Editor

<article>
 Two companies have five-star ratings. Both seem to have happy customers. So how do you decide which one deserves your business?

 The answer depends on what's behind those stars.

 One company might have five reviews, all written several years ago. Another might have hundreds of reviews across several websites, including recent feedback from customers who hired them last month.

 Both can display the same five-star average, but they don't provide the same amount of information.

 Before hiring a contractor, auto repair shop or other local business, it's worth taking a closer look at how that rating was earned.

 <h2>Start With the Number of Reviews</h2>

 A five-star rating based on three customer reviews is very different from one based on 300.

 That doesn't mean a company with fewer reviews provides worse service. Newer businesses and smaller companies may have excellent customer relationships without having collected much online feedback.

 The difference is how much information you have to work with.

 With only a handful of reviews, one customer's experience can have a large effect on the average. With hundreds of reviews, you have more opportunities to identify common experiences, recurring complaints and changes in service quality.

 Consider a roofing contractor with six five-star reviews. Those customers may have had excellent experiences, but the rating tells you relatively little about how the company handles different types of projects or unexpected problems.

 A contractor with 200 reviews gives you more material to examine. You can look for feedback about scheduling, workmanship, communication and warranty service.

 Review volume provides context. It doesn't guarantee quality.

 <h2>Look at More Than One Review Website</h2>

 Most consumers have a favorite place to check reviews. Google and Yelp are common starting points, but neither necessarily provides every available customer rating.

 A local contractor might have reviews on Google, Yelp, Angi and an industry-specific consumer organization.

 Each platform may attract a different group of customers. Some people leave reviews after small repairs. Others provide detailed feedback about major projects. The number of reviews, average score and available details may differ between websites.

 If you check only one source, you may miss information that changes your impression.

 This is one reason ONE AllRatings combines customer ratings from multiple sources. Its<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/rating-process"> Rating Process</a> also considers the recency of reviews and the reliability of the sources.

 The goal is to give consumers a broader picture than they would get from looking at one website alone.

 <h2>Find Out When the Reviews Were Written</h2>

 A company can change quite a bit in five years.

 An experienced manager might leave. The business could hire new employees, expand into unfamiliar services or come under new ownership.

 Sometimes those changes improve customer service. Sometimes they create problems.

 Imagine a plumbing company that earned excellent reviews from 2018 through 2021. Its overall average might still look impressive today, even if customers have reported missed appointments and billing problems during the past several months.

 The reverse can happen, too. A business with a poor rating history might have corrected earlier problems and earned consistently better feedback under new management.

 Look for changes in the kinds of comments customers leave over time.

 Pay attention to whether recent reviews support the company's older reputation.

 <h2>Read What Customers Actually Say</h2>

 Star ratings make it easy to compare businesses quickly. Written reviews can tell you what those ratings mean.

 When reading customer feedback, look for details that relate to the service you need.

 If you're hiring a roofer, comments about the company's punctuality are helpful. Feedback about roof leaks after installation or how the contractor handled a warranty claim may be even more important.

 A few useful things to look for include:

 <ul>
 <li>Whether customers describe the work that was performed.</li>
 <li>How the company handled problems or unexpected costs.</li>
 <li>Whether communication was clear throughout the job.</li>
 <li>Whether customers would hire the company again.</li>
 <li>Whether similar complaints appear repeatedly.</li>
 </ul>

 Don't assume every negative review proves a company did something wrong. Misunderstandings happen, and some complaints lack enough information to judge fairly.

 What matters is the overall pattern and how the business responds when things go wrong.

 <h2>Two Real Companies With Five-Star Ratings</h2>

 A useful example comes from two roofing company reports on ONE AllRatings.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/all-bay-roofing-ca-vallejo">All Bay Roofing in Vallejo, California</a> displays a five-star rating based on six reviews from two sources. Its published TOTAL SCORE is 80 out of 100.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">J.O Roofing Inc. in San Francisco</a> also displays five stars. Its report shows 48 reviews from three sources and a TOTAL SCORE of 100.

 Both have five-star customer ratings in the reviewed reports, but their overall OAR scores differ.

 Why?

 OAR considers more than customer reviews. Its TOTAL SCORE also includes verified Key Docs information and company report disclosures.

 The reports show different levels of verified documentation and company information. That helps explain the difference in TOTAL SCORE.

 Importantly, a company with 0% in the Key Docs field has not necessarily failed to obtain a required license or insurance policy. It means the applicable documentation has not been verified in that part of the OAR report.

 The figures above reflect the reports reviewed for this article and may change as new information is added.

 <h2>Don't Forget the Company's Credentials</h2>

 Reviews tell you how customers felt about a business. They don't necessarily tell you whether the company has the qualifications required for your project.

 Before hiring a contractor, check the appropriate state or local licensing authority. Confirm insurance coverage and find out whether the company has experience with the work you need.

 These questions are especially important for expensive home improvements, electrical work, plumbing and roofing.

 A five-star rating can't replace those checks.

 <h2>A Better Way to Use Five-Star Ratings</h2>

 You don't need to spend hours investigating every company. Start with a short list and compare the details that matter most.

 Look at the number of reviews, where they came from, how recent they are and whether customers report similar experiences.

 Then check the company's credentials and ask questions about the specific work you're considering.

 Five stars can help you find promising businesses. The information behind those stars can help you decide which ones deserve a closer look.

 ONE AllRatings brings much of that information together in individual company reports. You can<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/top-rated-companies"> find rated local companies by region</a> and compare more than the average star rating before making your decision.
</article>

A five-star rating can hide important details. Learn why review counts, sources, recent feedback and company credentials matter.

Why Five-Star Ratings Don't Tell the Whole Story

A five-star rating is a good sign, but it doesn't tell you everything about a business. Here's how to look beyond the stars and find the information that really matters before hiring a company.

Why a Five-Star Rating Doesn't Always Tell the Whole Story

<article>
 A business might have 4.8 stars on Google, 4.5 stars on Yelp and a different rating on another review website.

 Which score should you trust?

 Looking at all three is a good start, but comparing them isn't always straightforward. Each website may have a different number of reviews, and those reviews may have been collected over different periods.

 A composite business rating brings information from multiple sources together to help answer a more useful question: What does the available customer feedback tell us about this company overall?

 <h2>What Is a Composite Rating?</h2>

 A composite business rating combines customer ratings from more than one review source into a single result.

 A basic version might use the number of reviews and average rating from each website to calculate a combined average.

 For example, imagine a company with:

 <ul>
 <li>40 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars.</li>
 <li>20 Yelp reviews averaging 4.2 stars.</li>
 <li>40 reviews on another platform averaging 4.6 stars.</li>
 </ul>

 A simple calculation that weights every review equally would produce a combined rating of 4.6 stars.

 That provides a broader view than checking a single platform.

 But it still leaves some important questions unanswered.

 Were those reviews written recently? Do the platforms have equally reliable methods for collecting feedback? Are all the reviewers actual customers?

 A basic mathematical average doesn't address those questions.

 <h2>Why Combining Reviews Is Only the Beginning</h2>

 Customer review websites don't all work the same way.

 Some focus on local businesses in general. Others specialize in home services, health care, automotive work or particular industries.

 They can also differ in how they collect reviews, identify questionable activity and handle feedback from people who may not have been customers.

 Simply combining their averages doesn't account for those differences.

 The value of a more detailed composite rating comes from examining the information behind each score.

 <h2>How ONE AllRatings Calculates Its Star Score</h2>

 ONE AllRatings uses what it calls a super-composite Star Score.

 According to its published<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/rating-process"> Rating Process</a>, the system evaluates available customer ratings across review sources, then adjusts how those ratings contribute to the result.

 Several factors are considered.

 <h3>Reviews from actual customers</h3>

 OAR's published methodology says it excludes ratings from people identified as non-customers and evaluates reviews for signs of questionable activity.

 This distinction matters because a rating from someone who never purchased a service may not reflect the quality of the work performed.

 <h3>More weight for recent reviews</h3>

 A company that performed excellent work seven years ago may not operate the same way today.

 OAR gives more weight to recent customer ratings. Its methodology explains that a review from the past year can receive three times the weight of a review from seven years ago.

 <h3>Differences between review sources</h3>

 OAR also evaluates the trustworthiness of review sources and adjusts how much influence their ratings have.

 The objective is to reduce the effect of less reliable information rather than treating every website as equally dependable.

 These factors contribute to the company's final Star Score, which is displayed on a five-star scale.

 <h2>Why OAR Also Uses a TOTAL SCORE</h2>

 A customer rating tells you something about satisfaction. It doesn't necessarily establish whether a business has the required credentials or provides enough information about its services.

 OAR addresses this with a separate TOTAL SCORE on a 100-point scale.

 <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border-left: 3px solid red; border-right: 3px solid red;">
 <thead>
 <tr>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left;">Component</th>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left;">Weight</th>
 </tr>
 </thead>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Super-composite Star Score</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">80%</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Key Docs</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">10%</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Company Report</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">10%</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Total</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">100%</td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
 </table>

 The Star Score reflects OAR's calculation of customer ratings.

 Key Docs measures the percentage of applicable documentation OAR has verified. Depending on the business and location, this can involve licenses, insurance and other records.

 The Report component measures available company disclosures, including information about personnel, services and past work.

 This structure gives customer experience the greatest weight while including information that can help consumers evaluate a business beyond its reviews.

 <h2>A Real Example: A Five-Star Company With an 80 TOTAL SCORE</h2>

 Consider<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/all-bay-roofing-ca-vallejo"> All Bay Roofing in Vallejo, California</a>.

 Its published company report displays:

 <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border-left: 3px solid red; border-right: 3px solid red;">
 <thead>
 <tr>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left;">Rating component</th>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left;">Reported value</th>
 </tr>
 </thead>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Stars</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">5.0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Review sources</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">2</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Reviews</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Key Docs</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">0%</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Report</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">0%</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">TOTAL SCORE</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">80.0</td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
 </table>

 Using OAR's published weighting, the calculation is straightforward:

 Star Score: 5.0 out of 5.0 contributes 80 points.

 Key Docs: 0% contributes 0 points.

 Company Report: 0% contributes 0 points.

 TOTAL SCORE: 80 out of 100.

 The company has a five-star customer rating, but its overall score reflects the additional documentation and disclosure fields.

 A 0% Key Docs value should not be interpreted as proof that a company lacks insurance or licensing. It indicates that the relevant verification has not been completed or reflected in that scoring field.

 That distinction is important.

 For other companies, the calculation may not be reproducible exactly from the displayed Star Score because published star values can be rounded. The underlying scoring data determines the precise result.

 <h2>What Does a Score of 90 or Higher Mean?</h2>

 OAR groups companies into three general rating levels.

 A TOTAL SCORE below 80 falls into the lower rating group.

 A score of 80 or higher qualifies for the high-rating level.

 The highest level, ONE AllRatings Certified, requires a TOTAL SCORE of at least 90 along with additional certification requirements.

 These include applicable licensing, insurance, complaint handling and company disclosures. The certification is also associated with OAR's Performance Guarantee, subject to its terms.

 A company does not become certified based on its star rating alone.

 And certification should not be treated as a promise that every customer will have the same experience.

 <h2>How to Use a Composite Rating</h2>

 Composite scores work best as a starting point for comparing companies.

 When viewing an OAR company report, consider each part of the rating:

 <ul>
 <li>Stars: What does the combined customer feedback indicate?</li>
 <li>Sources: How many review platforms contributed?</li>
 <li>Reviews: How much customer feedback was analyzed?</li>
 <li>Key Docs: What applicable credentials have been verified?</li>
 <li>Report: How much information has the business disclosed?</li>
 <li>TOTAL SCORE: How do those factors contribute to the overall assessment?</li>
 </ul>

 A strong composite rating helps narrow your choices. It doesn't replace checking current credentials, reviewing estimates or asking questions about the specific service you need.

 That's the purpose of bringing these details together. Instead of making a decision based on one number from one website, you have more information to work with.

 You can learn more about the calculations and certification requirements on the<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/rating-process"> ONE AllRatings Rating Process page</a>.
</article>

Learn how composite business ratings combine customer reviews, multiple sources and other factors to help you compare local companies.

What Is a Composite Business Rating? | OAR

A composite business rating brings information from multiple review sources together. Learn how composite ratings work, what makes ONE AllRatings different and why the final score may not match a company's star rating.

What Is a Composite Business Rating and How Does It Work?

<article>
 A customer gives a contractor five stars after a successful roofing project in 2019. Seven years later, that review still contributes to the company's online reputation.

 But how much should it influence your decision to hire that contractor today?

 The review may be completely genuine. The customer may have received excellent service and been happy with the work.

 The question is whether that experience tells you what to expect now.

 Recent customer reviews generally deserve more attention when you're evaluating a business's current performance. Older reviews still have value, especially when you're looking for a history of consistent service.

 Understanding the difference can help you avoid relying too heavily on an impressive but outdated average.

 <h2>Why Recent Reviews Matter</h2>

 A company is rarely exactly the same business it was five or 10 years ago.

 Employees leave. Managers change. New owners take over. Businesses expand, add services or change how they work with customers.

 Even without a major change in leadership, a company might perform differently as it grows.

 Consider an HVAC contractor that built its reputation around a small team of experienced technicians. As demand increases, the company hires additional employees and changes its scheduling process.

 Those changes might allow it to serve more customers. They could also lead to longer appointment windows, communication problems or inconsistent service while the business adjusts.

 Reviews written during the expansion may tell you more about the current customer experience than comments from years earlier.

 That's why the timing of customer feedback matters.

 <h2>A High Average Can Hide Recent Problems</h2>

 Imagine a plumbing company that collected 200 five-star reviews over several years.

 Its overall rating looks excellent.

 During the past six months, however, a growing number of customers have reported missed appointments, unexpected charges and difficulty reaching the company.

 Those recent problems may have little effect on the all-time average because the company already has so many positive reviews.

 A consumer who looks only at the average could miss the change.

 The reverse can also happen.

 A business with a poor reputation several years ago might have hired a new manager, improved its training or changed how it handles complaints.

 An older average could make the company look worse than its current performance deserves.

 Neither situation means the old reviews should be ignored. They simply need to be considered alongside newer information.

 <h2>How Far Back Should You Read?</h2>

 There isn't one time period that works for every industry.

 For businesses providing frequent, relatively short services, such as auto repair shops or cleaning companies, recent reviews can give you a useful picture of everyday operations.

 For businesses handling major construction projects, longer histories are also valuable.

 A homeowner researching a roofing contractor might want to know whether customers were satisfied immediately after installation. Feedback written several years later can be useful, too, particularly when it discusses leaks, repairs or warranty work.

 Start by reading reviews from the past 12 months, if enough are available. Then look further back to see whether the same patterns appear.

 Don't judge a company based on two recent complaints when hundreds of other customers have reported positive experiences. Read what happened and consider whether the issues are relevant to the service you need.

 <h2>Look for Changes in Customer Feedback</h2>

 A single rating doesn't tell you everything about how a company is performing.

 Pay attention to whether the details in its reviews have changed.

 Some useful questions include:

 <ul>
 <li>Are customers still praising the same things they praised several years ago?</li>
 <li>Have complaints about scheduling, pricing or communication become more common?</li>
 <li>Does the business respond to problems?</li>
 <li>Are recent reviews detailed enough to describe actual work?</li>
 <li>Has the company changed ownership, management or services?</li>
 </ul>

 If a contractor consistently received positive comments about communication in older reviews, but recent customers describe difficulty getting updates, that's worth asking about.

 It doesn't automatically disqualify the company. It gives you a specific concern to discuss before hiring.

 <h2>How ONE AllRatings Accounts for Review Age</h2>

 ONE AllRatings considers review recency when calculating its super-composite Star Score.

 Instead of treating every review as having the same influence regardless of age, OAR assigns greater weight to more recent customer feedback.

 Its<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/more-recent-ratings-given-more-weight"> published methodology</a> provides a specific example: Ratings from work performed within the past year are weighted three times more than ratings from work performed seven years earlier.

 That approach reflects the idea that a company's current performance should play a greater role in evaluating it.

 OAR also combines reviews from multiple sources and evaluates their trustworthiness, rather than relying entirely on one website's historical average.

 Learn more about these considerations in the<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/rating-process"> ONE AllRatings Rating Process</a>.

 <h2>Older Reviews Can Still Tell You Something Important</h2>

 Recent reviews matter, but a long history can reveal things that aren't obvious from the past few months.

 For example, a company that has consistently earned favorable feedback for a decade may have demonstrated the ability to maintain its service standards through staff changes, busy seasons and changes in customer demand.

 Older reviews may also describe long-term issues that recent customers haven't encountered yet.

 A roofing company might receive positive feedback immediately after completing an installation. Years later, customers could share information about how well the roof held up or whether the company honored its warranty.

 That kind of feedback can be especially helpful for products and services expected to last many years.

 The key is understanding what each review can reasonably tell you.

 <h2>What if a Company Has No Recent Reviews?</h2>

 A lack of recent reviews isn't proof that a business has stopped providing good service.

 Some companies simply don't ask customers to leave reviews regularly. Others may have a small customer base or work on projects that take several months to complete.

 Still, limited recent feedback means you have less current information.

 Before hiring, consider asking for recent references from customers who received similar services.

 You can also check how long the company has been operating, whether its credentials are current and whether recent projects are available to review.

 These steps are particularly useful for expensive home improvements.

 <h2>Use the Full History, but Give the Present More Attention</h2>

 An old five-star review can be helpful. A recent five-star review can be helpful, too.

 Neither should be judged entirely on its own.

 Look for current patterns, compare more than one review source and read enough feedback to understand what customers are actually experiencing.

 Older reviews help establish a company's history. Newer reviews can tell you whether that history still reflects the way the business operates.

 When you're deciding who to hire today, both matter. The most useful approach is to consider the full record while paying closer attention to what's happened recently.
</article>

Should you trust recent customer reviews or older ratings? Learn how review age, business changes and customer feedback affect your choices.

Recent vs. Old Reviews: Which Matter More?

A company's best reviews might be several years old. Does that mean they're still reliable? Learn why recent customer feedback deserves attention and how to use older reviews when researching local businesses.

Recent Reviews vs. Old Reviews: Which Matter More?

<article>
 A contractor can have excellent customer reviews, a professional website and an impressive portfolio. Those are all useful signs, but they don't replace verifying the company's credentials.

 Before agreeing to a roofing replacement, kitchen remodel or other major home improvement project, make sure the contractor is authorized to perform the work and has appropriate insurance coverage.

 These checks can help protect you from unexpected financial problems, disputes and work that fails to meet local requirements.

 Here's how to do them.

 <h2>1. Verify the Contractor's License With the Appropriate Government Agency</h2>

 Start by asking the contractor for the exact business name and license number under which they plan to perform the work.

 Then verify that information independently.

 Licensing requirements vary across the United States. Some states require licenses for many types of construction work. Others regulate particular trades, such as electrical, plumbing or HVAC services, while certain requirements are handled locally.

 A business license and a professional contractor's license are not necessarily the same thing.

