10 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Roof Repair Contract in 2026
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1
Ask whether the estimate covers full replacement or patch-only repair
🟢 beginner 🔥 High Impact
Many contractors blur the line between a full tear-off and an overlay or spot repair, which can differ by $5,000-$15,000 on a typical 2,000 sq ft roof. Get explicit written confirmation of the scope: how many squares are being replaced, whether underlayment is included, and if damaged decking will be addressed. If the contract just says 'roof repair' without specifics, you have no leverage if corners get cut.
Pro tip: Ask the contractor to mark the specific damaged areas on a roof diagram and attach it to the contract. This becomes your proof if a dispute arises later.
2
Confirm the contractor carries both general liability and workers' compensation insurance
🟢 beginner 🔥 High Impact
If an uninsured worker falls off your roof, you could be personally liable for medical bills exceeding $100,000. Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) and verify it's current by calling the insurance company directly. General liability should be at least $1 million per occurrence, and workers' comp must cover every crew member on site.
Pro tip: Request the COI lists you as an 'additional insured' -- this costs the contractor nothing but gives you direct notification if their policy lapses mid-project.
How to do it:
- Ask for a copy of their certificate of insurance (COI)
- Verify the policy dates cover your entire project timeline
- Call the insurance carrier's verification line to confirm the policy is active
- Request to be added as an additional insured party
3
Ask what manufacturer warranty and workmanship warranty are included
🟡 intermediate 🔥 High Impact
Shingle manufacturer warranties (typically 25-50 years) only cover material defects, not installation errors. A separate workmanship warranty from the contractor covers labor and installation mistakes, and these range from 1 year to lifetime depending on the company. Without a workmanship warranty, a $300 installation error that causes a leak six months later comes entirely out of your pocket.
Pro tip: Ask if the contractor is a certified installer for the shingle brand (e.g., GAF Master Elite or Owens Corning Platinum). Certified installers can offer enhanced manufacturer warranties that cover both materials and labor.
4
Request a detailed breakdown of material costs vs. labor costs
🟢 beginner 💪 Medium Impact
A legitimate roofing estimate should itemize materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing, ridge vents) separately from labor. On a typical roof repair, materials run 40-50% of total cost and labor 50-60%. If a contractor only provides a single lump-sum number, it's nearly impossible to compare quotes fairly or catch inflated pricing.
Pro tip: Cross-check the material quantities listed against your roof's actual square footage. You can estimate squares by measuring your home's footprint and adding 10-15% for waste and roof pitch.
5
Ask about the payment schedule and never pay more than 30% upfront
🟢 beginner 🔥 High Impact
Reputable roofers typically require a deposit of 10-30%, with the balance due upon completion and your inspection. Any contractor demanding 50% or more upfront is a major red flag -- storm-chaser scams frequently collect large deposits and disappear. Structure payments around milestones: deposit to order materials, progress payment at tear-off completion, final payment after cleanup and your walkthrough.
Pro tip: Pay by credit card when possible. Credit card payments give you chargeback rights if the contractor abandons the job, which you lose entirely with cash or personal checks.
6
Confirm the start date, estimated completion date, and weather delay policy
🟢 beginner 💪 Medium Impact
After a major storm, roofers may be juggling 20-50 jobs simultaneously. Without a written start date, your 'next week' estimate can stretch to two months. The contract should specify the expected timeline (most residential roof repairs take 1-3 days), what happens if weather delays the work, and at what point you can cancel without penalty if the contractor fails to show.
Pro tip: Include a 'time is of the essence' clause with a specific start-by date. This gives you legal grounds to hire another contractor if the original one keeps pushing your project back.
7
Ask who will actually be on your roof -- subcontractors or in-house crews
🟡 intermediate 💪 Medium Impact
Many roofing companies subcontract the actual labor to third-party crews. This isn't necessarily bad, but you need to know because the subcontractor's insurance, licensing, and quality standards may differ from the company you're signing with. If subs are used, confirm they're insured and that the primary contractor takes full responsibility for their work.
Pro tip: Ask for the crew foreman's name and direct phone number. Having a single point of contact on-site prevents the 'I'll have to check with the office' runaround when questions arise during the job.
8
Verify the contractor will pull all required building permits
🟡 intermediate 🔥 High Impact
Most municipalities require a permit for roof repairs exceeding a certain scope (typically anything beyond minor patching). Permits cost $100-$500 but ensure a building inspector verifies the work meets code. Unpermitted work can void your homeowner's insurance, create problems when selling your home, and leave you liable for any code violations.
Pro tip: Call your local building department to ask whether your specific repair requires a permit. Some contractors skip permits to save time and money -- don't let them put your home's insurability at risk.
How to do it:
- Ask the contractor directly if they will pull the required permits
- Call your local building department to confirm permit requirements for your scope
- Verify the permit fee is included in the contract price
- Confirm the contractor will schedule the required final inspection
9
Ask what happens to the old materials and who handles debris removal
🟢 beginner 💪 Medium Impact
A full roof tear-off on a 2,000 sq ft home generates 3-5 tons of debris. The contract should specify that the contractor provides a dumpster, removes all old shingles and nails, and runs a magnetic nail sweep of your yard and driveway. If debris removal isn't included, you could face $500-$1,000 in separate hauling costs and nail-punctured tires.
Pro tip: Walk the entire perimeter of your home and driveway after the crew finishes. Roofing nails in the grass are almost invisible and can puncture bare feet, pet paws, and car tires for months after the job.
10
Confirm the contract includes a cancellation clause with a cooling-off period
🟡 intermediate 🔥 High Impact
Federal law (the FTC Cooling-Off Rule) gives you three business days to cancel any contract signed at your home for $25 or more. However, many storm-chaser contracts include fine print that waives this right or imposes steep cancellation penalties. Read the cancellation section carefully and ensure it complies with your state's consumer protection laws. Never let a contractor pressure you into waiving your right to cancel.
Pro tip: If a contractor says 'this price is only good today,' that's a high-pressure sales tactic, not a legitimate business practice. Reputable roofers honor their estimates for at least 30 days.
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Bonus Tip
Get everything in writing, even verbal promises
If a contractor verbally promises upgraded shingles, extra flashing, or a timeline guarantee, insist it goes into the written contract before you sign. Verbal agreements are nearly impossible to enforce, and 'he said he'd include that' won't hold up if you end up in a dispute. A two-minute contract addendum can save you thousands.
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