san jose roofing question

[Rick Baggenstoss]

My brother-in-law is buying a house in San Jose, his first, and it needs a new roof.  He was getting outrageous guesstimates from his agent.  15k for about 18 squares (1200 sf house).    In Atlanta, this would be about $4k.  

The only thing unusual about the roof is it has two layers and the top layer is wood shake (cedar I assume).  

What would you estimate and would you recommend a roofer (PM me)?   Any peculiarities about doing a roof in California other than high insurance costs?  

Thanks,

Rick