What's Included in a Louisville Roofing Contract? (What to Look For)

Understanding Your Roofing Contract

A roofing contract isn't just a formality — it's your primary protection if something goes wrong. Yet many homeowners sign contracts without understanding what should be included. Here's your guide to reading a roofing contract like a pro.

Essential Elements of a Good Roofing Contract

1. Detailed Scope of Work

The contract should spell out exactly what work will be performed:

• Full tear-off or overlay (going over existing shingles)
• Number of layers being removed
• Specific materials — brand, product line, and color of shingles
• Underlayment type — synthetic vs. felt, with brand name
• Ice and water shield — where it will be installed (valleys, eaves, penetrations)
• Flashing — new or reused, material type
• Ventilation — ridge vent, box vents, soffit vents
• Pipe boots and accessories — new or reused
• Drip edge — included or not

If the contract just says "replace roof with architectural shingles," that's not enough detail.

2. Materials and Quantities

The contract should list specific quantities — how many squares of shingles, how many rolls of underlayment, linear feet of ridge vent, etc. This prevents the contractor from using less material than needed.

3. Total Price and Payment Schedule

• The total project cost, clearly stated
• Payment terms: deposit amount, progress payments (if any), and final payment
• What triggers each payment (e.g., "final payment due upon completion and your satisfaction")
• Acceptable payment methods

Never pay the full amount upfront. A standard schedule is 10–15% deposit, balance upon completion.

4. Project Timeline

• Estimated start date
• Estimated completion date
• Weather delay provisions
• What happens if the project runs longer than expected

5. Warranty Information

Two separate warranties should be described:

• Manufacturer's material warranty — typically 25–50 years for architectural shingles, covering defects in the shingles themselves
• Contractor's workmanship warranty — covering installation errors, leaks caused by improper technique, etc.

Both should include the length of coverage and what's excluded.

6. Permit and Inspection

The contract should state that the contractor will:

• Obtain the required building permit from Louisville Metro
• Schedule and pass the final inspection
• Provide you with the signed-off permit

7. Change Order Process

What happens if the crew discovers rotten decking or other hidden damage? The contract should explain:

• How you'll be notified
• The per-unit cost for additional work (e.g., $X per sheet of decking)
• Whether your approval is required before extra work begins

8. Cleanup and Debris Removal

The contract should guarantee:

• Complete removal of old roofing materials
• Magnetic nail sweep of your yard, driveway, and surrounding areas
• Protection of landscaping and outdoor property
• Dumpster placement and removal

9. Cancellation Terms

Kentucky law gives you a right to cancel contracts signed at your home within three business days. This should be stated in the contract. Any contractor who doesn't include this is violating consumer protection law.

What's Missing From Bad Contracts

• No material specifications (just "shingles")
• No workmanship warranty
• Large upfront payment required
• No mention of permits
• No change order process
• No cancellation clause

The Homestretch Contract

Our proposals are detailed, line-item documents that cover every element listed above. We want you to understand exactly what you're paying for and exactly what we're going to deliver. No surprises.

Ready for a transparent proposal? Call (502) 208-5432 or book online.

Related Reading

• Red Flags When Hiring a Roofing Contractor →
• Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer →

See all Louisville service areas →