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Doughty Enterprises vs Sterling Roofing Co
Sonoma Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Doughty Enterprises brings 37 years of licensing versus Sterling's 21 years, but the decisive difference is Doughty's robust customer feedback versus Sterling's limited review history.
| Doughty Enterprises | Sterling Roofing Co | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.0 |
| Years Licensed | 37 years | 21 years |
| License # | 554946 | 846392 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Santa Rosa, CA | Glen Ellen, CA |
| Website | doughtyenterprises.com | sterlingroofingco.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Doughty Enterprises
Customers consistently praise Doughty for quick scheduling, responsive communication with office support, and direct owner oversight throughout projects.
Key Takeaway: Doughty's extensive feedback provides verifiable patterns of service delivery and communication, while Sterling's limited review history requires homeowners to rely primarily on credentials and direct reference checks.
Customer Reviews
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
Sterling Roofing Co
Found some leaking into the house . Callled another place , had to leave a message .Everybody was busy as a lot of rain was happening . Decided I couldn't sit and wait . Tried Sterling .He answered . ...
Consider Doughty Enterprises if...
- ✓ Your project involves potential complications like an older roof where hidden damage might surface, and you want a contractor with documented experience diagnosing and communicating mid-project changes
- ✓ Responsive communication and quick scheduling matter for your timeline, as customer feedback consistently highlights Doughty's efficiency in both areas
- ✓ You value direct owner involvement in inspections and job oversight, which multiple reviews confirm as standard practice
- ✓ Your project extends beyond basic roofing to include related carpentry, dry rot replacement, or gutter work that Doughty has documented experience handling
Consider Sterling Roofing Co if...
- ✓ You're comfortable evaluating a contractor primarily on licensing credentials and years in business rather than verified customer service patterns
- ✓ Your project is straightforward leak repair or basic roofing work where Sterling's documented project type aligns with your needs
- ✓ You prefer working with a Glen Ellen-based contractor if proximity to that specific area matters for your project location
- ✓ You're willing to ask detailed questions directly to fill information gaps about communication style, crew consistency, and project management approach
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Sterling directly for references from recent residential projects similar in scope to yours, and follow up with those customers about communication and timeline management
- → Ask Sterling how they handle unexpected complications during roof work, what their change order process looks like, and who manages day-to-day communication with homeowners
- → Ask both companies how long their current crews have worked together and whether the same team will handle your project from start to finish
- → Ask for a detailed timeline with specific milestones, and clarify how each company communicates delays or scheduling changes
The Bottom Line
Doughty Enterprises is the clearer choice for most homeowners who need to decide this week. The 37-year track record combined with extensive customer feedback gives you verifiable evidence of responsive communication, efficient project management, and experience handling complications that surface during roofing work. Sterling's 21 years and proper credentials make them a viable option, but the limited review history means you're making a decision without verified service patterns. If you're considering Sterling, invest time calling multiple references and asking specific questions about communication and problem-solving before committing. If you need confidence in what you're getting and can't spend days researching, Doughty's documented performance record provides that assurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Twenty-one years demonstrates technical competence and business stability, but licensing tenure alone doesn't tell you how Sterling communicates, handles problems, or manages customer expectations. For a major investment like roofing, you need to verify service patterns through references or past customer experiences. Ask Sterling directly for multiple references from recent projects and actually call them.
The additional years matter most when complications arise—hidden water damage, unexpected structural issues, or permit challenges. A contractor with 37 years has diagnosed thousands more roofs and encountered edge cases a 21-year contractor hasn't. More importantly, Doughty's extensive customer feedback lets you verify how they've actually handled those complications, not just assume they can.
It's worth understanding why. Some excellent contractors simply don't ask for reviews or work primarily through referrals. Others may have feedback on platforms you haven't checked. Ask Sterling directly where past customers have shared their experiences, and request contact information for 3-5 recent clients you can speak with before deciding.
The $25,000 bond and workers comp coverage provide identical legal protection against financial loss or injury liability. Where safety differs is in execution: how carefully they diagnose problems, how clearly they communicate what they find, and how professionally they manage your project. Doughty's feedback confirms these patterns; with Sterling, you'll need to verify them directly through references.
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 10, 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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