A clear roofing scope of work helps a property owner and contractor agree on what a roofing project includes before work begins. It can reduce misunderstandings about materials, tear-off, repairs, cleanup, costs, and warranties. The template below is designed for common U.S. residential roofing projects and can be adapted for commercial work. Local codes, product instructions, insurance requirements, and contract laws vary, so the final document should be reviewed for the project’s location and circumstances.
Roofing Scope of Work Template
Copy and customize the sections below. Replace bracketed text with project-specific details, remove items that do not apply, and attach drawings, product specifications, and estimates when relevant.
Project name: [Project name or description]
Property address: [Street address, city, state, ZIP]
Owner or authorized representative: [Name, phone, email]
Roofing contractor: [Legal business name, address, phone, email]
Contractor license or registration number, if required: [Number and issuing authority]
Project dates: Anticipated start [date]; estimated completion [date or duration], subject to weather, material availability, inspections, and approved changes.
Work description: Contractor will provide labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and services described in this scope for roofing work at the property. Work is limited to the areas and items specifically listed below.
1. Existing Roof and Project Area
Building and roof area: [Building, unit, roof section, or elevation]
Approximate roof size: [Square feet or roofing squares, if known]. Confirm how measurements were calculated and whether the estimate includes waste, ridges, hips, valleys, and starter materials.
Existing roofing system: [Material, number of layers if known, roof pitch, and visible conditions]
Included areas: [Slopes, porch roofs, garage, low-slope sections, or other areas]
Excluded areas: [Skylights, gutters, siding, chimney masonry, solar equipment, interior repairs, detached buildings, or other exclusions]
Before work starts, the parties should document visible conditions and any known leaks, damaged sheathing, ventilation concerns, or access limitations. Hidden conditions may not be identifiable until the existing roofing is removed. The contract should explain how those conditions will be inspected, reported, priced, and approved.
2. Removal and Disposal
Contractor will [remove / leave in place] the existing roofing materials in the listed project area. Specify whether removal includes shingles or other roof covering, underlayment, flashing, ridge materials, and existing fasteners. State the number of existing layers included in the quoted price and the price or process for additional layers.
Disposal: Contractor will collect and dispose of project debris at [approved facility or other method], subject to applicable rules. The quote should identify whether dumpster fees, hauling, and disposal charges are included.
Protection: Contractor will use reasonable measures to protect landscaping, walkways, siding, windows, and other property near the work area. Identify any special protection requested, such as plywood over delicate plants or protection for a driveway.
Removal can expose deteriorated decking, framing, or other concealed damage. The contractor should photograph or otherwise document the condition, notify the owner, and obtain written authorization for extra work before proceeding, except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to prevent further damage. The scope should set out the applicable unit price or estimate process.
3. Materials and Installation
List products precisely. “New roof” is not a complete material specification. Include manufacturer, product line, material type, color, applicable rating or designation, and any required accessories. Confirm selections and availability before ordering.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Roof covering | [Manufacturer, product, material, color, profile, and rating] |
| Underlayment | [Product and installation area] |
| Leak barrier | [Product and locations, such as eaves, valleys, or penetrations, as applicable] |
| Starter and ridge products | [Product and locations] |
| Flashing | [Material, locations, and whether existing flashing will be replaced or reused] |
| Ventilation | [Existing system, new components, and scope of work] |
| Fasteners and accessories | [Product or required specification] |
Contractor will install the roofing system in accordance with the approved scope, applicable local requirements, and the relevant manufacturer’s installation instructions. The contract should identify the specific products and details governing the assembly; requirements can vary by product, roof design, climate, and jurisdiction.
Flashing and penetrations: Specify work at chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, walls, valleys, and other roof openings. State whether existing components will be replaced, repaired, or retained. Masonry repair, skylight replacement, and interior finishing should be listed separately if included.
Ventilation: Describe any intake or exhaust ventilation work and whether it is a repair, replacement, or design change. A roofing contract should not imply that ventilation adequacy has been assessed unless that evaluation is part of the scope.
4. Decking, Repairs, and Concealed Conditions
Define the included allowance for decking or other repairs. For example: “The base price includes replacement of up to [number] sheets of [specified decking]. Additional replacement requires written approval and will be billed at [unit price] per sheet, plus any stated labor or disposal charges.” Use a unit that is clear for the actual material and local pricing.
Specify what counts as damaged decking, who will determine whether replacement is needed, and whether the owner may inspect photographs before approval. If structural framing, insulation, or water damage is discovered, explain that those items are [included / excluded] and how separate proposals will be handled.