 Where to check

 For California contractors, use the official<a href="https://web.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/checklicense.aspx"> Contractors State License Board License Check</a>.

 The lookup allows consumers to search by license number, business name or individual contractor and review available licensing information.

 If you're outside California, start with your state's licensing board or contractor regulator. The<a href="https://www.nascla.org/state-business-and-law-exams"> National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies</a> provides links to many state licensing agencies.

 If your state doesn't license the particular type of work, contact your city or county building department to ask what requirements apply.

 <h2>2. Make Sure the License Covers the Work You Need</h2>

 Finding an active license is important, but you should also confirm that it is appropriate for your project.

 Contractor licenses may be issued for particular classifications or trades.

 For example, a company authorized to perform one type of construction work might not be licensed to carry out a different specialty.

 When reviewing the official record, check:

 <ul>
 <li>Whether the license is active and in good standing.</li>
 <li>Whether the license belongs to the company you're hiring.</li>
 <li>Whether its classification covers the work you need.</li>
 <li>Whether the record shows restrictions, disciplinary actions or other disclosures.</li>
 </ul>

 If the name on the proposal doesn't match the license record, ask why.

 There may be a legitimate explanation, such as a registered trade name, but you should understand which legal business is responsible for the contract.

 <h2>3. Ask for Proof of General Liability Insurance</h2>

 General liability insurance can provide protection when covered accidents or property damage occur during a project.

 For example, a contractor might damage your property while moving equipment or performing repairs.

 Whether a particular claim is covered depends on the policy, its terms and applicable exclusions.

 Ask the contractor for a current certificate of insurance that identifies the insurer, insured business and coverage information.

 Then contact the listed insurance agent or carrier using independently confirmed contact information to verify that the policy is active and appropriate for the project.

 Don't assume a certificate alone guarantees that a particular loss will be covered.

 You may also want to ask whether your project requires additional insurance arrangements or documentation.

 <h2>4. Check Workers' Compensation Coverage</h2>

 Workers' compensation insurance generally addresses covered work-related injuries and illnesses involving employees.

 Requirements vary by state and type of contractor.

 This is important because an uninsured worker's injury can create serious legal and financial complications.

 Some licensing agencies make workers' compensation information available through their public databases.

 California has specific rules for certain contractor classifications. For example, active C-39 roofing contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance or valid self-insurance even when they have no employees.

 You can review those requirements through the<a href="https://web.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Maintain_License/Workers_Compensation.aspx"> California Contractors State License Board</a>.

 Don't assume the same rule applies in every state.

 If you can't verify coverage through an official record, ask the contractor for documentation and confirm it with the insurance provider.

 <h2>5. Understand the Difference Between Insurance and a Contractor Bond</h2>

 A contractor may tell you the business is licensed, bonded and insured.

 Those terms describe different things.

 Licensing addresses whether the business meets the applicable legal requirements to perform regulated work.

 Insurance can provide coverage for particular losses, depending on the policy.

 A contractor bond is generally a financial guarantee required in some jurisdictions to help address certain failures to meet legal or contractual obligations.

 A bond is not a substitute for liability insurance, and neither guarantees that the finished work will meet your expectations.

 Ask which protections apply to your project and verify the information where possible.

 <h2>6. Check Complaint and Disciplinary Records</h2>

 Customer reviews can provide valuable information about service quality. Official records may reveal different concerns.

 Depending on the jurisdiction, licensing agencies may publish information about disciplinary actions, citations, complaints or restrictions.

 Check the appropriate regulator's website for available disclosures.

 A complaint does not automatically mean a contractor acted improperly. Some complaints are dismissed or resolved without disciplinary action.

 Look at the details and the final outcome where available.

 It can also help to check consumer protection resources and search for repeated patterns of unresolved customer problems.

 The<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam"> Federal Trade Commission's home improvement advice</a> recommends checking credentials, reviewing customer feedback and obtaining multiple written estimates.

 <h2>7. Ask About Experience With Your Specific Project</h2>

 Even a properly licensed and insured contractor may not be the right choice for every job.

 Someone who regularly installs asphalt shingle roofs might have limited experience with a complicated flat-roof system.

 A remodeling company might handle kitchens every week but rarely perform major structural renovations.

 Ask how often the company completes work similar to yours.

 Request examples of recent projects and, when appropriate, references from customers with comparable needs.

 Find out who will supervise the work and whether subcontractors will be involved.

 These questions help you evaluate the contractor's experience beyond the legal minimum requirements.

 <h2>8. Get Everything Important in Writing</h2>

 Before you sign a contract, make sure you understand what you're buying.

 A clear written estimate should identify the work, materials, expected schedule and price.

 For a larger project, also discuss permits, payment schedules, cleanup, warranties and procedures for handling unexpected work.

 If a contractor tells you something important during a conversation, ask to have it included in the written agreement.

 Never sign documents with blank spaces for essential contract terms, and be cautious about demands for unusually large payments before work begins.

 Deposit limits and other contract requirements vary by jurisdiction.

 <h2>How ONE AllRatings Can Help</h2>

 ONE AllRatings includes a Key Docs component in its company reports.

 This provides information about applicable documentation that has been verified as part of OAR's rating process, along with customer ratings and other company details.

 It's useful when you're comparing businesses, but it shouldn't be your only source of verification.

 A company report showing 0% Key Docs does not necessarily mean the business lacks a license or insurance. Check the relevant government records and request current documentation directly.

 You can research companies through OAR's service listings, including<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/roofing-contractors/ca/danville"> roofing contractors in Danville, California</a> and<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/plumbing-contractors/ca/alameda-county"> plumbing contractors in Alameda County</a>.

 <h2>A Few Minutes of Research Can Make a Difference</h2>

 Checking a license or insurance policy isn't complicated, but it's easy to skip when a company has good reviews or comes recommended by someone you trust.

 Take the time to confirm the basic information before making a financial commitment.

 Verify the license, check the insurance, review available complaint records and make sure the company has experience with your type of project.

 Then compare the written proposals.

 A company's reputation matters. Its legal qualifications and ability to complete your specific project matter just as much.
</article>

Learn how to verify a contractor's license, insurance, qualifications and complaint history before hiring them for a home improvement project.

How to Verify a Contractor's License and Insurance

Before hiring a contractor, take a few minutes to verify their license, insurance and qualifications. This guide explains where to check official records, what documents to request and which warning signs deserve attention.

How to Check a Contractor's License, Insurance and Credentials

<article>
 Replacing a roof is expensive, and most homeowners don't do it often enough to become familiar with the process.

