Some projects stay with you long after the final inspection. Margot and Don’s Long Beach solar roofing upgrade is one of those stories for the team at BYLTup.
From Cross‑Country Move to Solar Roofing Vision
Margot and Don moved from the East Coast with a clear goal: reduce their reliance on the grid and go solar. During their home inspection, they discovered their 1912 Craftsman still carried its original roof, with extra layers stacked over time. A new roof and solar system were no longer a “someday” project; they became a priority.
Because they value local businesses, they did their homework and chose BYLTup for a solar roofing solution they could trust, even from across the country.
Building Trust from Afar
Most of the planning happened before Margot and Don even unpacked a single box in California. Zoom, FaceTime, and text messages carried the entire early phase while they prepared for their move. Clear communication and transparency mattered as much as shingles and panels.
They connected with Dominick first on Zoom, then in person during a short visit. That set the tone for the rest of the project.
“We're transplants from the East Coast to Long Beach, and knew the first thing we wanted to do was get off the grid as much as possible and go solar. When one of the (many) things our home inspection revealed was that we were in dire need of a new roof, that sealed the deal. And since we like to support local businesses whenever we can, after a little research we landed on BYLTup.
Honestly, we can't say enough good things about the whole BYLTup team, or about Dominick in particular. I'm not even sure where to start. For one thing, from start to finish we had to communicate long-distance by Zoom, FaceTime, and text because we hadn't moved yet. Nonetheless, we had absolutely no qualms about our project being in good hands because, having met Dominick first on Zoom and then IRL when we were out there for a couple of weeks, we knew we could trust him 100%. I mean, the guy knows his stuff, is clearly all about the details, and he's one of those people you sort of feel like you've known forever after just a few minutes. Seriously. He couldn't be more personable or considerate. Just good people.
But about our project: It was no small task. Our house is a 1912 Craftsman that—believe it or not—still had the original roof, with various layers that had been added piecemeal over the years as needed. We got a beautiful new roof and a fully permitted 11.51 kW solar system that'll generate 14,780 kWh in year one, all within about 2 weeks once construction started, and the team was so clean you'd never even know they were there. Actually, I take that back: one day when there was considerable dust, soot, and debris—which, unfortunately, landed in our neighbor's yard after they'd just washed their windows and their car—Dominick went over personally to apologize and offered to take care of any necessary re-cleaning. He totally smoothed out the understandably ruffled feathers. And when our project was done, our place was totally clean.
One more thing: We couldn't end this review without giving a shout-out to the chief admin angel Erica, who was always personal, professional, and prompt in all our communications.
---Margot and Don C
Huge fans of BYLTup!
- Margot
A Historic Roof Meets Modern Solar Technology
Margot and Don chose a fully permitted 11.51 kW system, designed to produce 14,780 kWh in the first year, integrated with a new roof. Construction moved quickly, finishing in about two weeks once work began. The crew focused on clean, careful installation on their 1912 Craftsman, with special attention to the layers that had built up over the decades.
When dust and soot reached a neighbor’s yard during the job, Dominick walked over, apologized in person, and offered to handle any needed re-cleaning, which eased tensions and kept the peace on the block.
Solar Roofing Backed by Proven Credentials
BYLTup felt honored to partner with the Critchfields on this project:
“It was an honor to work with the Critchfield's on their solar roofing project. Their willingness to learn and understand the benefits of the GAF Timberline Solar roofing system for their home made the project very rewarding. They are the type of clients we absolutely love getting up early out of bed and going to work for each and every day!”
As a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor and GAF Solar Certified installer, BYLTup brings manufacturer-backed training and access to strong warranty options, including a lifetime shingle warranty, a 50-year Smart Choice Protection Period, and a 15-year wind warranty on qualifying systems. The team also draws on decades of combined experience with historic properties, and a deep understanding of City of Long Beach requirements and building codes.
Behind the scenes, Erica kept communication organized and timely, which Margot and Don appreciated throughout the process.
Thinking about a solar roofing project of your own? Reach out to BYLTup at (562) 414-4425 to talk about options for your home or property.