Being a savvy roofing customer doesn’t just mean knowing how to install shingles or repair flashing—you also need to know how to choose a qualified contractor and explain what you want. One way to make a more informed choice is to work with a Diamond Certified roofing company. Unlike companies that simply advertise their services or collect online reviews, Diamond Certified roofers must earn their certification through rigorous customer satisfaction research and credentials verification.
We sat down with three Diamond Certified roofing contractors to find out how to set the stage for a successful project:
Start with your goals and concerns. Before asking for a quote, explain why you’re considering roofing work. Are you dealing with a leak, responding to an insurance requirement or hoping to change your home’s appearance? Those details help a contractor evaluate your priorities and recommend an appropriate approach.
“Rather than simply saying, ‘The roof is up there, give me a quote,’ it helps to explain what’s motivating the project and what concerns you have,” says Thomas Carrell, general manager of Crandall Roofing Inc. in Santa Rosa. “Understanding those factors will help your contractor determine the best approach and provide the best possible service.”
Share any questions raised by your online research, too. If you’ve read conflicting advice about materials or installation methods, ask how that information applies to your roof. The goal is to understand the reasoning behind the proposed work.
Ask questions that go beyond price. Carlos Rodriguez, president of Mr. Roofing, Inc. in South San Francisco, says you should focus on five areas: problems, products, processes, people and price. “What problems does your property have now and what future problems can the company help prevent? What products will solve those problems? What processes should be followed? Who are the right people to do the work? And finally, what’s the appropriate price?”
The key is taking the time to understand what your property actually needs. Ask whether your roof needs replacement, repairs or maintenance, and request an explanation of the findings. A detailed assessment can make it easier to understand why two contractors have proposed different scopes of work.
Review the details of the estimate. The total price only tells part of the story. Look for an explanation of what the contractor plans to address, including items such as flashing, vents and gutters when they’re relevant to your project. “I like to break those items down in the estimate so the homeowner understands what needs to be done and what each item will cost,” says Juan Osorio, owner of J.O Roofing Inc. in San Francisco.
Make sure you discuss possible additional costs before work starts. Mr. Rodriguez says dissatisfaction often stems from “a misunderstanding, an unrealized expectation or an unknown additional cost,” so ask what could change the scope and how the contractor will communicate those changes.
Agree on how you’ll communicate. Tell your contractor whether you prefer calls, texts or emails, and explain when you’re available. Make sure you know who to contact with questions and which decisions will require a prompt response. Choosing a roof color, for example, may be time-sensitive if materials need to be ordered before the scheduled start. “Everyone should understand what requires an immediate response and what can wait,” affirms Mr. Carrell.
Find out how quality is monitored. Ask how the company supervises its crews and checks installation quality. For example, Mr. Osorio reviews jobsite photos as part of his oversight. “On my end, I check each project every day to make sure my crew is doing everything correctly,” he affirms.
Quality oversight shouldn’t stop when the project is finished, either. Diamond Certified companies must maintain their high customer satisfaction standards through ongoing verified customer surveys and performance monitoring. They also undergo credentials checks as part of the certification process, including verification of applicable licenses and required insurance coverage. This additional scrutiny helps homeowners make more confident hiring decisions.
Make an informed choice with Diamond Certified. Price belongs in the discussion, but consider it alongside the proposed work, the contractor’s explanations and the company’s process for overseeing the job. Before hiring, you can also visit Diamond Certified Resource to review detailed company reports featuring verified customer ratings, verbatim survey responses, company capabilities and expert advice—all available for free.
Unlike certifications that can be purchased, Diamond Certified must be earned and maintained. Consumers who hire Diamond Certified companies also receive mediation support and are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee for up to $1,000. By starting with a thoroughly researched company and staying engaged throughout the roofing process, you’ll be better positioned to get the quality workmanship and service your home deserves.
How to Be a Savvy Roofing Customer
November 9, 2026
Being a savvy roofing customer doesn’t just mean knowing how to install shingles or repair flashing—you also need to know how to choose a qualified contractor and explain what you want. One way to make a more informed choice is to work with a Diamond Certified roofing company. Unlike companies that simply advertise their services or collect online reviews, Diamond Certified roofers must earn their certification through rigorous customer satisfaction research and credentials verification.
We sat down with three Diamond Certified roofing contractors to find out how to set the stage for a successful project:
Start with your goals and concerns. Before asking for a quote, explain why you’re considering roofing work. Are you dealing with a leak, responding to an insurance requirement or hoping to change your home’s appearance? Those details help a contractor evaluate your priorities and recommend an appropriate approach.
“Rather than simply saying, ‘The roof is up there, give me a quote,’ it helps to explain what’s motivating the project and what concerns you have,” says Thomas Carrell, general manager of Crandall Roofing Inc. in Santa Rosa. “Understanding those factors will help your contractor determine the best approach and provide the best possible service.”
Share any questions raised by your online research, too. If you’ve read conflicting advice about materials or installation methods, ask how that information applies to your roof. The goal is to understand the reasoning behind the proposed work.
Ask questions that go beyond price. Carlos Rodriguez, president of Mr. Roofing, Inc. in South San Francisco, says you should focus on five areas: problems, products, processes, people and price. “What problems does your property have now and what future problems can the company help prevent? What products will solve those problems? What processes should be followed? Who are the right people to do the work? And finally, what’s the appropriate price?”
The key is taking the time to understand what your property actually needs. Ask whether your roof needs replacement, repairs or maintenance, and request an explanation of the findings. A detailed assessment can make it easier to understand why two contractors have proposed different scopes of work.
Review the details of the estimate. The total price only tells part of the story. Look for an explanation of what the contractor plans to address, including items such as flashing, vents and gutters when they’re relevant to your project. “I like to break those items down in the estimate so the homeowner understands what needs to be done and what each item will cost,” says Juan Osorio, owner of J.O Roofing Inc. in San Francisco.
Make sure you discuss possible additional costs before work starts. Mr. Rodriguez says dissatisfaction often stems from “a misunderstanding, an unrealized expectation or an unknown additional cost,” so ask what could change the scope and how the contractor will communicate those changes.
Agree on how you’ll communicate. Tell your contractor whether you prefer calls, texts or emails, and explain when you’re available. Make sure you know who to contact with questions and which decisions will require a prompt response. Choosing a roof color, for example, may be time-sensitive if materials need to be ordered before the scheduled start. “Everyone should understand what requires an immediate response and what can wait,” affirms Mr. Carrell.
Find out how quality is monitored. Ask how the company supervises its crews and checks installation quality. For example, Mr. Osorio reviews jobsite photos as part of his oversight. “On my end, I check each project every day to make sure my crew is doing everything correctly,” he affirms.
Quality oversight shouldn’t stop when the project is finished, either. Diamond Certified companies must maintain their high customer satisfaction standards through ongoing verified customer surveys and performance monitoring. They also undergo credentials checks as part of the certification process, including verification of applicable licenses and required insurance coverage. This additional scrutiny helps homeowners make more confident hiring decisions.
Make an informed choice with Diamond Certified. Price belongs in the discussion, but consider it alongside the proposed work, the contractor’s explanations and the company’s process for overseeing the job. Before hiring, you can also visit Diamond Certified Resource to review detailed company reports featuring verified customer ratings, verbatim survey responses, company capabilities and expert advice—all available for free.
Unlike certifications that can be purchased, Diamond Certified must be earned and maintained. Consumers who hire Diamond Certified companies also receive mediation support and are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee for up to $1,000. By starting with a thoroughly researched company and staying engaged throughout the roofing process, you’ll be better positioned to get the quality workmanship and service your home deserves.
