This matters most right after a storm, when out-of-state crews arrive in the metro and the combination of visible damage, urgency, and easy financing does a lot of persuading. Here's what to watch for — and the cancellation rights you already have if you've signed something you regret.

Eight Warning Signs

  • 1. The price or financing offer expires today

    Legitimate pricing survives a night's sleep. Manufactured urgency exists to prevent comparison shopping, which is exactly what you should be doing.

    A real roof problem still exists tomorrow. So does a real discount.

  • 2. "No interest" that turns out to be deferred interest

    If a promotional balance isn't cleared in full before the period ends, interest may be charged retroactively on the entire original amount from day one. That's very different from interest being waived.

    Ask outright: is the interest waived, or deferred?

  • 3. Only the monthly payment is discussed

    Payment alone hides term length, APR, and total cost. A comfortable payment stretched over long enough will finance a roof twice.

    Ask for APR and total of payments — see our lender questions.

  • 4. An offer to waive, absorb, or rebate your deductible

    Your deductible is the portion of the loss your policy requires you to bear. Arrangements that disguise it — inflated invoices, "free upgrades" equal to the deductible, rebates — can create exposure for you as well as the contractor.

    Covered in detail on financing a deductible.

  • 5. Blank spaces, or signing before the scope is written

    Never sign a contract with blank fields to be "filled in later," and never finance a scope of work that hasn't been itemized. What you're borrowing against should be specified before you commit.

    An itemized estimate is standard, not a special request.

  • 6. A large deposit demanded up front, especially in cash

    Substantial cash up front, wire transfers, or payment to an individual rather than a business are all patterns worth refusing. Traceable payment methods protect you.

    No traceable payment, no recourse.

  • 7. The "inspection authorization" is actually a contract

    Some door-to-door forms presented as permission to inspect are contingency agreements that bind you to that contractor if a claim is approved. Read what's above the signature line.

    If it has a signature line, it's worth reading in full.

  • 8. Vague answers about liens or security interests

    Ask plainly whether the financing places a lien or security interest on your home. Contractors and suppliers generally have mechanic's lien rights when unpaid — which is also why lien waivers from subcontractors matter as work completes.

    You should never be unsure whether your house is collateral.

If you already signed: you may still have three days

Under the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule, sales over $25 made at your home — or anywhere other than the seller's permanent place of business — generally carry the right to cancel until midnight of the third business day. The contract must state that right in bold-face type of at least 10 points. The rule does not cover sales made entirely online, by mail, or by phone.

Separately, if the financing is a home equity loan, HELOC, or refinance secured by your primary residence, the Truth in Lending Act generally provides a three-business-day right of rescission, which the CFPB notes can be waived only for a bona fide personal financial emergency using your own written statement.

Cancel in writing, keep a dated copy, and send it so you can prove delivery.

Where to Report a Problem in New Mexico

Contractor conduct is regulated by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division, which licenses roofers and handles complaints. If an insurance company's handling is the issue rather than the contractor's, that belongs with the Office of Superintendent of Insurance. Verify any contractor's license through the PSI public search portal before signing — full walkthrough on our consumer protections page.

Our own position, plainly

We don't originate loans, we don't run same-day pricing, and we won't touch your deductible. If a quote from us needs a night to think about, take the night. The Roof Cost Guide exists so you can sanity-check any number you're given — including ours.