What to Include in a Roofing Contract

Q: What should a roofing contract always include?

A complete roofing contract should include: contractor name, license number, and insurance details; detailed scope of work with specific materials (brand, product line, color); total price and payment schedule; project start and completion timeline; permit responsibility; cleanup and debris disposal terms; and warranty terms for both materials and workmanship.

Q: Can I cancel a roofing contract after signing?

Federal law gives you a 3-day right of rescission for contracts signed at your home (not at a business location). Many states provide additional cancellation rights. Review the contract for a cancellation clause. If the contractor does not provide a written notice of your right to cancel, the cancellation window may extend significantly beyond 3 days.

Q: What is a change order and when should I expect one?

A change order is a written amendment to the original contract scope and price. Legitimate change orders arise when unexpected conditions are discovered — such as rotted decking found during tear-off that was not visible beforehand. Always require change orders to be in writing with your signature before additional work proceeds. Verbal change orders are unenforceable.

Never Start Roofing Work Without a Written Contract

A handshake and a verbal agreement is not a contract. Without a written contract, you have no enforceable documentation of what was promised, what materials were agreed upon, or what the final price is. Any dispute becomes your word against the contractor\'s — and contractors have this conversation far more often than you do.

Essential Contract Terms

Contractor identification: Full legal business name, physical address (not just a PO box), state license number, and proof of liability insurance and workers compensation. Verify the license is current with your state licensing board.
Detailed scope of work: Exactly what is being done, to which areas of the roof. Tear-off or overlay? Which slopes? Is decking replacement included if needed?
Materials specification: Specific brand, product line, and color for shingles. Underlayment type. Flashing material. Drip edge. Do not accept "comparable materials" language — specify exactly what will be installed.
Total price: The total contract price, not just a per-square number. Any potential additional costs should be described.
Payment schedule: Down payment amount, milestones for progress payments if any, and final payment trigger (completion and inspection).
Timeline: Estimated start date and completion date. Language about weather delays.
Permits: Who pulls permits? In most jurisdictions, the contractor must pull permits in their name. If the contract says you pull permits, that is a red flag.
Cleanup: Who handles debris removal? How is decking debris managed? Are gutters and landscaping protected?
Warranty: Manufacturer warranty on materials (and who registers it). Contractor workmanship warranty duration and what it covers. How to file a warranty claim.

Change Order Clause

Every roofing contract should specify that additional work beyond the original scope requires a written change order signed by both parties before the work proceeds. Legitimate reasons for change orders include rotted decking discovered during tear-off. Illegitimate uses include scope creep and after-the-fact price increases.

If a contractor says they found unexpected damage and the price is going up, ask for a written change order before they proceed. You have the right to see the problem, get a second opinion, and decide whether to authorize the additional work.

Lien Waiver Clause

Subcontractors and material suppliers who are not paid by your contractor can place a mechanic\'s lien on your property even if you paid the general contractor. Protect yourself:

Request that the contract require lien waivers from subcontractors and material suppliers upon completion
In some states, you can pay material suppliers directly (joint check arrangement) to prevent unpaid-supplier liens
Ask your contractor whether they use subcontractors and who the major material suppliers are

What to Watch For Before Signing

No license number or insurance documentation
Vague material specifications ("quality shingles," "standard underlayment")
Large required down payment (more than 30-50%)
Assignment of insurance benefits clause — avoid these entirely
No warranty terms stated
Pressure to sign immediately without time to review

Related: Roofing Scams After Storms

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a roofing contract always include?

Contractor license and insurance details, detailed scope with specific materials, total price and payment schedule, timeline, permit responsibility, cleanup terms, and both manufacturer and workmanship warranty terms.

Can I cancel a roofing contract after signing?

Federal law provides 3 days to cancel contracts signed at your home. Many states extend this. Always read the cancellation clause before signing.

What is a change order and when should I expect one?

A written amendment to the original scope and price. Legitimate change orders arise from unexpected conditions like rotted decking. Always require written change orders before additional work proceeds.

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This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law and consumer protection rights vary by state. Consult an attorney if you have concerns about a specific contract.