Eight questions that tell you who will still be here in ten years.

Everyone gives a similar pitch during the estimate visit: skilled crews, quality materials, great warranty, local reputation. That language is cheap and tells you little. What separates the real operators from the revolving-door outfits is usually the answer to questions they're not expecting. Here are eight worth asking on every bid walkthrough.

Question oneHow long have you been registered with the Iowa Secretary of State, under this exact business name?

Iowa requires contractor registration. You can look it up free on sos.iowa.gov. A company registered last month under a name that's a minor variant of a past company is a red flag; so is any answer that doesn't match the state record. Established Des Moines roofers will have clean, stable records and will be comfortable pointing you to them.

Question twoWho pulls the permit, you or me?

The correct answer is the contractor, as part of the job. If a Des Moines, West Des Moines, Clive, or Urbandale bidder tells you "we don't pull permits on re-roofs" or "it's faster if you pull it," that's either ignorance or deliberate. Permits get the city's final inspection on record, which is both a safety net and a document your future buyer will want.

Question threeWhat general liability and workers' comp coverage do you carry, and can I see the certificate?

A legitimate roofer will provide a certificate of insurance naming you as certificate holder on request. General liability of $1M per occurrence is standard; workers' comp is non-negotiable. Without workers' comp, if a crew member is injured on your roof, your homeowners policy (and you personally) may end up liable.

Anyone can show a pretty photo of a brand-new roof. What matters is how one looks after five Iowa winters.

Question fourWho will actually be on my roof — your employees or subcontracted labor?

Neither answer is inherently wrong, but it changes how to interpret the warranty. Subcontracted crews are standard and can be excellent; they also introduce the question of what happens if that sub disappears. Ask who stands behind the workmanship warranty in that case, and get it in writing.

Question fiveHow many roofs did you install in Polk or Dallas County last year?

The honest answer is usually a specific number. Vague answers ("many," "tons") from someone who's also offering the lowest price is a pattern we see in door-knock operators who've been here for weeks, not years. Local volume correlates with local accountability.

Question sixWhat's your manufacturer certification level?

GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Malarkey, and others tier their installer programs. Top tiers (GAF Master Elite, OC Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster) require multi-year track records and install enough volume to lose status if they cut corners. The certification also unlocks longer manufacturer workmanship warranties — often 25 to 50 years. Check the certification on the manufacturer's website, not just the contractor's.

Question sevenCan I see three roofs you've done in the metro that are at least five years old?

Anyone can show a pretty photo of a brand-new roof. What matters is how one looks after five Iowa winters. A confident, local contractor will volunteer addresses (with the homeowner's permission) so you can drive by. An evasive answer here is often the tell.

Question eightWhat happens in year three if I notice a leak?

Listen for the operational answer: someone on site within days, at no charge, with a specific workflow. Vague answers — "our warranty covers that" — don't count. The workmanship warranty document should be handed to you in writing at contract signing, not promised verbally.

Informational only. This page is general guidance from an independent resource — not legal, insurance, or professional contracting advice. Roofing is a significant financial and safety decision; confirm specifics with a licensed Iowa roofing contractor, your city's building department, and your own homeowners policy before acting on anything here.