Picture this:
You know it’s time to replace your roof, and you’re ready to at least get an estimate.
Or, a storm rolled through,h and you think you have damage to your roof.
Now you’re faced with a problem that thousands of homeowners deal with every year.
Do you call a roofing contractor or a general contractor?
Make the wrong choice, and you might end up paying more, waiting longer, or getting subpar work that doesn’t fix the real problem.
The good news?
I’m going to break down exactly when to hire each type of contractor, what they actually do, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that trip up most homeowners.
Quick Overview: Roofing Contractor vs General Contractor
Here’s the simple truth: roofing contractors focus solely on your roof, while general contractors manage entire construction projects.
Think of it like going to a doctor.
You wouldn’t see a heart surgeon for a broken arm, right?
Same logic applies here. Each contractor type has specific skills and training for different jobs.
Most people don’t realize this distinction until they’re already stressed about a home problem.
Let me save you that headache.
What Does a Roofing Contractor Do?
Roofing contractors are specialists. They eat, sleep, and breathe roofs.
Their main jobs include:
- Installing new roofs from scratch
- Repairing damaged shingles, flashing, and gutters
- Conducting roof inspections and maintenance
- Handling storm damage repairs
- Working with insurance companies on claims
These pros know every type of roofing material inside and out.
Whether you’ve got asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, or slate, they understand how each material behaves in different weather conditions.
Safety is huge for them too.
They’ve got specialized equipment like safety harnesses, roof jacks, and scaffolding systems that most other contractors don’t carry around.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
General contractors are project managers with construction skills.
They’re the ones who coordinate entire home improvement projects.
Here’s what they handle:
- New home construction
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Room additions and expansions
- Coordinating multiple trades (plumbers, electricians, roofers)
- Pulling permits and managing inspections
- Staying on budget and timeline
Think of them as the conductor of an orchestra.
They don’t play every instrument, but they make sure everyone plays their part at the right time.
When you hire a general contractor for a big project, they’ll often bring in specialized subcontractors for specific work like electrical or plumbing.
Key Differences Chart
| Feature | Roofing Contractor | General Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Project Scope | Roofing work only | Full construction projects |
| Licensing | Roofing-specific license | General contractor license |
| Insurance | Roofing liability coverage | Broader project coverage |
| Timeline | Days to weeks | Weeks to months |
| Subcontractors | Common | Uses multiple subs |
| Best For | Roof repairs and replacements | Home remodels and additions |
| Average Cost | $8,000-$25,000 for full roof | $15,000-$100,000+ for projects |
When You Need a Roofing Contractor
Call a roofing contractor when your problem starts and ends with your roof.
Common situations include:
- Visible leaks or water damage
- Missing or damaged shingles after storms
- Sagging roof sections
- Age-related wear (most roofs last 20-25 years)
- Gutters pulling away from the house
- Ice dam problems in winter
I’ve seen homeowners waste money hiring general contractors for simple roof repairs.
The general contractor just calls a roofer anyway, and you end up paying markup fees for no reason.
If your roof problem is urgent, roofing contractors typically respond faster too.
They understand that water damage gets worse every day you wait.
When to Hire a General Contractor
General contractors make sense for bigger projects that involve multiple parts of your home.
Perfect scenarios for general contractors:
- Kitchen or bathroom renovations
- Adding a deck or patio
- Basement finishing projects
- Home additions or expansions
- Fixing structural problems
- Projects requiring multiple permits
Here’s a real example: Say you want to add a master bedroom suite above your garage. You’ll need electrical work, plumbing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and possibly roofing modifications. A general contractor coordinates all of this.
Trying to manage all those different contractors yourself is like juggling while riding a unicycle. Possible, but probably not worth the stress.
Can a General Contractor Replace a Roof?
Yes, in many cases a general contractor holds all the correct licenses to perform the work.
Even if your general contractor can legally do roof work, ask yourself:
would you rather have someone who does roofs occasionally, or someone who does nothing but roofs?
The specialist usually wins on quality and efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project
Start by clearly defining what you need done.
Is this just a roof problem?
Go with a roofing contractor.
Does your project involve multiple rooms or systems?
General contractor is probably your answer.
Next, do your homework:
- Check their license status online
- Read recent reviews (not just the good ones)
- Ask for local references from the past year
- Get multiple quotes to compare pricing
- Verify their insurance is current
Red flags to watch for:
- Door-to-door solicitation after storms
- Demanding full payment upfront
- No local address or references
- Significantly lower bids than everyone else
- High-pressure sales tactics
Common Misconceptions
Let me clear up some myths that cost homeowners money.
“General contractors can handle anything” Not true. Even the best general contractors have limits. Complex roofing repairs often require specialized knowledge that they might not have.
“Roofing contractors are always cheaper”
Sometimes, but not always. If your project involves more than just roofing, a general contractor might actually save you money by coordinating everything efficiently.
“You don’t need permits for roof work” Wrong in most places. Roof replacements almost always require permits. Repairs might not, depending on the scope of work.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Before you sign any contract, get answers to these questions:
For roofing contractors specifically:
- How many roofs like mine have you done this year?
- What’s your process for protecting my landscaping and property?
- Do you handle insurance claims directly?
For general contractors:
- Which parts of the work will you do personally versus subcontract?
- How do you select and supervise your subcontractors?
- What’s your typical project timeline?
Don’t feel awkward asking these questions.
Good contractors expect them and answer confidently.
