What to Do Before Signing a Roofing Contract

Last Updated: 3/22/2025

Steps to Take Before Signing a New Roofing Contract

Hiring a roofing contractor is a significant investment, and before signing a contract, it’s essential to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to. A well-detailed contract protects both you and the professional roofer, outlining important aspects like materials, costs, warranties, project timelines, and other details. Failing to review the details of your roofing contact carefully could lead to unexpected expenses, poor workmanship, or legal disputes.

Join our residential roofing contractors from Allied Roofing Solutions as we cover the details for what to do before signing a roofing contract to ensure you make an informed decision and get the quality service your home deserves.

Contract Checklist for Roofing Projects

Finding a great roofing contractor requires some upfront homework and due diligence on the part of homeowners.

A well-structured contract from a reputable roofer should clearly outline project details, costs, warranties, and expectations to ensure a smooth process and avoid misunderstandings. Rushing into an agreement without reviewing the details can lead to unexpected expenses, poor workmanship, other unforeseen circumstances.

Below is what to do before signing a roofing contract.

Verify the Contractor’s Credentials

Before hiring a roofing crew, ensure they have the proper credentials to perform the work. Check for state licensing, insurance coverage, and any necessary permits. A reputable roofing company should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect you from liability in case of accidents or damage. You can also verify their track record by checking online reviews, asking for references, and confirming their standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Review the Scope of Work

Your roofing contract should clearly define the scope of work, including materials, labor, and project timelines. It should specify the type of roofing materials being used, the number of layers being installed or removed, and any additional roof repairs or other services like flashing or gutter replacement. If anything seems vague, ask for clarification before signing the contract to avoid disputes later. A well-detailed scope of work ensures that both parties have clear expectations from the start.

Understand the Payment Terms

Most roofing companies will outline the total project cost, payment schedule, and acceptable payment methods within their contracts. Be wary of contractors who demand full payment upfront—most roofers that are trustworthy will require a deposit and staggered payments based on project milestones. Make sure the contract also includes any potential additional costs for unforeseen issues, such as structural damage found during the job. Understanding the financial terms of your roofing project upfront helps prevent surprise charges later.

Confirm Warranty Coverage

Roofing warranties protect your investment by covering defects in materials or workmanship. Before signing, review the details of both the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. Find out how long the warranties last, what they cover, and what could void them. A strong warranty gives you peace of mind that your roof will be protected long after the project is complete.

Ensure Proper Cleanup and Disposal Terms

Roofing projects can generate a lot of debris, including old materials like shingles and nails. Your roofing contract should specify who is responsible for cleanup and disposal of these materials. Many contractors include this in their service, but it’s important to confirm details such as whether they will use a dumpster, how they’ll handle stray nails, and if they’ll leave the site clean and safe. A clear cleanup plan prevents additional hassle for homeowners.

Check for a Termination Clause

A termination clause outlines the conditions under which either party can cancel the contract for roofing services. This can protect you if the contractor fails to meet deadlines, doesn’t complete work as promised, or engages in unethical practices. Understanding the terms for cancellation, refunds, or penalties in advance ensures you have an exit strategy if needed.

Get Everything in Writing

Verbal agreements or handshake deals are not enough when it comes to roofing projects. Ensure every aspect of the job—materials, labor, costs, warranties, and timelines—is documented in the contract. If a contractor makes promises not reflected in writing, request that they be added before signing. A written agreement provides legal protection and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing Roofing Contractors

Asking these important questions will help you in making the best decision for your roofing project. Here are some of the best questions to ask a roofing contractor prior to signing a contract for roof work.

Can I see your licensing and insurance information?

A reputable roofing company should provide proof of both a business license and a roofing contractor license, ensuring they meet local qualifications. Verify the license is current and free of violations by checking with local offices. Additionally, ask for proof of insurance, including workers’ compensation and general liability coverage, to protect yourself from liability in case of worker injuries or property damage.

Do you use subcontractors?

Asking if a roofing company uses subcontractors is important because it affects the quality and accountability of the work. If subcontractors are involved, you’ll want to know if they are properly licensed, insured, and experienced. Additionally, understanding who will oversee the project ensures that workmanship standards are maintained and that communication remains clear throughout the job.

How many years has your roofing company been in business?

By asking this question you are trying to determine the experience level of the roofing contractor. An experienced roofer can put your mind at ease. A roofer who is experienced in installing many types of roofs knows about the different available materials, roof decking, flashings, shingles, gutters, and other aspects of the project. This is the level of experience that a quality job requires.

Do you provide roofing estimates in writing?

You should be given an estimate in writing that outlines every part of the roofing project. This written estimate helps you avoid surprise expenses later. The estimate should include all labor costs, roofing materials, and other upgrades.

Does your roofing company have any industry-specific achievements or credentials?

In the roofing industry, one of the most prestigious programs is the Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor designation. A preferred contractor like this designation indicates has a higher level of knowledge and expertise than other companies. Ask the roofing companies you are interviewing if they have achieved this or other similar achievements.

Can you perform a roof inspection to confirm my roof's needs?

A roof inspection will determine the work that needs to be done on your home. Maybe you don’t need a total roof replacement, and instead only require minor repairs. Prior to giving you a price quote or agreeing to any terms in a roofing contract, it's important that the professional roofers provide a thorough assessment of the current state of your roof.

Red Flags Not to Sign a Contract with a Roofing Company

Choosing the right roofing contractor is crucial to ensuring quality work and avoiding costly mistakes. Before signing a contract, watch for these red flags that could indicate an unreliable or untrustworthy company:

• Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance: A reputable roofing company should provide proof of a valid roofing contractor license and insurance coverage. Without these, you could be liable for accidents or poor workmanship.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: If a contractor pushes you to sign immediately, claims a limited-time offer, or pressures you into unnecessary upgrades, it’s a sign they may not have your best interests in mind.
• Large Upfront Payment Requests: While deposits are standard, a demand for full or excessive upfront payments can indicate a scam or financial instability. Payments should be scheduled based on project milestones.
• Vague or Missing Contract Details: A contract should clearly outline materials, costs, timelines, warranties, and cleanup responsibilities. If the details are vague or missing, you risk unexpected expenses and incomplete work.
• No Physical Business Address or Poor Communication: Contractors without a verifiable address or those who are difficult to reach may not be reliable. Good communication is key to a successful roofing project.
• Unrealistically Low Bids: If a quote is significantly lower than others, the company may be cutting corners on materials, labor, or insurance, leading to subpar results.
• Negative Reviews or Complaints: Research online reviews, check the BBB rating, and ask for references. Consistent complaints about poor workmanship or unfulfilled promises are a major red flag.
• No Written Warranty: A trustworthy roofing contractor should offer warranties on both materials and workmanship. If no warranty is included, you may be left unprotected if issues arise after installation.
• Door-to-Door Sales or Storm Chaser Scams: Be cautious of contractors who show up unsolicited after a storm, offering quick fixes or requesting immediate payment. Businesses that perform post-storm insurance scams often disappear after doing subpar work.

Contact Our Trusted New Jersey Roofers Today

Our professional, experienced team at Allied Roofing Solutions is ready to come to your home and assess your roofing needs. We will provide you with a written quote detailing the items that are included in the project, show our credentials with licensing and insurance, and answer all of your questions without hesitation.

We proudly serve homeowners in New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. We use the highest quality roofing materials for durability for you to get a roof that lasts for years to come.

Call us today to schedule a free roof estimate at  (201) 773-0633 or fill out our online contact form to get started.