[WA] How do I revoke a roofing insurance waiver after the homeowner refused repairs?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how frustrating it can be when a customer is uncooperative regarding necessary repairs. Can you tell me what specific repairs you are trying to perform?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already communicated with the customer about the insurance waiver and their concerns?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your insurance waiver.

Jon

Hello, and thank you for reaching out. I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience, here to help.

I understand legal matters can feel overwhelming, but you’re in good hands. My goal is to explain things clearly and guide you toward the best possible solution for your situation.

Just a quick note: Our conversation is for general legal information only and does not create an attorney–client relationship.

Can you please tell me which state this issue is taking place in?

Jon

Thanks for sharing that. It sounds like a tricky situation. Could you tell me if there was any written agreement or documentation regarding the waiver and the repairs?

Jon

Got it, thanks for clarifying. Could you explain a bit more about what the waiver covered and any potential consequences if the repairs aren't completed?

Jon

Understood! I believe I have all the information I need. Is there anything else you'd like to add before I start working on your answer? If not, I’ll get started right away.

Jon

Got it! I just need a few minutes to put together a complete response for you. It shouldn’t take longer than about 4–5 minutes, and I want to make sure it’s clear and comprehensive. Thanks so much for waiting—I really appreciate your patience.

Jon

This is a tough spot to be in because your professional license and reputation are now connected to a roof that you believe needs repairs, but the customer is refusing to move forward. That puts you in a risky position, especially since your name is on a waiver saying the roof will last three years without repairs.

Before anything else, it’s important to know that I can’t give legal advice, but I can help you understand what’s happening and what steps you might discuss with a Washington attorney who knows construction or professional liability law.

In Washington State, when you signed that waiver, you essentially gave a professional opinion saying the roof was in good shape for three years. That statement carries legal weight because it’s your certification as a licensed roofer. If the roof leaks or fails before that time and causes damage, the homeowner or their insurance company could accuse you of negligence or professional error. The problem is that you already knew the roof needed repairs and only signed the waiver based on the customer’s verbal promise to fix it later. Unfortunately, that kind of verbal agreement doesn’t hold much legal weight, especially when the written document—the waiver—says something different.

Washington law (RCW 19.186.020) requires roofing and siding contracts to be in writing and to include specific details. Since the repair agreement was only verbal, it’s not a strong defense. The written waiver becomes the document that defines your responsibility, even though you knew it didn’t reflect the true condition of the roof.

Jon

At this point, the main goal is to protect your license and reputation by withdrawing your professional opinion in a way that’s legally valid. You’ll want to talk to an attorney right away, but here’s what that conversation might include.

You could formally revoke your opinion in writing. That means sending the customer a certified letter stating that your earlier statement—that the roof is “good for three years without repairs”—was based on the expectation that repairs would be completed right away. Since the customer refused to allow those repairs, your certification is no longer valid. The letter should clearly describe which repairs were needed and how the customer’s refusal changes the condition of the roof. It’s also smart to send a copy of this letter to the insurance company that received the original waiver, so they know your certification no longer stands.

Documentation will be your best protection. Write down everything—the date you signed the waiver, the wording on it, the conversations where the customer refused the repairs, and why you believe the roof needs immediate work. Photos and inspection notes are especially valuable.

Your attorney may also recommend contacting the insurance company directly. Let them know the waiver was only meant to apply if the repairs were made. Once they understand the customer’s refusal, the insurer might decide to cancel coverage rather than risk a future claim that could involve both them and you.

In short, your top priority is to revoke your professional opinion in writing and consult a Washington attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps protect your business, your license, and your reputation from any fallout if the roof fails later on.

Jon

You are correct that a homeowner's insurance policy details are private, and you are not entitled to that information. However, you do not need the specific name of the insurance company or the policy number to protect yourself.

You must immediately send the homeowner a formal, written notice via certified mail with return receipt requested. This letter must clearly state that your professional certification (the waiver) was contingent upon the agreed-upon repairs being completed. Because the customer has since refused to allow those necessary repairs, your opinion that the roof is "good for 3 years without repairs" is now formally and legally revoked and nullified.

Crucially, the letter should instruct the homeowner that they have a duty to immediately forward this revocation notice to their insurance carrier.

Keeping the certified mail receipts and a copy of the letter is essential for your defense against any future liability claims or issues with your WA contractor license. Consult with an attorney experienced in construction law immediately to ensure the letter's language offers maximum legal protection.

Jon

Yes, sending the formal, documented revocation notice to the customer is the primary way to remove your liability. You are officially retracting your professional opinion because the homeowner refused the necessary, contingent repairs. This action shifts the burden of risk and notification to the homeowner, who is legally obligated to inform their insurance carrier of the change in the property's condition. While this doesn't guarantee you'll avoid a complaint, it provides strong, critical evidence for your legal defense against any future claims.

Jon

Yes, given the verbal nature of the repair agreement and the written waiver, sending the formal, documented revocation notice to the customer via certified mail is the single most critical step you can take. This action legally severs your professional liability by correcting the record and proving you took immediate, reasonable action to nullify the initial opinion due to the customer's refusal of necessary repairs.

Jon

You're welcome! I do hope the information I provided was helpful and addressed your question. If there's anything else you need, please don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!