A roofing contract should be specific enough that a stranger could read it and know exactly what work is being done.
**Must appear:**
– **Full legal business name, physical address, and phone** — not just a brand name.
– **Detailed scope:** tear-off, number of layers, underlayment type, flashing replacement, ventilation work, and cleanup.
– **Exact materials:** manufacturer, product line, and color. “Architectural shingles” is not a specification.
– **Per-sheet decking price** for rot discovered after tear-off.
– **Total price with payment schedule** tied to milestones.
– **Start and completion timeline,** with how weather delays are handled.
– **Both warranties** stated separately — workmanship duration and manufacturer coverage.
– **Permit responsibility,** naming who pulls it.
– **The Texas deductible disclosure** required by Insurance Code 707.003 on storm work.
– **Lien waiver provision,** so suppliers can’t lien your property if the contractor doesn’t pay them.
**Watch for:**
– Blank spaces to be “filled in later.”
– Assignment of benefits language handing over control of your insurance claim.
– Any clause making the contract binding upon insurance approval rather than your signature.
Texas gives you a three-day right to cancel on most contracts signed at home following a declared disaster. Never sign the same day you meet someone.