Questions to Ask Before Signing a Roofing Contract

A handshake and a vague text thread are not a roofing contract. Before you sign, make sure the written agreement answers the questions that cause most disputes later — scope, money, timeline, and what happens when something unexpected shows up under the shingles.

Ask for a clear payment schedule. Large deposits before materials arrive are a red flag; staged payments tied to milestones (materials on site, tear-off complete, final inspection) protect both sides. Confirm whether the price includes dump fees, permit costs, and cleanup.

Get the product line in writing — shingles or panels, underlayment, ridge vent, and flashing approach. Ask who is responsible for decking replacement if soft wood is found, and how change orders are priced and approved. “We’ll figure it out later” is how budgets explode.

Separate manufacturer warranties from workmanship warranties. Who stands behind leaks at a chimney or valley two years later? How long is the workmanship period, and is the company still local and reachable? Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation before work starts.

Finally, confirm start window, weather delays, and who your day-to-day contact is. If the contractor cannot answer these calmly in writing, keep shopping. Clarity before tear-off is cheaper than arguments after the dumpster leaves.