5 Essential Steps to Take Before Signing a Roofing Contract in Ohio

Whether you’re building a new home in Dayton, repairing the roof on your home in Akron, or just purchased a commercial property in Toledo that you want to renovate, a roofing contract is going to be part of the process somewhere down the line. For new and experienced property owners alike, roofing contracts in Ohio are important parts of arranging for roofing services when you need them most.

Whenever a roofer agrees to perform work for a customer, the roofer should provide a contract that both parties will sign. Like any other binding contract, the roofing contract should stipulate the work to be done, the cost of the work, and various clauses and disclaimers outlining each party’s rights and responsibilities. Contracts are meant to be as detailed as possible, and it’s important for any Ohio property owner to know how to navigate a roofing contract and which important steps to take before signing one.

One: Do Your Research

It’s never wise to jump on the first available option when you need professional work done to your property. Take your time when it comes to roofing contracts in Ohio and try to get a few different quotes from various roofers in your area. Many roofers around Dayton, Toledo, and Akron offer competitive prices, but you want to be as sure as you can be when you sign on the dotted line and agree to a roofing contract.

Gather quotes from different highly rated roofers in your area for the job you need done and compare costs. Look for special offers, promotions, and other incentives each roofer offers. It’s also wise to look for reviews and recommendations when you need professional roofing services. Check each roofer’s website for customer testimonials and check third party review sites like Google as well.

Two: Arrange an Inspection

If you’re going to get accurate quotes for the job you need finished, then any good roofer should suggest performing an inspection on your roof prior to giving you a quote. It’s not uncommon for some service providers in Ohio to provide a quote without an inspection, only to discover on the day of the job some unforeseen issue that ramps up the price of the work dramatically. Request your roofer to perform an inspection prior to providing you with a quote so the quote is as accurate as possible.

Performing an inspection prior to signing your contract will not only help to ensure the contract covers all the work you require, but also potentially uncover additional issues you didn’t know about prior to contacting the roofer. If you identify these issues ahead of time it will be easier for the roofer to handle everything at once, and this can potentially cut down the cost of your project by a significant margin.

Three: Request a Project Timeline

One of the most common issues that arises when it comes to having work done on a home or business is unforeseen delays that eventually lead to increased labor costs and other fees. You don’t want to be caught by surprise when you get the bill for your roofing work and it’s several hundred or even a few thousand dollars more expensive than you expected.

Make sure your roofer can provide you with a realistic timeline for when your work will be complete. A legitimate and experienced roofer should be able to accurately estimate how long your job will take and what to expect during the course of the project. They should also pay close attention to the local weather forecast and account for potential weather-related delays, letting you know how they handle these situations and helping you determine the best possible timeline for the job.

Four: Review the Roofer’s Insurance Coverage and Other Credentials

If you’re going to give an Ohio roofing contractor your business, you need to ensure the roofer is on the up and up when it comes to professional insurance coverage and business licensing. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of insurance so you can be certain the roofer has the requisite coverage. It’s also wise to contact the local business licensing office to ensure the roofer has all the necessary credentials for performing roofing work in Ohio.

Unlicensed contractors pose a significant risk to both your wallet and your personal safety. An unlicensed, uninsured, or inexperienced roofer may offer an enticing quote on your roofing project, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and trusting this type of roofer with your home or business can be a very poor decision in several ways.

Five: Read the Whole Contract Carefully

Yes, contracts in general are lengthy, full of “legalese” and difficult for many people to accurately translate. However, it is essential that you take time to review your roofing contract in Ohio before signing it. Make sure it includes a clear price for the work you require and then carefully read through any disclaimers, exclusionary clauses, and potential surcharges you might face. If there is any part of the contract that doesn’t make sense to you or seems off, ask for an explanation.

Any legitimate professional roofer should be happy to review every aspect of your roofing contract to earn your business and your trust. Sit down with the contractor and review each section of the contract. Some will be more confusing than others, but most of the serious legal jargon should surround the parts of the contract that shield the roofer from liabilities. If you feel good about the contract’s contents you can make the agreement and schedule your project but be sure to keep a copy of the contract for your personal records.

From residential home builds in Akron to commercial property renovation in Toledo or a simple roof replacement in Dayton, roofing contracts come into play any time an Ohio property owner hires a roofer for a job. Contracts can seem obtuse and daunting, but you can go into a contract negotiation and signing meeting with greater confidence if you follow these five steps and take your time during the review process. Preparing in advance of signing a roofing contract ultimately helps you save money, but it also helps you ensure the highest quality work for your home or business.