Researching for the right roofing contractor or company is essential for a successful roofing project. Once you have finalized the roofer or a local roofing company, the next important question is when you should make the payment. The standard payment is made in three installments. In this blog, you will understand the payment installments and their timeline.
Read the Terms and Conditions of the Contract Thoroughly
Contract is the most important aspect of any deal between the client and the worker. A detailed contract includes payment schedule, material to be used, and the expected timeline. Also, make sure any local regulations or permits for roofing work are mentioned in the contract. Mark your signature only after understanding every factor, preventing unexpected expenses or delays.
Understand Roofing Payment Terms
It is required to know when to pay but it’s also important to understand how much to pay. The payment is mostly divided into three parts - depending on the type of project. Usually, a roofing contractor would ask for a deposit, ranging from 10% to 30% of the total project cost. Moreover, a larger amount would be required for a larger project but it should typically be less than ⅓ of the total project cost.
Now, the next significant element is milestone payments which are paid on the completion of the specific phases of the project. And, the final payment which is due until the completion of the project.
Initial Payment

The initial payment decides the commencement of the project. Therefore, it’s essential to be careful with the first payment. Generally, a deposit or down payment is made before the beginning of the project. However, it could be paid once the materials are delivered to your property. This ensures that roofers have all the necessary stuff to start the job without using part of your payment to fund another project.
Milestone Payments
It is basically a method of payment used for larger roofing projects, tied to the completion of specific agreed milestones. For reference, payment can be made after the completion of the tear-off and underlayment installation or once the new shingles are installed. This structure of payment assures that the project is progressing as scheduled and the payment is being made according to the terms of the contract.
Final Payment
Final payment is made once the job is completed as per your satisfaction and all the inspections are done. The inspection however can either be conducted by yourself with a checklist provided by the roofer or through a third-party inspector. It significantly ensures that any last minute adjustments or corrections can be made without any interruption in the financial transaction.
Cost of Hiring a Roofer
Understanding the cost of hiring a roofer is important for several reasons. The foremost reason is that once you know the financial worth of your project, you will be able to choose the right roofer with reasonable years of experience who can perform the job to your expectations. Another reason is you would be able to hire the roofer in your budget. Therefore, let’s understand the various components of the cost of a roofer, from the size of the project to the materials and the cost of the labor.
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Average roofing cost - $1,000
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Small repairs - $150 - $500
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Roof replacement (large project) - $10,000
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Labor cost of roofing - $50 - $75/hour
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Cost of fixing a composite roof - $500
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Cost of repairs for slate or metal roofs - $1,500 - $2,000
Ways to Choose a Reliable Roofer

There are a few roofers who run fraudulent schemes to lure people for money. Then, they disappear without completing the project. However, there are some trustworthy roofers who do the job completely and satisfactorily. You just have to find them using the following ways.
Words of mouth - Get information from neighbours, friends and family about any roofing contractors they have worked with and liked in the past.
Online Reviews - Search online and find out what others in your area are saying about their experience with local roofers.
References - Get down with three-four promising roofers and ask them for contacts. Get in touch with the homeowners with whom the roofer worked in the past and ask them about their experience with the roofers throughout the project. Moreover, the previous homeowner should be asked if they were satisfied with the project and how the timeline progressed.
Final Thoughts
Once the research and review is done, the proper contract is filed, payments and timeline is decided, you can start working on the project with your selected roofer. It is essential to understand the roofing payment terms before starting the project. It brings clarity and save you from any future financial complications.