Roofing Contract: Definition, Top Terms, Benefits
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Quick Facts — Roofing Contract Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft a Roofing Contract: $510.00
- Avg cost to review a Roofing Contract: $350.00
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- Clients helped: 76 recent roofing contract projects
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What Is a Roofing Contract?
A roofing contract is a document that legally binds a roofer to the promises they make for the job. While experienced contractors often have longer contracts with more detail, the majority of roofing contracts are relatively straightforward.
Benefits of a Roofing Contract
There are a number of reasons why a contractor and property owner should both require a roofing contract to be in place before any work begins. A roofing contract:
- Ensures the payment schedule is clear and that the contractor is legally protected against claims.
- Provides the homeowner with peace of mind knowing that the business is legitimate and puts in writing the work that will be delivered and the price that it will cost.
- Allows the contractor to get in writing that the property owner fully understands all warranties to protect themselves from future problems.
What Should Be in a Roofing Contract?
Every roofing contract should contain the following components:
Business Details
Every contract should have basic information about the roofing company's business, including the license number, insurance information, and physical address. This information assures the homeowner about the legitimacy of the business. The contract should also include the name, address, phone number, and email address for the homeowner, as well as where the work will be done if the location is different from the property owner's home address. Every roofing contract should also come with copies of proof of insurance, including:
- Bonding (if applicable).
- Worker's compensation insurance.
- Liability.
Roofing companies should also provide proof that they are in compliance with local codes and state laws and ordinances, including:
- Licenses, required permits, zoning notices, and inspections.
- Legal jurisdiction governing contract.
Scope of Work
The scope of work defines what exactly the roofer will be doing and the labor and materials necessary to complete the job. If the homeowner ordered a complete roofing system, the contract should specify the accessories that will be used for installation. For example, there may be components on top of the shingles, including ridge cap shingles, leak barriers, vents, roof deck protection, and starter strip shingles.
Duration of Project
Homeowners generally expect the work to start anywhere from two to six weeks after the contract is signed. However, this can vary depending on the time of year and whether the contractor has a backlog of jobs. Regardless of when they can start, the contractor should be straightforward about their availability so that the homeowner has a reasonable expectation. After the contractor begins working on the roof, the job should not be interrupted by anything other than the weather.
While the length of time it takes to install a roof can vary depending on the size of the home, an asphalt shingle roof typically takes approximately one week to complete. Adverse weather conditions can also create unexpected delays that can affect the project duration. In general, though, an experienced roofer should be able to give an accurate timeline for the project. There may be a "no later than" clause required by some jurisdictions. In the event that the contractor failed to start the project on time, this clause would render the contract null and void.
Materials and Services
A roofing contract should list all materials and services included within the scope of the job, in addition to the basic roofing and labor required. If not mentioned in the contract, permit acquisition fees and cleanup and disposal services are topics you should discuss with the contractor. The contract should also include the specific product names and information about manufacturer warranties for those products.
Warranties
If the contractor is offering a warranty on their installer's work, this needs to be described in detail in the contract, along with information about how long the warranty will apply and whether there are any limitations. It's also important to be clear in the contract about limited warranties that cover materials in the event of a defect. Contractors may even want to have a second, separate document for the homeowner, stating that they have read and understood the terms that are listed in the contract and that they specifically understand the limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Installation Methods
The roofing contract should specify how the different components will be installed. For example, while some shingles can be installed with just four nails, if the homeowner is paying extra for a wind-resistance limited warranty, then it may be necessary to install the shingles using a six-nail installation. This should be specified in the contract.
Payment Schedule
The payment schedule and deposit requirements can vary from one contractor to the next, and their terms may be limited by state-specific regulations. A homeowner should typically expect to pay some kind of deposit. However, there should never be an expectation that the upfront payment will cover the entire cost of the job. Additionally, as a rule of thumb, the total deposit and payments made while the roofing project is in progress should never equal more than 75% of the job. That said, it is common for an initial deposit to be made when the project is scheduled, a second payment to be made when the materials are delivered to the home, and then a final payment to be made when the work is complete. It is worth noting, however, that this is not the only option, and contractors and homeowners can negotiate for different payment terms that work for both parties.
Provisions for Unforeseen Circumstances
The cost of a roofing project can go up substantially if the contractor experiences any unforeseen circumstances during the course of completing a job. For example, if the contractor discovers that the roofing is rotting, they may have to purchase more materials or hire additional labor to complete the job on schedule or to make the repair properly. The roofing contract should include an estimate in the event that these unforeseen circumstances arise.
Option To Terminate the Contract
The roofing contract should state the terms of terminating the contract, including the notice that should be provided, any payments that need to be made, or information about whether deposits are refundable. Many roofers require clients to pay a fixed percentage of the total value of the contract or for the cost of the materials if they want to cancel past a specific date and the roofer has already incurred costs.
Image via Unsplash by cytonn_photography
What's the Difference Between a Contract and Proposal?
A proposal is essentially a marketing document that tells a prospective customer what the roofer will do for them and what they will charge. A contract, on the other hand, is a legally binding document that confirms the work that the contractor will do and for what price. To avoid mistakes or misunderstandings, contractors should make sure to clearly state whether a document is intended as a binding contract or only a proposal. Here are some examples of roofing contracts to help you better understand the different types of formats and what one can look like.
Can Roofing Contracts Be Negotiated?
A homeowner or commercial property owner can negotiate most of the terms within a roofing contract. There are certain aspects of the contract that can be impacted by state law. However, the price of the deal is always negotiable when the property owner is paying out of pocket. If the insurance company is covering the cost of the repair or replacement, then negotiating can be more complicated, since there is a third party paying for the job.
