When it's time for a new roof or major repairs, choosing the right contractor can make all the difference. Your roof protects everything underneath it—your family, your belongings, and your peace of mind. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions before hiring anyone for the job. And while there are a lot of ways to research a company, not all of them are equally reliable.
If you're looking for a roofing contractor in Toledo, here are some key questions you should ask—and the most important recommendation we can offer.
1. Can I Speak With Repeat Customers?
This is, hands down, the most important question you can ask. Online reviews can be helpful (we’ll get to that), but nothing beats hearing from long-time, repeat customers. At Ace Roofing and Construction, many of our best references come from custom home builders and city programs that have worked with us several times a year for decades.
Why does this matter? Because these repeat customers have firsthand experience with our work—not just once, but again and again. They know how we handle everything from tight timelines to tricky installations. They’ve seen how our roofs hold up over time. And they’re qualified to tell you if we’re the kind of company you can rely on for your home or business.
If a roofing contractor can’t provide repeat customer references, it may be a red flag.
2. What Do the Online Reviews Really Say?
It’s tempting to rely on Google, Yelp, or other review platforms when comparing contractors, but you have to know how to read between the lines.
Google Reviews: While the quantity of reviews might seem impressive, remember that Google Reviews can be easily faked or bought. A company with hundreds of five-star reviews might not be as solid as it appears.
BBB (Better Business Bureau): The BBB can be a useful resource, but be aware that if a company is a BBB member, any reviews older than three years are removed, which can give a distorted view of their long-term reputation.
Yelp: Many homeowners turn to Yelp, but this platform has its own issues. Yelp often hides positive reviews behind a tiny link labeled “not currently recommended.” Meanwhile, the “recommended” reviews shown up front often include the negative ones. Why? Because Yelp wants businesses to pay for their services—which conveniently “unhides” those good reviews. It's a marketing tactic we find pretty dishonest, and it's one reason Ace Roofing and Construction does not do business with Yelp, just like many other contractors.
3. Are You Licensed and Insured in Ohio?
This one’s simple—always ask for proof of licensing and insurance. Any reputable contractor will gladly provide it. If they dodge the question or tell you it’s not necessary, move on.
4. What’s Included in the Warranty?
Not all warranties are created equal. Make sure you understand:
What is covered (materials, labor, or both)
How long the warranty lasts
Who is responsible for claims (the contractor or the manufacturer)
At Ace Roofing and Construction, we offer strong warranties backed by decades of quality work and repeat business. Our warranty is one of the only ones in Toledo, Ohio, to offer both LABOR and the manufacturer's MATERIAL warranty for a full 50 years!
We’ll walk you through every detail of our warranty as well if you'd like, so there are no surprises.
5. Do You Use Subcontractors?
Many companies outsource roofing work to subcontractors you’ve never met. This can lead to inconsistent workmanship and communication breakdowns. We recommend choosing a company that uses in-house crews or, at the very least, carefully vetted and supervised subcontractors.
6. Can I See Examples of Your Work in Toledo?
Ask to see recent projects in your area. A good contractor will have no problem sharing photos or addresses (with the owner's permission) so you can see the quality of their craftsmanship in person.
Final Thoughts: Trust the People Who Keep Coming Back
When it comes down to it, flashy marketing and 5-star Google ratings don’t compare to a phone call with a customer who’s hired a company again and again over the years. That’s the gold standard.
Don't trust someone that just had a roof installed by a contractor either. People that just had a roof installed have no clue if they got a good install or one that will have to be thrown in a dumpster in two years, which we do with some of the roofs installed by the biggest names in the area every year...
At Ace Roofing and Construction, we’re proud of our work, and we’re even prouder of the relationships we’ve built across Toledo and the surrounding areas. If you’re considering a roofing project, let us connect you with builders, city programs, and long-time customers who can attest to the quality of our work.
Ready to get started? Reach out today—we’re here to answer your questions and earn your trust the right way.
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