Hiring a general contractor is one of the biggest financial decisions most homeowners will make. In fact, a good contractor can turn your vision into reality on time and on budget. On the other hand, a bad one can cost you thousands in delays, poor workmanship, and stress. If you are wondering how to choose a general contractor Seattle homeowners can trust, here are ten things to check before you sign anything.
First and foremost, this step is non-negotiable. In Washington State, any contractor performing work over $800 must hold a valid contractor license. You can verify any contractor’s license instantly through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website.
Specifically, look for the contractor’s license number on their website, business card, and estimates. If they cannot or will not provide a license number, walk away immediately.
In addition, a bonded and insured contractor protects you from liability. For example, general liability insurance covers damage to your property during construction. Similarly, workers compensation insurance covers their employees if someone gets injured on your job site. Without these coverages, you could face personal liability for accidents or damages.
Therefore, always ask for a Certificate of Insurance and verify it yourself. Do not simply take their word for it.
Before reaching out to any contractor, take time to review their Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Facebook reviews. More importantly, pay attention to the content of the reviews, not just the star rating. Look for patterns: do multiple reviewers mention good communication, clean job sites, and quality work? Conversely, do you see complaints about missed deadlines, hidden costs, and unresponsive communication?
Also, check how the contractor responds to negative reviews. A professional response to criticism tells you a lot about how they handle problems on the job
Furthermore, any reputable contractor should gladly provide references from recent clients. Call those references and ask specific questions: for instance, did the crew complete the project on time? Did any unexpected cost increases come up? How was communication throughout the project? Would you hire them again?
Equally important, a contractor’s portfolio reveals what they can deliver. Look for projects similar to yours in scope and style. For example, if you are planning a custom home build, make sure they have actually built custom homes — not just remodeled kitchens. Whenever possible, ask to visit a current job site so you can see the quality of their work firsthand.
Above all, never hire the first contractor you talk to. Instead, get at least three written estimates and compare them carefully. Be wary of any estimate that comes in significantly lower than the others — that often means the contractor plans to cut corners, underestimate the scope, or add change orders later.
In particular, a good estimate should break down costs by trade or phase rather than just giving you a single lump sum number. This level of detail helps you understand exactly where your money goes.
Another key factor to consider is whether the contractor uses in-house employees or subcontracts the work to third parties. Neither approach is inherently bad, but you should know what you are getting. Generally speaking, in-house crews offer better quality control and communication because the contractor directly manages the workers. In contrast, heavy subcontracting can lead to scheduling delays and inconsistent quality.
Additionally, legitimate contractors always pull the necessary building permits for your project. Permits ensure that inspectors review the work and confirm it meets code. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money or time, consider that a major red flag. As a result, unpermitted work can create serious problems when you try to sell your home or file an insurance claim.
Moreover, a professional contractor will provide a written contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and change order process. Before signing, read every word carefully. If anything seems unclear, ask for clarification right away. Under no circumstances should you start a project based on a handshake alone
Finally, after checking all the practical boxes, pay attention to how the contractor communicates. For instance, do they respond to your calls and emails promptly? Do they listen to your concerns and explain things clearly? Ultimately, the contractor you hire will spend weeks or months working in and around your home, so you need to feel comfortable with them.
We wrote this article because we believe homeowners deserve honest information about how to choose a general contractor Seattle residents can trust. At Bad Boyz GC, we welcome scrutiny. Specifically, our license is public record, our reviews are on Google, and our completed work is on our website. In addition, our estimates are detailed, transparent, and always free.
License: WA #BADBOBG831RA
Call: (206) 434-2893
Email: joe@badboyzseattle.com
