How to Choose a Roofer in Brentwood, CA
A checklist for comparing roofing bids, checking licenses, and spotting red flags before you sign anything.
How this site works: Brentwood Roof Repair doesn't do roofing work. When you send a request, we pass it to an independent local contractor who quotes and contracts with you directly. Use this checklist with any roofer, including one we refer.
1. Check the license
Roofing work in California falls under the CSLB's C-39 Roofing classification (CSLB). Since January 2025 the small-job license exemption rose to $1,000, but it only applies to work that needs no permit (CSLB Bulletin 24-07). Re-roofs need permits, so a roofer replacing your roof needs a license. Look up the license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm the name, status and classification match.
2. Get it in writing: what a good estimate includes
- Scope: repair area or full reroof, and roof area in squares
- Tear-off: how many layers, disposal included
- Materials by brand and product line (shingle or tile, underlayment type)
- Flashing, vents, pipe boots and drip edge: replaced or reused
- Deck repair allowance and price per additional sheet
- Permit: who pulls it and whether the fee is included
- Solar detach-and-reset: included, or by a separate company
- Start date, expected duration and cleanup
- Workmanship warranty and manufacturer warranty, in writing
- Payment schedule tied to completed work
3. Know the deposit limit
California limits the down payment on home-improvement contracts to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less (CSLB).
4. Red flags
- Pressure to sign today, or a "special price" that expires immediately
- A one-line estimate with no materials or quantities
- Requests for a large cash deposit
- Suggestions to skip the permit
- Door-to-door offers after a storm from out-of-area crews
- Damage claims without photos you can see
- No physical business address or license number on the paperwork
5. Questions to ask every roofer
- What's causing the problem, and can you show me photos?
- Repair or replace, and why? What would each cost?
- Who will be on the roof, your crew or subcontractors?
- How do you protect landscaping, solar and gutters?
- What happens if you find rotted decking?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
6. Compare bids line by line
Put two or three bids side by side and compare the same items. The cheapest bid often leaves out underlayment upgrades, flashing or deck repair; the most expensive may include things you don't need. Use our cost guide to sanity-check totals.
Sources
- CSLB — C-39 Roofing classification (accessed Oct 2026)
- CSLB Industry Bulletin 24-07 (AB 2622) (Dec 31, 2024)
- CSLB — Homeowner Checklists (accessed Oct 2026)
Choosing a roofer: questions
How can I tell if a roofer is lying?
Watch for pressure to sign the same day, vague estimates without materials or quantities, large cash deposits, reluctance to pull a permit, and claims of damage you can't see in photos. Ask for photos, a written itemized scope, and a second opinion on big recommendations.
What license does a roofer need in California?
Roofing falls under the CSLB's C-39 Roofing classification (general building contractors can also do roofing as part of larger projects). Because re-roofs need permits, the small-job license exemption doesn't apply to them. Look up any license at cslb.ca.gov.
How much deposit should I pay a roofer?
California limits the down payment on a home-improvement contract to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.
Request a roofing estimate
Tell us what's going on with your roof. We pass your request to an independent local roofing contractor serving East Contra Costa, who contacts you to inspect and quote. There's no cost to send a request.
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to hire
- Ask for a written, itemized estimate