This comes up constantly, and the useful version of the answer is shorter than most of what is written about it. Here is how roof certification for a home sale actually works for a homeowner in Los Angeles, without the parts that exist to sell something.
What it is
A licensed roofer inspects and certifies the roof will remain watertight for a stated period, commonly two years.
When it comes up
Escrow. Almost always escrow, usually with a short fuse.
What it is not
It is not a warranty and it is not an insurance policy. It is a professional opinion with a name attached.
The short version
- What it is
- When it comes up
- What it is not
- Get it in writing, whatever it is
- Ask what happens if the assumption behind the price turns out to be wrong
None of this is complicated, but it is the sort of thing that is easy to skip when the roof is already leaking and the decision feels urgent. That urgency is exactly when the questions matter most.
Questions we get asked
How much does roof certification for a home sale usually cost?
It varies with scope more than with anything else, which is why a number quoted before anyone has looked at the roof is not a number. Get an itemized estimate.
How do I know the contractor is legitimate?
Check the license against the CSLB database yourself, ask for the workers compensation certificate, and confirm the permit is pulled in the contractor's name rather than yours.
Should I get more than one estimate?
Yes, and compare the scopes rather than the totals. Two estimates that differ by a third usually differ because one of them includes underlayment, flashing and deck repair and the other does not.
Working with a Los Angeles roofer
Los Angeles Commercial Roofing & Roof Repair has been on Los Angeles roofs since 1986. We cover Los Angeles and the surrounding communities including Sun Valley, Shadow Hills and Granada Hills, and every estimate we write names the material, the underlayment and the flashing scope so you can compare it line for line against anyone else's.
If you want a second opinion on roof certification, call (818) 277-6626 or run your address through our instant quote tool for a ballpark figure before you talk to anyone.
Need a roofer in Los Angeles?
Free inspection, honest scope, and an estimate that names the material and the flashing work. Call (818) 277-6626 or get a ballpark in about a minute.
