Low-cost public programs
Erie County Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. For eligible low- and moderate-income owner-occupied one- and two-family homes, the county offers repayable loans up to $15,000 at a 0% fixed rate for essential repairs. There is a waiting list; call (716) 858-2733.[1]
HUD Title I property improvement loans. HUD insures private lenders; it does not lend directly. Single-family loans go up to $25,000 with terms up to 20 years, loans over $7,500 must be secured by a mortgage, and there is no prepayment penalty.[2][3] Apply at a HUD-approved Title I lender (bank, credit union or mortgage company).[2]
Private options
- Home equity loan or line of credit: secured by your house, so missing payments risks the home.
- Contractor or dealer financing: convenient, but read the APR, promotional terms and any lien.
- Insurance: if damage came from a covered peril such as wind, the claim may pay part of the cost. See our insurance guide.
The New York Attorney General warns homeowners about home improvement scams and high-pressure offers;[4] HUD's Title I page also warns about deceptive home improvement contractors.[2]
Before you sign
- Get two or three itemized quotes; our roof cost guide has 2026 benchmarks.
- New York requires home improvement contracts to be in writing.[5]
- Confirm the contractor is registered or licensed where required in Erie County and the City of Buffalo; see our licensing guide.[6]
- Ask whether a repair can buy time; see repair vs. replacement.
Compare roof replacement contractors in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Depew, Lackawanna and Lockport.