 You might get three estimates from three roofing contractors and find that the prices are thousands of dollars apart.

 Each company may have good customer reviews. Each may promise quality materials and experienced installers.

 So how do you know which contractor is offering the best value?

 Start by making sure you're comparing the same work. Then look at the company's experience, credentials, customer feedback and the details of its proposal.

 A little research before signing a contract can help prevent disagreements once the project begins.

 <h2>Start With Contractors Who Handle Your Type of Roof</h2>

 Not every roofing contractor specializes in the same work.

 Some primarily install asphalt shingles on single-family homes. Others focus on metal roofing, tile, flat roofs or commercial buildings.

 A company might have an excellent reputation for replacing conventional residential roofs but limited experience with the roofing system on your property.

 Before requesting an estimate, find out whether the contractor regularly works with your type of roof.

 Ask about similar projects completed recently and whether the company can provide examples of its work.

 For a complicated roofing project, experience with the materials and installation requirements matters more than a general claim about years in business.

 <h2>Compare Customer Ratings From Several Sources</h2>

 Online reviews are a useful starting point when researching roofing contractors.

 They can help you identify companies that customers consistently praise or report problems with.

 But don't rely entirely on one review website.

 A contractor may have different ratings on Google, Yelp and industry-specific review platforms. The number of reviews and the types of projects described can also vary.

 Look for comments about the parts of the roofing process that matter most to homeowners:

 <ul>
 <li>Whether the crew arrived when expected.</li>
 <li>How the company communicated during the project.</li>
 <li>Whether workers protected the property and cleaned up afterward.</li>
 <li>How unexpected repairs or additional costs were handled.</li>
 <li>Whether the roof performed as expected after installation.</li>
 <li>How the contractor responded to warranty questions or complaints.</li>
 </ul>

 Pay attention to when those reviews were written.

 A roofing company with excellent feedback from several years ago may have changed personnel or operating procedures since then.

 The company's current performance should matter more than its reputation from a decade ago.

 <h2>Use More Than the Star Rating</h2>

 ONE AllRatings brings together customer ratings from multiple review sources and provides additional company information.

 For example, the<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/south-creek-roofing-waterproofing-inc-ca-san-jose"> South Creek Roofing company report</a> in San Jose displays a 4.9-star score based on 41 reviews from three sources, along with a TOTAL SCORE of 98.2.

 The<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco"> J.O Roofing Inc. report</a> shows five stars from 48 reviews across three sources and a TOTAL SCORE of 100.

 These reports provide information beyond the individual star ratings, including available documentation and company disclosures.

 The figures are examples from the reports reviewed for this article, not predictions of future service.

 You should still confirm current credentials and request a written proposal before choosing a contractor.

 <h2>Verify Licensing and Insurance</h2>

 Roofing work involves physical risks, expensive materials and the possibility of property damage.

 Check whether the contractor holds the license required in your jurisdiction and confirm that it covers the work you're hiring them to perform.

 Ask for proof of appropriate general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

 In California, consumers can check licensing information through the<a href="https://web.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/checklicense.aspx"> Contractors State License Board</a>. California also has specific workers' compensation requirements for roofing contractors.

 Other states have different rules.

 If you aren't sure what applies, ask your state licensing agency or local building department.

 Don't rely on a website badge or advertising claim as your only proof.

 <h2>Make Sure the Roofing Estimates Cover the Same Work</h2>

 One contractor might propose a complete tear-off and replacement. Another might quote an installation that leaves certain existing materials in place.

 The prices may look comparable, but the work isn't necessarily the same.

 Ask each contractor to prepare a written proposal that clearly identifies what's included.

 Pay particular attention to:

 Removal of existing roofing: Will the old materials be removed? How many layers are included? Is disposal covered?

 Roof decking: What happens if damaged or rotted decking is found after the old roof is removed? How will additional work be priced and approved?

 Underlayment and flashing: Which products will be installed around roof penetrations, valleys, chimneys and other vulnerable areas?

 Roofing materials: Does the estimate identify the manufacturer, product line and materials being used?

 Ventilation: Will the contractor inspect existing roof ventilation and recommend changes if needed?

 Permits: Who is responsible for obtaining required permits and scheduling inspections?

 Cleanup: Does the price include removing debris and checking the property for nails and other materials?

 A detailed proposal makes it easier to understand why one contractor charges more than another.

 It also reduces the chance of disagreements about what was supposed to be included.

 <h2>Be Careful With the Lowest Estimate</h2>

 Saving money is important, especially on a large home improvement project.

 But the lowest roofing estimate isn't automatically the best deal.

 A lower price might reflect a more efficient company, lower operating costs or a legitimate difference in materials.

 It could also mean the estimate excludes work another contractor considers necessary.

 Ask the lower-priced contractor to explain any significant differences.

 Compare the material specifications, installation methods, projected timeline and warranty coverage.

 The<a href="https://www.nrca.net/roofing-guidelines/selecting-a-contractor"> National Roofing Contractors Association</a> recommends obtaining detailed written proposals and evaluating contractors on more than price alone.

 <h2>Understand the Roofing Warranties</h2>

 Roofing proposals may describe two different types of warranty coverage.

 A manufacturer's warranty generally addresses specified issues involving the roofing product, subject to its terms.

 A workmanship warranty typically addresses covered problems related to installation.

 The length and scope of both warranties can vary considerably.

 Ask what is covered, what is excluded and how to request service if something goes wrong.

 Also find out whether the contractor must meet particular installation or certification requirements for the manufacturer's warranty to apply.

 Don't accept a general promise of a long warranty without reviewing the actual terms.

 <h2>Ask Who Will Perform the Work</h2>

 The person who provides your estimate may not be the person supervising the installation.

 Before signing, ask who will manage the job, whether the company uses its own employees or subcontractors, and whom you should contact if a problem comes up.

 Find out how the contractor communicates schedule changes and handles unexpected repairs.

 Clear answers can help you understand how organized the company is before work begins.

 <h2>Watch for High-Pressure Sales Tactics</h2>

 Be cautious if a contractor pressures you to sign immediately or says a large discount is available only if you commit that day.

 Take extra care after severe storms, when homeowners may be concerned about leaks or additional damage.

 A contractor who refuses to provide licensing information, written estimates or insurance details deserves additional scrutiny.

 The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking contractors carefully, especially after weather emergencies and natural disasters.

 <h2>Compare the Full Picture Before Choosing</h2>

 The right roofing contractor for your project should offer more than a competitive price.

