Roofing scams spike after every major storm. Unlicensed contractors canvas coastal neighborhoods like Huntington Beach offering "free inspections" that somehow always find thousands of dollars in damage — damage that magically requires immediate cash payment. Don't let urgency push you into a bad decision. Here are the questions every Huntington Beach homeowner should ask before signing any roofing contract. ## 1. Are You Licensed in California? This is non-negotiable. California requires all roofing contractors to hold a valid C-39 Roofing Contractor license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Ask for the license number and verify it yourself at **www.cslb.ca.gov**. Rescue Roofer holds **St. Lic #1069552** — you can look it up right now. An unlicensed contractor has no accountability. If they disappear mid-job, damage your property, or do work that fails, you have almost no legal recourse. ## 2. Do You Have Proof of Insurance? Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing: - **General liability** (at minimum $1 million per occurrence) - **Workers' compensation** (if they have employees) If a roofer's worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no workers' comp, you could be liable. Always get a current certificate — not a card, not a verbal assurance. ## 3. What Does Your Written Estimate Include? Any legitimate roofing estimate should specify in writing: - Exact scope of work - Materials to be used (brand, weight, product name) - Who performs the work (subcontractors? Their crew only?) - Payment schedule - Start and completion dates - What constitutes project completion Vague estimates lead to disputes. If a contractor won't put it in writing, walk away. ## 4. What Is Your Arrival Commitment? In the coastal HB climate, a roof leak can escalate quickly. Ask: **How fast can you respond to an emergency call?** At Rescue Roofer, our answer is one hour — and we back it with a guarantee. Not every company makes or honors that promise. Find out upfront. ## 5. Do You Pull Permits When Required? Many roofing jobs in California require building permits. A contractor who skips permits is cutting corners — and the liability falls on you as the homeowner when you sell. Ask directly: "Will you pull the necessary permits for this job?" ## 6. How Do You Handle Warranty Claims? Ask about: - The **manufacturer's material warranty** (shingles, underlayment, etc.) - The contractor's own **workmanship warranty** - The process for making a warranty claim if something fails A company that's been in business for 30 years has a track record you can check. A company that was formed last month after a storm? Less so. ## 7. Can You Provide References From Recent HB Jobs? Huntington Beach's coastal conditions are specific. You want a roofer with experience in the local environment. Ask for 2–3 references from jobs completed in the last year within HB or nearby coastal cities. Then actually call them. ## 8. What Is Your Payment Schedule? You should never pay 100% upfront. A reasonable schedule for most jobs: - Small deposit at contract signing (10–20%) - Partial payment at material delivery - Final payment upon completion and your satisfaction If a contractor demands full payment before starting — especially in cash — it's a red flag. ## Red Flags to Walk Away From - Solicits door-to-door immediately after a storm - Refuses to provide license or insurance documentation - Pressures you to decide immediately ("this price is only good today") - Asks you to sign over insurance claim rights - Cannot provide a fixed address or physical office ## The Rescue Roofer Difference in Huntington Beach We've served Huntington Beach since 1993. Our Roofing Advisor program means a dedicated specialist walks you through every finding from your inspection — no pressure, no upsell, just clear information so you can make a confident decision. **Call 1-888-346-7663** or stop by our Huntington Beach office to schedule an inspection from a team that's been in this community for over 30 years.