Key takeaways
- Explain your written contract and what it includes on your website.
- State your deposit policy plainly; homeowners compare this.
- Mention the cooling-off period. Transparency beats surprises.
What does Ontario require of roofing contracts?
The province’s guide for home renovation and roofing businesses (opens in a new tab) explains that contracts worth more than $50 must be in writing and lists what they should include: your business details, a description of the work and materials, warranties, total cost with taxes, schedule, subcontractors, payment schedule with deposit, and cleanup responsibilities. This is general information, not legal advice; check the guide and your lawyer for your situation.
Why put this on your website?
Homeowners worry about being overcharged or left with a half-finished roof. A short ‘How our contracts work’ section answers those fears before they ask. It also sets you apart from operators who take large cash deposits with no paperwork.
What should the website say?
- You provide a written, itemized quote and contract for every job
- Your deposit policy (the province recommends no more than 10% of the total)
- Your payment schedule and accepted payment methods
- Workmanship and manufacturer warranties, and how to make a claim
- That customers who sign at home have a 10-day cooling-off period
Where should it go?
A short summary on your roof replacement page, near the quote form, plus an FAQ entry. Link to the province’s consumer page on rights when starting home renovations or repairs (opens in a new tab) so homeowners can see you’re following the rules. Our roofing websites include a ‘How we work’ section like this.
Does this help with local search?
Indirectly. Detailed, trustworthy pages that answer real questions tend to keep visitors on your site and earn more calls. Combined with area pages for places like Mississauga and Vaughan, they make your site more useful than competitors’ thin pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can a roofer ask for a large deposit in Ontario?
Ontario’s business guide recommends deposits of no more than 10% of the total project cost. Explain your policy clearly on your website and in your contract.
Do I need to mention the cooling-off period on my website?
It isn’t a website requirement, but mentioning it is honest and reassuring. Your contract must handle cancellation rights properly.
Should roofing warranties be on the website?
Yes. Summarize workmanship and manufacturer warranties in plain words, and explain how a customer makes a claim.
Sources & further reading
- guide for home renovation and roofing businesses (ontario.ca)
- rights when starting home renovations or repairs (ontario.ca)
Programs, rules and platform guidelines change. Always check the official source before acting. This article is general information, not legal advice.
