What warranty should a roofing contractor provide?

You should receive two types of warranty: (1) a manufacturer's warranty covering the roofing materials themselves (often 25 years to lifetime for quality shingles), and (2) a contractor's workmanship warranty covering the installation. Labor warranties typically range from 1-10 years. Verify that installation must comply with manufacturer requirements to maintain the materials warranty.

Who is responsible for pulling roofing permits?

In most jurisdictions, the contractor is responsible for pulling building permits since they are the licensed professional doing the work. Permits ensure inspections occur and work complies with local codes. Unpermitted roofing work can create problems when you sell your home. The contract should specify who is responsible and whether permit costs are included in the price.

Can I cancel a roofing contract after signing?

Under the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 429), if the contract was signed at your home (as is common when contractors come to provide estimates), you have 3 business days to cancel the contract for a full refund. Many states have similar or stronger cancellation rights. The contractor must provide written notice of this right.

What if additional damage is discovered during the roofing project?

Hidden damage (such as rotted decking beneath shingles) discovered during tear-off is typically handled through a written change order. Reputable contractors will show you the damage, document it with photos, provide a written cost estimate for the additional work, and obtain your approval before proceeding. Never accept verbal change orders.

Does the roofing contractor need to be insured?

Absolutely. Require proof of both general liability insurance (to cover property damage) and workers' compensation insurance (to cover injuries to workers on your property). Without workers' comp, you could be held liable for injuries to roofing workers injured on your property. Verify the certificate directly with the insurance company rather than relying solely on a copy from the contractor.

Free Roofing Contract Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

Free — No Sign-Up RequiredPDF & WordUpdated April 10, 2026

A roofing contract is a legally binding agreement between a roofing contractor and a property owner that defines the scope of roofing work, materials to be used, project timeline, total price, payment schedule, warranty terms, permit responsibilities, and cleanup obligations. A written contract protects both the homeowner from unexpected charges or inferior work and the contractor from payment disputes or scope creep.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This template is attorney-reviewed and built to US legal standards. It does not substitute for professional legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney.

Document Completeness5%

Governing State*

Contractor / Company Name*

Contractor Address*

Contractor License Number*

State contractor license number — verify at your state licensing board

Homeowner / Property Owner Name*

Homeowner Address*

Property / Project Address*

Address where roofing work will be performed

Project Scope of Work*

Describe all work to be performed — be as specific as possible

Roofing Material Type*

Brand / Model / Color*

Manufacturer Warranty on Materials*

Manufacturer's warranty — confirm with product documentation

Contractor Labor Warranty*

Contractor's warranty on workmanship and installation

Project Start Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Weather-dependent start date; contractor will confirm 48 hours in advance

Estimated Completion Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Total Contract Price*

Deposit Due at Signing*

Typically 10-30% of total contract price

Include Progress Payment Schedule

Permit Responsibility*

Contractor Will Remove All Debris and Old Materials

Cleanup Guarantee*

Contractor Must Provide Certificate of Insurance

Change Order Process*

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ROOFING CONTRACT

This Roofing Contract ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Project Start Date], by and between:

[Contractor / Company Name] ("Contractor")

Address: [Contractor Address]

License #: [Contractor License Number]

and

[Homeowner / Property Owner Name] ("Owner")

Address: [Homeowner Address]

1. PROPERTY ADDRESS

Work will be performed at: [Property / Project Address]

2. SCOPE OF WORK

Contractor agrees to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision necessary to perform the following roofing work:

[Project Scope of Work]

Material Specification: [Roofing Material Type] — [Brand / Model / Color]

Any work not expressly described above is excluded from this contract and shall require a written change order before proceeding.

3. PROJECT SCHEDULE

Estimated Start Date: [Project Start Date] (weather-dependent; Contractor will confirm 48 hours in advance)

Estimated Completion Date: [Estimated Completion Date]

Contractor will provide at least 48 hours' notice of any weather-related delay. Project delays caused by Owner, material supply issues, or other events beyond Contractor's reasonable control shall not constitute a breach.

4. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT

Total Contract Price: $[Total Contract Price]

Deposit Due at Signing: $[Deposit Due at Signing]

Final Payment: Balance due upon satisfactory completion of all work and Owner's final walkthrough approval.

Final payment shall not be unreasonably withheld. Owner may withhold payment only for documented incomplete or defective work items.

5. WARRANTY

Materials Warranty: [Manufacturer Warranty on Materials] (manufacturer warranty — see product documentation for terms and conditions).

Labor Warranty: Contractor warrants all workmanship against defects in installation for a period of 2 years from the date of project completion. This warranty covers leaks or defects attributable to installation error. It does not cover damage caused by severe weather, hail, acts of God, foot traffic, or modifications by others.

6. PERMITS AND COMPLIANCE

[Permit Responsibility]

All work shall be performed in compliance with applicable local building codes and manufacturer installation requirements necessary to maintain material warranty coverage.

7. DEBRIS REMOVAL AND CLEANUP

Contractor shall remove all old roofing materials, debris, and refuse from the property upon project completion.

[Cleanup Guarantee]

8. INSURANCE

Contractor shall provide Owner with a certificate of insurance demonstrating current general liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence) and workers' compensation coverage before work begins. Owner shall not be responsible for injuries to Contractor's employees or subcontractors on the project site.

