Understanding Your Roofing Contract
A practical guide to scope, pricing, payments, changes, permits and warranties.
Read the scope before the price
A useful roofing contract identifies the property, measured scope, roof system, product line, color-selection process, tear-off, deck-repair allowance, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, disposal, permits, inspections, cleanup and exclusions. Compare proposals only after confirming that these details are equivalent.
Payments and changes
Review deposits, progress milestones, financing, insurance proceeds, final payment, cancellation notices and any late-payment terms. A change order should identify the added or removed work, price and schedule effect before work proceeds whenever practical.
Warranties and closeout
Manufacturer warranties and workmanship warranties are separate. Confirm registration responsibility, maintenance, exclusions, transfer rules and the process for reporting a concern. Keep the signed agreement, permits, inspections, photos, invoices and warranty documents together.
