As a roofing company, a roofing contract is your best friend. Whether the job is for minor repairs or for a completely new installation, a roofing contract keeps you protected by outlining exactly what you'll be doing, when you'll do it, and how much and when a customer should be paying you for it.
Roofing can be a fairly dangerous job, even for highly skilled roofers. A roof contract clarifies the terms of service so both the roofer and the client know what they’re getting into. In other words, it acts as a safety and security measure.
In this article, we're discussing:
- What a roofing contract is
- Why you need one
- What is typically included in it
Plus, keep reading to find a FREE template to help you craft your own.
What is a roofing contract?
A roofing contract is a legal document that outlines the agreement between a roofing contractor and a building owner. It's a smart idea for commercial or residential jobs, insurance jobs, big jobs, small repairs, or anything in between. As a roofing business rule: don't ever do a job without a contract.
Why you need a roofing contract
Roofing contracts cover you in a lot of different ways.
It acts as a reference during conflicts
If you and a customer experience disagreements, disputes, or misunderstandings, the contract keeps you protected. It can be really helpful to have your contract to pull out to resolve any disputes. Since both parties need to sign, anything written in that contract is agreed upon. Keep that in mind both for you in protection of customers, but also as your commitment on the job.
It offers protection against extra costs
You never know what can happen on a roof. A second (or third or fourth) layer of shingles could be hiding, or you could find dry rot or mold on the sheathing. You can explain this directly in your contract to make sure both you and your customer understand it clearly.
You may want to state that there will be an added percent to the overall cost, or state that you as a company will cover any costs—whatever you choose, as long as it's clearly stated.
It helps you finish the project on time
A roofing contract contains a timeline that keeps you on time and working efficiently. For some homeowners, knowing a timeline can be a big appeal if you're offering one and your competition isn't.
It provides a means of payment for the roofer
Your contract should outline how and when you should be paid, and any consequences of not paying. Giving this to the customer before you even do the job makes everything crystal clear. Laying this out also protects you, as a business owner, and helps you have a legal backup if they don't pay you.
It enables a customer to compare contractors
Having that price in your contract gives homeowners a easy way to compare you to other options. This is where having a legitimate and organized contract in place can actually help you win bids.
If you have all this information clearly laid out and your competition doesn't, that makes you look like a more reliable and trustworthy roofing company.
It ensures that both the contractor and customer understand the project's terms
The contract contains the project's scope, budget, and completion timeline. This enables the parties to understand the project better even before it begins.
It offers legal protection to both parties
This contract is available both to you and your customer. If either party fails to follow through on their side of the contract for any reason, they can use it in court. This could mean you not finishing a job, or a customer not paying you. Hopefully, though, it never comes to that.
Components of a standard roofing contract form
A standard roofing contract should contain, at a minimum, the following info:
License number and insurance details
If a license is mandatory for a roofing contractor in your area, then be sure to include it on your contract. Any other legal info like insurance documents, permits, etc, should all be included in or with your contract, too.
Project's scope
The roofing contract agreement should describe all project activities, including its timeline and cost. This helps the customer understand what will happen when the project starts and builds trust between them and you. Project scope is crucial, as it helps the two parties understand the project's expectations.
Terms of payment
A roofing contract should outline the method of payment and the time schedule for payments as well. This prevents any problems when the project kicks off. Terms of payment are essential, as contractors clarify the budget they have to work on, and if possible, leave room for a bit more spending.
Option for terminating the contract
The contract should clearly outline either party's terms and conditions for terminating a roofing contract. These terms should include a notice period, compensation fee, and whether the customer's deposit is refundable.
Project's timeline
A standard roofing contract needs to have the start and completion time of the project. The project's duration is vital to a building owner, as they’ll know when the project will be complete. Good contractors provide a reasonable time estimate for a given project.
You may also include a stipulation about flexibility in dates depending on weather conditions. Snow, rain, and extreme wind or heat can push back projects.
