How to Choose a Contractor in Washington (Without Getting Burned)

Hiring a contractor is one of the largest purchases most people make without a clear way to judge quality. Here's how to reduce the risk.

Verify registration first — it takes 30 seconds

Washington requires contractors to be registered with L&I. Look up any contractor at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify before you meet them. Check that the registration is active, that the bond and insurance are current, and look at how long the registration has been held. This one step eliminates a category of problems entirely. (For the record, our own registration is #BUILDEI913RS — look us up too.)

Get three bids, and make them comparable

Three is the right number. But bids are only comparable if they cover the same scope — make sure each one spells out the same scope. A lump-sum 'bathroom remodel: $X' tells you nothing and makes comparison impossible.

Understand why the low bid is low

Sometimes it's genuine efficiency. More often, something is excluded: demo, disposal, permits, substrate repair, or materials at a lower grade than you discussed. Ask directly what's not included.

Warning signs worth walking away from

Pressure to decide immediately. Large upfront deposits. Cash-only. No written contract. Reluctance to provide their registration number. Door-to-door solicitation with 'leftover materials.' None of these are automatically disqualifying on their own, but together they're a pattern.

Ask for references on similar work

Not just any references — references for projects like yours. A contractor who does beautiful decks may not be who you want rebuilding a tiled shower. Ask to see photos of the specific work type.

Payment structure protects you

Pay in stages tied to completed milestones, not on a calendar. Never pay in full before completion. A reasonable deposit for materials is normal; paying for the entire job upfront is not.

Get it in writing

Scope, materials with specific product names, timeline, payment schedule, and how change orders are handled. Good contractors welcome this — it protects them too.

In the Puget Sound specifically

One Washington-specific note: contractor registration is public and searchable. Before you hire anyone in this state, look them up at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify. It takes thirty seconds and it filters out a meaningful share of the problems people run into.

Common questions