Roofing Contract Template

Using a roofing contract template ensures both parties are aware of the terms and conditions of a specific roofing job.

Updated July 8, 2024
Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

A roofing contract is a written agreement for roof repair or replacement services. It is a legally binding document that details important aspects of the deal, including costs and materials.

Putting together a detailed roofing contract to outline what the parties have agreed to should be the first step before any work is done to repair or replace a roof.

• Why Use a Roofing Contract?
• What to Include in a Roofing Contract
• How to Hire a Roofer
• State Licensing Requirements
• Roofing Contract Sample
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Use a Roofing Contract?

• Clarity: This document establishes both parties’ expectations regarding the project’s costs, timelines, materials, and scope. It prevents the client from engaging in scope creep, which is expecting the roofing company to perform more work than what’s in the agreement.
• Legal Protection: Both the roofer and the client receive legal protection, ensuring they can enforce the agreement’s terms if disputes arise.
• Professionalism: This document lets the roofing contractor highlight their professionalism and instills trust in the client.
• Quality Assurance: Roofing contracts often have provisions for guarantees and warranties, ensuring the roofing contractors are accountable for the quality of their workmanship and materials.

What to Include in a Roofing Contract

A standard roofing contract includes the following elements:

• Parties Involved: List the parties involved, including their names and contact information. Distinguish the roofing company from the client.
• Scope of Work: Clearly outline the specific roofing services and tasks the contractor will provide, including roof installation, repair, or replacement. While many roofing contractors will clean up their worksite when done, they may specify this offering in the agreement for added clarity.
• Materials: Clarify the type and amount of materials the roofing contractor will provide.
• Timeline: Define the start and end dates of the assigned work. Detail any milestones or deadlines for the project to manage expectations and ensure timely completion.
• Payment: Record the total expected cost of the project. List the payment schedule, security deposit requirements, and penalties for late payments. The contractor can charge the client via a roofing invoice.
• Warranty: Include guarantees or warranties that the manufacturer or contractor will provide for the materials and workmanship. These provisions ensure the new roof’s longevity and quality.
• Permits and Inspections: State which party must obtain the necessary permits. Address compliance with zoning regulations, permit requirements, and local building codes. Record the guidelines for an inspection once the contractor completes the work.
• Insurance: Name the contractor’s worker’s compensation insurance and general liability insurance to protect both parties in case of damages or accidents.
• Approvals: Specify if the homeowner needs to obtain any approvals, such as approvals from their homeowner’s association or their local architectural review board.
• Termination/Suspension: Describe the conditions under which either party can suspend or terminate the contract. Include termination reasons, notice periods, and any associated fees or penalties.
• Signature Lines: Ask that the parties sign the written contract on the provided lines.

How to Hire a Roofer

If you’re a homeowner who needs to hire a roofer, you can follow these steps to find one:

Step 1 – Conduct Research and Gather Recommendations

Conduct research on roofing contractors in your area. Use websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Angi, and Nextdoor. Ensure the contractors you put on your list are well-established in your area.

Step 2 – Verify Their Insurance Coverage and Credentials

Discover if the roofing contractors have the appropriate credentials and licenses. For example, you can learn if they have certification from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Other certifications to look for roofing contractors to possess are ones from CertainTeed or GAF.

While national certifications are important, you should also determine if the contractor is licensed in your area. Contact your local city building department to clarify this information, including their license to work and insurance coverage.

Step 3 – Request Multiple Quotes

Request multiple quotes from various contractors to determine which ones fall into your budget and service expectations. Be wary of low-ball offers and offers that are too high for the normal ranges in your area.

Step 4 – Check References and Reviews

Ask the roofing contractors for references and reviews from former clients. Then, contact the clients to discuss their experiences with the roofing contractors, including their timeliness, professionalism, attention to detail, and willingness to adapt.

Step 5 – Review the Contract

Settle on one roofing contractor and work with them to devise a contract. Engage in negotiations as appropriate.

Review the final draft for details like material and labor costs, timelines, and deliverables. Ensure their scope of work aligns with your needs and preferences. Once you’re satisfied with the document’s terms, you can sign the document and enter the agreement.

Step 6 – Engage in Clear Communication and Monitor Progress

Maintain clear communication with the contractor, ensuring they are updated on changes in the scope of work. Monitor their progress to ensure their quality is up to par. Bring any issues to their attention as soon as they arise so you can move the project’s progress forward.

Step 7 – Perform a Final Inspection and Issue Payment

Perform a final inspection once the contractor finishes their work. Ensure the final product meets the standards that the original contract describes. Issue their final payment once they’ve met all contractual obligations.

State Licensing Requirements

Here are the licensing requirements roofers must meet in each state: