How We Conduct Ourselves

Better Way Roofing is a family and owner-led business based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Lyle Lehman, the founder, and Keith, his business partner, both grew up in the Amish community. That background, rooted in discipline, responsibility, and a deep discomfort with shortcuts, shapes everything we do.

This page explains what we stand for and how those values show up in our work, every single day. These are not aspirations. They are the standards we hold ourselves to.

What We Would Never Do

We would never recommend a roof you don't actually need. Our assessments are thorough and unhurried. If a roof will last another five years, we'll tell you that, even if we could sell a replacement today. Our goal is always to give you honest advice, not to make a sale.

We would never cut corners, even on work you'll never see. That step flashing hidden behind your siding that you'll never see once the roof is finished? We replace it or verify it's intact, because that's what keeps water out for the next 20 years. If a piece of trim is slightly short, it doesn't get a pass. It gets redone. The standard doesn't change based on visibility.

We would never rush a job or skip steps to save time. Every roof is built to the same standard whether it's a $2,000 repair or a $20,000 replacement. We don't work faster by working cheaper.

We would never use substandard materials or improper installation methods to cut costs. Every roofing component is matched to the manufacturer's system and installed to their specifications. This is the only way to earn full warranty coverage, and it's the only way we work.

We would never present an estimate and then surprise you with a higher invoice. The number on the proposal is the number on the invoice. If unexpected issues arise during the work, like hidden decking damage, we show you the problem, explain what it means, and get your approval before proceeding.

We would never hide behind excuses when something goes wrong. If there's a defect, we fix it. If there's a legitimate complaint, we listen. If we made a mistake, we own it.

Our Core Values

These five values define how we make decisions and measure ourselves.

Measure Twice

Precision matters. On the roof and everywhere else in how we do business.

This means:

  • Detailed inspections before any estimate (attic, decking, flashing, moisture readings, photos)
  • Clear, itemized scopes of work with no vague language
  • Exact measurements and documentation
  • Taking time to get details right the first time, even if it means moving slower
  • Proper warranty registration with manufacturers, not skipping paperwork steps

When we say "measure twice," we mean it quite literally: we inspect thoroughly, document everything, and verify our work before we call a job complete.

Do the Right Thing. Period.

No qualifiers. No "if the customer will notice." No "if it saves us money."

This means:

  • If you don't need a new roof, we say so
  • If we break something on your property, we fix it or replace it. No claims process, no negotiation
  • If an insurance estimate is wrong, we help you get it corrected
  • If code compliance is needed, we document it and make sure you're covered
  • If a crew member makes a mistake, we own it immediately and make it right

There's no version of "Do the Right Thing" that has conditions. Either we do it or we don't.

All In, Every Day

No half-efforts. Every job gets the same attention and care.

This means:

  • Your project manager is dedicated to your job from start to finish. The same person, not rotating through different crews
  • We show up on time, every time. If we're running late, you know before the appointment
  • Our crews work steadily and professionally throughout the day
  • Cleanup is thorough. You shouldn't find nails or debris weeks later
  • We answer your calls, even years after the work is done

There's no such thing as a "small job" that deserves less attention.

Better Way, Always

There's always a better way to do something. We find it.

This means:

  • We stay current on new materials, techniques, and best practices
  • We ask ourselves how to do things better, safer, faster, cleaner
  • We listen to customer feedback and improve based on what we learn
  • We don't do something just because "that's how we've always done it"
  • We invest in our team and our equipment to keep improving

This is the value that keeps us from becoming complacent.

Humbly Confident

We know our work is good. We don't need to shout about it.

This means:

  • We let our reviews and our reputation speak for themselves
  • We're honest about what we know and what we don't
  • We don't make promises we can't keep
  • We're straightforward about limitations (weather delays, material availability, code requirements)
  • We're confident in our work without being arrogant about it

Confidence without humility is just salesmanship. We're not salespeople. We're roofing professionals.

How We Handle Disagreements

If a customer asks for something we don't believe is in their best interest (a roof replacement when a repair will work, a material choice that won't suit their climate, a timeline that's unrealistic) we say so.

We explain our reasoning and take the time to discuss it properly. If you still wish to proceed differently, we'll listen. But we won't pretend to agree just to make a sale.

Our Team

Better Way's team is small and experienced. Lyle has 10+ years of direct roofing experience. Keith has deep expertise in metal roofing. Our installation crews are trained to our standards and work under direct supervision.

Our metal roofing crew works out of Shipshewana in the Amish tradition: hand-crafted precision that comes from a craft tradition, not a production line. This takes longer and costs more. It's also the only way to get the quality we promise.

All team members are trained on our values and are measured against them. There's no disconnect between what we say and what you experience on the job site. The standard is the standard.

When Things Go Wrong

We assign a dedicated project manager to every job. If there's a problem (weather delays, hidden structural damage, supply issues, or an honest mistake) we contact you immediately.

We don't wait for you to discover the problem. We explain what happened, what it means, what it costs, and what we're going to do about it.

If the issue is something we caused, we fix it at no cost. If it's an unexpected discovery during the work, we get your approval before proceeding and make sure you understand the cost.

We also maintain relationships with local builders, inspectors, and insurance adjusters. If you're dealing with a claim or code compliance issue, we can help navigate that conversation.

Our Commitment to the Community

Better Way Roofing is rooted in Shipshewana and serves northern Indiana and southern Michigan. We partner with local organizations and take on community projects because that's what a local business does.

When a homeowner needs emergency tarping after a storm or can't find anyone else willing to help, we show up. We've driven in winter conditions to help people we didn't know because they needed help.

We believe in being part of the community we serve, not just extracting profit from it.