Yorkshire Roofing of Northern California Inc. DBA Roofmax provides a wide range of roofing services for residential and commercial clients in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The company has the capabilities to work with all types of roofing materials, from composition shingles and standing seam metal to stone-coated steel and low-slope/flat roofing, and it also has the training and equipment to install solar systems, insulation, gutters, downspouts, skylights, and more.
Owner Kenny Falconi credits much of Roofmax’s success to its detail-oriented approach to roofing and solar work. “We strive to go above and beyond what most companies offer, and paying attention to details is an important part of that,” he says. “Whether it’s keeping jobsites clean throughout every phase of work to following up with customers to make sure they’re happy, everything we do is geared toward providing a positive experience.”
Roofmax is known for its comprehensive project management services, which include assigning a manager to every job to ensure the work is progressing smoothly. “We’re large enough to provide project management and ensure our clients get quality service, but we’re also small enough to ensure they don’t get lost in the shuffle,” explains Mr. Falconi. “Ultimately, this allows us to make sure each roof and solar system that we install looks great and functions properly in all situations.”
“We’re a very conscientious company, and we take an artful approach on every job to achieve the best results. By combining proper safety techniques and industry-best installation procedures, we’re able to ensure each customer receives a high-quality roofing system.”
Finding a roofing contractor should be like buying a car—research, compare and find the one that’s right for you.
“People don’t go out and buy the cheapest car they can find,” says Kenny Falconi, owner of Yorkshire Roofing of Northern California Inc. DBA Roofmax in Concord. “They do some research and comparison shopping and find the car that suits their needs. The same should be done with roofers.”
Mr. Falconi cautions against being overly price sensitive and choosing a contractor based solely on cost. “You won’t get a proper job, and it’ll cost a lot more if you have to have it redone.”
With the Internet, homeowners have numerous tools to check contractors and build trust and confidence in their decisions. “You can avoid a lot of risk by checking sites like Diamond Certified or the Certified Contractors Network,” advises Mr. Falconi.
Longevity is another indicator of a reputable contractor who’s less likely to make mistakes. “Contractors who’ve been around for a while have beneficial experience that other contractors don’t,” says Mr. Falconi. “You can avoid pitfalls and gain the benefit of their experience.”
When it comes to multiple bids, Mr. Falconi advises not to use the bidding process as the initial screen. “It’s easier to do some research first. Then, once you’ve narrowed the choice to a short list of two or three potential contractors, seek out bids.”
It’s also critical to preemptively identify the warning signs of a roof problem. Mr. Falconi cites the following as indicators of a necessary evaluation:
•Sagging decking between the rafters
•Outside light that can be seen through the roof. This may not necessarily be a problem, but it’s best to have a professional make the determination.
•Dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys and other holes. Test to see if they’re old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, it’s a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it’s most likely an old problem that’s been fixed.
•Signs of water damage or leaking, usually in the form of water stains or sagging ceilings. These could be due to an active leak in the roof or condensation caused by poor roof ventilation.
Yorkshire Roofing of Northern California Inc. DBA Roofmax has been repairing residential and commercial roofs in Contra Costa County and parts of Alameda County since 1987. Over the years, the firm has developed a unique process for ensuring quality control and complete customer satisfaction.
Customer engagement begins with a “measure call”—Roofmax visits a home, measures to see what the project requires, and gives the homeowner the first opportunity to measure them as a contractor. This is followed by a detailed proposal, usually consisting of three options—good, better and best—that allow the homeowner to select the level of work that best fits their needs and budget.
The second meeting with a client addresses the four Ps:
• Proposal: in detail
• Problems: general issues with the roofing industry and the project
• People: the company and the employees who will do the actual work
• Price: what the investment will look like and what needs to be spent to do the job correctly
When a customer decides to move forward with the proposal, Roofmax assigns a dedicated project manager to lead and oversee the effort. The project manager is the homeowner’s “go to” person for any questions or issues. “The project manager will meet with the homeowner to determine their vision and ensure it’s executed,” says owner Kenny Falconi. “The project manager also ensures nuances are taken care of, such as protection of the landscaping or other options that should be undertaken while the roof is off.
“One of the biggest issues homeowners have with roofing projects is trust,” he continues. “The work is done where they can't see what's going on; they don't know if it’s being done correctly. We solve that problem by giving them detailed specifications, and the project manager makes sure the job is done correctly. At the end of every job, we have an independent third party do a thorough inspection and offer an extended warranty based on the results.”
