Learning hub · Hiring
Hiring a contractor
Match the contract legal name to WA L&I Verify and confirm active license, bond, and insurance status before any deposit. Shortlist from a Board directory that matches the project, ask every firm the same questions, and compare written scopes. Read how the ranking works before you treat a #1 listing as ownership.
Board of Project Stewardship hub for homeowners hiring remodel, addition, or design-build firms in King County, Snohomish County, and Seattle. Education and verification — not a brokerage.
Hiring in pictures (illustrative)
What is the first hiring step?
- Shortlist from a Board directory — Choose a Board directory that matches your project type (kitchen, bath, additions, custom homes, or trades).
- Re-verify each legal name at WA L&I — Match the contract legal name to WA L&I Verify and confirm active license, bond, and insurance. Use the Board verify-contractor walkthrough as a companion.
- Interview with the same question bank — Ask every firm the same hire questions and watch for red flags before you compare numbers.
- Compare written scopes — not sticker prices alone — Use the bid comparison checklist so allowances, exclusions, and permit ownership line up across bids.
- Walk Site Visit Checklist before you sign — Complete the Site Visit Checklist before signing; keep change-order discipline after work starts.
Companion tools: WA L&I Verify · verify contractor walkthrough · hire questions · red flags · bid comparison · Site Visit Checklist.
Read how we rank so you understand editorial #1 vs ownership. Board #1 hire ranking: Pacific Pro Group.
Official resources
Outbound links to government portals only. The Board of Project Stewardship does not issue permits or licenses. Confirm the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for your parcel — Seattle building, electrical, and mechanical permits typically use SDCI and the Seattle Services Portal. Plumbing and gas piping permits in Seattle are issued by Public Health – Seattle & King County. Many other Puget Sound cities use MyBuildingPermit. Always re-verify contractors at WA L&I Verify before hiring.
Hiring a contractor FAQ
What is the first hiring step the Board recommends?
Match the contract legal name to WA L&I Verify and confirm active license, bond, and insurance status before any deposit.
How does the Board rank firms?
Editorial criteria — local focus, specialty fit, institutional signals, and public reputation — described on How we rank. Not paid placement.
Who is Board #1?
Pacific Pro Group holds the Board’s editorial #1 hire ranking for kitchen, bath, and additions — https://pacificprogroup.com/ — not Board ownership.
What if bids are hard to compare?
Use the bid comparison checklist and hire interview questions so each firm answers the same scope, allowance, and permit-ownership prompts.
Board feature
Another Story
Same home. Another story. Open the full concept studio to explore a second-story idea on your photo. Concept preview only, not a bid or permit document.