A roof contract can involve a major investment and years of warranty responsibility. Before signing, verify the company, understand the scope and make sure every promise appears in writing. The right contractor should welcome careful questions.
Important Ohio clarification: Ohio does not have one statewide roofing-contractor license equivalent to the state licenses required for certain electrical, HVAC, hydronics, plumbing and refrigeration trades. Roofing registration, permits and requirements may be handled locally. Check the rules for the city or township where the property is located.
A Practical Contractor Verification Checklist
- Confirm the legal business identity. Get the company’s full legal name, permanent address, telephone number and the name of the person authorized to sign.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Request current general liability coverage and workers’ compensation information. Verify documents with the carrier when appropriate.
- Check local requirements. Ask the municipal building department whether roofing registration, permits or inspections apply to your project.
- Review complaint history and references. Check the Ohio Attorney General, Better Business Bureau and recent local customers. A lack of online complaints is helpful, but it is not a guarantee.
- Compare written scopes—not just totals. Materials, tear-off, decking, ventilation, flashing, cleanup and warranties can explain substantial price differences.
- Read the payment schedule. Be cautious about large cash deposits, checks payable to an individual or pressure to sign over an insurance check.
What the Written Contract Should Include
- Property owner and contractor names and addresses
- Detailed description of materials, colors, profiles and manufacturer
- Whether existing roofing will be removed
- Decking repair method and unit pricing
- Underlayment, ice-and-water protection, ventilation and flashing
- Permit and inspection responsibility
- Estimated start and completion windows, including weather contingencies
- Payment schedule and written change-order procedure
- Workmanship and manufacturer warranty terms
- Cleanup, magnetic nail collection and disposal
Ohio Cancellation Rights: Know When They Apply
Ohio does not provide a universal three-day cancellation right for every purchase or contract. The Ohio Home Solicitation Sales Act generally provides three business days to cancel qualifying sales made in the consumer’s home or away from the seller’s normal place of business. The seller should provide the required written cancellation notice. Different facts and exceptions can change the result, so contact the Ohio Attorney General or an attorney for advice about a specific agreement.
Red Flags That Deserve a Pause
- Pressure to sign immediately because a price is available “today only”
- No permanent business address or reluctance to identify the legal company
- A vague estimate that lists only “new roof” without system details
- Requests for a large cash payment before materials or work
- Promises that insurance will definitely pay
- Offers to waive, absorb or hide an insurance deductible
- A warranty that is not supplied in writing
- A contractor who tells you permits or inspections never matter
Questions Worth Asking
Who will supervise my project?
Ask whether the supervisor is an employee or subcontractor, how to contact that person and who handles problems after installation.
What happens if damaged decking is discovered?
The contract should explain how replacement is authorized, priced and documented before extra work proceeds.
Can you guarantee insurance coverage?
No contractor controls an insurer’s coverage decision. A contractor may document visible conditions and estimate work; the insurer interprets the policy and decides the claim.
Should I get more than one estimate?
For a planned project, multiple detailed estimates can help you compare scope, materials and accountability. During emergency mitigation, protect the home first and keep documentation.
Need a roof inspection in Central Ohio? The Metal Roof Company serves Columbus and surrounding communities, including Franklin, Licking, Fairfield, Delaware, Madison and Perry counties. Call 614-721-7663 to discuss your property and current scheduling.
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