01 / Credentials
Registration and insurance are separate checks.
Connecticut home improvement contractor registration and insurance answer different questions. Ask for the HIC number, then confirm the current business name and status at the official Connecticut eLicense lookup. Do not rely on a screenshot supplied by anyone, including Roofline.
Request current certificates for general liability and workers’ compensation where applicable. Confirm the policy details with the issuer if you need assurance. A registration match does not prove insurance, workmanship, financial stability, or availability.
02 / Scope
Make every bidder price the same job.
A low total can hide a different job. Ask each contractor to describe the complete roof system and the allowances for unknown conditions.
- Existing roof removal, number of layers, disposal, and site protection.
- Deck inspection and the unit price or allowance for replacement.
- Leak barrier, underlayment, starter, drip edge, flashing, and ventilation.
- Material manufacturer, product line, color, and any accessory system.
- Skylights, chimneys, valleys, penetrations, gutters, and siding interfaces.
- Cleanup, magnetic nail sweep, landscape protection, and damage responsibility.
Use the bid normalizer to record identical categories for three quotes. An unanswered line is a question, not a defect—and definitely not something to fill with an assumption.
03 / Agreement
Put responsibilities and change orders in writing.
Before signing, identify the legal business, registration number, address, project address, start and completion framework, payment schedule, permit responsibility, warranty terms, and cleanup obligations. Keep manufacturer and workmanship warranties distinct.
Deck damage and other concealed conditions may be impossible to price fully in advance. The contract should explain how those conditions are documented, approved, and priced. Avoid blank fields and keep every signed change order with the project record.
04 / Conversation
Ten questions that produce useful answers.
- What is the legal business name and current Connecticut HIC number?
- Who will be on site, and who supervises employees or subcontractors?
- What exactly is included in tear-off, disposal, and property protection?
- How are deck repairs documented and priced?
- Which complete material system and accessories are specified?
- How will flashing, penetrations, attic ventilation, and water-shedding details be handled?
- Who obtains permits and schedules inspections if required?
- What workmanship and manufacturer warranties apply, and what excludes them?
- What schedule and payment milestones should I expect?
- What documents will I receive at closeout?