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Hiring a Roofer in California
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
A new roof costs about $9,609 on average nationwide. In California, anyone doing a roofing job of $1,000 or more must have a state contractor's license.
The down payment on a home improvement job is capped at $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less. And in wildfire areas, your roof's fire rating matters for safety and for insurance.
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California roofing rules to know
- License required at $1,000. Since January 1, 2025, a license is required for any job of $1,000 or more, counting labor and materials. The old limit was $500.
- The roofing license is "C-39." Check any roofer's license on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website before you hire.
- Deposit limit. A contractor can't ask for more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price up front, whichever is less.
- Time to change your mind. For most home improvement contracts, you have 3 business days to cancel after you sign. If you're 65 or older, you have 5. Cancel in writing.
Fire ratings and your roof
Roofs matter a lot for wildfire safety. Roof coverings are rated for fire, and Class A is the highest rating. Common Class A choices include asphalt shingles, tile, and metal. Untreated wood shakes are not Class A.
Many wildfire areas require Class A roofs on new homes. Ask your local building department what applies when you re-roof.
A fire-resistant roof can also help you qualify for wildfire safety discounts on your home insurance. See California homeowners insurance for how the FAIR Plan and wildfire discounts work.
What to check before you hire
- An active CSLB license with the C-39 classification.
- Workers' comp coverage. The CSLB license lookup shows it.
- A written contract with the start date, a list of materials, and the payment schedule.
- A fire rating on the roof materials, especially in wildfire areas.
Getting more than one bid? Here's how to compare roofing estimates.
What to ask
- "What's the fire rating of these materials?" Class A is the highest.
- "What do you charge per sheet of damaged decking?"
- "Who pulls the permit?"
- "What's your license number, and does it show the C-39 classification?"
The catch: if a roofer asks for a big deposit, like half up front, they're breaking California's deposit limit. That's a red flag. Pay as work gets done.
Explore by state
Related services
Thinking about solar with your new roof? See solar. Replacing gutters too? See gutters.
More California guides: California homeowners insurance · California car insurance · San Diego car insurance
More roofing guides: Roof replacement cost · Roof inspection · Roof repair · Metal roofs · Hail damage · How to compare roofing estimates · How to measure your roof · Roof calculator
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Related services
Sources
- CSLB, License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000
- CSLB, Roofing contractor (C-39) classification
- CSLB, Home improvement contracts: warnings and exceptions
- CAL FIRE, Home hardening
- California Department of Insurance, Safer from Wildfires
- Angi, How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost? [2026]