Your roof protects everything you own. One bad hire can turn a simple repair into a financial nightmare. Los Angeles homeowners face unique challenges when choosing a roofer, and knowing what to check can save you thousands.
Verify Licensing Requirements
Start with licensing. California requires all roofing contractors to hold a valid C-39 license. This isn’t just paperwork. A licensed Los Angeles roofer has passed trade exams and meets state bonding requirements. You can verify any contractor’s license through the Contractors’ State License Board website. It takes two minutes. Skipping this step? You’re gambling with your home.
Check Insurance Coverage
Insurance comes next. Your roofer needs both workers’ compensation and general liability coverage. Why does this matter? If someone gets hurt on your property and the contractor lacks coverage, you could face a lawsuit. Ask for certificates. Call the insurance company to confirm they’re current. Some contractors will show you expired documents, hoping you won’t check.
Evaluate Experience and References
Experience matters, but not the way most people think. A company operating for 20 years sounds great until you learn they’ve been sued six times. Check references from recent jobs. Drive by those addresses if you can. Look at the actual work, not just what they claim in photos.
Get a Written Contract
Get everything in writing. Verbal promises disappear the moment something goes wrong. Your contract should list specific materials, start dates, and payment schedules. Watch out for contractors who want large upfront payments. Most reputable roofers ask for a reasonable deposit, then payment milestones tied to completed work.
Confirm Building Permits
Building permits separate professionals from shortcuts. Los Angeles requires permits for most roofing work. Your contractor should handle this process. Some try to skip permits to save time or hide substandard work. That unpermitted roof? It can come back to haunt you during a home sale or insurance claim.
Watch for Red Flags During Estimates
Red flags pop up during estimates. A roofer who gives you a price without inspecting your attic is guessing. Roof problems often hide beneath the surface. Water damage, inadequate ventilation, or structural issues need attention before new materials go up.
Understand Warranty Coverage
Ask about warranties. Material warranties come from manufacturers. Labour warranties come from your contractor. Both matter. A 30-year shingle with a one-year labour warranty leaves you exposed. What happens when flashing fails in year three?
Consider Local Knowledge
Local knowledge counts more than most homeowners realise. Los Angeles weather patterns, building codes, and common roofing materials vary by neighbourhood. A roofer familiar with your area understands these nuances.
Read Reviews Carefully
Check online reviews, but read them carefully. One or two bad reviews among hundreds might be outliers. A pattern of complaints about the same issues? That’s a warning. Look for detailed reviews that describe specific problems or praise particular crew members.
Trust Your Instincts
Your gut feeling matters too. Did the contractor show up on time for the estimate? Did they answer your questions without getting defensive? Small behaviours often predict bigger problems down the road.
Taking time to vet your roofer protects your investment. Rush this decision, and you might spend the next decade dealing with leaks, callbacks, and legal headaches. Your home deserves better than that.
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