Bay Valley Roofing & Solar vs Star Waterproofing and Roofing
Contra Costa General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Bay Valley brings 5 more years of licensing and solar capabilities, while Star specializes in waterproofing and leak diagnosis for decks and flat roofs.
| Bay Valley Roofing & Solar | Star Waterproofing and Roofing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.3 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 8 years |
| License # | 982745 | 1036279 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Concord, CA | Walnut Creek, CA |
| Website | bayvalleyroofing.com | www.starwaterproofingco.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Bay Valley Roofing & Solar
Customers consistently praise Bay Valley's systematic approach with photo documentation, clear explanations, and responsive communication throughout standard residential roofing and solar-integrated projects.
Star Waterproofing and Roofing
Star earns repeat business for their leak diagnosis expertise and detailed scoping on waterproofing, flat roof, and multi-unit property projects where investigative skill drives the solution.
Key Takeaway: Bay Valley's feedback centers on process thoroughness and solar capabilities for pitched residential roofs, while Star's reviews emphasize diagnostic expertise for horizontal waterproofing and flat roof leak problems.
Customer Reviews
Bay Valley Roofing & Solar
Putting on a new roof is a daunting project, but Bay Valley made everything a breeze for us! The process started with a thorough inspection, and then a very comprehensive video chat with Nathan, who e...
We're so glad we chose Bay Valley Roofing and Solar company to replace our roof. Working with Ryan was top notch customer service. Something we don't see as much anymore. He's professional, detailed, ...
Bay Valley Roofing did a great job in replacing our roof. Although we were out of the area, they did an outstanding job of documenting their work and communicating with us in planning and executing t...
Star Waterproofing and Roofing
Gilber, Linda and the crew are top notch professionals. They waterproofed an outside deck at our building in San Francisco and did an A+ job. They were on time and very responsive to my needs and the ...
I recently hired Star Waterproofing to waterproof my 3 outdoor decks in S.F., they were leaking everywhere . With the amount of rain we have been receiving these past few years , I needed a specialis...
I recently hired Star to replace the flat commercial roof for an apartment building in Oakland (6,500 sq ft). I had an excellent experience from start to finish, and I'm glad to leave a glowing recomm...
Consider Bay Valley Roofing & Solar if...
- ✓ Your roof is a standard pitched residential system where Bay Valley's 13 years of experience diagnosing hidden damage and structural complications provides more depth for unexpected issues
- ✓ You're considering solar panel installation now or in the future, and want a roofer already experienced in solar shingle systems and panel removal/reinstall coordination
- ✓ You value systematic communication with photo documentation and remote coordination options, especially if managing the project from a distance
- ✓ Your project may involve storm damage assessment or complex leak tracing on sloped roofing where their established track record offers more reference points
Consider Star Waterproofing and Roofing if...
- ✓ Your project centers on waterproofing for decks, balconies, or other horizontal surfaces where Star's specialized diagnostic expertise directly matches your need
- ✓ You have a flat roof, low-slope system, or torch-down application where their focused experience with these systems and water intrusion patterns is most relevant
- ✓ You manage a multi-unit property and need a contractor experienced with larger commercial-style roof areas and repeat maintenance relationships
- ✓ You're dealing with a difficult leak that requires investigative expertise to identify the source before proposing a solution
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Bay Valley about their current solar integration capabilities and whether any limitations on solar servicing noted in reviews affect your timeline or warranty
- → Ask Star about their follow-up protocols, given some reports of missed follow-up, and how they handle post-completion questions or callbacks
- → If your project has both pitched roofing and flat deck areas, ask each company which portions align with their core expertise and whether they subcontract any scope
- → Request references from projects similar to yours in complexity, particularly if your roof age suggests hidden structural issues may emerge during tear-off
The Bottom Line
For most standard residential sloped roof projects, Bay Valley's 13 years of licensing, systematic communication approach, and solar-ready capabilities make it the stronger choice, especially when hidden complications or future solar plans are considerations. Choose Star if your project specifically involves deck or balcony waterproofing, flat roof systems, or difficult leak diagnosis where their specialized expertise directly addresses your problem. Both companies carry proper insurance and bonding, so your decision should center on which contractor's experience base aligns with your actual roof type and project complexity. If you're uncertain which category your project falls into, schedule inspections with both and ask directly about their experience with your specific roof configuration and any waterproofing components.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a simple tear-off and reshingle with no surprises, both companies have adequate experience. The gap becomes meaningful when crews uncover rotted decking, discover improper flashing from previous work, or encounter permit complications that require judgment calls. Bay Valley's 13 years means they've navigated more of these mid-project decisions, which can affect both your timeline and final cost when hidden issues appear.
This depends on which portion is your primary concern. Bay Valley has broader residential roofing experience for the pitched section, while Star's waterproofing specialization is stronger for the flat deck if leaks or proper drainage are issues. Ask each company directly which scope they consider their strength and whether they'd subcontract any portion, then decide based on where your risk and complexity lie.
Reviews suggest Bay Valley prices fairly relative to scope but focuses on thoroughness rather than competing on price alone. The premium typically reflects detailed inspection processes, systematic documentation, and responsive project management rather than materially different labor rates. If you're getting bids, the difference usually appears in how comprehensively they've scoped potential complications rather than inflated line items.
Star does perform standard roof replacements and has the proper licensing and insurance for residential roofing work. However, their customer feedback and project history emphasize flat roofs, low-slope systems, and waterproofing diagnostics. If your home has a typical pitched roof without waterproofing concerns, Bay Valley's longer track record and customer feedback focused on residential sloped roofing suggests a better fit for that specific project type.
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See our ranked list of top general contractors in Contra Costa.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 13, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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