The First 90 Days With a New Roofing Contract

A roofing contract lives for 90-120 days from signature to final payment. The common owner mistake is treating the contract as closed once signed. It is not. The first 90 days contain 3-4 cancellation windows, 2 supplement opportunities, and at least one mortgage company hurdle.

Week by Week Timeline

Days 0-3: The Signing Window

• Contract signed
• Right of rescission typically runs 3 business days under state solicitation rules
• Welcome call from rep within 24 hours
• Contingency agreement delivered to homeowner for their records

Cancellation risk: 10-20%. This is the highest window. Most cancels happen on day 2 or day 3 after the homeowner sleeps on it or a relative talks them out.

Days 4-14: Claim Filing and Inspection

For insurance jobs:

• Homeowner files claim with carrier (or rep helps)
• Adjuster assigned within 2-5 business days
• Adjuster inspection scheduled, usually 5-10 days out
• Rep meets the adjuster on-site

Cancellation risk: 5-8%. A homeowner who hears "denied" or "not enough damage" on the phone may pull the plug before the adjuster arrives. Stay in weekly contact.

Days 15-30: Approval or Dispute

• Carrier issues scope of loss (approval letter with line items) or denial
• If approved: ACV check issued to homeowner and often mortgage company
• If partial approval: identify supplement opportunities
• If denied: reinspection request, see claim denial playbook

Cancellation risk: 10-15% if denied or partially approved. Clear communication about what comes next is the buffer.

Days 31-45: Material Order and Scheduling

• Deposit or ACV check collected
• Material ordered, 7-14 day lead time
• Install scheduled on production calendar
• Mortgage endorsement process started if check is joint-payable

Cancellation risk: 2-5%. The material order is a psychological commitment. Once shingles are sitting in the driveway, cancellation is rare.

Days 46-60: Install Week

• Day-before call
• Install, typically 1-3 days
• Post-install walkthrough
• Certificate of completion signed
• Final invoice issued

Days 61-75: Depreciation Collection

• Final invoice sent to carrier to trigger RCV release
• Carrier may request W-9, certificate of completion, photos
• Depreciation check issued, usually 10-20 business days
• If mortgage-endorsed: mortgage company inspection and endorsement

See depreciation collection playbook for the paperwork detail.

Days 76-90: Final Payment and Close

• Final payment from homeowner
• Mortgage company releases endorsed check if applicable
• Job file closed in system
• Review ask and referral request
• Customer added to annual inspection and newsletter list

Supplement Timing

Two windows to file supplements:

1. Pre-install (Days 15-40): adjuster missed items. Code upgrades, flashings, vents. Average approved supplement: $1,500-3,500.
2. Post-install (Days 45-60): items discovered during tear-off. Rotted decking, ice shield, additional starter. Average approved supplement: $800-2,200.

Supplements filed inside these windows have the highest approval rate. Supplements filed after day 75 are often denied as untimely.

Payment Cadence

PaymentWhen CollectedTypical Amount Deposit or ACVDays 31-4040-60% of job Install completionDays 55-65Varies by terms Depreciation (RCV)Days 70-8520-40% of job DeductibleDays 75-90$1,000-$5,000 typical

Collecting the deductible is the part that most owners fumble. Laws vary: in Texas, waiving the deductible is a crime. In Florida, it is explicitly prohibited. Collect it and document collection.

Cancellation Risk Windows, Summarized

WindowTypical Cancel RatePrimary Driver Days 0-310-20%Buyer's remorse, spouse objection Days 4-145-8%Phone call with carrier Days 15-3010-15%Denial or partial approval Days 31-452-5%Scheduling delays Days 46+Under 2%Install issues

The 90-Day Checklist

1. Welcome call within 24 hours
2. Weekly contact during claim pendency
3. Adjuster meeting on-site
4. Supplement review pre-install
5. Material photo confirmation
6. Day-before install call
7. Walkthrough and completion certificate
8. Final invoice to carrier within 48 hours of install
9. Depreciation tracker with carrier every 10 days until paid
10. Mortgage endorsement process started at ACV check receipt, not at depreciation
11. Final payment collection and review ask

RoofKnockers job stages enforce each of these checkpoints. A rep cannot mark a job "installed" without the walkthrough. See the stage tracker.

Related: after the sale checklist, depreciation collection, and adjuster scope dispute.

Review pricing or start a trial.

FAQ

What if the claim drags past 90 days?

It happens, especially with carriers running behind after major storms. Update the homeowner every 10 days. State departments of insurance set claim-handling deadlines (typically 30-60 days to acknowledge, 30-45 to decide). File a complaint if the carrier violates them.

Can I install before the claim is fully approved?

Only with written agreement from the homeowner about who pays if it's denied. Most owners avoid installing on an unapproved claim because collection becomes your problem, not the carrier's.

Is 90 days realistic?

Average in our sample was 82 days from signed contract to final payment on insurance jobs. Retail cash jobs average 45-55 days. Add 2-4 weeks if a mortgage endorsement is involved.