay work—rain stops most roofing because wet surfaces are unsafe and shingles do not adhere properly.

Before you pay the final bill, inspect the finished roof yourself or hire an independent inspector to check the work. Look for straight lines, proper overlap of shingles, secure flashing around chimneys and vents, and no debris left behind. Ask the contractor to walk you through the work and point out the details they are proud of. A good contractor will be happy to show you what they did.

Keep all paperwork: the contract, the warranty documents, receipts, and photos of the finished work. If problems appear later, you will need these documents to file a claim or dispute.

Getting multiple quotes and comparing them fairly

Contact at least two or three roofing contractors and ask each for a written quote. Do not choose based on price alone—the lowest quote often means lower-quality materials or rushed work. Compare what each contractor is offering: Are they using the same shingle brand and grade? Do both quotes include disposal of old roofing? Does one include a longer warranty? Is one contractor offering a faster timeline?

A quote that is significantly lower than the others may indicate that the contractor is cutting corners, using cheaper materials, or planning to rush the job. A quote that is significantly higher may mean the contractor is overcharging or including services you do not need. The middle-range quote is often the safest choice, especially if that contractor has strong references and a good reputation.

Common roofing problems and when to call a contractor

You do not need a full roof replacement for every problem. Missing or damaged shingles, leaks in one area, or damaged flashing can often be repaired. A repair costs far less than replacement and can extend your roof's life by several years. However, if your roof is more than 20 years old, has widespread damage, or has been repaired multiple times, replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Call a contractor if you notice water stains on your ceiling, missing shingles after a storm, granules (the gritty coating on shingles) collecting in your gutters, or daylight coming through your attic. These are signs of active damage that will worsen if ignored. A small leak today becomes a large one tomorrow, and water damage inside your home is expensive to repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a roof repair or a full replacement?

A contractor should inspect your roof and explain the damage. If the damage is isolated to one area, a repair may be enough. If your roof is old, has damage across multiple areas, or has been repaired several times already, replacement is usually the better choice. Ask the contractor to explain why they recommend one or the other.

What should I do if the contractor damages my property during the job?

Their liability insurance should cover accidental damage. Report the damage to the contractor immediately and in writing (email is fine). Ask them to file a claim with their insurance company. Keep photos of the damage and get a written estimate for repairs from another contractor. Do not let them leave until you have a plan to fix what was damaged.

Can I negotiate the price after I get a quote?

You can ask, but most contractors have set pricing based on materials and labor costs. If you want to negotiate, ask whether they can reduce the scope of work (for example, repair instead of replace) or whether they offer discounts for paying in cash or scheduling during their slower season. Do not pressure them to lower the price so much that they cannot do quality work.

What if the contractor does not finish the job on time?

Weather delays are normal and should be expected. However, your contract should specify how long the job will take and what counts as a delay. If the contractor is simply slow or disorganized, contact them in writing and ask for a new completion date. If they abandon the job, you may need to hire another contractor to finish it and pursue the original contractor in small claims court.

How long does a new roof last?

Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 15 to 20 years in South Carolina's climate. Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years. The actual lifespan depends on the quality of materials, the quality of installation, and how well you maintain the roof. Regular inspections and prompt repairs extend the life of any roof.