Real Examples of Each Contractor in Action
Roofing Contractor Story: Last spring, my neighbor noticed water stains on his bedroom ceiling after a hailstorm. He called a local roofing contractor who came out the same day.
The roofer found damaged shingles and compromised flashing around the chimney. Within three days, they had the roof completely repaired and even worked directly with the insurance adjuster to handle the claim paperwork.
Total time: 3 days. Total cost: $4,200 after insurance.
General Contractor Story:
Another neighbor wanted to turn their unfinished basement into a family room with a bathroom. This involved electrical work, plumbing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and finishing work.
Their general contractor coordinated electricians, plumbers, and other specialists. The project took six weeks but transformed an unused space into a beautiful living area worth thousands in added home value.
Total time: 6 weeks. Total cost: $35,000.
See the difference?
Right contractor for the right job.
Local Laws and Building Codes
Building codes vary significantly by location, and this affects which contractor you should hire.
For example, in Michigan, any roofing work over $600 requires a licensed contractor.
Some areas require special permits for roof color changes in historic districts.
In Florida, hurricane codes require specific installation methods that only experienced local roofers typically understand.
Before starting any project, check with your local building department about:
- Permit requirements
- Contractor licensing rules
- Inspection schedules
- Code-specific requirements for your area
This five-minute phone call can save you major headaches later.
Costs and Budgeting Breakdown
Understanding typical costs helps you budget and spot unrealistic quotes.
Roofing Contractor Costs:
- Roof repairs: $300-$1,500
- Partial roof replacement: $3,000-$8,000
- Full roof replacement: $8,000-$25,000
- Emergency repairs: $500-$2,000
General Contractor Project Costs:
- Kitchen remodel: $15,000-$50,000
- Bathroom remodel: $8,000-$25,000
- Room addition: $20,000-$80,000
- Basement finishing: $10,000-$30,000
These are rough ranges. Your actual costs depend on materials, local labor rates, and project complexity.
Get at least three quotes for any major work. If one bid is dramatically different from the others, ask detailed questions about why.
Roofing vs General Contractor for Insurance Claims
Storm damage claims are tricky, and choosing the right contractor type matters.
Roofing contractors typically work with insurance companies regularly. They know how to document damage, what adjusters look for, and how to present claims effectively.
Many roofing contractors will even meet with your insurance adjuster and handle most of the paperwork. This can speed up your claim and ensure nothing gets missed.
General contractors might be less familiar with insurance processes, especially for storm damage. However, if your claim involves damage beyond just roofing, they might be better equipped to handle the full scope.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with storm damage that affected multiple parts of your home, consider getting quotes from both types of contractors before filing your claim.
Pros and Cons Summary
Roofing Contractors:
Pros:
- Deep roofing expertise
- Faster response times
- Lower costs for roof-only work
- Insurance claim experience
- Specialized safety equipment
Cons:
- Limited to roofing work only
- Can’t help with related projects
- Seasonal availability issues
- May not handle complex structural problems
General Contractors:
Pros:
- Handle complex, multi-trade projects
- Project management expertise
- One point of contact for big jobs
- Better for whole-house renovations
- Usually carry higher insurance limits
Cons:
- Higher costs due to markup on subcontractors
- Less specialized roofing knowledge
- Longer project timelines
- May subcontract roofing work anyway
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between a roofer and general contractor?
A roofer specializes only in roof work like repairs and installations. A general contractor manages entire construction projects and coordinates multiple trades.
Can a general contractor fix my roof leak?
Many can, but they often subcontract the work to roofing specialists. You might save money hiring a roofer directly for roof-only problems.
Who should I call for storm damage repairs?
For roof damage only, call a roofing contractor. For damage affecting multiple areas of your home, a general contractor can coordinate all repairs.
Are roofing contractors cheaper than general contractors?
For roof work specifically, yes. General contractors add markup when they subcontract roofing jobs, increasing your total cost.
Do I need both a roofer and a general contractor for my project?
Only if your project involves major roofing work plus other construction. Most projects need just one type of contractor.
How do I know which contractor type to hire?
If your project starts and ends with your roof, hire a roofer. If it involves multiple rooms or building systems, choose a general contractor.
What licenses should each contractor have?
Roofing contractors need state roofing licenses. General contractors need general contractor licenses.
Can general contractors install new roofs?
Some can if properly licensed, but many subcontract this work to roofing specialists who have more experience and expertise.
Who handles permits for roof work?
Both can pull permits, but roofing contractors typically know local roofing codes better and can navigate the permit process more efficiently.
Which contractor type works better with insurance companies?
Roofing contractors usually have more experience with storm damage claims and know how to work effectively with insurance adjusters.
How long do projects take with each contractor type?
Roofing contractors typically complete jobs in days to weeks. General contractor projects often take weeks to months depending on scope.
What happens if I hire the wrong contractor type?
You might pay more, wait longer, or need to hire additional contractors. It’s better to choose correctly from the start.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Pro for the Job
The difference between roofing contractors and general contractors comes down to specialization versus scope.
Need roof work?
Go with the specialist who lives and breathes roofing every day.
Planning a bigger project involving multiple trades? A general contractor’s project management skills will save you stress and potentially money.
Don’t overthink it. Match the contractor type to your project scope, verify their credentials, and trust your instincts about who you feel comfortable working with.
Your home is probably your biggest investment. Taking time to choose the right professional protects that investment and gives you peace of mind.
Ready to move forward?
Give us a call today for your roof replacement needs, or if it’s a larger project call us anyway and we can point you in the right direction.