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ARS Roofing & Gutters vs Doughty Enterprises
Sonoma Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are veteran Santa Rosa roofers with identical credentials, separated mainly by Doughty's 15 additional years of licensing and reputation for faster turnaround.
| ARS Roofing & Gutters | Doughty Enterprises | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 22 years | 37 years |
| License # | 837618 | 554946 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Santa Rosa, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Website | www.arsroofing.com | doughtyenterprises.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
ARS Roofing & Gutters
ARS customers consistently emphasize thorough inspections, detailed estimates, and educational communication that helps homeowners understand their options and make informed decisions.
Doughty Enterprises
Doughty customers repeatedly highlight quick scheduling, fast project completion, and efficient execution while maintaining professional quality and clear communication.
Key Takeaway: ARS is characterized as methodical and consultative with strength in complex diagnostic work, while Doughty is described as fast and efficient with emphasis on rapid turnaround and competitive pricing.
Customer Reviews
ARS Roofing & Gutters
ARS spoke with me on Christmas morning and had a crew out to us the following morning to inspect a roof leak. They discovered that a recent gutter cleaning we had done by another company did not do a ...
We had such an amazing experience with Letitia and the ARS Roofing & Gutters team! Our roof needed repairs prior to a solar installation-and they made what could be a super stressful situation seem se...
ARS replaced our 30-year-old roof. The quote and estimate process was clear and detailed and thorough. When the start date arrived, the entire team was cheerful and communcative and ernest. The forema...
Doughty Enterprises
Buzz and his team went the extra mile and expedited a quick turnaround for my mom's roof. Buzz was extremely helpful along with his office manager, Ashley. They worked closely with my mom along with u...
Over the last few years, I've had several roofs replaced by Dorothy Enterprises. Buzz and his staff are always a pleasure to work with, very accommodating with schedule and very knowledgeable in the t...
Uzz and his team were outstanding to work with throughout the entire process. I would recommend them to anyone
Consider ARS Roofing & Gutters if...
- ✓ Your roof is older or complex, requiring careful inspection to identify hidden damage, dry rot, or structural issues that might not be immediately visible
- ✓ You need coordination with insurance inspectors, solar installers, or guidance on whether repair versus replacement makes financial sense for your situation
- ✓ You value detailed written estimates and thorough explanations of what work is necessary and why, particularly if you're comparing multiple approaches
- ✓ Your project includes multiple elements like moss removal, gutter screening, or maintenance services alongside roofing work
Consider Doughty Enterprises if...
- ✓ You need roofing work completed quickly, whether due to active leaks, upcoming weather, or tight project timelines
- ✓ Your project is relatively straightforward—a standard roof replacement or clear repair need without extensive diagnostic uncertainty
- ✓ Competitive pricing is a priority and you're looking for efficiency without sacrificing quality or professionalism
- ✓ You appreciate a veteran contractor who can draw on nearly four decades of problem-solving experience when unexpected issues arise during tear-off
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → What is your current lead time for starting work, and how long do you estimate my specific project will take from start to final cleanup?
- → Can you walk me through what you look for during roof inspection, particularly regarding hidden damage or dry rot on older homes?
- → How do you handle unexpected findings once tear-off begins, both in terms of process and pricing adjustments?
- → What warranties do you provide on labor and materials, and who handles warranty service if issues arise?
The Bottom Line
Both contractors are legitimate veteran choices with identical licensing credentials and strong customer feedback. Choose Doughty if you need fast turnaround, competitive pricing, and straightforward execution on a clear-cut roofing project—their 37 years and efficiency focus serve those priorities well. Choose ARS if your situation involves complexity requiring thorough inspection, coordination with insurance or solar work, or if you value detailed education about your options before committing. Neither choice carries meaningful risk given their tenure and proper insurance. Request estimates from both, compare their inspection thoroughness and communication style during that process, and you'll quickly identify which approach fits your specific project and timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both are veteran contractors fully capable of handling residential roofing professionally. The practical difference is that Doughty's 37 years means exposure to a wider range of unusual situations, older construction methods, and long-term material performance. For straightforward projects, this gap is minimal. For complicated older homes or unusual roof configurations, that additional experience pool can be valuable when problems emerge during tear-off.
Customer feedback consistently highlights Doughty's quick scheduling and fast turnaround as a defining characteristic. Multiple reviews specifically mention rapid project completion. ARS receives praise for punctuality and on-time completion, but speed isn't emphasized as a signature strength. If timeline is your primary concern, ask Doughty directly about current availability.
ARS has multiple customer mentions of coordinating roofing work specifically ahead of solar panel installation, suggesting familiarity with timing, flashing requirements, and what solar installers need. This doesn't mean Doughty can't handle it, but ARS appears to have made this coordination a regular part of their service offering. Ask both about their experience with pre-solar roofing work.
Doughty has several customer references to competitive or fair pricing, while ARS pricing isn't specifically highlighted in reviews either positively or negatively. This suggests Doughty may be more price-competitive on average, though actual quotes will depend on your specific project scope, materials, and complexity. Get detailed written estimates from both to compare directly.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top roofing contractors in Sonoma.
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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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