About the contractor
- What is your Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number? You can look it up on the state's online registry.
- Who holds the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for this job, and will that person pull the permit?
- Will your own crew do the work, or a subcontractor? Who is in charge on site each day?
- Can you show proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage?
Our permits and licenses guide explains what the HIC and CSL are and how to check them.
About the contract
Massachusetts home improvement law (Chapter 142A) expects a written contract for a job like a roof replacement. It should name the contractor's HIC number, a start date and a completion date, and describe the work in plain terms. The law also limits the deposit that can be taken up front, generally to one-third of the total, with an exception for special-order materials.
- Does the contract say tear-off, how many layers, and that the deck will be inspected once exposed?
- How is replacement of rotted decking handled and approved if it is found?
- If I sign at home, where is the notice of my three-day right to cancel?
About the roof itself
- How far up from the eaves will ice and water barrier go? (In this climate, the code calls for it at the eaves.)
- Will chimney, wall and vent flashing be replaced, or reused?
- How will the attic be vented: ridge vent, soffit intake, or both?
- Will the drip edge and any gutter work be included?
- Which shingle line and color, and is it architectural or three-tab?
If any of these are new to you, see chimney flashing, attic ventilation and gutters and drip edge.
About the job days
- How many days on site, and what happens if rain or snow interrupts the tear-off?
- How will landscaping, siding and windows be protected?
- Will you run a magnet sweep for nails in the driveway and yard?
- Who signs off with the building department at the end?
Want a contractor to look at your roof? One call connects you with a participating local roofer.
Call (888) 292-4916Questions homeowners ask
Do I pull the roofing permit or does the contractor?
Normally the contractor pulls it in their own name. A homeowner who pulls the permit themselves can lose some protections under the state's home improvement law, so think twice if a roofer asks you to do it.
How many roofers should I talk to?
Two or three is common. More useful than the number is making sure each one describes the full scope in writing.
Should I be at home during the work?
It helps to be reachable on the first day, when the old roof is off and decking decisions are made.