A roofing contract, like any other type of contract, is legally binding. Therefore, you may want to consider having legal counsel review your contract before providing it to a client to sign. At Contracts Counsel, our team of lawyers has been vetted to work in a variety of industries and can help you prepare roofing contracts for property owners. To get started, contact us today.
See Real Roofing Contract Projects
Texas Review roofing contract for termination of contract and legal responsibility. This was an insurance claim and the roofer submitted a supplement, however, I did not authorize some of the items. Review
- Texas
- 4 lawyer bids
- $300 - $650
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ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
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Ted A.
Equity Investments, Agreements & Transactions | Securities & Lending | Corporate Governance | Complex Commercial Contracts | Outside General Counsel & Compliance
"Ted was extremely responsive, knowledgeable, easy to work with and was able help me the same day. I would confidently recommend him in the future."
Matt B.
Matt practices law in the areas of commercial finance, contract law, business & corporate law, and residential and commercial real estate (with a particular emphasis on retail shopping centers and office buildings). He has extensive experience in negotiating and structuring complex commercial loan, asset acquisition, asset disposition, leasing and real estate transactions. Matt additionally works on various general matters for clients such as forming LLCs and corporations, preparing various LLC and corporation documents and drafting and reviewing various types of contracts and agreements for clients and providing advice regarding same. Matt provides clients with extensive and timely communication on their matters and ensures that his clients are well represented and highly satisfied with their legal representation and the work product provided. Matt offers all potential clients a free initial consultation to discuss their legal matters prior to engaging his firm to represent them. Prior to opening his law firm Matt worked for many years in the New York City office of a large international law firm where he counseled large multi-national businesses, financial institutions, investment groups and individuals on highly sophisticated business, financial and real estate transactions. Matt provides his clients with diligent legal representation on their matters with a very personal approach.
"Mr Bales is a true professional. Great representation and will use his services again. Jim"
Alen A.
Alen Aydinian is a seasoned real estate attorney with a wealth of experience in handling transactional matters, real estate transactions, and lease agreements. As a licensed real estate broker, Alen Aydinian brings a unique perspective to the table, allowing clients to benefit from both legal expertise and practical industry knowledge. He is a trusted advisor in the realm of real estate transactions and lease agreements. Whether representing buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants, Alen Aydinian is committed to providing strategic counsel and dedicated advocacy every step of the way. Clients rely on him for sound legal guidance, proactive problem-solving, and unwavering support throughout the transaction process.
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Justin A.
I am a lawyer who helps small businesses, nonprofits, and startups with a wide variety of agreements, corporate formation, and corporate governance. I earned my BA from Tulane University and my JD from the University of Chicago Law School. Before starting my own practice, I worked at an international law firm in New York City. Outside of work, I am on the board of the nonprofit Seattle REconomy (which runs the NE Seattle and Shoreline tool libraries) and I enjoy gardening, baking bread, and outdoor activities with my spouse and two dogs.
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Daehoon P.
Daehoon P.
Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services
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Phocus L.
G'day, my name is Michele! I work with startups, entrepreneurs and small/medium-sized businesses across the country in a wide array of industries. I help them with all of their ongoing, daily legal needs. This includes entity formation, M&A, contract drafting and review, employment, asset sale & acquisition, and business sales or shareholder exits. I'm half-Australian, half-Italian, and I've lived the last 20+ years of my life in America. I've lived all over the USA, completing high school in the deep south, graduating cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, and then cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center. After law school I worked for the Los Angeles office of Latham & Watkins, LLP. After four intense and rewarding years there, I left to become General Counsel and VP of an incredible, industry-changing start-up called Urban Mining Company (UMC) that manufactures rare earth permanent magnets. I now work for Phocus Law where I help run our practice focused on entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs. I love what I do, and I'd love to be of help! My focus is on providing stress-free, enjoyable, and high-quality legal service to all of my clients. Being a good lawyer isn't enough: the client experience should also be great. But work isn't everything, and I love my free time. I've been an avid traveler since my parents put me on a plane to Italy at 9-months old. I'm also a music nut, and am still looking for that perfect client that will engage me to explain why Dark Side Of The Moon is the greatest album of all time. Having grown up in a remote, and gorgeous corner of Australia, I feel a strong connection to nature, and love being in the elements.
Anna K.
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Roofing Contract
"I’m so glad Michael helped me out with my contract, he was able to get it completed earlier than expected. Outstanding communication and service."
Business Contracts
Roofing Contract
Florida
Can a roofing contractor change the terms of a contract after it has been signed?
I recently hired a roofing contractor to replace the roof on my home. We signed a contract that clearly outlined the scope of work, materials to be used, and the total cost. However, a few days before the project is scheduled to start, the contractor informed me that they need to make changes to the contract, including increasing the price due to unforeseen circumstances. I'm concerned about this sudden change and wondering if the contractor has the legal right to modify the terms of the contract after it has already been signed.
Diane D.
A roofing contractor can only change the terms of a contract if both parties agree to the changes in writing.
Construction
Roofing Contract
Texas
stuck in a bad contract
I got into a contract with a roofing company that wants to charge me 12 thousand dollars out of pocket on top of he !5 or so thousand that thge insurance is paying or the want 5,800 for breach of contract i need the roof but i cant afford that much debt or cash
Howard B.
Courts will protect you from an illegal deal, but they will not protect you from an unwise deal. On its face, this is enforceable. However, I know Texas has some very strong consumer protection laws and a Texas attorney may be able to help you with that. You will need to speak directly to a Texas attorney. I'm in a neighboring state and not licensed there.
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