How To Find A Good Roofing Company: Essential Questions To Ask

Ask about the roofing company’s experience, especially with roofs in and surrounding Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange County, and the East Bay. How long has the roofing company been in business? Will they be around to honor their warranties? Do they have experience working on roofs like yours? Are their workers trained and certified and held to a high standard of workmanship? Ask for local references or examples of their previous work. (Check out our roofing project portfolio.)

Also ask: Do you have experience with roofing projects similar to mine? Can you provide local references or photos from previous projects?

Ask if the roofing company is licensed and insured. (We are.) This is crucial for liability and worker’s safety. In California, roofing contractors must have a state license. You can check a roofing company's license with the Contractors State License Board.

Discuss the types of roofing materials available, longevity of different roofing materials, manufacturer warranties, and the roofing company’s recommendations for your specific roof and needs. The materials you choose can vary based on roof design, neighborhood, climate, lot position, sun exposure, electricity bills, design aesthetics, personal preference, and more.

If you have high electricity bills and are looking to self-generate energy, ask about newer technologies like solar shingles that integrate seamlessly into your roof rather than being bolted on top. And don’t forget to ask about other roofing options and materials that provide better insulation and energy savings, like energy-efficient underlayments and attic insulation.

Ask about the warranty on both materials and workmanship. Understanding the length and coverage of the warranty is essential. (LocalRoofs offers warranties of up to 50 years. Warranties vary based on your project and materials selected.)

Roofers should be trained and certified by manufacturers to ensure the quality of your installation or repair. Roofing companies should also adhere to strict safety standards and carry insurance to protect employees and your property. (Check out LocalRoofs' certifications here.)

Ask about the roofing company’s process for communicating updates and managing the project. Is there a live person answering phones? Do you have a project manager or point person for your project who can take care of your needs? It’s important to know who to contact with questions or concerns before, during, and after the project.

Also ask: Can you walk me through the steps you’ll take to complete the project? How do you handle customer service before, during, and after the project?

Determine if the roofing company will handle acquiring any necessary permits. In Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County, Santa Barbara, and the East Bay, roofing projects often require permits from the city or county but it does vary widely from city to city. Regardless, having a roofing company to handle all necessary paperwork will make it much easier for you.

Ask whether the roofing company requires you to pay via cash/check/credit card or offers flexible financing options that work with your budget to make it more affordable. Not having cash on hand (or not wanting to spend what you have) shouldn’t cause you to delay important roof repairs or roof replacements, as festering problems may end up costing you a lot more to fix later on.

Take a look at these financing options. We offer many different plans, including 0% interest for a limited time on approved credit.