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

Q: Are you licensed and insured?

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 .

When evaluating a roofing company in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, or Santa Barbara counties for roof repair or replacement, it's important to ask the right questions to get the best service and value.

How long have you been in the roofing business?

Ask about the roofing company’s experience, especially with roofs in and surrounding Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Orange County. 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?

Are you licensed and insured?

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.

Can I have a detailed written estimate?

Not all estimates are the same. Request a detailed estimate in writing so you know exactly what you’re getting. Estimates should include photos of your roof, especially problem areas, as well as costs for materials, labor, and any additional expenses. Be wary of companies that give vague, overly general, or extremely low estimates. Upfront pricing transparency is important so there are no costly surprises later.

What types and brands of roofing materials do you recommend for my home?

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.

Do you have solar shingles and other energy-efficient roofing options available?

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.

What warranties do you offer on materials and workmanship?

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 25 years. Warranties vary based on your project and materials selected.)

Are your workers trained in current roofing techniques and safety protocols?

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.)

How will you communicate with me about the project’s progress?

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 concierge 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?

Will you handle acquiring the necessary permits for the project?

Determine if the roofing company will handle acquiring any necessary permits. In Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and Santa Barbara counties, 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.

How do you handle clean-up and disposal of old roofing materials?

Inquire about the roofing company’s clean-up process. A professional company should handle the removal of old roofing materials and any construction debris. For longer jobs, they should also provide a Porta Potty for workers to use while on-site.

What are your payment terms and conditions?

Understand the roofing company’s payment terms and conditions. Be cautious of any roofing companies that ask for full payment upfront. Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1,000, whichever is less.

Do you offer financing?

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.

Do you offer emergency services?

Inquire if the roofing company offers emergency services, like tarping before rain storms, which can be crucial in SoCal where our winter weather can be unpredictable. Also ask about the roofing company’s scheduling if rain is predicted. For example, a good roofing company won’t tear off a roof the day before a storm is expected; they’ll move your start date to avoid exposing your home to potential water damage.

AT A GLANCE

Roofing Company

Questions to Ask

How long have you been in the roofing business?
Do you have experience with roofing projects similar to mine?
Can you provide local references or photos from previous projects?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can I have a detailed written estimate?
What types and brands of roofing materials do you recommend for my home?
Do you have solar shingles and other energy-efficient roofing options available?
What warranties do you offer on materials and workmanship?
Are your workers trained in current roofing techniques and safety protocols?
Can you walk me through the steps you’ll take to complete the project?
Will you handle acquiring the necessary permits for the project?
How will you communicate with me about the project’s progress?
How do you handle clean-up and disposal of old roofing materials?
What are your payment terms and conditions?
Do you offer financing?
Do you offer emergency services?
How do you handle customer service before, during, and after the project?

Asking these questions will give you a better understanding of each roofing company’s capabilities, reliability, commitment to excellence, and the value they offer so you can make an informed decision for your roofing needs.

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Call LocalRoofs now to get a free roof diagnostic and estimate. LocalRoofs has been serving homes and businesses in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties for more than 50 years. We are now serving Orange County as well.

We are a licensed and insured roofing company dedicated to providing high-quality work and premium service with flexible financing options as low as $198 per month on approved credit for a new roof.

We specialize in handling all of your roof replacement and roof repair needs, providing FREE roof checkups and estimates, re-roofing and roof repair services, solar shingle roofs, roof inspections, gutter installation and replacement, attic insulation, and attic venting.