Installing new roofing is an important home repair. Hence, as a homeowner, you may wonder what exactly is covered and included in roof replacement when signing a contract with a roofer.
It’s important that you know what exactly is included in a legitimate roof estimate. This will prevent you from hiring a dishonest roofing company with no integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Although this list is not exhaustive, here are some important information that should be clearly stated and carefully spelled out by your roofer in a roof replacement contract.
Costs. Your roof estimate should include the cost of labor and materials. If the project will produce some sort of waste or debris, the estimate should clearly state who clears the mess and how much the cleanup and removal will cost.
Roofing Materials. The best roofers will specify the types of materials they will use for your project. The estimate should state the type, brand, size, thickness, and quantity of sealant, fasteners, shingles, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation that will be used for the roof in extensive detail.
Full Work Description. Just like with the roof materials, your roofer should clearly state what kind of work will be done. With this, you can both be on the same page and understand everything about your roof replacement.
Approximate Timeline. The estimate should also spell out the project’s start date and the proposed date of completion. Although the completion date may change if more damage is found, later on, it’s important for your roofer to specify a tentative timeline.
Payment Information. A roof estimate should also explain who is responsible for each part of the roof project. If any aspect of the project will be outsourced, such companies and their responsibilities must be clearly identified within the estimate. Payment terms and methods should be explained in clear detail so that you can understand what is required of all involved parties.
Insurance and Licensing Information. In the estimate, the roofer should also provide proof of the roofing company’s license, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. Do not sign a contract with a contractor who fails to provide insurance and licensing information within the estimate!
Guarantees, Warranties, and Expectations of Work. A section within your roof replacement estimate should cover and discuss guarantees on materials, workmanship guarantees, and clean up expectations. Warranties of the materials and workmanship must also be presented in-depth in the estimate. The estimate should also state whether the warranty is transferable to a new owner if you decide to sell your home.
Means of Exit. Every roof estimate must have a clearly-defined termination clause. This termination clause should state reasons why you or the contractor may terminate the contract without a fine should the terms of the contract be violated.
