A new roof is one of the biggest checks most homeowners ever write, and the Valley has no shortage of roofers. Some are excellent. Some disappear the moment a problem shows up. Here is how to tell the difference before you sign anything.
1. Verify the license (it takes 60 seconds)
Every roofer in California must hold an active license from the Contractors State License Board. Go to cslb.ca.gov, choose “Check a License,” and enter the company name or license number. Confirm three things: the license is active, it includes the C-39 roofing classification, and the bond and workers’ compensation are current. Our license is C-39 #1156638, and we are happy to have you check it.
2. Get an itemized, written estimate
A one-line price (“New roof: $X”) makes it impossible to compare quotes. A good estimate lists tear-off, any decking replacement and its price per sheet, underlayment type, flashing, vents, the roofing material by brand and line, cleanup, and permits. If two quotes are far apart, the itemized one will show you why.
3. Ask about the warranty, in writing
There are two warranties on a roof. The manufacturer covers defects in the materials. The roofer’s labor (workmanship) warranty covers installation mistakes, which is where most problems come from. Ask how long the labor warranty lasts, what it covers, and get it in the contract. See what a 15-year labor warranty actually covers.
4. Ask whether they tear off or lay over
Installing new shingles over old ones is cheaper up front, but it hides rotten decking and bad flashing, adds weight, and can shorten the life of the new roof. A roofer who strips to the wood can find and fix those problems before they are buried for another 20 years.
5. Read recent reviews, and how the company responds
Look at Google and Yelp reviews from the last year, not just the star average. Pay attention to how the owner replies to complaints. A calm, specific response that fixes the problem tells you more than a page of five-star reviews.
6. Watch for these red flags
- Pressure to sign the same day, or a “today only” discount
- A large cash deposit up front (in California, a home improvement deposit is generally capped at 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less)
- No license number on the estimate, truck or website
- Storm chasers knocking on doors after a big rain
- A price far below every other quote with no explanation
7. Ask these questions before you sign
- Who will be on my roof, and who supervises the crew?
- Will you pull the permit?
- How do you protect my yard, plants and driveway?
- What happens if you find rotted wood once the old roof is off?
- How long will the job take, and what if it rains?
- What does your labor warranty cover, and for how long?
- Can I see photos of the work, including the parts I can’t see from the ground?
Repair or replace?
An honest roofer will tell you when a repair is enough, even though it means a smaller job. If you are not sure which way to go, read how to decide on a 20-year-old roof.
Get a second opinion, free
Already have a quote? Send it to us and we will walk you through it, line by line. Crown Roofing and Repairs Inc. is a licensed roofing contractor (CSLB C-39 #1156638) serving Tarzana and the San Fernando Valley. Call or text (818) 350-2740 for a free roof inspection with photos of everything we find.