Verify Registration
Iowa doesn’t issue a state-level roofing license. Instead, any contractor doing more than $2,000 of work a year must register with the Iowa Division of Labor, and cities such as Des Moines and Ankeny require permits for roofing work.
Ask the contractor for their Iowa Contractor Registration number and verify it online with the state. A registered contractor is on record with the state and accountable to local regulations.
If a contractor tells you permits aren’t needed for your roof replacement, that’s a major red flag. Permits protect you by ensuring the work is inspected and meets building codes.
Confirm Insurance Coverage
This is non-negotiable. Every roofing contractor must carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
General liability covers damage to your property during the project. Workers’ compensation covers injuries to workers on your property. Without workers’ comp, YOU could be liable if a worker gets hurt on your roof.
Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company directly to verify it’s current. Don’t just take the contractor’s word for it — any established company can send a current certificate in minutes.
Your Complete Hiring Checklist
Before signing any contract, verify these items: valid Iowa contractor registration, current general liability insurance, current workers’ compensation insurance, physical business address (not just a PO box), established local presence with verifiable history, written detailed estimate with material specifications, clear warranty terms for materials and labor, references from recent local projects, positive online reviews on Google and Facebook, and a clear payment schedule (never pay 100% upfront).
Hutch Unlimited Roofing checks every box on this list. We’re a locally owned company based in Grimes, Iowa, serving Des Moines roofing company in des moines ia, Ankeny roofing contractor in ankeny ia, Waukee roofing company in waukee ia, and all of Central Iowa. Contact us contact or call +1 515-313-7355 for a free estimate.
