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The Ultimate Roofing Contract: What You Need to Know
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Time to play with the pros with our roofing contract guide and free roofing contract template download.
The Basics
What Is a Roofing Contract?
A roofing contract is an official record that documents an agreement between the building owner and the person (or company) who fixes or installs roofs.
The roofing contract agreement outlines precisely what work will be done on the roof, when it will happen, and how much it will cost. It also covers what materials you’ll use and whether they come with a guarantee. It might mention who will get the necessary permissions to do the work if they’re needed.
The contract also details how and when the owner will pay the person/company completing the roof work. Both the building owner and the roofer sign the contract, indicating that they agree with everything detailed in the document.
This way, they both know what to expect and what they’re supposed to do. Always read contracts carefully before signing anything.
How Can a Roofing Contract Protect Me as a Roofer?
A roofing contract provides a legally binding framework that supports a smoother and more successful working relationship between you and the property owner.
It can offer several significant protections to a roofing contractor. Here’s how:
- Clear Expectations: Roofing contracts clearly outline the scope of work, detailing the specific tasks, materials, and services you are responsible for. This expectation-setting helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes over what was agreed upon.
- Dispute Resolution: The contract can include provisions for resolving disputes through mediation or arbitration, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming legal proceedings.
- Legal Standing: A signed contract legally documents the agreement between you and the property owner. In case of disagreements or legal actions, the contract can serve as evidence in court.
- Professionalism: A well-drafted roofing contract demonstrates professionalism and helps build trust between you and your customer. It shows you take your work seriously and are committed to delivering as promised.
Roofing Contract Building Blocks
Here are the elements that a roofing contract should include.
- The Introduction
- The Scope of Work
- Timelines and Milestones
- Payment Schedule and Terms
- Warranties and Guarantees
- Liability and Insurance
- Signatures and Legal Provisions
The Building Blocks of a Roofing Contract
The Introduction
This section introduces both parties to the contract, outlines the scope of work, and defines key terms within the contract.
The introduction should be a brief summary of the following:
- Who performs the work
- Type of work to be completed
- Specific materials that will be used
Detailing this information early on in the contract ensures everyone is on the same page. This section should help both parties understand the project.
The Scope of Work
The scope of work is a detailed description of the roofing project, including specific tasks, materials, and any relevant technical specifications. We’ve split it up into three core categories:
Materials Used
List all the materials your crew will use in the roofing project and their quantity. Indicate whether or not they meet industry standards.
Pre-Installation Work
Outline any pre-installation work that must be done, such as removing or repairing old shingles, venting work, and re-flashing or re-sealing the roof.
Installation Details
Include details about the installation process, such as the estimated timeframe for completion and the installation method you’ll use for the project.
You should also detail the procedures for handling any changes to the original scope of work, including how you’ll manage additional costs or adjustments. This information will help keep customers from asking you to do extra work without proper compensation.
Timeline and Milestones
The timeline needs at least the project’s estimated start and completion dates. It may also include milestones or deadlines for certain phases of the work. If there are any scheduled breaks or downtimes, you should cover those here.
Payment Schedule and Terms
The roofing contract should outline the total project cost, payment schedule, and any required deposit. It may also outline how payments will be made (e.g., in installments or upon completion).
Since a roofing contract specifies the total cost of the project, payment schedule, and any deposit required, it helps ensure that you’re paid fairly for your work. It also provides a basis for resolving any payment-related issues. Include the following payment terms in your roofing contract.
- Deposit: Record the initial deposit required to secure your services. Clarify whether this amount is refundable or non-refundable.
- Payment Schedule: Outline the payment schedule and deadlines for each portion of the job.
- Final Payment: Include the amount due when the project is complete. List any acceptable payment methods.
Warranties and Guarantees
What to include: Your roofing contract should spell out all the warranty and guarantee information. Include manufacturer warranties for any materials you’ll use, as well as labor guarantees covering the work you and your crew perform.
Why it matters: Warranties and guarantees give both parties peace of mind and assurance that the job will meet or exceed expectations.
Liability and Insurance
As a roofing contractor, you should include information about the insurance you have to protect against any accidents, damages, or injuries that may occur during the roofing project.
You can also require the property owner to have proper insurance coverage in the roofing contract, which will protect you from potential legal and financial complications in case of accidents or damages.
Liability Coverage
What to include: Ensure that your contract outlines your liability coverage and how your roofing company will be held responsible for any accidents or damages that may occur.
Why it matters: This helps protect you from any legal or financial liabilities in case something goes wrong during the project.
Insurance Coverage
What to include: Confirm that you have a valid insurance certificate.
Why it matters: This ensures that your company has the insurance coverage to protect you and the homeowner in case of accidents or injuries on the job.
Signatures and Legal Provisions
A legally standing roofing contract requires the signatures of both parties (property owner and roofing contractor) to indicate agreement and acceptance of the terms outlined in the contract.
Make sure that both parties sign the contract and that it includes any legal provisions or clauses necessary in case of a dispute or legal action.
What to include: Your roofing contract should clearly define the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement, along with any associated penalties or fees.
Why it matters: This will help make sure both parties understand and agree to the contract’s terms and conditions. A termination agreement protects you if the project becomes unworkable or the property owner breaches the contract.
Miscellaneous
Permits and Approvals
If necessary, the contract may specify who is responsible for obtaining any required permits or approvals from local authorities.
Cleanup and Disposal
The roofing contract should set expectations for site cleanup and how you’ll dispose of debris, old materials, and waste generated during the roofing project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Contracts
Who is a roofing contract made for?
A well-drafted roofing contract helps protect both the property owner and the roofing contractor by ensuring clear communication, setting expectations, and providing a legal framework for the project.
Here’s a closer look at who roofing contracts apply to.
Property Owner: A roofing contract is essential for the person who owns the building that needs roofing work. This could be a homeowner, a business owner, a property manager, or anyone else responsible for the property.
Roofing Contractor: A roofing contract is also essential for the roofer performing roof repairs, installations, or maintenance. This could be a professional roofing company or a skilled individual roofer.
What are the differences between a roofing proposal and a contract?
In simple terms, a roofing proposal is the first idea of what the contractor plans to do, and a roofing contract is the official rulebook that both sides follow to get the roofing work done properly.
The contract takes the proposal’s ideas and turns them into detailed rules everyone has to stick to.
How do I build a roofing contract?
Building a roofing contract doesn’t have to be intimidating. You can build a roofing contract on your own or download our free roofing contract template. You can customize the template to your needs as you create your roofing contract.
Be sure to cover all of the above building blocks, and you’ll have a proper roofing contract.
