(440) 307-2060
Breaking Down a Sample Residential Roofing Contract: What Every Homeowner Should Know
When it comes to replacing or repairing your roof, understanding the contract is just as important as selecting the right shingles. Yet many homeowners feel overwhelmed when they receive a roofing contract filled with technical jargon, fine print, and legal terms. If you’re planning to hire a roofing contractor in Northeast Ohio, knowing how to read and interpret a roofing contract can save you stress, time, and money.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down a sample residential roofing contract piece by piece. Whether you live in Youngstown, Jefferson, Cleveland, Mentor, Ashtabula, or Painesville, this blog will help you understand exactly what to look for—and how to make sure your contractor is the right one for the job.
Why Roofing Contracts Matter
Roofing is a major investment. A well-drafted contract:
- Protects your rights
- Clarifies responsibilities
- Outlines payment terms
- Details the scope of work
- Prevents future disputes
Too many homeowners sign contracts they don’t understand—leaving themselves vulnerable to surprise fees, poor workmanship, or legal battles. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we believe in full transparency, and we want you to feel confident every step of the way.
What to Expect in a Residential Roofing Contract
A professional roofing contract should be detailed, clear, and comprehensive. Here’s what it should include:
1. Contact Information
Your contract should start with:
- Contractor’s full business name
- License number (if applicable)
- Address, phone number, and email
- Your name and property address
This section establishes who the agreement is between. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, based in Jefferson, Ohio, we ensure our contracts are personalized and clearly list all parties involved.
2. Scope of Work
This is one of the most important sections. It outlines what exactly the contractor will do. It should include:
- Tear-off or overlay details (if old shingles are being removed)
- Roofing material brand and type (e.g., Owens Corning Duration® shingles)
- Underlayment and flashing replacement
- Ice and water shield installation
- Drip edge, ridge cap, and ventilation work
- Cleanup and debris removal
A vague or incomplete scope can lead to “scope creep”—where the contractor charges more for things that weren’t originally agreed upon.
✅ Tip: Ask for this to be broken down line by line.
3. Materials and Products to Be Used
This section will specify all products involved in your roofing project:
- Shingle brand, model, and color
- Underlayment type (synthetic, felt, etc.)
- Flashing and drip edge materials
- Ventilation systems (ridge vents, attic fans)
- Ice and water barriers
If your contractor uses a preferred brand, it should be noted here. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC specifies all OC products and offers optional upgrades in writing.
4. Project Timeline
A reputable contractor should include an estimated timeline with:
- Start date
- Project duration
- Completion date (weather permitting)
- Delays clause (explaining how weather or material delays are handled)
Timeframes help keep the project on track and give you peace of mind.
5. Pricing and Payment Terms
This is where you’ll find:
- Total project cost
- Payment schedule (e.g., deposit, midpoint payment, final payment)
- Accepted payment methods (check, credit card, financing)
- Costs for any optional upgrades
Avoid vague statements like “TBD” or “subject to change.” If costs change due to unforeseen issues (like rotten decking), those must be documented with a change order—a written add-on to the original contract that both parties sign.
S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC offers financing options to help homeowners across Northeast Ohio pay in manageable installments.
6. Change Orders
If mid-project changes occur, a professional contractor won’t just verbally inform you. Change orders should include:
- Description of the new work
- Additional cost
- Timeline extension (if applicable)
- Both signatures
This ensures transparency and avoids “surprise” charges at the end of the project.
7. Warranties
Roofing warranties typically fall into two categories:
a. Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Covers defects in materials
- Often lasts 25–50 years
- Usually non-transferable after a period
b. Workmanship Warranty
- Covers installation errors
- Duration varies by contractor (1–15 years)
S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC offers strong workmanship warranties and helps register your Owens Corning warranty for long-term peace of mind.
✅ Tip: Ask for warranty terms in writing.
8. Insurance and Licensing
A proper roofing contract should confirm that your contractor carries:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation
- Proper licensing for Ohio roofing work
If a contractor is uninsured and a worker gets hurt on your property, you could be held liable. Never proceed without written proof of coverage.
