Roofing repair and replacement are two of the most significant and common remodeling projects that average building owners plan every year. The exercise is of prime importance given the functionality of the roof, which is to offer protection to the occupants of the building against the vagaries of nature. Many homeowners, however, aren’t fully aware of the scope of roofing services that Dallas remodeling contractors and specialists elsewhere offer and end up signing contracts that don’t include important service delivery terms. If you’re planning a roofing repair/replacement project and wish to hire a Dallas remodeling contractor but don’t know what to include in the final contract, relax, we got you covered. Scroll down for a list of elements that your contract must cover.
1. Warranty
Home remodeling contractors in Dallas TX and elsewhere offer workmanship warranty that binds them to perform repair tasks arising due to substandard quality of work. Make sure the contract spells out in clear and unambiguous language, the extent and period of warranty offered by your roofing contractor. The warranty provided by your residential roofing contractor will be for a shorter duration as compared to the manufacturer’s warranty but can help you save time and money if any problem arises due to improper installation or any other error in workmanship.
2. Detailed project description
Your roofing contract must include the specifics of the project including details about materials to be used (their brand, type, color, and price), and start and end date of the project. The contract must also include details about the removal of the old roof and installing the replacement. Many Dallas remodeling contractors and specialists might want to include exclusions such as absolving the company from responsibility for damages caused to the landscaping. Discuss all exclusions with your residential roofing contractor and understand their nature and extent before including them in the contract.
3. Payment terms
The contract must include the mode and period of payments. General practice is to pay 10 to 25 percent of the total contract price (can go up to 50 percent if you’re using custom materials), as a deposit, and the balance on completion of work. Additionally, the law entitles you to hold back 10 percent of the payment for 41 days should you find any errors in workmanship. Discuss the clause with your residential roofing contractor and include it in the contract after receiving their consent.
4. Insurance and license details
Roof repair and replacement projects have their fair share of risks and injuries due to on-site accidents. To avoid resultant claims for compensation, make sure the contract includes details about workmen’s compensation and Public Liability insurance. Don’t forget to include your roofer’s license details including the license number and contact details.
5. Provisions to cover unforeseen circumstances
The cost of workmanship is bound to rise steeply if the contractor experiences any unforeseen difficulties in executing their duty. For example, the professional will have to deploy more labor and use extra material if the wooden part of your roofing is in tatters or is rotting. The contract must include an estimate covering such unplanned costs. Additionally, many roofing contractors won’t agree to mold cleaning or abatement. If you want to include these services in the final contract, discuss them with your service provider to draft the specifics.
6. Option to terminate
The contract should spell clear terms of contract termination including the notice period, the payment arrangement and compensation against any damages, not at fault. For example, most roofing contractors want clients to pay either a fixed percentage of the contract value or need compensation against labor and material costs they incur (whichever is more) if they want to cancel the arrangement. Understand these stipulations and ask anything that you’re not sure about before signing on the dotted line.
Final few words
Signing a roofing repair/replacement contract is akin to signing any other service contract. These agreements, like other contracts, are legally binding, therefore, never assume anything and understand all stipulations and clauses clearly before signing. At Triumph Roofing, we understand client concerns about the quality of work done and other parameters, and include mutually beneficial clauses that define terms of service delivery. Contact us at 972-332-1766 to learn more about our services and capabilities.