5. Permits, Inspections, and Code Requirements
State who is responsible for checking permit requirements, applying for permits, paying permit fees, and arranging required inspections. For example: “Contractor will obtain required roofing permits and coordinate inspections; permit fees are [included / billed separately].” If the owner is responsible for a particular task, identify it specifically.
Permit and inspection rules differ among states, counties, cities, and other local authorities. The International Code Council publishes model codes, but jurisdictions adopt and amend codes locally. The scope should avoid assuming that one code edition or requirement applies everywhere. Refer to the authority having jurisdiction and the approved project documents where applicable.
6. Schedule, Site Access, and Weather
Estimated schedule: Work is expected to begin [date or time window] and take approximately [duration], subject to weather, inspections, delivery schedules, site conditions, and approved changes.
Access and staging: Identify access points, material delivery locations, parking arrangements, work hours, and any restrictions. The owner should disclose known access issues, building rules, pets, or sensitive areas.
Roof work is weather-dependent. State how the contractor will protect exposed areas if work is interrupted and how schedule changes will be communicated. The parties should also agree on a contact method for urgent issues and whether the property must be accessible during work.
7. Cleanup and Property Protection
Contractor will remove roofing debris and job-related waste from the project area and leave the site in a reasonably clean condition. Specify whether cleanup includes magnetic collection of loose roofing nails, removal of the dumpster, and a final walkthrough. Clarify that routine cleanup does not necessarily identify or remove every fastener from landscaping, gravel, or inaccessible areas.
Document responsibility for damage caused by the work and the process for reporting it. The scope should also state how the contractor will handle discovered pre-existing damage, such as deteriorated trim or damaged gutters, which may not be part of the roofing work.
8. Price, Payment, and Changes
Contract price: $[amount]. The price [includes / excludes] applicable taxes, permit fees, disposal, specified decking allowance, and listed options.
Payment schedule: [Describe deposit, progress payments, and final payment, including the event that triggers each payment.] Payment terms and limits on deposits can be regulated by state or local law. The parties should check applicable requirements and avoid relying on a generic schedule where local rules differ.
Change orders: Any change to materials, quantities, price, or work must be recorded in a written change order approved by both parties before the changed work begins, unless emergency circumstances or applicable law provide otherwise. Each change order should describe the change, added or deducted cost, and effect on schedule.
Separate the base contract from optional upgrades, allowances, and possible additional work. A clear estimate can identify unit prices for common concealed conditions, such as decking replacement, while making clear that the final quantity is not known until the roof is opened.
9. Warranties and Closeout
Identify each warranty by provider, duration, coverage, limitations, and process for making a claim. Distinguish the manufacturer’s product warranty from the contractor’s workmanship warranty. State when each begins, whether registration is required, and whether the warranty may be transferred.
Manufacturer warranties vary by product and may have conditions involving installation, maintenance, and registration. The contractor should provide the actual warranty documents rather than rely only on a description in the proposal. A workmanship warranty is offered by the contractor and is separate from manufacturer coverage.
At completion, list the documents the owner will receive, such as final invoice, permit or inspection records when applicable, product information, warranty documents, and care or maintenance instructions. State how the owner can report incomplete work or a concern after the crew leaves.
10. Signatures and Attachments
By signing, the parties acknowledge that this scope and its listed attachments describe the agreed work, subject to the complete contract and applicable law. Each party should retain a signed copy.
Owner: [Name] Signature: [Signature] Date: [Date]
Contractor representative: [Name and title] Signature: [Signature] Date: [Date]
Attachments: [Estimate, product selections, roof diagram, photographs, insurance documentation, permit information, warranty terms, or other exhibits]
How to Use a Roofing Scope of Work
A roofing scope of work is most useful when it matches the contractor’s proposal and the signed agreement. Before signing, check that the address, work areas, quantities, products, exclusions, allowances, payment terms, and warranty documents are consistent across all paperwork. Ask for vague phrases such as “repair as needed” to be clarified with a defined method, limit, or approval process.
For U.S. residential projects, consumers can check contractor licensing requirements with the relevant state or local agency; licensing rules are not uniform nationwide. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to get several written estimates, check references, and avoid paying the full price upfront. State and local consumer-protection rules may impose additional contract requirements.
Useful references include the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance on hiring a contractor, the International Code Council’s information on model codes, and the California Contractors State License Board’s homeowner guidance. These resources provide general information; the contract and local authority determine project-specific requirements.