Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Assignment of Benefits language — never sign
If the contract includes language transferring your insurance claim proceeds directly to the contractor: DO NOT SIGN. This is the AOB scam that’s caught thousands of NE homeowners in the last decade. Legitimate contractors do not require AOBs. You pay them directly with proceeds you receive from insurance.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Force majeure / weather delays
Acceptable: ‘Schedule subject to weather; force majeure events may delay completion.’ Acceptable: ‘Contractor will give 48-hour notice of weather-related delays.’ Red flag: open-ended schedule with no liquidated-damages clause for major delays.
Assignment of Benefits language — never sign
If the contract includes language transferring your insurance claim proceeds directly to the contractor: DO NOT SIGN. This is the AOB scam that’s caught thousands of NE homeowners in the last decade. Legitimate contractors do not require AOBs. You pay them directly with proceeds you receive from insurance.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Warranty terms — read carefully
Workmanship warranty length should be explicit (1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, lifetime). Warranty disqualifiers should be listed (typically: failure to maintain ventilation, modifications by other contractors, acts of God beyond standard wind ratings). Warranty transfer to next owner: typically yes, with notification.
Force majeure / weather delays
Acceptable: ‘Schedule subject to weather; force majeure events may delay completion.’ Acceptable: ‘Contractor will give 48-hour notice of weather-related delays.’ Red flag: open-ended schedule with no liquidated-damages clause for major delays.
Assignment of Benefits language — never sign
If the contract includes language transferring your insurance claim proceeds directly to the contractor: DO NOT SIGN. This is the AOB scam that’s caught thousands of NE homeowners in the last decade. Legitimate contractors do not require AOBs. You pay them directly with proceeds you receive from insurance.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Lien waivers and lien release
Standard: contractor provides lien waivers from any subcontractors or materials suppliers as their portions are paid. At final payment: contractor provides a full lien release. This protects you against the contractor failing to pay a supplier who could then lien your house. Reputable contractors do this routinely.
Warranty terms — read carefully
Workmanship warranty length should be explicit (1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, lifetime). Warranty disqualifiers should be listed (typically: failure to maintain ventilation, modifications by other contractors, acts of God beyond standard wind ratings). Warranty transfer to next owner: typically yes, with notification.
Force majeure / weather delays
Acceptable: ‘Schedule subject to weather; force majeure events may delay completion.’ Acceptable: ‘Contractor will give 48-hour notice of weather-related delays.’ Red flag: open-ended schedule with no liquidated-damages clause for major delays.
Assignment of Benefits language — never sign
If the contract includes language transferring your insurance claim proceeds directly to the contractor: DO NOT SIGN. This is the AOB scam that’s caught thousands of NE homeowners in the last decade. Legitimate contractors do not require AOBs. You pay them directly with proceeds you receive from insurance.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Change order language
Should specify: any change in scope (additional decking, ventilation upgrade, etc.) requires written change order BEFORE work proceeds, with explicit pricing. Bad: ‘Additional work will be invoiced at standard rates’ (you’re signing a blank check). Good: ‘Decking replacement at $X per sheet; verbal authorization first, written change order within 24 hours.’
Lien waivers and lien release
Standard: contractor provides lien waivers from any subcontractors or materials suppliers as their portions are paid. At final payment: contractor provides a full lien release. This protects you against the contractor failing to pay a supplier who could then lien your house. Reputable contractors do this routinely.
Warranty terms — read carefully
Workmanship warranty length should be explicit (1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, lifetime). Warranty disqualifiers should be listed (typically: failure to maintain ventilation, modifications by other contractors, acts of God beyond standard wind ratings). Warranty transfer to next owner: typically yes, with notification.
Force majeure / weather delays
Acceptable: ‘Schedule subject to weather; force majeure events may delay completion.’ Acceptable: ‘Contractor will give 48-hour notice of weather-related delays.’ Red flag: open-ended schedule with no liquidated-damages clause for major delays.
Assignment of Benefits language — never sign
If the contract includes language transferring your insurance claim proceeds directly to the contractor: DO NOT SIGN. This is the AOB scam that’s caught thousands of NE homeowners in the last decade. Legitimate contractors do not require AOBs. You pay them directly with proceeds you receive from insurance.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Payment schedules — the standard
Reasonable: 30-50% deposit at scheduling, balance on completion (with a 5-business-day review window for you to walk the work before final payment). Acceptable: 33% at scheduling / 33% at start / 34% at completion. Red flag: 100% up front (legitimate roofers don’t require this). Red flag: 50% deposit + 50% at install start (you have no leverage).
