1. Beware of the “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Estimate

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing a contractor based solely on price.

Yes, roofing and skylight work can be expensive. But going with the lowest bid almost always means:

• Inferior materials
  
  
• Underpaid or unskilled labor
  
  
• No permits or inspections
  
  
• Hidden upcharges later
  
  

We’ve seen “budget” contractors reuse old flashing, skip essential underlayment, or slap on off-brand shingles that don’t hold up in New England weather.

Tip: Get at least three quotes, and if one is significantly lower than the rest, ask why. A good contractor should be able to explain their pricing clearly—without evasion or pressure.

2. Ask: Are They Actually Licensed and Insured?

It sounds basic, but you’d be shocked how many roofing crews operate without proper licensing or insurance.

Here’s why it matters:

• If a worker is injured on your property and the company isn’t insured, you could be liable
  
  
• If the work fails and they disappear, you have no legal recourse
  
  
• In many towns, permits are only issued to licensed contractors
  
  

Tip: Ask to see a copy of both the contractor’s license and insurance certificate. Then confirm that the name on the quote matches the documentation.

3. Watch for Pushy Sales Tactics

There’s a difference between confidence and pressure.

If a contractor:

• Tells you the deal is only good “today”
  
  
• Demands a large deposit before scheduling
  
  
• Uses scare tactics about roof damage that you can’t see
  
  
• Gets uncomfortable when you ask for time to think
  
  

…that’s a red flag.

At Synergy Skylights & Roofing, we believe in educating our clients—not pressuring them. A reputable contractor should give you the information you need and let you make the decision.

4. Look Out for Vague or Verbal Quotes

A proper quote should be detailed and written, not scribbled on a clipboard or shared over the phone.

Here’s what a professional roofing or skylight estimate should include:

• Scope of work (demo, install, cleanup)
  
  
• Exact materials (brand, product line, color)
  
  
• Labor costs and warranty info
  
  
• Timeline for start and completion
  
  
• Payment schedule
  
  
• Who’s responsible for permits
  
  

Tip: If the contractor avoids putting things in writing or keeps “forgetting” to send you the estimate, walk away. It only gets worse from there.

5. Ask About Warranties (Then Get Them in Writing)

You want coverage in two areas:

• Manufacturer’s warranty (for shingles, skylights, etc.)
  
  
• Workmanship warranty (from the contractor)
  
  

Too often, homeowners assume their new roof or skylight is fully protected, only to find out the installation voided the product warranty—or that there’s no workmanship coverage at all.

Tip: Ask:

• What’s covered under warranty?
  
  
• For how long?
  
  
• Is it transferable if I sell the house?
  
  
• What would void the warranty?
  
  

Reputable companies like Synergy Skylights & Roofing register your warranties and provide documentation before the job is complete.

6. Do They Actually Specialize in What You Need?

There’s a difference between a general handyman and a certified skylight installer. Or between a guy with a truck and a true roofing professional.

For example:

• Skylights require specific flashing and sealing techniques
  
  
• Roofing manufacturers (like GAF) train and certify contractors
  
  
• VELUX skylight systems offer extended warranties only when installed by certified partners
  
  

Tip: Don’t settle for “we’ve done that before.” Look for companies that specialize in roofing and/or skylights, and have credentials to prove it.

7. Read Their Reviews—Carefully

Reviews are more than just star ratings. Read the actual comments to look for patterns:

• Are customers mentioning reliability, communication, and professionalism?
  
  
• Do they praise the cleanup and follow-through?
  
  
• Are there multiple complaints about leaks, delays, or warranty problems?
  
  

Also, check how recent the reviews are. A company that had five-star service five years ago but hasn’t been reviewed since may not be the same team today.

Tip: Search their Google Business Profile, not just the testimonials on their website.

Here’s Synergy Skylights & Roofing’s Google Profile if you want an example.

8. Don’t Overlook Cleanup and Respect for Your Home

The job isn’t over when the last shingle goes down. We’ve seen crews leave behind nails in driveways, broken siding, or dust from a rushed skylight install.

A quality contractor will:

• Protect your floors and furniture (especially during skylight installs)
  
  
• Use magnetic tools to collect nails from your yard
  
  
• Walk the property with you before calling the job done
  
  

Tip: Ask your contractor in advance how they handle cleanup. The answer will tell you a lot about their professionalism.

9. Gut Check: How Do They Communicate?

How a company communicates is often how they work.

• Do they call back when they say they will?
  
  
• Do they send documentation quickly and clearly?
  
  
• Do they answer questions without getting defensive or vague?
  
  

It’s a gut-level thing—but if you feel like you’re being brushed off, rushed, or ignored during the quote process, it’s not going to improve once work starts.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home by Choosing Smart

A roof or skylight project is one of the biggest home investments you’ll make. Done right, it protects your house, saves money, and adds value for decades. Done wrong, it’s a source of stress, damage, and costly rework.

You don’t have to become a roofing expert to get it right. You just need to:

• Ask the right questions
  
  
• Avoid red flags
  
  
• Work with a company that cares more about quality than shortcuts
  
  

Want a Contractor You Can Trust?

At Synergy Skylights & Roofing, we specialize in roofing and skylight work done right the first time—with full transparency, certified installers, and no high-pressure games.

📍 Check out our Google Business Profile for real reviews
🌐 Learn more at synergyskylights.com
📞 Call 978-307-8023 to schedule a free inspection or consultation

FAQs

Q: How much of a deposit should I expect to pay up front?
A: Most reputable contractors ask for a small deposit (10–30%) once you’ve signed a contract. Be cautious if you’re asked to pay more before any work starts.

Q: What’s a normal warranty for roofing or skylight work?
A: Manufacturer warranties range from 20–50 years depending on the product. Synergy also includes a labor warranty to back up our installation quality.

Q: Can Synergy inspect work done by another contractor?
A: Yes. If you’re unsure about a past job—or suspect something wasn’t done right—we can provide an honest, professional assessment.