As your roofing company begins to scale, one question becomes critical: Should you hire in-house crews or subcontract the work? The right choice can affect your profit margins, customer satisfaction, job quality, and overall ability to grow.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but understanding the pros and cons of each approach can help you make smarter decisions that support long-term growth. Whether you’re expanding into new markets or simply trying to handle more volume, this breakdown will guide you toward the best setup for your business.
The Case for Hiring In-House Roofing Crews
Hiring full-time employees means bringing your labor force under your direct control. You’re responsible for their training, payroll, equipment, and management—but you also gain more consistency and control over your brand.
✅ Pros:
- Consistent Quality: You train your crew, establish your standards, and know exactly who’s on the job.
- Brand Control: Uniforms, company culture, and customer interactions all reflect your brand directly.
- Faster Response Times: You can deploy your crew immediately—no need to wait on subcontractor availability.
- Stronger Team Loyalty: Investing in your team builds a long-term workforce and reduces turnover.
❌ Cons:
- Higher Overhead: Payroll taxes, insurance, vehicles, and benefits increase your fixed costs.
- Scaling Is Slower: Hiring, training, and retaining skilled workers takes time.
- Administrative Burden: Managing HR, scheduling, and compliance requires more internal resources.
The Case for Subcontracting Roofing Crews
Subcontracting allows you to outsource labor to independent crews, typically paid by the job. This model offers more flexibility, especially during busy seasons or rapid expansion.
✅ Pros:
- Lower Fixed Costs: No payroll, fewer vehicles, and minimal long-term commitments.
- Rapid Scaling: Need to take on five more jobs next month? Just book more subs.
- Less Management Hassle: Subcontractors manage their own crews, tools, and certifications.
❌ Cons:
- Less Control Over Quality: Not all subs are equal. You rely on their reputation and work ethic.
- Inconsistent Branding: They don’t represent your company the same way employees do.
- Scheduling Conflicts: High-quality subcontractors may be booked with other contractors.
- Risk of Misclassification: Misusing subcontractors (treating them like employees) can lead to legal trouble.
What’s Best for Growing Roofing Companies?
Growth requires scalability, profitability, and reliability—so which model supports that best?
✅ Best for early-stage or fast-scaling companies:
Subcontracting. It’s flexible, low-risk, and allows you to handle more volume quickly without major upfront investment. It’s especially helpful after storms or when entering new markets.
✅ Best for companies focused on quality, brand, and long-term retention:
Hiring. Once you have steady lead flow and want to deliver a premium, consistent customer experience, investing in your own team builds equity in your brand.
Hybrid Model: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many successful roofing businesses use a hybrid model:
- In-house crews for high-end residential or commercial projects
- Subcontractors for overflow, seasonal demand, or basic installs
This gives you flexibility without sacrificing control—and it’s often the most strategic path for companies hitting the $1M+ revenue mark.
Final Thoughts
Hiring and subcontracting both have a place in a growing roofing business. The smartest contractors don’t pick one forever—they adapt based on market demand, capacity, and their long-term goals. By understanding each model’s strengths and limitations, you can build a team structure that supports profitability, reputation, and sustainable growth.