How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Los Angeles: 10 Questions to Ask
Your roof is too important — and too expensive — to hand to the first flyer left on your door after a storm. Los Angeles and Orange County are full of great roofers and a fair number of fly-by-night operators. These ten questions quickly separate the two.
1. Are you licensed by the CSLB?
California requires a contractor's license (CSLB) for roofing work over $500. Ask for the license number and verify it at cslb.ca.gov — it should be active, with roofing (C-39) or general (B) classification.
2. Are you bonded and insured?
Ask for proof of both general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your roof, you don't want that liability landing on you.
3. Will you put the full scope and price in writing?
A real contractor gives you a detailed written proposal — materials, scope, timeline, and a fixed price — not a number scribbled on a business card. Vague bids almost always grow mid-project.
4. Do you pull the permit?
Reputable roofers pull the required permits and handle inspections. If they ask you to pull it yourself (or skip it), that's a red flag.
5. Repair or replace — and why?
An honest roofer will recommend a repair when a repair will do. Be wary of anyone who insists on a full replacement before they've really inspected the roof.
More questions worth asking
- What underlayment and flashing will you use, and what's the warranty?
- Who is actually on the crew — employees or day labor?
- Can you share recent local references or addresses?
- How do you protect landscaping and handle cleanup (nail sweep)?
- What happens if you find rotten decking once you tear off?
The bottom line
Good contractors expect these questions and answer them happily. At A1 Builders we're CSLB-licensed, insured, pull every permit, and give you a fixed-price proposal up front. Reach out for a free, honest roof inspection.