The seven steps
1. Inspection and measurement
We walk the roof and look at the shingles, flashing, vents, gutters, and eaves. We check the attic for stains, wet insulation, and vent paths. Then we measure the roof and note pitch.
2. A written price
You get a printed quote. It separates tear-off, materials, labor, deck repair rates, ice barrier, vents, and cleanup. Read our guide on reading a roofing quote to compare it with others.
3. Permit and scheduling
Re-roofing in Grand Rapids needs a building permit. We confirm the rules for your city and set a start window. Materials arrive the day before or the morning of the job. See our permit and code notes.
4. Protection and tear-off
Crews cover plants, air conditioners, and walks. A dumpster or trailer sits near the house. Workers strip old shingles, felt, and loose nails.
5. Deck inspection and repair
With the roof bare, we check every board. Soft, stained, or split boards come out. New sheathing goes in. We tell you before we add any cost, and we show you what we found.
6. Ice barrier, underlayment, flashing, and roofing
The crew installs the ice barrier at the eaves, then underlayment across the rest of the roof. Drip edge, flashing, and vents follow. Shingles or metal go on last. Ridge caps finish the peak.
7. Cleanup and walk-through
We sweep the yard with magnets, check gutters, and remove the dumpster. Then we walk the job with you. You see vents, flashing, and edges.
A typical timeline
| Day | Work |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Materials arrive. Crew protects landscaping. |
| Day 1 | Tear-off, deck repair, and dry-in. |
| Day 2 | Ice barrier, underlayment, flashing, and most shingles. |
| Day 3 | Ridge caps, vents, cleanup, and walk-through. |
Small ranch homes may finish in one day. Large or complex roofs can take a week. Weather can pause the job. We tarp open areas so rain does not reach your home.
How you can prepare
- Move cars out of the driveway and away from the house.
- Take pictures and wall hangings off the top-floor walls. Nailing can shake the house.
- Clear the attic of fragile items below the roof deck.
- Tell neighbors about the noise.
- Bring pets inside and keep children away from the work area.
What can slow a job
- Rain, snow, or high wind.
- Hidden rot found after tear-off.
- Delays in permits or material delivery.
- Special order products, such as slate or custom metal.
Best time of year
Late spring through early fall gives the best weather. Shingles seal in warm temperatures. Read our guide to the best time of year for roof installation.
Ready to start?
Call (616) 425-8326 or use our contact page. Compare materials on our asphalt and metal pages.
Common questions
How long does a roof installation take?
Most homes take one to three days. Large or complex roofs can take a week.
Do I need to be home during installation?
No. You do not need to be there. We ask you to be reachable by phone.
What happens if it rains mid-job?
The crew tarps open areas and stops work until conditions improve. Dry-in layers add protection.
Who handles the permit?
We confirm the permit for your address and tell you who pulls it. On most re-roofing jobs, the roofer pulls it.