Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor
A home improvement project that goes well is one of the most satisfying investments you'll make. One that goes badly, a contractor who disappears mid-job, a budget that quietly doubles, work that has to be redone, costs you money, time, and stress you didn't sign up for.
Most of that risk gets decided before work starts, in the questions you do or don't ask. Here's what to cover before you hire a general contractor for a new build, addition, or remodel.
1. Are You Registered, Bonded, and Insured?
Start here, it's the one thing you can actually verify. Washington requires every contractor to register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), carrying a surety bond (at least $30,000 for general contractors) and liability insurance. Ask for their registration number, then check it yourself on L&I's free lookup tool, it takes about a minute and shows whether their bond and insurance are current.
As an example: Jepsen Construction's registration number is JEPSECL743CL. Look it up, that's exactly the habit this list is encouraging.
One honest note: a bond helps cover claims like unpaid subcontractors, but it may not cover everything on a larger project. It's real protection, not a guarantee.
2. Have You Handled Projects Like Mine?
Not every contractor has equal depth in every project type. Ask how many similar projects they've done recently, ask to see photos, and ask whether you'll be working directly with them or handed off to a crew you haven't met.
3. Can I Get a Written, Itemized Estimate?
Get the scope, materials, and price in writing, from more than one contractor if possible. The lowest bid isn't always the best value if it's unclear what's included. If a contractor's estimate depends on seeing the site first rather than a number over the phone, that's usually a good sign, not a stall tactic.
4. How Will You Keep Me Informed?
Push past "we're always in communication." Ask who your point of contact will be and what happens if something goes wrong. Silence during a project is not the quality of the work itself it is the most common reason homeowners end up frustrated.
5. Who Handles Permits and Inspections?
Most construction work needs a permit from your local jurisdiction, in the Walla Walla area, that's the City of Walla Walla or Walla Walla County, depending on location. A general contractor typically manages this. Be cautious of anyone who suggests skipping it to save time.
6. What's the Payment Schedule and Contract?
Get it in writing: business name, registration number, scope, price, and a payment schedule tied to milestones, not a lump sum upfront. Be wary of any contractor asking for full payment before work begins. Also ask about lien protection, if a supplier or sub isn't paid, your property could be liened even after you've paid the contractor in full.
7. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Ask this while things are still going well. Washington homeowners also have formal backstops, L&I complaints, bond claims, and a newer Homeowner Recovery Program, but those are a last resort, not a substitute for vetting upfront.
Quick Pre-Hire Checklist
L&I registration verified yourself
Bond and insurance current and meet state minimums
Shown real examples of similar work
Written, itemized estimate (ideally more than one)
Clear point of contact for updates
Permits and inspections clearly assigned
Contract includes scope, price, timeline, payment schedule
Payment staged to milestones, not paid upfront
Lien protection understood
Mid-project change process discussed
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