What to Do Before Signing a Roofing Contract

Signing a roofing contract is a major financial and safety decision for any homeowner. This guide outlines the essential steps to verify credentials, confirm scope and costs, and protect against common pitfalls so the project stays on budget and schedule. Following these steps reduces risk and ensures clarity between homeowner and contractor.

Checklist Item	Why It Matters
Written, Detailed Estimate	Prevents surprises and scope gaps
Verified License & Insurance	Protects from liability and shoddy work
Permit Responsibility Clarified	Avoids fines and code violations
Material Specifications	Ensures expected durability and appearance
Payment Schedule & Lien Waiver	Limits exposure to liens and fraud

Why Reviewing A Roofing Contract Matters

Roofing projects carry significant costs and safety implications, so an unclear or incomplete contract can lead to disputes, unexpected charges, or faulty repairs. A solid contract defines the work, materials, timeline, and responsibilities, providing legal and practical protection for both parties.

Verify Contractor Credentials

Before signing, confirm the contractor’s legal standing by checking licenses, registrations, and local certifications. Ask for the contractor’s license number and confirm it with the state licensing board or local authority to verify active status and any disciplinary history.

Request proof of insurance: general liability and workers’ compensation. Verify the insurance certificates with the insurer and ensure the policy covers roofing operations and third-party property damage.

Check References And Past Work

Review recent projects and ask for references from homeowners with completed jobs similar in size and scope. Visit completed roofs when possible or view photographic documentation to evaluate workmanship, cleanup, and attention to detail.

Look for long-term reviews on multiple platforms—Better Business Bureau, Google, and community forums. Consistent complaints about delays or poor communication are red flags that warrant caution.

Get A Detailed Written Estimate

A robust estimate should be written, itemized, and dated. It must include labor, materials, disposal fees, permits, and any contingencies. Ensure the estimate specifies brand names, model numbers, and material grades rather than generic terms like “quality shingles.”

Confirm whether the quoted price is fixed or an estimate subject to change. Require that all changes be documented in writing and signed by both parties to avoid disputes over costs after work begins.

Inspect Materials, Scope, And Timeline

The contract must define the exact materials to be used: shingle type, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation components. Material warranties and expected lifespans should be included or referenced in the contract documentation.

Scope should describe tear-off extent, deck repair, flashing replacement, and cleanup procedures. Include a clear start date, work schedule, and estimated completion date, and specify the process for weather-related delays.

Understand Payment Terms And Lien Waivers

Standard practice limits initial deposits and ties disbursements to completed milestones. Avoid large upfront payments. Use a payment schedule that aligns with verifiable progress, and never pay the full contract amount until final inspection and satisfaction.

Require lien waivers from the contractor and subcontractors for each payment made. Partial and final lien waivers protect against subcontractor or supplier liens if the contractor fails to pay them.

Permits, Inspections, And Code Compliance

Clarify who will obtain necessary permits and schedule required inspections. Permits ensure the work meets local building codes and prevent fines or forced removal of non-compliant work. The contract should state that the contractor is responsible for pulling permits and correcting code violations at their expense.

Homeowners should verify that the contractor will provide inspection documentation and final approval. Retain copies of permits and inspection reports with the contract for future reference or insurance claims.

Warranties And Manufacturer Guarantees

Differentiate between the contractor’s workmanship warranty and the manufacturer’s material warranty. The contract should specify the length and terms of the contractor’s warranty and how warranty claims will be handled.

Ask for manufacturer warranty paperwork and verify registration requirements. Some material warranties are void unless registered by the installing contractor, so confirm who will complete registration if required.

Addressing Change Orders And Unforeseen Conditions

Roofs often reveal hidden issues like rot, mold, or structural damage once the tear-off begins. The contract should include a process for handling these discoveries. Require written change orders that detail additional work, costs, and schedule impacts before extra work proceeds.

Set caps for how much the contractor can charge without homeowner approval. Verbal agreements should never substitute for documented change orders to avoid disputes over additional charges.

Insurance Claims And Coordination With Insurers

If the project follows an insurance claim, clarify how the contractor will coordinate with the insurer and provide required documentation. Specify whether the contractor will work directly with the insurance adjuster and supply necessary estimates.

Ensure the payment process reflects insurance proceeds and any homeowner deductibles. A clear plan prevents misallocation of funds and ensures compliance with insurer requirements.

Safety, Cleanup, And Property Protection

The contract should outline safety measures, debris removal, and protection for landscaping, gutters, and valuables. Include specifics on daily cleanup routines and final site restoration to prevent disputes about property damage or leftover materials.

Ask about tarp use, dumpster placement, and how the crew will protect driveways and walkways. Damages should be corrected at the contractor’s expense and documented in the contract.

Dispute Resolution And Termination Clauses

Specify how disputes will be resolved—mediation, arbitration, or litigation—and the jurisdiction for legal actions. A clear dispute resolution clause reduces uncertainty and can accelerate resolution.

Include termination terms: causes for termination, notice requirements, and how payments and retained work will be handled. Define remedies for breach or nonperformance to protect homeowner interests.

Final Inspection And Acceptance

Define a process for final inspection, punch-list creation, and formal acceptance. The homeowner should have a reasonable window to inspect completed work and require correction of deficiencies. Final payment should be contingent on satisfactory completion and receipt of lien waivers and warranty documents.

Checklist Before Signing

Before signing, confirm the contract contains essential elements: contractor license and insurance numbers, itemized estimate, permit responsibilities, material specifications, payment schedule with lien waivers, change order procedures, warranty terms, and dispute resolution. Use this checklist to verify completeness and ask for clarifications in writing.

• License & Insurance Verified
• Itemized Written Estimate
• Material Brands & Grades Listed
• Payment Schedule With Lien Waivers
• Permits And Inspections Clarified
• Workmanship Warranty Defined
• Change Order Process Included

How To Negotiate And Protect Interests

Approach negotiations professionally and prioritize documentation over verbal promises. Request adjustments to ambiguous clauses and ask for specific remedies for missed milestones or poor workmanship. Insist that modifications be added as contract addenda signed by both parties.

Consider holding a small portion of the final payment in escrow for a defined period to ensure warranty compliance. An escrow or retained amount can motivate timely correction of post-completion issues.

Records To Keep After Signing

Keep copies of the signed contract, permits, estimates, invoices, lien waivers, warranty paperwork, and correspondence. Store digital backups and hard copies in a safe place to support future insurance claims, resale disclosures, or warranty claims.

Document project milestones with photos and dated notes. Visual records of existing conditions and completed work are invaluable if disputes arise.

Common Red Flags To Watch For

Beware of contractors who ask for unusually large upfront payments, refuse written contracts, lack insurance proof, or pressure for immediate signatures. High-pressure sales tactics and vague contracts are indicators to pause and investigate further.

Other red flags include poor communication, inconsistent references, and unwillingness to provide manufacturer warranty details. Walking away from a suspicious deal is often the best protection.

For homeowners, following this checklist and insisting on clear, written terms will significantly reduce the likelihood of costly disputes and ensure the roofing project proceeds smoothly and professionally.