Choosing the Right Roofer: Your Essential Guide

When it comes to Spokane homes, your roof stands as the first line of defense against the elements. Picking the wrong roofing contractor can lead to cut corners, incomplete coverage, and costly fixes down the road...

Read More

At Restoration Roofing, we've worked with countless homeowners in the Inland Northwest, and we've seen the pitfalls firsthand.

When it comes to Spokane homes, your roof stands as the first line of defense against the elements. Picking the wrong roofing contractor can lead to cut corners, incomplete coverage, and costly fixes down the road.  This guide breaks down what you need to know in order to find a reliable asphalt shingle roofing contractor who gets the job done right the first time. We'll cover pricing, materials, installer vetting, and more to help you make a smart choice while avoiding common pitfalls.

Keep reading article below...

Restoration Roofing on YouTube

Go to Channel

Coverage matters. Choose durable, long-lasting roofing materials.

Shingle Composition Quality

As Rick Flann, co-owner of Restoration Roofing, emphasizes, "There is some really cheap, really bad roofing material out there. You could end up needing a new roof again in ten to fifteen years because the roofer compromised on quality." For the Spokane climate, we recommend shingles from trusted manufacturers like Malarkey, Owens Corning, and GAF, which stand out for durability, adhesion, and elasticity that will hold up in diverse weather conditions. These manufacturers offer dependable baseline shingle products as well as designer shingles for owners that want to improve curb appeal.

Underlayment Quality

Almost as important as the shingles themselves is the roof underlayment. A climate-appropriate secondary layer is essential. Tear resistance, water repellency, breathability, self-sealing capacity, and UV resistance are all factors to be considered. Ask roofing contractors why they’ve chosen their preferred underlayment and how it benefits your roof in your specific climate.

Questions for your roofer

Which underlayment are you using and how does it uniquely protect my home?

Understand who's doing the work.

The installation crew is often different from the sales rep you’re talking to so don’t overlook the importance of vetting them. Confirm that the team responsible for roof removal, installation, and debris cleanup is directly managed by the roofing company. Beware of roofing companies that are ultimately just sales fronts and that pass your job off to a completely different group with no oversight.

A strong warranty only backs certified work.

Always verify that the installers hold certifications from the roofing manufacturer. When warranty claims arise, one of the first questions you’ll face from the manufacturer is whether your installer was certified. If they weren’t, your promised warranty could essentially be useless.

Questions for your roofer

Is your installation team certified with the roofing product manufacturer?

Look for proper occupational licensing, insurance, and any violations.

There are a lot of unethical contractors out there. Never work with a roofing company that does not have a valid contractor license and liability insurance. Otherwise you could be on the hook for personal injury or property damage. Verify legal standing and check for complaints. Make sure the license has been in good standing for at least 3-5 years. Verify insurance policies are adequate for your job and all parties involved in performing the work have coverage. At least $1M in liability is standard for most jobs.

Verify your Spokane roofing contractor's license and insurance status by using L&I's Washington State Contractor Lookup.

Pricing Red Flags: Too Low or Too High

Avoid the trap of choosing based solely on price.

There are pitfalls to be found at both ends of the pricing range. While it may be tempting to go with the lowest bid, these contractors often cut corners on materials and workmanship, leading to more significant problems down the line.

Conversely, high-end quotes don’t always guarantee the best products and workmanship.
Some roofing companies exploit the belief that the most expensive quote will deliver the best quality results.

We’ve often found companies on both ends of the pricing spectrum that treat their customers like a numbers game while caring very little for workmanship and customer expectations.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend requesting written estimates from three different companies to compare.

Look for breakdowns on labor, materials, and hidden fees like debris removal.

At Restoration Roofing, we offer on-site walkthrough assessments, free estimates, and photos of your unique roof conditions with no strings attached so you can see transparent, true pricing that is tailored to your needs.

Questions for your roofer

Do you provide a written estimate with itemization?
What unknown conditions could impact the price you've given me?

Don't rely too heavily on trendy automated or AI-driven estimates.

While instant estimates can be useful to provide initial cost expectations, expect truer pricing when a roofing pro has done an in-person walkthrough of your home and evaluated the condition of the sub-roof, inspected leaks, and has personally examined unique conditions which aren’t visible from satellite imagery and dimension data.

At Restoration Roofing, we offer on-site walkthrough assessments, free estimates, and photos of your unique roof conditions with no strings attached.

You'll get transparent, honest pricing that is accurate for your roof.

Reputation matters.

Look for established local companies with consistent track records. While a lot of companies try to game the ratings system, check review platforms for a high volume of positive reviews that include photos or details that indicate completed roofing projects from real customers. Look for recurring themes of good communication, quality of workmanship, and job site cleanliness.

Explore Restoration Roofing Reviews.

Feel free to ask the roofer for local references.

A solid company won't hesitate and will gladly provide them. Avoid storm chasers, door-to-door high-pressure sales, and cash-only situations.

Due Diligence Checklist

By focusing on quality materials, vetted crews, fair pricing, and strong reputations, you can protect your Spokane home or business for years to come. Use our due diligence checklist as your roadmap, and remember: a little research upfront saves big headaches later.

If Restoration Roofing aligns with your needs, we're here to help—reach out for a free on-site assessment.
Your roof deserves the best; make the smart choice today.

Book an Estimate

Spokane Roofing Services

Replacement & Installation

Our roof and fascia replacement services provide guaranteed protection with time-tested materials and craftsmanship we’re proud of.

Restoration & Rejuvenation

Our roof replacement alternative that can save you thousands.

Repair & Improvement

Leak patching, shingle repairs, and upgrades that prevent damage and keep you dry.

Tune Ups & Maintenance

Keep your roof working as intended and prevent catastrophe.

Inspection & Assessment

Understand your roof with a detailed report and photo evidence.
Always free, always honest.

Insurance Claims

We’re your advocates when working with adjusters, saving unnecessary headaches and expenses.

Rain Gutters

Protect your foundation and landscaping with seamless custom gutters, revitalized existing systems, and aluminum gutter guard upgrades.

Emergency Roofing

Peace of mind when the worst happens. Quick assessments and repairs to get you covered again.

Commercial Roofing

Dependable roofing installation, repair, and rejuvenation services for Spokane businesses.

Roof Replacement & Rejuvenation Service Areas

Spokane County

Airway HeightsCheneyChewelahColvilleDeer ParkLiberty Lake
North SpokaneMeadMedical LakeSpokaneSpokane ValleySouth Hill

Kootenai County

Coeur d’AleneHaydenPost FallsRathdrumSpirit Lake
Washington and Idaho

Licensed & Insured.
State of Washington (US), General Contractor License: SPOKARM782LZ
State of Idaho (US), General Contractor License: 3561572

© Copyright Restoration Roofing 2025

Marketing by DKLC