When faced with a roofing project or repair, roofing contracts play an important role. You’ll need sound knowledge of what to include when it comes to drafting one. Although technological solutions like Roofr have made dealing with contracts much easier, in this article, we’ll discuss factors you should consider about professional roofing contracts.
What are roofing contracts?
After a proposal has been accepted, a roofing contract is drafted, laying out what a contractor promises to deliver concerning the work done on a roof. Once a client accepts a contract, they’ve consented to all the contents included in the document.
Generally, a roofing contract includes the following:
- The contractor’s basic information (name, address, and contact information)
- A description of the project, including details of the work to be done
- A quote, written estimate, and total cost (including taxes)
- An itemized list of what materials and labor will be used throughout the project, including costs
- Warranties for products and materials used
- The expected work schedule, including start and finish dates
- How delays will be dealt with
- Payment terms and deposit/down payment amounts
- Details of cleanup responsibilities
- Information on protecting things like landscaping, and how damage will be dealt with concerning driveways, etc.
Ensure you also include that you’re fully qualified and licensed, and have gone through the necessary training to handle the job. This will put the client’s mind at ease, helping you develop a stronger contractor-client relationship.
Why are roofing contracts important?
All contractors and property owners should have a contract in place. A legally binding and written agreement protects both parties and can be used in cases where disputes arise.
Additionally, it can clarify payment schedules so everyone is on the same page. The contractor will be legally protected against claims with written evidence in existence.
The homeowner will also be provided with peace of mind, knowing that the business operates legitimately and legally, knowing there’s a promise to deliver work at a certain time and at a certain cost.
All warranties would ideally be covered in the contract, accounting for future problems if they ever occur.
What to include in professional roofing contracts
Here’s some elaboration on what you should include in the contract.
1. Materials
Roofing contracts must contain a description of the materials that will be used by contractors. Include details like the name of the manufacturer, the grade of the material, and the style. Inform the client that you’re using quality material, encouraging them to ask questions if they have concerns. This also allows you to finalize decisions concerning design.
2. Timeframe
Prolonging a project can cost more in labor hours and damage client relationships. Therefore, a clear timeline should be established, with a start and end date.
Negotiating with the client is key while also being realistic, taking into account the scope of work required, how long projects have typically lasted in the past, and what may be convenient for the client.
3. Liabilities
Roofing requires working at heights, exposing contractors to a certain degree of danger. Liability should be covered in the contract, with insurance information included. Clients will likely be more comfortable knowing the extent of liability they’re expected to cover in case of an accident, if any. Contractors should have comprehensive roofing insurance.
4. Waste removal
Roofing contracts without a clearly defined waste removal process may mean additional expenses for cleaning. Roofing can be a messy process, especially when conducting repairs. It can also be dangerous when working with metal roofs, shingles, and nails.
To avoid disputes over who is responsible for cleaning and waste, ensure that contracts include an agreement to keep the building clean and safe after the project has been completed.
5. Additional expenses
The contract should also contain information about additional costs. For instance, the nature of the project may require additional tasks to be completed that may not be directly associated with the roofing project. Where this is the case, it’s important to ensure that the contract contains information about other services or additional materials that may be required.
6. Termination
If for some reason, either party wants to terminate the contract, terms should be stated, including the amount of notice required, payments that need to be made, and whether deposits can be refunded. This covers the worst case scenario, but is important to include.
Roofing contracts are important
Contracts detail important information that lay the groundwork for how a roofing project will go. Thus, it’s important to consider all factors to ensure that everything is adequately accounted for.