9. CHANGE ORDERS

[Change Order Process]

10. SUBCONTRACTORS

Contractor may engage subcontractors to perform portions of the work. Contractor remains responsible for all work performed by subcontractors and shall ensure all subcontractors are licensed and insured.

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

In the event of a dispute arising under this Agreement, the parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes shall be submitted to mediation before filing suit.

12. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [Governing State].

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Roofing Contract as of the date first written above.

_________________________________

[Contractor / Company Name]

License #: [Contractor License Number]

Date: _______________

_________________________________

[Homeowner / Property Owner Name]

Property Owner

Date: _______________

Document Completeness5%

Governing State*

Contractor / Company Name*

Contractor Address*

Contractor License Number*

State contractor license number — verify at your state licensing board

Homeowner / Property Owner Name*

Homeowner Address*

Property / Project Address*

Address where roofing work will be performed

Project Scope of Work*

Describe all work to be performed — be as specific as possible

Roofing Material Type*

Brand / Model / Color*

Manufacturer Warranty on Materials*

Manufacturer's warranty — confirm with product documentation

Contractor Labor Warranty*

Contractor's warranty on workmanship and installation

Project Start Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Weather-dependent start date; contractor will confirm 48 hours in advance

Estimated Completion Date*

MM/DD/YYYY

Total Contract Price*

Deposit Due at Signing*

Typically 10-30% of total contract price

Include Progress Payment Schedule

Permit Responsibility*

Contractor Will Remove All Debris and Old Materials

Cleanup Guarantee*

Contractor Must Provide Certificate of Insurance

Change Order Process*

What Is a Roofing Contract Template?

When Do You Need It?

You need a roofing contract when: hiring a contractor for a full roof replacement, booking a significant repair, having a new home roofed during construction, or contracting commercial roofing work. A written agreement is essential before any roofing work begins to document agreed materials, price, timeline, and what happens if issues arise..

What's Included in This Template

Contractor and homeowner identification
Contractor license number
Property address
Detailed project scope (tear-off, overlay, repair, or new installation)
Roofing material type, brand, and model
Materials warranty
Labor warranty
Project start and completion dates
Total contract price
Deposit and payment schedule
Optional: Progress payment milestones
Permit responsibility clause
Debris removal and cleanup guarantee
Insurance certificate requirement
Change order process
Signature blocks for both parties

How to Fill It Out

Select Your State — Choose the state where the work will be performed. This affects contractor licensing requirements and consumer protection rights.

Enter Contractor Details — Provide the contractor's full legal business name, address, and state contractor license number. Always verify the license is current and in good standing through your state's licensing board.

Enter Homeowner and Property Information — Fill in the property owner's name and the address where work will be performed. These may differ from the owner's mailing address.

Define the Project Scope — Describe exactly what work will be done — complete tear-off and replacement, overlay, repair sections, or new construction. Specify the roofing system, materials brand, and any underlayment or flashing work included.

Set Price and Payment Terms — Enter the total contract price, deposit amount, and payment structure. A typical arrangement is 10-30% deposit, with the balance due upon satisfactory completion. For large projects, progress payments tied to milestones are common.

Review Warranty and Liability Terms — Specify the manufacturer's materials warranty and the contractor's labor warranty. Confirm who will pull permits and that the contractor carries workers' compensation and liability insurance.

Legal Requirements & Notes

This roofing contract template addresses key legal protections for homeowners and contractors:

Contractor Licensing: Most states require roofing contractors to hold a state contractor's license. Homeowners should verify the license is current at their state's contractor licensing board before signing. Working with an unlicensed contractor may void insurance coverage and limit legal remedies.

Lien Rights: Roofing contractors and suppliers have the right to file mechanic's liens on your property if they are not paid. Ask your contractor to provide lien waivers from all subcontractors and material suppliers upon completion.

Right to Cancel: Under FTC regulations (16 C.F.R. Part 429) and many state laws, homeowners have a 3-business-day right to cancel contracts signed in their home. This right applies to contracts for $25 or more signed at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business.

Insurance Claims: When work is insurance-funded after storm damage, some states prohibit contractors from waiving insurance deductibles or offering rebates. Verify your state's rules.

Storm Chaser Concerns: Be cautious of door-to-door contractors following storms. Verify licensing, check reviews, and never pay the full amount upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

A deposit of 10-30% of the total project cost is standard. Avoid contractors who demand more than 50% upfront — this can be a red flag for fraud or cash flow problems. The bulk of the payment should be due upon satisfactory completion, giving you leverage if work is defective or incomplete.

Free Roofing Contract Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

ROOFING CONTRACT

1. PROPERTY ADDRESS

2. SCOPE OF WORK

3. PROJECT SCHEDULE

4. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT

5. WARRANTY

6. PERMITS AND COMPLIANCE

7. DEBRIS REMOVAL AND CLEANUP

8. INSURANCE

9. CHANGE ORDERS

10. SUBCONTRACTORS

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

12. GOVERNING LAW

What Is a Roofing Contract Template?

When Do You Need It?

What's Included in This Template

How to Fill It Out

Legal Requirements & Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

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