Materials
Include everything in your contract, from shingle type and specific product names to other project materials like snow and ice. You can also include how much of each material you'll be needing. Again, your contract helps to protect you, so being specific is best.
Date and signature
To be legally valid, a roofing contract needs the names of the contractor and customer, and must be signed by both. A date should be added against the signatures. Signing the contract means that you have read the terms of the contract and you agree to adhere to them.
Contractor and customer details
A roofing contract should include clients' details, such as their name, phone number, email, and physical address. Moreover, it should contain the contractor's physical address and contact information. This helps ensure that the customer and the client know how they can get in touch.
Roofing labor
A roofing contractor should include the project's labor force. This goes a long way in affecting the price of the project.
Your free roofing contract template
You can find, copy, and personalize your own roofing contract with this roofing contract template, courtesy of Roofr. If you want to write your own roofing contract, this template will help you get started.
Important Note: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
Roofing contracts: A must for your business
Before you install a new roof or repair an existing one, make sure you have a roofing contract. Of course, most roofing contractors don’t have time to draft roofing contracts. That’s why the most successful roofing businesses outsource the task to services like Roofr. The roof contract template above is just the start of how we can help you run your business smoothly.
Sample roofing contracts can streamline the process, but having the information automated is even easier.
Roofr helps roofing contractors with accurate roof reports, stunning proposals, and top-notch roofing contracts. That way, you can be sure your business is secure while you tend to your clients.
Register for Roofr today to learn more! Your first measurement report's on us.
Frequently asked roofing contract questions
Is a roofing contract legally binding?
Yes. A signed roofing contract is a legally binding document. For it to be enforceable, it needs to include the names of both parties, a clear description of the work being done, the agreed price, and signatures from both the contractor and the customer.
Once everyone has signed, either side can reference the contract in a legal dispute if the terms aren't honored. That's why having a thorough, well-written contract really matters. Vague language or missing details can make it a lot harder to enforce.
What should a roofing contract include?
A standard roofing contract should include:
- contractor's license number and insurance details
- clear scope of work
- materials to be used
- project timeline
- payment terms and schedule
- process for handling unexpected costs or damages
- warranty info
- terms for cancellation or termination
Both parties' contact information and signatures with a date should always be included as well.
Can a homeowner cancel a roofing contract?
Usually, yeah. But it depends on what's written in the contract and on local laws.
Many states have a "right of rescission" that gives homeowners a short window (like three business days) to cancel a contract after signing without penalty. After that window, cancellation terms revert to whatever's in the contract itself. That may involve forfeiting a deposit or paying a cancellation fee.
What happens if a roofer doesn't complete the work in the contract?
If a contractor fails to complete the work outlined in the contract, the homeowner may have grounds to pursue a legal claim for breach of contract. Potentially, they'll seek to recover the cost of hiring another contractor to finish or redo the work.
Roofing contracts protect both parties, not just the contractor. Always keep your timeline and scope commitments realistic and achievable.
Does a roofing contract need to be notarized?
No, not usually. A roofing contract doesn't need to be notarized to be legally valid. A written contract signed by both parties is generally fine.
For very large commercial jobs or in specific jurisdictions, notarization may add an extra layer of protection.
Should I require a deposit before starting a roofing job?
For sure. Requiring a deposit before starting work is standard practice in the roofing industry. It protects you from covering material costs upfront on a job that falls through.
Deposits typically range from 10% to 50% of the total job value. Your contract should clearly state the deposit amount, when the remaining balance is due, and what happens to the deposit if the customer cancels.
Can I use a digital signature on a roofing contract?
Yes. Digital signatures are legally recognized in the United States under the ESIGN Act. They're used all the time in the roofing industry. In fact, digital contracts sent and signed electronically tend to get signed faster than paper versions.
Roofing software like Roofr lets you send proposals and contracts digitally, and collect e-signatures directly from your customers.