Roofing attracts its share of bad actors. Storm chasers who appear after weather events, unlicensed operators working out of pickup trucks, companies that take deposits and disappear. San Diego homeowners lose money to these scams every year.
Hiring right takes some homework. Here is how to protect yourself.
Verify the Basics
Check their license. California requires roofing contractors to hold a C-39 license from the Contractors State License Board. You can verify any license at cslb.ca.gov. No license, no hire - it is that simple.
Ask about insurance. A legitimate contractor carries general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage. Ask for certificates. Actually call the insurance company to verify the policies are current. Unlicensed or uninsured contractors put you at serious risk.
Look for a physical address. A real business has a real location. PO boxes and answering services are red flags. Drive by if you are unsure.
Evaluate Their Work
Get references and call them. Any contractor should provide recent customer names. Actually make the calls. Ask if the work was done on time, if the crew was professional, if problems were handled well.
Look at online reviews carefully. Google, Yelp, and the BBB all show patterns. A few complaints among many good reviews is normal. Lots of complaints about the same issues is a warning sign.
Be suspicious of quotes significantly lower than others. Roofing has real costs - materials, labor, insurance, overhead. Extremely cheap bids usually mean corners will be cut somewhere.
Ask about warranties. You want both manufacturer warranty on materials and contractor warranty on workmanship. Get the warranty terms in writing.
Get the Details in Writing
Your contract should specify:
- Exact materials to be used (brand, model, color)
- Scope of work (tear-off included? Flashing replacement?)
- Payment schedule (never pay everything upfront)
- Timeline
- Cleanup responsibilities
- Warranty terms
Avoid contractors who pressure you to sign immediately. Good contractors stay busy because they do good work. They do not need high-pressure sales tactics.
Peak Builders is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We welcome questions and provide references without hesitation. Our reputation in San Diego matters to us.
