A roofing project is a significant investment that requires proper planning and preparation. Whether replacing an existing roof or repairing an old one, you’ll want to read through the contract from your roofing company.
Reviewing a roofing contract allows you to understand every step of the roofing project. This article will discuss essential components a reputable roofing contractor in Darien will include in their roofing contract.
Components of a Roofing Contract
A roofing contract is an agreement between a roofer and the property owner. It is legally binding to ensure both parties engage in a legitimate business. The contracting company issues the contract for the property owner to sign.
Before signing, it’s advisable to read everything in the contract. The contract helps you to understand your input and the contractor’s input when the project commences. It puts in writing the work your contractor will deliver and the amount it will cost you. It should assure you value for your money.
However, that’s only possible if the contract is written clearly and concisely and is fair to both parties. If any details seem confusing, consult your roofing contractor in Darien to save you from any troubles.
After you’ve read and signed the contract, your contractor will sign, meaning you’ve accepted what’s in the contract. Let’s look into the various components you should find in any roofing agreement:
Business Details
A roofing contract should contain basic information about the two parties who are in business. The two parties are the property owner and the roofing company.
The details section should carry the roofing company’s basic information, including the physical address, license number, and insurance details.
The information allows you to understand the legitimacy of the contractor’s business. With the physical address, you can visit the company in person and learn more about it.
This section also carries the property owner’s basic information, including name, phone number, address, and email address. It also specifies the property’s location.
Sometimes the location might be different from your home’s address. Be sure to clarify that to ensure the contractor knows where exactly to go.
Project Description
As a property owner, it’s your right to know what will happen at every roofing stage. You may want to know the materials needed, the quality, the costs involved, and what transpires in unforeseen circumstances. Reading through the project description gives you a clear picture of how the project will run.
The description section should have all the project details, including the materials, quantity, quality, price, and brands. It should mention what will take place, whether removing the old roof, reroofing, or fixing an old roof.
When it comes to the specific materials needed, the contract should include a breakdown of each item so you can verify their quality, quantity, and prices. This roofing contract section should specify all installation accessories for a complete roofing system.
Check for vents, leak barriers, starter strip shingles, ridge cap shingles, and roof deck protection installed on top of the shingles. Each material should have its official name and manufacturer’s warranties.
The contract should also describe disposal services and cleanup services. It should specify the additional costs to cover unexpected damages and failure of materials.
Warranties
An honest and reliable roofer offers professional artistry and guarantees quality work. After roof repair or installation, you can rest assured your roof will last long before it needs repair or reroofing. However, if things go sideways due to errors in performance, the warranty should protect you from incurring extra expenses.
In most cases, roofing companies offer a warranty for their work. Depending on the project, the warranty period can last a few months or years.
For example, the contractor should repair or reinstall a new roof at no cost if the one they installed fails within the warranty period.
If the failing roof causes structural damage to other parts of the property, your contractor should cover the damage. However, before contacting your roofing company, you must ensure the damage occurs within the warranty period.
Warranty information can be complex, especially if multiple terms and conditions exist. Ensure you’ve read and understood warranty requirements to avoid frustrations in the future. Never sign a roofing contract without understanding its warranty scope.
Payment Details
Payment details in a roofing contract explain the mode of payment, period, terms, and conditions involved. Before signing the contract, read and discuss the payment details with your roofing contractor in Darien.
You can always refer to the contract if the roofing contractor demands more money than you agreed. However, be wary of any roofing contractor who asks for complete payment upfront.
The contract should include a payment process consisting of an upfront payment, a progress payment, and the final payment. You can render the upfront payment after signing the contract. The money involved shouldn’t cover the cost of the entire project. Ensure to agree with your contractor on the amount to pay upfront.
A progress payment is made after the delivery of materials. Again, you should agree on the amount to pay when the project is in progress. Generally, the upfront and progress payments should not exceed 75% of the total job.
The final payment comes after the project’s completion. Before making the final payment, inspect the project to ascertain the contractor delivered as agreed. You can hold this money for a given period of days as you examine the work. Withhold the final payment in case of errors or poor craft.
Duration of the Project
An experienced roofing contractor should specify the project’s duration in the contract. Before initiating the timelines, your contractor should inspect the property and provide an accurate time frame based on the roof size.
Roofing projects usually commence a few weeks after signing the contract. The project’s start date might vary depending on the contractor and the time of the year. Your contractor should be frank about their availability so you can fulfill your input into the project.
Once the project begins, nothing should interrupt it other than adverse weather conditions. However, the contract should stipulate the way forward if weather delays the project. You have the right to dispute if the contractor delays the project due to other reasons not stated in the contract.
Installation Procedure
This section of the roofing contract highlights the specific installation procedure, safety precautions, and daytime hours the crew will be working. The installation procedure will depend on the design and roofing materials. You can always refer to the installation procedure as the project continues to understand each step.
Your contractor should also use this section to understand each installation step, working hours, and the safety precautions at each installation stage.
Licenses and Insurance Details
Before signing the contract, ensure you’re working with a legitimate roofing contractor whose license is valid. Check this section to ensure the contractor complies with the law, including local codes and state laws. Pay attention to the following:
- Licenses
- Required permits
- Inspections
- Zoning notices
- Legal jurisdiction governing contract
The contractor should also provide insurance details, including:
- Worker’s compensation insurance
- Liability
- Bonding (if applicable)
The insurance details are critical to the project as you can know your contractor is liable for any injured staff. Without coverage in the contract, you’ll be liable for any injury or accident that occurs when roofing.
Provisions for Unforeseen Circumstances and Add-ons
This section addresses unforeseen circumstances requiring additional labor and supplies that inflate the total costs. It lets you understand what to do when problems arise or if you need add-on services.
For example, if you have a rotting roof, it will need additional work and more materials. Your contractor may require extra labor to complete the project on schedule. The contract should estimate the costs you may have to pay in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Additionally, the contract should estimate the prices if you wish to include add-on services during the roofing process. These services include shaping, styling, and painting your roof to boost curb appeal.
Option to Terminate
If misunderstandings arise before or during the roofing process, both parties have the right to terminate the contract with notice. The termination section is crucial as it specifies the steps to follow when canceling the agreement.
The requirements of terminating the contract may include the notice to be provided and the payments to be made. You should also check deposit information to learn whether they’re refundable or not.
If the contractor has incurred costs before you terminate the contract, you should expect to make some payment. For example, some roofing contractors will ask for a fixed percentage of the total costs of the entire project or the costs of materials bought.
Final Thoughts
When finding a good roofing contractor in Darien, always read through their contract to understand everything needed during the project. A roofing contract is legally binding and could come in handy if major disagreements arise later in your roofing project.
The above components in the roofing contract ensure both parties work under a legal agreement. Avoid signing the roofing contract until everything is clear and understood.
Author Bio for Louis Hanley
Louis Hanley
Community Manager
Louis is a community manager for Baltic Roofing where they help the greater Chicago community with everything from high-quality roof replacements to skylight repairs. He is an expert on all things roofing and home improvement. Outside of work, he’s a huge Cubs fan and enjoys spending time with his dog, Roscoe.
