Why this matters
Roofing is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home. A bad hire means shoddy work, voided warranties, and costly repairs down the road. The right questions protect you.
10 questions to ask every roofer
1. Are you licensed and insured in California?
Every roofing contractor in California must hold a valid C-39 roofing license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Ask for the license number and verify it at cslb.ca.gov. DeHart Roofing holds License #749551 — active, bonded, and insured since 1975.
2. Do you carry workers’ compensation insurance?
If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers’ comp, you could be liable. Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurer to verify it is current.
3. What manufacturer certifications do you hold?
Certifications like Owens Corning Platinum Preferred (top 1% nationwide), GAF Master Elite, and CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster mean the contractor meets the highest installation standards. These certifications unlock extended warranties that uncertified roofers cannot offer.
4. Will you provide a written estimate with line items?
A professional estimate should break down materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, permits, and any additional work. Vague “lump sum” bids are a red flag. DeHart Roofing provides flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.
5. What warranty do you offer on labor?
Material warranties come from the manufacturer, but labor warranties come from the contractor. Ask how long the labor warranty lasts and what it covers. Top contractors offer 10-year or longer workmanship warranties. With elite certifications, DeHart can offer up to 50-year system warranties.
6. Do you pull permits?
Stanislaus County and most Central Valley jurisdictions require a building permit for roof replacements. A contractor who skips permits is cutting corners — and it can void your insurance and create problems when you sell your home.
7. How do you handle unexpected damage?
Rotted decking, damaged flashing, and structural issues are common once the old roof comes off. Ask how change orders are handled and whether you will be notified before any additional work is done.
8. Can you provide local references?
Ask for 3-5 references from recent projects in your area. Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB. DeHart Roofing has been serving Turlock and the Central Valley for 51 years with a 4.9-star Google rating.
9. What is your timeline?
A typical residential roof replacement takes 1-3 days. Get a start date and completion date in writing. Ask about weather contingencies and what happens if the project runs over.
10. Do you offer financing?
A new roof can cost $8,000-$25,000+. Many quality contractors offer financing options so you do not have to delay necessary work. Ask about monthly payment plans, interest rates, and approval requirements.
Red flags to watch for
- Door-to-door solicitation after a storm — reputable roofers do not chase storm damage
- Demanding full payment upfront — standard is a deposit with the balance on completion
- No written contract — everything should be documented
- Pressure to sign immediately — legitimate estimates do not expire overnight
- No physical office — a company with no local presence may not be around for warranty claims
Why Central Valley homeowners choose DeHart
DeHart Roofing checks every box: 51 years in business, California license #749551, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred certification, flat-rate pricing, and a family you can trust. Get a free estimate and see the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Visit cslb.ca.gov and search by license number or company name. Verify the license is active, bonded, and has no complaints.
Owens Corning Platinum Preferred is the highest manufacturer certification, held by less than 1% of contractors nationwide. It means the contractor meets strict installation quality and customer satisfaction standards.
Yes. Get at least 3 written estimates, but do not choose based on price alone. Compare certifications, warranties, reviews, and experience.
A complete contract should list: scope of work, materials, total cost with line items, payment schedule, start and completion dates, warranty terms, permit responsibility, and cleanup procedures.