5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Smart Homeowners Start Here

Hiring a contractor isn’t just about the lowest bid — it’s about proof, protection, and performance. In Seattle, you want a licensed, insured, and code-savvy pro who puts everything in writing, pulls the right permits, and has happy clients who’d hire them again. Use these five questions to screen fast and avoid expensive lessons.

1) Are you licensed, bonded, and insured | and can I verify it right now?

Ask for the exact business name and license/registration number.
In Washington, confirm status (active/inactive, bond/insurance on file, infractions) with the WA L&I Verify tool before you sign or pay anything. LNI

Why it matters: If something goes wrong (property damage, injury, abandoned work), your recovery depends on the contractor’s registration, bond, and insurance. The state’s verification tool is free and instantaneous.

Quick Tip:

Request a certificate of insurance listing you as certificate holder; confirm policy limits meet your project’s risk.

2) Are you licensed, insured, and bonded can I verify it?

What to look for

Active license + business registration: In Washington, you can instantly check a contractor’s registration, bond, and insurance in one place.
Verify here: Washington State L&I “Verify a Contractor.”
Coverage details: Ask for a current certificate of insurance (COI) listing your address as “certificate holder,” and confirm general liability and workers’ comp where applicable.
Who’s actually doing the work? If subs are used, verify each sub’s license/insurance the same way.

Red flags

Name on the license doesn’t match the proposal, COI, vehicles, or website.
“We’re between policies,” or “we’ll add coverage later.”

Pro Tip:

Screenshot the L&I verification results and save the COI with your contract files—handy if there’s a claim later.

3) What will be in the contract scope, schedule, payments, and protections?

Must-have clauses

Detailed scope of work (materials, model numbers/allowances, exclusions)
Timeline with milestones, work hours, and site rules (parking, debris, protection)
Payment schedule tied to milestones — avoid large deposits beyond material procurement
Change-order process (written approval + pricing format)
Warranty terms (labor + manufacturer) and close-out items (receipts, lien releases)

Why it matters: A precise contract prevents misunderstandings and gives you leverage if quality, timing, or costs slip.

Solid reference: The FTC recommends getting everything in writing, clarifying start/finish dates, materials, and how changes are handled. Their consumer guidance is a great checklist to mirror in your agreement. Seattle

4) How will you handle permits, inspections, and code compliance?

What to confirm

Who pulls permits? The contractor should apply for and post the permit, coordinate inspections, and close the permit.
Seattle specifics: Kitchen/bath remodels, structural changes, new windows/doors, major electrical or plumbing almost always trigger permits in Seattle. Use the city’s guidance to determine permit type (STFI vs. Full Review).
Inspection plan: Ask for the sequence (framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, insulation, final) and who meets inspectors.

Why it matters: Skipping permits can derail resale, insurance claims, or refinancing—and the city can require you to open walls to prove compliance. Seattle SDCI provides clear “Do I need a permit?” criteria you can reference before work starts.

5) What’s your safety plan—and how do you protect my family & home?

Key protections

Lead-safe practices for pre-1978 homes: Federal law requires RRP-certified firms to use lead-safe methods (containment, HEPA cleanup, proper disposal). Ask to see the firm’s EPA RRP certification and the renovator’s card.
Jobsite safety + housekeeping: Daily protection (floor/wall coverings), dust control, secured tools, and end-of-day cleanups.
Neighbor & HOA coordination: Work hours, staging, parking, and notice for noisy/demo days.

Why it matters: Proper containment and cleanup reduce health risks and keep inspections and neighbor relations smooth. The EPA’s RRP guidance spells out what compliant work should look like in older homes.

Choose the Right Contractor for Your Remodel

By using this checklist, you’ll cover the core essentials of a risk-free hire—turning “5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor” into clear action items:

License, Bond & Insurance: Verify an active license, current bond, and liability/worker’s comp before you sign—non-negotiable for any Seattle general contractor.
Permits & Code: Confirm who pulls permits, schedules inspections, and owns compliance. Good contractors explain the path and timing up front.
Scope, Specs & Payments: Get a written contract with materials/allowances, milestones, retainage, and a documented change-order process.
Schedule & Communication: Ask for a build calendar, daily site lead, and update cadence—how they handle delays, backorders, and punch lists.
Safety & Site Protection: Require lead-safe practices (if applicable), dust control, HEPA cleanup, and protection for adjacent rooms and finishes.

Take an hour to run these steps and you’ll hire with confidence—knowing your project is protected, code-compliant, and led by a pro who delivers.

FAQ

Q: What’s a fair deposit?
A: Enough to secure materials and scheduling — many homeowners keep it to a modest percentage and tie the rest to milestones. The key is having payment stages in writing (see the FTC’s contract guidance).

Q: Do I or the contractor pull the permit?
A: The contractor typically pulls it (and should be listed), since they’re responsible for code compliance. Confirm on Seattle SDCI guidance for your scope.

Q: My house is from 1965 — do we really need lead-safe practices?
A: Yes, if painted surfaces are disturbed. Federal RRP rules apply to pre-1978 homes. Hire an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm.

Q: Where do I verify a Washington contractor?
A: Use WA L&I’s online Verify a Contractor/Tradesperson tool to check status, bond/insurance, and any infractions

Want to Get Started?

Reach out to Creative Builders to schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to customize trend-focused design ideas or provide cost estimates for your project goals.