In today’s world, another update of terms and conditions may seem to appear almost daily for your favorite app or website. Even though we may know better, many of us simply check the box indicating our review without fully reading and understanding the content of this document. However, a similar approach should not be taken when entering into a contract for a new roof, roof repair or other roofing service. Below, find a basic guide to roofing contracts – the intent of which is to help you be aware of what to expect with this legal document and why its details are so important.
Roofing Contracts: Preparatory Steps
You’ve done your research to find the right roofing company for your home or business. Calling and asking questions of your potential roofing contractors has helped you narrow your options further. At this point, it’s time to acquire estimates for your roofing project from roofing companies near you. These estimates should provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the work that goes into a roofing project or what factors impact the cost of a roof replacement. A company’s approach to providing estimates also gives you insight into their values and practices. For example, some companies, like Ranch Roofing, provide free estimates on upcoming projects that include the specific line items and costs for the anticipated work. This offering illustrates a willingness to be transparent about the pricing and the process, as well as a respect for the client’s investment and confidence in the company’s own work quality.
With estimates in hand, home service resource Angi emphasizes that now may be the time for negotiation. For example, you might inquire if changing the timeline for your project may come with a lower price. Summer tends to be the peak season for roofing projects, while the winter roofing workload isn’t typically as busy. You might also further discuss any significant differences in estimates and see if there is any room for adjustment.
What A Roofing Contract Should Include
Once you’ve determined the roofing company that you’d like to work with for your residential or commercial project, it’s time to formalize your contract. This contract is vital for many reasons including ensuring clear expectations of and protection for both parties. Here are 4 key features that your roofing contract should include:
- Company and Client Specifics: The agreement should include not only the roofing company’s basic information like name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number, but also details such as license numbers and proof of insurance. Similar details (as applicable) should be provided for the client.
- Scope of Work: This part of the contract will itemize service particulars, such as roofing materials, types of roof vents, and other product needs, the exact work (in almost step-by-step fashion) that will or will not be completed, and related preparation or clean-up services. There should also be transparency regarding any possible contingencies. Either here or elsewhere in the roofing contract, a precise project timeline including start and estimated end dates, as well as intermediary checkpoints (if appropriate), should be included.
- Warranties and Guarantees: Any warranties or guarantees provided for the materials, labor, service etc. should be clearly outlined. The available roof warranty may be determined by the type of project, while other provisions may be specific to the roofing contractor or material manufacturer. In short, make sure the contract clearly states what parts of the project are covered by any sort of guarantee and what follow-up will be provided should that coverage be needed.
- Payment: Costs and payment details should be clearly and precisely listed in the roofing contract, preferably in an itemized fashion versus a general grouping like materials or labor. It’s important to be clear on what specifically is included (or excluded) and the associated price to be paid for it. Additionally, the payment terms and schedule (from any initial deposit to final payment) for the entire project should be defined, as well as how any unforeseen costs will be addressed.
In addition to the above content, a roofing contract should also include the following specifics:
- any necessary permits or approvals (such as that of a condo association) and who is responsible for their acquisition and payment
- any parameters around service disputes or cancellation as well as contract termination conditions
- further clarification regarding workers’ compensation or other property damage and personal injury liability.
Only after carefully reviewing a contract several times (perhaps both independently as well as with your roofing contractor) and asking any questions to ensure understanding, the roofing service provider and the client will complete the contract with dates and signatures to finalize this document, which will offer clarity and security for both parties.
Our hope in crafting this guide to roofing contracts is that you have a greater understanding of this agreement and additional confidence in navigating your upcoming roofing project. For those in the greater Boston area that are looking for a free estimate on an upcoming roofing service, then consider the team at Ranch Roofing. We look forward to working with you, so contact us today!