As a savvy homeowner, you already know not to work with a roof replacement company who doesn’t give you a written contract, but do you know what should be in it? For many, a new roof is a once in a lifetime purchase so they don’t know what to look for. A poor contract can mean that the roofing company isn’t going to deliver on their verbal promises. Here are the things you should look for in your contract.
Detailed Materials Information
Don’t accept vague information. The items that should be listed include:
- Brand, style and color of shingles
- Type and brand of underlayment
- If the flashing is being replaced and material and color being used
- Any roof repair included
- Replacement venting if applicable
- Starter shingle and finishing strip details
Before and After Information
You shouldn’t accept a proposal from a roof replacement company that doesn’t list tearing off and disposing of the shingles as included in the estimate. Some companies just do a roofing overlay which can void your warranty and lead to many different issues. Others don’t include the haul away costs, but rather charge you after the fact for the cost of disposal (which can include fees for miles to the dump and disposal costs or even the cost of the rental dumpster). The roof replacement company knows how much disposal costs and should include it up front. Also, make sure they detail that they’ll protect your plants, clean the yard, and remove all waste including nails.
Expected Timeline
Although it’s hard for a roof replacement company to always provide you with an exact date of install in the contract, they can provide a timeline for the work itself. They should be able to say something like, “within X days of shingle delivery” when they’ll start on the work and how long the job will take. If they don’t, ask why not. You should know how many days they’ll need to tear off the roof and how many to install it.
Full Company Information
You should see the name, address, phone number and license number on your contract. Cooley Roofing & Construction provides detailed written contracts. If you’re looking for a roof replacement company, call us for a free estimate. We’ll also help you choose the right style and color roof best for your home. Call 366-766-6488 or fill out our contact form today.