S&K is fully licensed, bonded, and insured throughout Ashtabula County, Lake County, Trumbull County, and surrounding areas.
9. Right to Rescind / Cancellation Clause
Ohio law gives consumers the right to cancel contracts within a certain time frame—typically 3 days. Your contract should outline:
- Your cancellation rights
- Steps to cancel
- Whether a refund of deposit applies
10. Cleanup and Debris Removal
Roofing creates a mess—old shingles, nails, underlayment, and packaging. Your contract should clearly state:
- Who is responsible for cleanup
- Whether a dumpster will be provided
- Magnet sweeps to remove nails
- Landscaping protection steps
At S&K, we leave your property cleaner than we found it—guaranteed.
11. Final Inspection
Before the final payment is made, the contract should allow for a final walkthrough to ensure:
- All agreed-upon work is complete
- No damage was done to your property
- Cleanup has been performed
- Warranties and documentation have been provided
12. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
In case of disagreement, how will it be resolved?
- Mediation?
- Arbitration?
- Small claims court?
The contract should also state that Ohio law governs the agreement. This is critical if legal action ever becomes necessary.
Common Red Flags in Roofing Contracts
Be cautious if your contract contains any of the following:
🚫 No clear payment schedule
🚫 Vague materials listed (“as needed”)
🚫 No mention of warranty
🚫 Contractor refuses to provide proof of insurance
🚫 Verbal promises not included in writing
🚫 No license number listed
These are all signs you may be dealing with an unqualified or dishonest contractor.
Sample Contract Section (Simplified)
Here’s an example of how a scope of work section might look:
Scope of Work:
S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC agrees to:
- Remove existing roofing materials down to the decking
- Inspect and replace up to 2 sheets of plywood decking as needed (additional $75/sheet beyond this)
- Install Owens Corning Duration® shingles in Driftwood color
- Install synthetic underlayment and ice/water shield in valleys and eaves
- Install aluminum drip edge along entire perimeter
- Install ridge vent and 4 box vents for proper attic ventilation
- Clean job site thoroughly, including magnet sweep
- Complete work within 3–5 business days (weather permitting)
Total Cost: $12,800
Payment Schedule:
- 33% deposit upon contract signing
- 33% at material delivery
- 34% upon final inspection
This type of clarity protects both you and the contractor.
Why S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC Prioritizes Transparent Contracts
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, our mission is to deliver high-quality roofing solutions with honesty and clarity. Here’s why homeowners in Jefferson, Youngstown, Madison, Geneva, Mentor, and surrounding areas trust us:
✅ We explain your contract in plain English
✅ We document everything, including upgrades and changes
✅ We include all warranty and insurance information
✅ We offer fair prices with no hidden fees
✅ We treat your home like it’s our own
We know that roofing can be intimidating. That’s why our team is always available to answer your questions, walk you through the paperwork, and make sure you feel comfortable from start to finish.
Questions to Ask Before Signing Any Roofing Contract
Before you sign, ask your contractor:
- Are all materials listed by brand and model?
- What is the full payment schedule?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover?
- Who is responsible for cleanup?
- Do you carry liability and workers’ comp insurance?
- Will there be a final inspection or walkthrough?
- What happens if additional repairs are discovered?
If they hesitate or avoid these questions, walk away.
Conclusion: Don’t Sign Blindly—Understand What You’re Getting
A roofing contract isn’t just paperwork—it’s your safety net. Knowing what’s in it ensures you:
- Avoid hidden fees
- Get the materials you paid for
- Receive quality installation backed by a warranty
- Know what happens if something goes wrong
If you’re replacing or repairing your roof in Northeast Ohio, don’t go it alone. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we make sure our contracts are crystal clear and customer-focused.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Roofing Estimate Today
📍 S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC
Serving Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Cuyahoga Counties
✅ Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
✅ 5-Star Reviews Across Google
✅ Financing Available
✅ Full Cleanup and Final Inspection
📞 Call today 440.235.3124
🌐 Visit: www.skconstructionohio.com
📝 Schedule your free inspection and quote
Protect your home and your wallet—partner with a contractor that puts your needs first. Let S&K walk you through your next roofing contract with honesty, clarity, and care.
