Roofing is one of the most common home improvement projects, and after a big storm, one of the most common targets for scams. Here's how to choose a roofer in Marin with confidence.
California's Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses contractors. Use the free CSLB license check to search by license number, business name or individual name. Check:
CSLB's Hire a Licensed Contractor section has consumer publications, including guidance on contracts and down payments. Check CSLB's current rules on when a license is required and how much a contractor can collect up front on home improvement contracts.
For repairs beyond the trivial, and certainly for replacement, get at least two or three written bids. Compare:
The cheapest bid isn't always the best value, and the most expensive isn't always the best roof.
After major storms, out-of-area crews sometimes go door to door. The California Department of Insurance's Don't Get Scammed After a Disaster guide (in its Residential Series) is worth reading. Red flags include:
If your roof damage is part of an insurance claim:
See our guide to roof storm damage insurance claims.
Steep and difficult access. Hillside homes in Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon and Belvedere can complicate staging and material delivery. Ask how access affects price and schedule.
Historic and high-end materials. Slate, tile, copper and historic homes in Ross, Belvedere and Kentfield call for specialists. Ask for photos of similar projects.
Fire-rated roofing. Many Marin properties are in wildfire-prone areas. Ask about Class A assemblies, and check local requirements with your building department. FIRESafe MARIN has resources.
West Marin. For Stinson Beach and West Marin, ask about travel charges and response times for emergency calls.
Roofing warranties come in two flavors. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the materials, and some enhanced versions require installation by a certified contractor and registration after the job. Workmanship warranties come from the contractor and cover installation errors, and they're only as good as the company's staying power. Ask each bidder: How long is your workmanship warranty? What does it exclude? Will you register the manufacturer warranty, and will I get the paperwork? Is the warranty transferable if I sell? Get warranty terms in writing, attached to the contract. A long warranty from a company with little local history is worth less than a modest one from an established roofer you can reach.
When you call references, ask specific questions: Did the crew show up when promised? How did they handle surprises like rotted decking? Was the site cleaned up daily? Did the final price match the contract, and were change orders explained? Has the roof performed well through storms since? If possible, ask for references from jobs a few years old, not just last month. A roofer's work really shows its quality after a couple of winters.
We're a referral service: we connect homeowners with independent local roofing contractors and don't do roofing ourselves. Always verify the license and insurance of any contractor before hiring. Submit a request to get started.
Typically C-39 Roofing; General Building (B) contractors may do roofing in some situations. Verify on CSLB's site.
At least two or three written bids for major repairs or replacement.
Many do; check with your local building department.
Manufacturer warranties cover material defects; workmanship warranties cover installation and come from the contractor.
Yes. Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it with the insurer.
Not necessarily, but compare scopes carefully. Low bids sometimes omit underlayment, flashing or disposal.
This article is general information, not legal, insurance or medical advice. Sources are linked in the text.