Letting a stranger climb onto your roof can feel a little uncomfortable, especially if you have heard stories about contractors who "find" problems that do not exist. We understand that hesitation. The best cure for it is knowing exactly what an honest inspection looks like, step by step, so there are no surprises.
Here is what happens at a Pacific Home Exteriors free, photo-documented roof inspection, what you will receive afterward, and what you should expect from any contractor you invite over.
Before anyone arrives
You schedule a time that works for you, by phone or through our website. We will ask a few simple questions: how old the roof is, what material it is, and what prompted the call, such as a leak, a storm, a home purchase, or just peace of mind. You do not need to prepare anything special. If you can, point out any stains on your ceilings or places where you have noticed water.
It also helps to know a little about your home's history. Was the roof replaced by a previous owner? Are there records of past repairs or permits? Many Orange County homes have had more than one owner and more than one roofer, and a patch from ten years ago can explain a new stain today. Do not worry if you do not know. We will work with what the roof tells us.
If you are bilingual or prefer Spanish, tell us when you schedule, and we will make sure a Spanish-speaking team member is part of the visit.
The walkthrough: what we actually look at
Your inspector will walk the exterior of the home first, then check the roof itself, and often the attic as well. A thorough look includes:
- The surface: shingles or tile condition, cracks, missing pieces, granule loss, and signs of aging.
- Flashing and penetrations: chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys, where most leaks begin. Near the coast we check for salt air corrosion on metal.
- Gutters and fascia: whether water drains where it should and whether the wood has been damaged. Our post on October gutter care covers this.
- The attic: daylight through the roof boards, damp insulation, stained rafters, or poor ventilation.
- Tile specifics: broken or slipped tiles and the condition of the underlayment where it can be seen.
On stucco homes with tile roofs, which are common across Irvine, Newport Beach, and Mission Viejo, we pay close attention to roof-to-wall transitions and the places where tile meets stucco, because moisture often sneaks in there. On older coastal bungalows with composition shingle, we look hard at flashing and fasteners that salt air has been quietly eating for years.
Not every roof can be walked safely. Steep, fragile tile, or wet conditions are good reasons to use other methods rather than risk damaging your roof.
Photos, and a drone where it helps
Photo documentation is the heart of our approach. Your inspector photographs the roof and attaches those images to your written findings, so you can see the same evidence they see. That matters for two reasons. First, it keeps everyone honest. Second, it gives you something you can show a second contractor, an insurance adjuster, or a family member who wants to understand the situation.
Where a roof is steep, tall, or fragile, a drone can capture clear images of areas that are difficult or unsafe to reach. A drone is a tool, not a gimmick. We use it where it adds safety or detail, and we do not charge extra for it.
The written scope
After the inspection, you receive a written scope. It should clearly state:
- What we found, supported by photos
- What we recommend, and why
- A plain explanation of repair versus replacement
- Materials, brand lines, and how the work will be done
- The price in writing, and how hidden wood repair is handled if found
- Who handles the permit, schedule, and cleanup
You will not be asked to sign on the spot. If the roof is fine, we will say so. If it has a few years left and needs a minor repair, we will say that too. A recommendation to repair rather than replace is something a good contractor is happy to make, because trust is worth more than a single job. For a sense of typical numbers, read how much a new roof costs in Orange County.
What a good inspection never includes
A free inspection should never feel like a sales ambush. Be wary if you encounter:
- Pressure to decide today, or a price that is only good tonight
- No photos, or photos that do not match your roof
- A demand for a large deposit before any written scope
- Someone who will not show you their license number
For the deposit, remember that California law caps a home improvement deposit at $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. And you can always verify the license yourself. Pacific is licensed under CSLB License #1160357, and our guide to checking a contractor's license shows you how.
Book your free inspection
One last thing about decisions: take your time. Compare our scope with others if you like, ask questions, and call back with anything that comes to mind later. A calm decision is a better decision, and an honest contractor will welcome it.
Seasonal timing is worth a thought. Santa Ana winds in the fall can loosen tired roofing, and the October to March rainy season is the worst time to discover a leak. An inspection now means you plan on your schedule. You can read more about our roofing services too. Pacific Home Exteriors is woman owned and family operated, based in Newport Beach, and we serve Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Diego Counties. Schedule a free inspection or call (888) 698-3198.