 You want a company with relevant experience, suitable credentials, a dependable record of customer service and a proposal you understand.

 Research customer ratings from multiple sources. Ask questions about the materials and installation process. Review insurance information and the warranty terms.

 Then compare the estimates based on the actual work being proposed.

 You can start your research with<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/roofing-contractors/ca/danville"> ONE AllRatings' roofing contractor listings</a>, which provide access to company reports and additional rating information.

 An informed decision today can help you avoid expensive surprises after the roof is installed.
</article>

Comparing roofing contractors? Learn how to evaluate reviews, licenses, estimates, roofing materials and warranties before choosing a roofer.

How to Compare Roofing Contractors Before Hiring

A new roof is a major investment, and choosing a contractor involves more than comparing prices. Learn what to check in roofing estimates, customer reviews, insurance coverage and warranties before making your decision.

<article>
 An exploratory look at nine roofing and home service company reports in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 A five-star rating is easy to understand. It tells you customers have reported positive experiences with a company.

 What it doesn't tell you is how many customers contributed, where the reviews came from or how much additional information is available about the business.

 To see how those details can change the picture, we examined nine publicly accessible ONE AllRatings company reports associated with roofing services in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 We compared the displayed Star Score, TOTAL SCORE, review count, number of sources and supporting company information.

 This was a small, deliberately selected sample intended to demonstrate differences between rating measures. It was not a random sample or an estimate of how all roofing companies perform.

 <h2>What We Examined</h2>

 The nine reports contained a combined 366 displayed reviews and 22 summed review-source counts.

 The source count represents the total of the Sources fields across the nine reports. It does not mean 22 different review websites were represented.

 The reported TOTAL SCORES ranged from 67.2 to 100 on OAR's 100-point scale.

 The most interesting difference appeared among businesses with identical displayed star ratings.

 <h2>Finding 1: Five Stars Didn't Always Mean the Same TOTAL SCORE</h2>

 Three businesses in our sample displayed five stars.

 Their TOTAL SCORES were not identical.

 <table>
 <thead>
 <tr>
 <th>Company</th>
 <th>Stars</th>
 <th>Reviews</th>
 <th>Sources</th>
 <th>TOTAL SCORE</th>
 </tr>
 </thead>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td><a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">J.O Roofing Inc.</a></td>
 <td>5.0</td>
 <td>48</td>
 <td>3</td>
 <td>100</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td><a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/all-bay-roofing-ca-vallejo">All Bay Roofing</a></td>
 <td>5.0</td>
 <td>6</td>
 <td>2</td>
 <td>80</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td><a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/crowson-roofing-ca-vacaville">Crowson Roofing</a></td>
 <td>5.0</td>
 <td>4</td>
 <td>2</td>
 <td>80</td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
 </table>

 All three companies displayed five stars, but the range in TOTAL SCORE was 20 points.

 That difference reflects how OAR calculates its overall rating.

 Customer reviews represent 80% of TOTAL SCORE. Key Docs verification and company report disclosures each contribute another 10%.

 The All Bay Roofing and Crowson Roofing reports showed 0% in the Key Docs and Report fields in the available snapshots. J.O Roofing displayed 100% in both.

 A missing verified-document score does not establish that a business lacks legally required credentials. It indicates the verification status shown by OAR.

 The comparison demonstrates why a five-star rating and an overall business assessment are not interchangeable.

 <h2>Finding 2: More Reviews Didn't Guarantee a Higher Score</h2>

 The review counts varied considerably across the sample.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/dynasty-roofing-inc-ca-pleasant-hill">Dynasty Roofing Inc.</a> displayed 109 reviews, a 4.5-star rating and a TOTAL SCORE of 72.5.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">J.O Roofing Inc.</a> displayed 48 reviews, five stars and a TOTAL SCORE of 100.

 These two examples do not establish a relationship between review volume and business quality. They show that review count alone doesn't determine OAR's overall rating.

 Review volume is useful context, but consumers still need to examine the feedback and other information contributing to a company's assessment.

 <h2>Finding 3: The Highest TOTAL SCORES Included More Than Customer Ratings</h2>

 Three sampled reports displayed TOTAL SCORES of at least 90.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">J.O Roofing Inc.</a> displayed 100.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/south-creek-roofing-waterproofing-inc-ca-san-jose">South Creek Roofing</a> displayed 98.2.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/longshore-handyman-ca-richmond">Longshore Handyman</a>, which is listed in several contractor categories including roofing, displayed 94.

 All three reports also showed 100% for Key Docs and Report information.

 This is consistent with OAR's published scoring framework, in which verified documents and company disclosures contribute to TOTAL SCORE.

 A score of at least 90 is necessary for OAR's highest certification level, but certification also requires additional checks. A qualifying number alone does not establish certification status.

 <h2>Finding 4: A Single Number Is Only the Beginning</h2>

 OAR presents several fields alongside TOTAL SCORE because they answer different questions.

 The Star Score summarizes customer ratings using OAR's published methodology.

 The Sources field shows how many review websites contributed to the calculation.

 The Reviews field shows how many customer reviews were analyzed.

 Key Docs represents applicable verified documentation, while Report measures available company disclosure information.

 Consumers can use these fields to decide what to investigate further.

 For example, a business with an excellent star rating but limited verified documentation might deserve additional credential checks.

 A company with a modest number of reviews may still be worth considering, but a homeowner may want recent references before signing a contract.

 The rating information is most helpful when it guides additional research.

 <h2>Study Methodology</h2>

 This exploratory analysis was assembled on October 9, 2026, from publicly accessible ONE AllRatings company-report content.

 Nine distinct businesses classified as roofing contractors, including one multi-service contractor, were selected from San Francisco Bay Area reports.

 The sample was chosen to illustrate variations in publicly displayed scores and supporting information, not to produce a statistically representative survey.

 For each company, we recorded the displayed:

 <ul>
 <li>Star Score</li>
 <li>TOTAL SCORE</li>
 <li>Number of review sources</li>
 <li>Number of reviews</li>
 <li>Key Docs percentage</li>
 <li>Report percentage</li>
 </ul>

 We compared the published values without recalculating OAR's proprietary review-level weighting.

 We did not obtain individual review records, verify the original third-party reviews, or independently confirm each business's licenses and insurance.

 <h2>Limitations</h2>

 The findings should be interpreted within the limits of the available information.

 Nine company reports are too few to describe the roofing industry or local businesses nationally.

