How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Iowa

Hiring a roofer Updated 2026-10-22 · By Kasey, Waukee, Iowa · 8 sources

Choosing a roofer is one of the bigger checks a Waukee or Des Moines-area homeowner writes. The statewide check Iowa agencies point homeowners to is contractor registration, and Iowa also has a specific law for roofers working after storms, plus clear consumer guidance from the Iowa Attorney General and the Iowa Insurance Division.

This checklist pulls those together so you can compare roofers in about an hour. It works the same in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Davenport or Sioux City.

Step 1: Check Iowa contractor registration

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) says Iowa law requires all individual and business construction contractors doing "construction" work to register if they earn at least $2,000 a year from construction. DIAL lists roofers by name among the trades that must register. A few more points from DIAL:

• Out-of-state contractors generally must file a $25,000 bond to register. A branch office in Iowa does not exempt them.
• Subcontractors are not covered by the general contractor's registration; they must register too.
• Contractors who do not comply may receive a $500 citation for a first violation and up to $5,000 for a repeat violation.

How to check: ask the roofer for their registration number, then search it (or the business name) in the state's contractor registration search. The state also publishes a weekly-updated open-data list of active construction contractor registrations, which is what we used for the badges on our local roofers page.

If a company is not found, it may have registered under a different legal name (many use an "LLC" or a "doing business as" name). Ask for the exact name on the registration.

Step 2: Get at least three written estimates

The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) recommends written estimates from at least three different contractors, and warns that an estimate much lower than the others "doesn't mean it's the best deal." Make sure each estimate includes the same things, so you are comparing like with like. The Attorney General suggests writing down what you want done, what materials you expect, your budget and your questions about permits, inspections, warranties, cleanup and payment before the first estimate.

Questions worth asking every roofer:

• Will you remove the old roof or install over it? (Building codes limit roof recovers; see our Des Moines replacement guide.)
• How will you handle ice barrier, flashing and attic ventilation?
• Who pulls any permit, and who schedules inspections?
• Who will be on site, and will you use subcontractors?
• What written warranty do you provide on workmanship, and what manufacturer warranty applies to the materials?
• How do you protect landscaping and clean up nails and debris?

Step 3: Verify insurance

IID suggests getting a copy of the contractor's proof of liability insurance (showing the company name, phone number and policy number) and proof of workers' compensation insurance, then calling the contractor's insurance company to confirm the coverage is in effect. The Attorney General also says to understand who is responsible if property is damaged or someone is injured.

Step 4: Read the contract carefully

The Attorney General says the contract should list the work, materials, price, start and completion dates, cleanup, permits, inspections and the change-order process. IID adds: do not sign a blank contract, because a contractor can fill it in later.

Two Iowa-specific items for storm work:

• Iowa Code section 103A.71 requires a roofer repairing catastrophe damage (such as hail or wind) to give you a signed "Notice of Contract Obligations and Rights." The same law bars roofers from promising to rebate your deductible or from negotiating your insurance claim, and makes a contract that violates those rules void.
• IID urges caution with an assignment of benefits (AOB), which lets the insurer pay the contractor directly without involving you. It may be inserted into a contract.

Step 5: Pay smart and protect against liens

• Don't pay in full upfront. IID suggests paying in installments by check or credit card, getting a receipt for each payment, and not paying for materials until they are at your home.
• Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency or cash, the Attorney General warns in its storm-chaser tips.
• Ask about lien waivers. The Attorney General notes subcontractors or suppliers who are not paid may claim lien rights, so ask about lien waivers before final payment. Iowa's Mechanics' Notice and Lien Registry is where those notices are posted.
• Keep records: receipts, canceled checks, financing documents, invoices and signed change orders.

Red flags

From the Attorney General and IID, slow down if you see:

• A crew that shows up unannounced after a storm and says you need urgent work
• "Insurance will definitely cover this," or pressure to sign before you call your insurer
• No written contract, or a contract that lets the contractor alone decide price, scope or materials
• No discussion of permits for major work
• Requests for large upfront payments

Our guide to storm-chaser roofers in Iowa covers these in more detail, including Iowa's three-day right to cancel door-to-door sales.

How we list roofers

Every company on Iowa Roof Guide was checked on its own website for the services and towns it names, then searched in the state's active contractor registration list. We show the result either way, with the date we checked. No company paid to be listed, and we do not publish reviews, ratings or prices.

Frequently asked questions

Does Iowa require roofers to be licensed?

Iowa requires construction contractors, including roofers, who earn at least $2,000 a year from construction to register with the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. The Iowa Insurance Division notes registration is not the same as a license, so check references and insurance too.

How do I look up a roofer's Iowa registration?

Ask for the registration number and search it in the state's contractor registration public search. The state also posts a weekly-updated open-data list of active construction contractor registrations on the Iowa Data Hub.

How many roofing estimates should I get?

The Iowa Insurance Division recommends written estimates from at least three contractors that include the same items, and notes the lowest estimate is not always the best deal.

Do out-of-state roofers have to register in Iowa?

Yes. DIAL says contractors based outside Iowa generally must file a $25,000 bond to register, and having a branch office in Iowa does not exempt them.

What should a roofing contract include?

The Iowa Attorney General says it should list the work, materials, price, start and completion dates, cleanup, permits, inspections and the change-order process. Never sign a blank contract.