Roofing contracts, deposits and your rights in WA

When a roofing job goes wrong, the problem is often something that was never written down: what the price covered, how much was paid upfront, or whether extra work was agreed. Knowing the WA rules before you sign makes those problems less likely.

What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?#

A quote is a total price that forms a binding contract once you accept it; an estimate is an approximate cost that can change. Consumer Protection WA describes an estimate as a best guess, so the final bill may be higher or lower.

For roof work, where hidden damage is common, ask for a quote that lists uncertain items with a rate or an approval step for each. Consumer Protection also warns against open contracts, because prices and conditions can change without your agreement.

Does a roofing job need a written contract?#

For home building work contracts valued between $7,500 and $500,000, the answer is yes. Under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991, the contract must be in writing, contain all the terms, show the date and be signed by both parties. An oral agreement does not comply.

Before you sign, the builder must also give you the prescribed Notice for the Home Owner, which summarises your rights and obligations under the Act (Schedule 1 of the Home Building Contracts Regulations 1992). Under the Act, “builder” means anyone in the business of doing home building work for others, whether or not they are a registered builder, so a roofing contractor can be a builder for these purposes.

For smaller jobs the Act does not apply, but a written quote or contract is still your best protection.

How much deposit can a roofer ask for in WA?#

The limit depends on the size of the contract.

Consumer Protection also suggests paying by credit card where possible, which may let you request a chargeback if the work is not done. Our guide to comparing roofing quotes lists other payment warning signs, such as requests for cash.

How should progress payments work?#

Under the Home Building Contracts Act, once work starts, each progress payment must be for work actually performed or materials already supplied. Building and Energy’s example is that a builder cannot claim a payment for bricks until the bricks have been delivered; for a roof, the same logic applies to new sheets or tiles delivered to site.

A sensible payment schedule ties each stage to something you can see, such as removal of the old roof, installation of new battens and sheets, and completion. Consumer Protection’s general guidance is to pay instalments as the work is done, as set out in the quote terms.

What happens if the roofer finds more work?#

Extra work needs your consent. Consumer Protection WA says tradespeople must get your permission before doing extra work, cannot do the work first and bill later, and you do not have to pay for extra work done without your permission.

For contracts under the Home Building Contracts Act, a variation should usually be in writing, dated and signed by both parties, with a copy given to you before the variation work starts. Exceptions can include changes directed by a building surveyor or circumstances that could not have been foreseen when the contract was made.

What if a roofer knocks on your door?#

If a salesperson comes to your home uninvited, or comes to give a quote and then negotiates a deal, it may be an unsolicited consumer agreement. Under the Australian Consumer Law you then have 10 business days to reconsider and cancel without penalty.

During those 10 business days the supplier must not accept any payment or supply any services under the agreement. You can cancel orally or in writing. Be wary of anyone who claims your roof is dangerous, offers a price for today only or wants to start straight away. Unexpected repair offers after a storm deserve the same caution; our storm damage page covers what to do first.

When must the roofer be a registered builder?#

“Builder work” is building work that needs a building permit, is valued at $20,000 or more and is in the prescribed area of WA, which includes Perth. It must be carried out by a registered building contractor. A roof replacement, especially one that changes the roof material, is the kind of job that often needs a permit; our building permits guide explains when.

You can check a builder’s registration through the WA Government’s online register of building service providers or the ServiceWA app. Check the registration number on the contract against the register before you pay anything.

What protections do you have if the work is poor?#

Roofers must follow the Australian Consumer Law, so their work is covered by the consumer guarantees: it must be done with acceptable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and contract terms must be fair. A contractor’s written warranty sits on top of these guarantees and does not replace them.

For contracts under the Home Building Contracts Act, Building and Energy’s fact sheet says builders must make good, at no cost to the owner, defects notified in writing within four months of practical completion. Put any defect in writing, with photos, as soon as you notice it. An independent roof inspection can help document what is wrong if the contractor disagrees.

Where do you go if there is a dispute?#

Start with the contractor. Consumer Protection suggests putting the problem in writing and proposing a reasonable solution. If that does not work, the right agency depends on the issue:

• Consumer Protection WA handles Australian Consumer Law issues, such as consumer guarantees, misleading claims and unsolicited agreements.
• Building and Energy handles building, registration and building-contract matters. Its fact sheet says it can deal with contract disputes for home building work contracts between $7,500 and $500,000 if the complaint is lodged within three years of when the dispute arose, and with workmanship complaints regardless of value within six years of completion.

Legal action is the last resort. A well-documented quote, as described in our roof replacement cost guide, makes any dispute easier to resolve.