The 30-second version
- Week 1: initial call, site visit, written estimate. 3–7 days elapsed.
- Weeks 2–3: contract signed, materials ordered, permits filed with LADBS. 5–14 days elapsed.
- Week 4 (typical start): construction begins. 2–7 working days depending on material — asphalt shingle fastest (2–3 days), concrete tile slowest (5–7 days).
- Week 5: final inspection, punch list, final invoice, warranty documentation.
Phase 1 — Getting a real estimate (days 1–7)
Every reputable LA roofer will do an on-site visit before pricing your project. Anyone quoting sight-unseen is either padding aggressively or planning to change-order you later.
The site visit itself (60–90 minutes)
What actually happens on a proper roofing inspection:
- Roof access and measurement — physical walk of the roof, laser measure or drone imagery for square footage. Documented photos of every plane, valley, penetration.
- Underlayment / deck condition assessment — checking soft spots, deflection, prior damage. This determines if structural repair will be needed after tear-off.
- Attic inspection — checking for leaks, ventilation quality, insulation state. Often the attic tells the roof's real story.
- Discussion of material options — realistic pros/cons for your specific home, not a pitch for the most expensive material.
- VHFHSZ verification — if you're in a fire zone (Pacific Palisades, Bel Air hillsides, Palos Verdes, Hollywood Hills, Brentwood canyons), Chapter 7A applies to the material choice.
Written estimate (delivered 24–72 hours after visit)
A legitimate estimate includes:
- Measured roof square footage (not "your house is 2,000 sqft, so...")
- Specific material brand and model — not "asphalt shingle" but "GAF Timberline HDZ 30-year architectural shingle"
- Underlayment type (synthetic vs felt, ice-and-water shield in valleys)
- Flashing details (step, valley, chimney, wall)
- Tear-off scope and dumping fees itemized
- Ventilation plan (ridge vents, soffit intake)
- Warranty terms — workmanship + manufacturer, separated
- Timeline with weather contingency
- CSLB license number, workers comp insurance, general liability proof
See our 2026 roofing cost guide for realistic LA price ranges by material and home size.
Phase 2 — Contract and permits (days 8–21)
Contract review — what to look for
Line-item scope, payment schedule (typically 10% deposit / 40% at material delivery / 40% at substantial completion / 10% at final inspection — beware anyone asking for more than 50% before material arrives), start date window with a firm outside date, and lien-release language for the deposit.
Never sign a contract that gives the contractor blanket authority to file lien releases on your behalf. That's how homeowners get stuck paying twice when a sub goes unpaid.
Materials ordering
Standard asphalt shingle (GAF Timberline, Owens Corning Duration) — usually in stock at LA distributors, 3–5 day lead. Concrete tile — 1–3 weeks lead time depending on color and manufacturer. Clay tile matched to older Spanish or Mediterranean homes — 3–8 weeks for special orders. Standing-seam metal — 2–4 weeks for panel fabrication in your color.
This is often the pacing constraint on start date. Confirm material availability before signing.
Permits
LADBS re-roof permits typically issue within 5–10 business days for straightforward residential. VHFHSZ properties may take 10–15 days due to Chapter 7A compliance review. Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) properties in neighborhoods like Highland Park–Garvanza or Miracle Mile HPOZ require additional Cultural Affairs review — add 2–4 weeks.
Phase 3 — Construction week (days 22–29, typical)
Day 1 — Setup and tear-off
- 7:00 AM: crew arrives, sets up dumpster in driveway, tarps landscaping and pool
- 7:30 AM–4:00 PM: begin tear-off — old shingles/tile removed, hauled to dumpster, roof deck inspected as it's exposed
- 5:00 PM: end of day cleanup, magnetic sweep for nails, tarp any exposed sections against overnight moisture (rare in summer, essential in winter)
What you'll notice: noise (tear-off is the loudest phase — vibrations felt inside the home), debris on the ground perimeter, and possibly some interior dust if there are open attic penetrations. Consider covering delicate items in the attic before start.
Day 2 — Deck repair + underlayment
- Any rotted or damaged decking gets replaced (typical cost $80–$200 per 4x8 sheet if discovered)
- Ice-and-water shield installed in valleys and around penetrations
- Synthetic underlayment rolled across entire roof
- Drip edge installed at eaves and gables
Days 3–4 — Roofing installation
- Asphalt shingle: typically completes Day 3 midway through Day 4
- Concrete tile: Days 3–5 (heavy, slow, hand-placed)
- Clay tile: Days 3–6 (heavier, custom-matched pieces)
- Standing-seam metal: Days 3–5 (panel-by-panel install with concealed clips)
- Ridge caps, hip caps, valley trim installed as the final material step
Day 5 — Flashing, ventilation, cleanup
- All chimney, wall, and skylight flashings completed with sealant
- Ridge vents, soffit vents, or turbines installed per ventilation plan
- Full magnetic-sweep cleanup of yard and perimeter (usually twice — visual + magnetic)
- Dumpster hauled away
- Photo documentation of completed work
Phase 4 — Inspection, punch list, final invoice (days 30–35)
City inspection
LADBS inspector visits within 5 business days of completion notification. For VHFHSZ properties, inspector specifically verifies Chapter 7A compliance — vent listings, roof assembly documentation, eave construction. Standard residential re-roof inspection is 30–45 minutes.
Punch list walkthrough
You and the project manager walk the property together. Common punch-list items on any project:
- Missed nail sweep areas
- Sealant touch-ups at penetrations
- Damaged plant or turf replacement
- Interior touch-up (paint chip from vibration-related settling — rare but happens)
Legitimate contractors address punch list within 3–5 business days.
Final invoice and warranty documentation
You should receive:
- Final invoice with any change orders itemized
- Manufacturer warranty registration (typically 25–50 years depending on material)
- Workmanship warranty certificate from the contractor (typically 5–10 years)
- Signed inspection certificate from LADBS
- Photo package of the completed work (before/during/after)
- Chapter 7A compliance certificate if in VHFHSZ (needed for insurance)
- Lien release from contractor and all subs
Keep this paperwork indefinitely — homeowners insurance carriers request it during renewals, and it becomes a real asset if you sell.
Common delays and how to avoid them
- Rain — LA winters (Dec–Feb) shift roof projects by 1–3 days per storm. Plan around it or accept the delay.
- Material back-orders — confirm availability before signing. Custom colors and specialty tile especially.
- Structural surprises — rotted decking discovered after tear-off adds 1–2 days and a modest cost.
- Permit revisions — LADBS plan-check corrections add 5–15 days. Working with an experienced contractor who's filed hundreds of LA permits minimizes this.
- HOA architectural review — Beverly Hills, Palos Verdes Estates, and Rolling Hills all have design review boards. Submit early — reviews meet 1–2× monthly.
Ready to start the process?
Halo Build Co handles roof replacements across Greater Los Angeles — from asphalt shingle re-roofs on Highland Park bungalows to concrete tile on Beverly Hills estates to Chapter 7A rebuilds in Pacific Palisades. Free on-site estimate, written itemized quote, no pressure tactics.