Before You Hire: 7 Must-Ask Questions for Any Roofing & Siding Contractor in the Northwest Suburbs

I. Protect Your Home and Your Investment

Hiring an exterior contractor in the Chicago suburbs is a major financial decision. It’s easy to be tempted by the lowest bid, but taking shortcuts on your roof or siding can lead to years of expensive problems, leaks, and voided warranties.

Don't trust your home—your biggest investment—to just anyone. Use this checklist to properly vet any contractor operating in Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, or anywhere in the Chicagoland area. If a contractor can’t answer these 7 questions with a resounding "YES," it’s time to move on.

II. Questions About Credentials and Legal Compliance

These questions protect you from unlicensed "storm chasers" and ensure the contractor is legally responsible for the work.

1. Are you fully licensed and insured (WC and GL) in Illinois?

This is non-negotiable. "Licensed" means they are registered with the state, but "fully insured" is the most important part. They must carry General Liability (GL) insurance to cover damage to your home and Workers’ Compensation (WC) to cover injuries to their crew. If they don't have WC, you could be held liable.

Northwind's Answer: YES. We are fully licensed in Illinois (and Wisconsin) and provide current proof of both GL and WC insurance for your peace of mind.

2. Do you offer lien waivers at every major payment interval?

A lien waiver is a document that proves the contractor (and their suppliers) have been paid. This prevents material suppliers or subcontractors from placing a lien on your home if the primary contractor fails to pay them.

Northwind's Answer: YES. Providing lien waivers is standard, honest procedure to ensure you have clear title to your property.

III. Questions About Expertise and Workmanship

A cheap install is never a good deal if the materials fail early. These questions test their quality control.

3. Are you factory-certified by the material manufacturer?

A "certified" or "preferred" status is not just a badge; it means the manufacturer (like James Hardie or Malarkey) trusts the contractor enough to train their crews and back their work with enhanced warranties.

Northwind's Answer: YES. We hold the highest certifications: James Hardie Alliance Elite Contractor and Malarkey Emerald Premium Contractor. This training ensures perfect installation and gives you better warranty coverage than a standard roofer can offer.

4. Do you use sub-contractors, and how do you ensure superior quality control?

Many companies rely on the cheapest, constantly rotating subcontractors—which is a major risk to quality. At Northwind Exteriors, we believe in transparency and control. While we utilize trusted subcontractor crews, our system ensures you receive an unparalleled level of quality that is superior to many in-house teams.

Here is how we control every aspect of your project:

• Long-Term Partnerships: Our crews have worked with Northwind Exteriors since the beginning and work exclusively with us 95% of the time, functioning as an extension of our team.

• Mandatory Training & Process: Every crew receives ongoing training and must adhere to Northwind Exteriors' proprietary, detailed installation instructions—which often exceed manufacturer minimums.

• On-Site Management: All work is managed and overseen by a dedicated Northwind Exteriors Project Manager who is on-site daily to enforce quality.

• Digital Quality Control: Crews are required to take all required project photos at every critical installation step, which are reviewed remotely and on-site by our management team to ensure strict adherence to our process.

• Manufacturer Audit Success: To maintain our highest level certifications, such as James Hardie Alliance Elite and Malarkey Certified Premium status, our projects are subject to multiple quality control inspections performed by the manufacturers themselves. We are proud to consistently pass these rigorous third-party audits with flying colors.

Northwind's Answer: YES, with superior quality control. Our long-term crews are fully managed, trained, and audited by Northwind Project Managers, and our work is continually approved by our premium manufacturers.

IV. Questions About Protection and Peace of Mind

These questions ensure you are covered long after the final payment.

5. What technology do you use to ensure accuracy and communication?

Modern exterior work requires modern tools. Is the contractor still using a ladder and a piece of paper? Or are they leveraging current technology?

Northwind's Answer: We use state-of-the-art tools: drone-powered inspections for accuracy, 3D modeling software to help you visualize your new exterior, and dedicated project management software for clear, real-time communication.

6. What kind of warranty do you offer on the workmanship?

Manufacturer warranties cover the material (the shingle, the siding board). The contractor's warranty covers the labor (the way it was installed). If they offer anything less than a 5-year workmanship warranty, be cautious.

Northwind's Answer: Our premium certifications allow us to offer extended, enhanced workmanship warranties that far exceed standard coverage, giving you long-term protection and peace of mind.

7. Can I see a list of three recent projects and client references in my town?

The best indicator of future performance is past performance in your area. Ask for specific addresses or recent client testimonials in your city (like Elmhurst, La Grange, or Glenview).

Northwind's Answer: YES. We encourage you to check out our Project Transformations gallery, which features dozens of recent projects and client feedback across the Northwest and North Shore suburbs.

V. Conclusion: Trust the Contractor Who Answers YES to All 7

When you choose Northwind Exteriors, you choose transparent, certified, and technologically advanced service. We're confident in our answers because we've built our reputation on quality, integrity, and treating your home as if it were our own.

Ready to Hire the Right Team? Contact Northwind Exteriors for a Free, No-Pressure Consultation today!