 The sample was not randomly selected. It also focuses on one service category and one geographic region.

 Publicly displayed scores can change when new reviews, documentation or company information are processed. Some available source snapshots may not reflect the latest production values.

 We did not examine whether the same review sources were represented for every company or independently validate the underlying scoring data.

 For these reasons, the results describe differences within the selected reports. They do not establish the prevalence of those differences across the full ONE AllRatings database.

 <h2>What Consumers Can Take Away</h2>

 Five stars can be a useful starting point when researching a company, but the score alone leaves important questions unanswered.

 The selected reports illustrate how businesses with identical star ratings can have different review counts, different levels of documentation and different TOTAL SCORES.

 Before hiring a company, consider the complete record. Look at recent customer feedback, compare multiple sources, check credentials and review the details of the service being offered.

 ONE AllRatings organizes much of that information into individual reports, allowing consumers to see more than a single star average.

 The better you understand the information behind a rating, the better prepared you'll be to choose a company that fits your needs.

 For more details abo<article>
 An exploratory look at nine roofing and home service company reports in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 A five-star rating is easy to understand. It tells you customers have reported positive experiences with a company.

 What it doesn't tell you is how many customers contributed, where the reviews came from or how much additional information is available about the business.

 To see how those details can change the picture, we examined nine publicly accessible ONE AllRatings company reports associated with roofing services in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 We compared the displayed Star Score, TOTAL SCORE, review count, number of sources and supporting company information.

 This was a small, deliberately selected sample intended to demonstrate differences between rating measures. It was not a random sample or an estimate of how all roofing companies perform.

 <h2>What We Examined</h2>

 The nine reports contained a combined 366 displayed reviews and 22 summed review-source counts.

 The source count represents the total of the Sources fields across the nine reports. It does not mean 22 different review websites were represented.

 The reported TOTAL SCORES ranged from 67.2 to 100 on OAR's 100-point scale.

 The most interesting difference appeared among businesses with identical displayed star ratings.

 <h2>Finding 1: Five Stars Didn't Always Mean the Same TOTAL SCORE</h2>

 Three businesses in our sample displayed five stars.

 Their TOTAL SCORES were not identical.

 <table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-left: 2px solid red; border-right: 2px solid red;">
 <thead>
 <tr>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #000; border-top: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left;">Company</th>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #000; border-top: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left;">Stars</th>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #000; border-top: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left;">Reviews</th>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #000; border-top: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left;">Sources</th>
 <th style="border: 1px solid #000; border-top: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px; text-align: left;">TOTAL SCORE</th>
 </tr>
 </thead>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;"><a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">J.O Roofing Inc.</a></td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">5.0</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">48</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">3</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">100</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;"><a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/all-bay-roofing-ca-vallejo">All Bay Roofing</a></td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">5.0</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">6</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">2</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; padding: 12px 10px;">80</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; border-bottom: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px;"><a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/crowson-roofing-ca-vacaville">Crowson Roofing</a></td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; border-bottom: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px;">5.0</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; border-bottom: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px;">4</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; border-bottom: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px;">2</td>
 <td style="border: 1px solid #000; border-bottom: 2px solid red; padding: 12px 10px;">80</td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
 </table>

 All three companies displayed five stars, but the range in TOTAL SCORE was 20 points.

 That difference reflects how OAR calculates its overall rating.

 Customer reviews represent 80% of TOTAL SCORE. Key Docs verification and company report disclosures each contribute another 10%.

 The All Bay Roofing and Crowson Roofing reports showed 0% in the Key Docs and Report fields in the available snapshots. J.O Roofing displayed 100% in both.

 A missing verified-document score does not establish that a business lacks legally required credentials. It indicates the verification status shown by OAR.

 The comparison demonstrates why a five-star rating and an overall business assessment are not interchangeable.

 <h2>Finding 2: More Reviews Didn't Guarantee a Higher Score</h2>

 The review counts varied considerably across the sample.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/dynasty-roofing-inc-ca-pleasant-hill">Dynasty Roofing Inc.</a> displayed 109 reviews, a 4.5-star rating and a TOTAL SCORE of 72.5.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">J.O Roofing Inc.</a> displayed 48 reviews, five stars and a TOTAL SCORE of 100.

 These two examples do not establish a relationship between review volume and business quality. They show that review count alone doesn't determine OAR's overall rating.

 Review volume is useful context, but consumers still need to examine the feedback and other information contributing to a company's assessment.

 <h2>Finding 3: The Highest TOTAL SCORES Included More Than Customer Ratings</h2>

 Three sampled reports displayed TOTAL SCORES of at least 90.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">J.O Roofing Inc.</a> displayed 100.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/south-creek-roofing-waterproofing-inc-ca-san-jose">South Creek Roofing</a> displayed 98.2.

 <a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/longshore-handyman-ca-richmond">Longshore Handyman</a>, which is listed in several contractor categories including roofing, displayed 94.

 All three reports also showed 100% for Key Docs and Report information.

 This is consistent with OAR's published scoring framework, in which verified documents and company disclosures contribute to TOTAL SCORE.

 A score of at least 90 is necessary for OAR's highest certification level, but certification also requires additional checks. A qualifying number alone does not establish certification status.

 <h2>Finding 4: A Single Number Is Only the Beginning</h2>

 OAR presents several fields alongside TOTAL SCORE because they answer different questions.

 The Star Score summarizes customer ratings using OAR's published methodology.

 The Sources field shows how many review websites contributed to the calculation.

 The Reviews field shows how many customer reviews were analyzed.

 Key Docs represents applicable verified documentation, while Report measures available company disclosure information.

 Consumers can use these fields to decide what to investigate further.

 For example, a business with an excellent star rating but limited verified documentation might deserve additional credential checks.

 A company with a modest number of reviews may still be worth considering, but a homeowner may want recent references before signing a contract.

 The rating information is most helpful when it guides additional research.

 <h2>Study Methodology</h2>

 This exploratory analysis was assembled on October 9, 2026, from publicly accessible ONE AllRatings company-report content.

 Nine distinct businesses classified as roofing contractors, including one multi-service contractor, were selected from San Francisco Bay Area reports.

 The sample was chosen to illustrate variations in publicly displayed scores and supporting information, not to produce a statistically representative survey.

 For each company, we recorded the displayed:

 <ul>
 <li>Star Score</li>
 <li>TOTAL SCORE</li>
 <li>Number of review sources</li>
 <li>Number of reviews</li>
 <li>Key Docs percentage</li>
 <li>Report percentage</li>
 </ul>

 We compared the published values without recalculating OAR's proprietary review-level weighting.