Change order language
Should specify: any change in scope (additional decking, ventilation upgrade, etc.) requires written change order BEFORE work proceeds, with explicit pricing. Bad: ‘Additional work will be invoiced at standard rates’ (you’re signing a blank check). Good: ‘Decking replacement at $X per sheet; verbal authorization first, written change order within 24 hours.’
Lien waivers and lien release
Standard: contractor provides lien waivers from any subcontractors or materials suppliers as their portions are paid. At final payment: contractor provides a full lien release. This protects you against the contractor failing to pay a supplier who could then lien your house. Reputable contractors do this routinely.
Warranty terms — read carefully
Workmanship warranty length should be explicit (1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, lifetime). Warranty disqualifiers should be listed (typically: failure to maintain ventilation, modifications by other contractors, acts of God beyond standard wind ratings). Warranty transfer to next owner: typically yes, with notification.
Force majeure / weather delays
Acceptable: ‘Schedule subject to weather; force majeure events may delay completion.’ Acceptable: ‘Contractor will give 48-hour notice of weather-related delays.’ Red flag: open-ended schedule with no liquidated-damages clause for major delays.
Assignment of Benefits language — never sign
If the contract includes language transferring your insurance claim proceeds directly to the contractor: DO NOT SIGN. This is the AOB scam that’s caught thousands of NE homeowners in the last decade. Legitimate contractors do not require AOBs. You pay them directly with proceeds you receive from insurance.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Things that MUST be in the contract
Total contract amount, payment schedule, project start and completion dates (or windows), specific shingle manufacturer + product + color, full install spec (fastening, flashing, ice-and-water shield length, ventilation, deck inspection), manufacturer warranty registration commitment, contractor workmanship warranty terms, contractor’s license number and insurance carrier.
Payment schedules — the standard
Reasonable: 30-50% deposit at scheduling, balance on completion (with a 5-business-day review window for you to walk the work before final payment). Acceptable: 33% at scheduling / 33% at start / 34% at completion. Red flag: 100% up front (legitimate roofers don’t require this). Red flag: 50% deposit + 50% at install start (you have no leverage).
Change order language
Should specify: any change in scope (additional decking, ventilation upgrade, etc.) requires written change order BEFORE work proceeds, with explicit pricing. Bad: ‘Additional work will be invoiced at standard rates’ (you’re signing a blank check). Good: ‘Decking replacement at $X per sheet; verbal authorization first, written change order within 24 hours.’
Lien waivers and lien release
Standard: contractor provides lien waivers from any subcontractors or materials suppliers as their portions are paid. At final payment: contractor provides a full lien release. This protects you against the contractor failing to pay a supplier who could then lien your house. Reputable contractors do this routinely.
Warranty terms — read carefully
Workmanship warranty length should be explicit (1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, lifetime). Warranty disqualifiers should be listed (typically: failure to maintain ventilation, modifications by other contractors, acts of God beyond standard wind ratings). Warranty transfer to next owner: typically yes, with notification.
Force majeure / weather delays
Acceptable: ‘Schedule subject to weather; force majeure events may delay completion.’ Acceptable: ‘Contractor will give 48-hour notice of weather-related delays.’ Red flag: open-ended schedule with no liquidated-damages clause for major delays.
Assignment of Benefits language — never sign
If the contract includes language transferring your insurance claim proceeds directly to the contractor: DO NOT SIGN. This is the AOB scam that’s caught thousands of NE homeowners in the last decade. Legitimate contractors do not require AOBs. You pay them directly with proceeds you receive from insurance.
Out-of-state contractor red flags
If the contract is being signed with a contractor whose business address is out of state (especially TX, FL, OK, NC) after a recent storm in your area: extremely high risk of storm-chaser scenario. Verify the contractor has a permanent local NE address and 5+ years operating history before signing.
Need help on this in person?
Roof Replacement →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Reference Guide
What to look for in a roofing contract before you sign.
Most roofing contracts in NE are 4-8 pages of standard terms. Knowing what should be there — and what shouldn’t — saves you from problems that don’t surface until months or years later.