When you hire a roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof, it's important to have a contract that details what the contractor will do, how much you'll pay, and what recourse you have if anything goes wrong. The following elements should be included in your contract with a roofing contractor so that both you and the contractor are on the same page about expectations and requirements.
1. Project Description
What does the roofing project entail? The contract should spell out if you are installing a new roof, replacing the roof, or reroofing. The description should include all tasks from pre-planning to the final step of cleaning and inspection. This is the foundation of your working relationship, showing what each party expects of the other.
2. Permits and Paperwork
You're probably aware that any work you do on your home might require some permits. In many arrangements, the roofing contractor is responsible for obtaining the requisite paperwork. They know what to look for, and have the networks and relationships to obtain the paperwork faster.
3. Breakdown of labor/material costs
When your contractor gives you a quote, ask them to break down exactly what materials and labor costs are included in that price. The costs depend on the type of contract you have; a labor-and-costs contract places everything on the contractor.
You are responsible for sourcing materials under a labor-only contract, and the contractor handles labor only. Whichever the arrangement, the costs should be detailed clearly.
4. Repair Warranties and Insurance
Most roofing contractors will include a warranty on their services. This should protect you from anything that might go wrong. Be sure to ask what isn't covered in your warranty to know how your investment is protected in the future.
You should also have them provide proof of Insurance - this can help protect both you and your home if something goes wrong during or after installation.
5. Payment Schedule
One of the most important elements is to outline how much you'll pay for each stage or part of the roof installation. A typical payment schedule breaks down payments like so: 1⁄3 when you accept written estimates, 1⁄3 after work begins, and 1⁄3 upon completion. The contract should also show the mode of payment; cash, check, card, or bank transfer.
Roofing projects are often expensive, so you should be prudent enough to have a contract that defines your engagement with a roofer. Call roofing contractors to discuss your upcoming roofing project and the terms of engagement.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.