Write it down first
Capture location, timing, weather relationship, how it's changed, and any prior work done on the roofline. Photos plus basic measurements give a provider a real head start before visiting.
Read the Local Context
The Grand River has flooded the city repeatedly -- 1904, 1905, 1947, 1948, and most recently April 2013 -- and the city's own stormwater ordinance now promotes Low Impact Development and requires many projects to retain runoff for the 2-year, 24-hour storm, a standard that makes roof drainage and gutter capacity part of the same conversation as the river's own flood history.
Ask what will be hidden
What decides long-term performance is roof area, valleys, tree debris, fascia condition, and discharge routing, not color -- especially with lake-effect snow loads and a Grand River setting with a mature tree canopy. Ask for a written scope that explains the prep and verification hidden from view once complete.
Compare full scopes carefully
Look for details on protection, access, materials, permits, testing, cleanup, restoration, exclusions, and warranties.
What official local sources add
Grand Rapids participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, and land near the Grand River and its tributaries can fall within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas, where projects may require an Elevation Certificate and compliance with the city's floodplain development standards under Chapter 32 of its code of ordinances. The city promotes Low Impact Development as its preferred stormwater strategy, and a 2021 state MS4 permit added a requirement that most development and redevelopment projects retain the runoff difference for the 2-year, 24-hour storm.
Sources were reviewed 2026-07-26. Check current flood-zone, historic-district, and permit requirements for the specific parcel with local Kent County officials.