Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor in San Rafael

Before you hire a roofing contractor in San Rafael, a few direct questions tell you whether two bids cover the same job. They also catch the gaps that turn into change orders halfway through a reroof.

Is your contractor license active?

In California, most roofing jobs must be done by a contractor licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Ask for the license number and look it up on the CSLB website. The lookup shows whether the license is active, the license type and any workers' compensation coverage on file.

Who pulls the permit?

Most reroofs inside city limits need a permit from the City of San Rafael Building Division. Homes in unincorporated Lucas Valley and Marinwood go through Marin County. Ask who pulls the permit, whether the fee is in the estimate and when the final inspection happens.

How many layers are on my roof now?

Many older San Rafael homes already have two layers. Ask whether the bid includes a full tear-off down to the deck. A roof laid over old shingles costs less up front but hides rot and may not meet code.

What happens if the deck is rotten?

Nobody can see the wood deck until the old roof is off. A clear estimate gives a price per sheet of replacement plywood, so you know what extra decking will cost before work starts.

How will you handle flashing?

Most leaks start at flashing around chimneys, skylights, walls and vent pipes. Ask whether the bid includes new flashing or reuses the old metal. New flashing is the safer choice on an older home.

What roofing does my home need?

Flat and low-slope Eichler roofs in Terra Linda and Lucas Valley need a membrane system, not shingles. Homes in high fire hazard areas need Class A fire-rated roofing on a new roof. Ask which products the roofer plans to use and why they fit your roof.

What does the price include?

A full asphalt shingle roof in San Rafael often runs $7,000 to $24,000, based on HomeAdvisor's local cost data. Small repairs often run $250 to $1,500. Ask for a written estimate that lists tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, the permit and cleanup, so bids can be compared line by line.

How long will the job take?

Most reroofs take 3 to 7 working days once the permit and materials are ready. Ask how the roofer protects the house if rain shows up mid-job. The roof replacement timeline walks through each day. For a single leak, roof leak repair is often enough.