 We did not obtain individual review records, verify the original third-party reviews, or independently confirm each business's licenses and insurance.

 <h2>Limitations</h2>

 The findings should be interpreted within the limits of the available information.

 Nine company reports are too few to describe the roofing industry or local businesses nationally.

 The sample was not randomly selected. It also focuses on one service category and one geographic region.

 Publicly displayed scores can change when new reviews, documentation or company information are processed. Some available source snapshots may not reflect the latest production values.

 We did not examine whether the same review sources were represented for every company or independently validate the underlying scoring data.

 For these reasons, the results describe differences within the selected reports. They do not establish the prevalence of those differences across the full ONE AllRatings database.

 <h2>What Consumers Can Take Away</h2>

 Five stars can be a useful starting point when researching a company, but the score alone leaves important questions unanswered.

 The selected reports illustrate how businesses with identical star ratings can have different review counts, different levels of documentation and different TOTAL SCORES.

 Before hiring a company, consider the complete record. Look at recent customer feedback, compare multiple sources, check credentials and review the details of the service being offered.

 ONE AllRatings organizes much of that information into individual reports, allowing consumers to see more than a single star average.

 The better you understand the information behind a rating, the better prepared you'll be to choose a company that fits your needs.

 For more details about OAR's calculations and certification requirements, visit the<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/rating-process"> ONE AllRatings Rating Process</a>.
</article>

An exploratory analysis of nine ONE AllRatings roofing company reports reveals why five-star ratings don't always tell the full story.

What Local Business Ratings Reveal | OAR Study

Can two businesses have the same star rating but very different overall scores? We examined nine publicly available ONE AllRatings company reports to see what review volume, rating sources and company information reveal.

What Local Business Ratings Reveal: A ONE AllRatings Data Study

Senior Editor

There are so many review sites that it can feel overwhelming to research local companies. Wouldn’t it be easier if all the information you needed was in one place and presented in an easy-to-use format?



Now it is. With ONE ALLRatings, you can easily find local companies’ overall scores without having to visit multiple websites. Each company featured on the ONE ALLRatings website has a super-composite rating score tabulated from all the reviews from all review sites, because we believe that all is better than some.



To give you even better results, reviews are optimized for accuracy and recency. We’ve filtered out reviews from non-customers and given more weight to recent ratings, so you can trust the numbers. All certified companies bear a certification symbol, and those with the best overall ratings are Certified Highest, making it easy to narrow down your best options.



All certified companies have liability and worker’s compensation insurance and required state licenses, and you’ll be able to see photos, guarantee information, capabilities, and profiles of keystaff so you can get to know each company before you make your decision.

ONE ALLRatings makes it easy to compare local companies by combining reviews from multiple sites into a single, reliable score.
Certified companies meet strict standards, so you can confidently narrow down your best options without extra research.

Wouldn’t it be easier if all the information you needed was in one place and presented in an easy-to-use format?

A home’s roof affects everything from weather protection and energy efficiency to long-term property value. That’s why choosing the right roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. ONE AllRatings gives consumers a better way to evaluate their roofing options by combining ratings and reviews from multiple sources into a more complete picture of each Preferred company’s reputation. Instead of relying on one review site or a handful of comments, homeowners can use OAR’s broader rating information to identify roofing contractors that have demonstrated consistent customer satisfaction and professional reliability.



Here’s some information on five OAR Preferred roofing contractors throughout the United States:




<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/jo-roofing-inc-ca-san-francisco">
J.O Roofing Inc. (Santa Clara County, CA)
</a>




J.O Roofing Inc. provides expert installation, maintenance, and repair services for residential and commercial roofs across the Bay Area. Founded in 2022, this company excels in working with diverse roofing systems, such as metal and asphalt shingle roofs. With a commitment to prolonging roof lifespan, they also offer specialized sealants to protect against rainwater, moisture, and sun damage. The company operates on core values of integrity, transparency, and rigorous safety standards, ensuring each client's confidence in their services.




<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/ars-general-contracting-llc-co">
ARS General Contracting LLC (Adams County, CO)
</a>




ARS General Contracting LLC specializes in the replacement and repair of roofing systems for both residential and commercial clients across multiple counties in Colorado and Texas. The company, led by owner Ron Zueger, is also capable of handling remodeling and addition projects in Texas, as well as storm damage restoration and tenant improvements. Since its establishment in 2014, ARS General Contracting has developed a strong reputation for personalized, customer-oriented service, aiming for complete satisfaction through a hands-on approach.




<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/restoration-roofing-remodeling-llc-tx">
Restoration Roofing &amp; Remodeling, LLC (Fort Bend County, TX)
</a>




Restoration Roofing &amp; Remodeling, LLC, established in 2018, provides comprehensive roofing and remodeling services across several counties, including Harris, Fort Bend, Gregg, and Rusk. Under the leadership of Richard Attia, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, the company emphasizes high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Restoration Roofing &amp; Remodeling is a Diamond Certified company, an accolade that underscores its commitment to quality and expertise.




<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/davis-roofing-group-ca">
Davis Roofing Group (Sacramento County, CA)
</a>




Davis Roofing Group, established in 2017, is a regional roofing contractor operating within a 50- to 60-mile radius around Galt, California. The company was co-founded by Michael Davis, a seasoned industry professional with 27 years of experience, alongside Cintra Davis. As a family-led business, Davis Roofing Group is committed to providing quality roofing solutions for residential clients, with a smaller portion of its operations dedicated to commercial properties. By prioritizing residential reroofing and repair projects, the company has strategically focused on expanding its expertise in the residential sector. Notably, Davis Roofing Group has established a reputation for handling historic home projects in the downtown Sacramento area.




<a href="https://www.oneallratings.com/company/epic-roof-replacement-ca">
Epic Roof Replacement (Los Angeles County, CA)
</a>




Epic Roof Replacement, founded in 2020, provides a comprehensive range of roofing services for residential and commercial clients in Los Angeles and Alameda Counties. The company specializes in roof replacement, utilizing advanced technology and customer-oriented practices to deliver efficient and reliable service. Epic Roof Replacement is notable for being Diamond Certified, an accolade that signifies it has been rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise in local companies' most rigorous rating process. This certification is partially attributed to the company's high score in Helpful Expertise.

Learn how ONE AllRatings helps homeowners evaluate roofing contractors with broader rating information, plus see examples of OAR Preferred roofers across the United States.

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