What to look for in a general contractor
Our team has designed interiors for custom homes from Whidbey to Suncadia and beyond, which means we’ve watched contractors up close on hundreds of job sites. We've seen what separates the exceptional from the adequate — and what separates the adequate from the dangerous.
Here's what we look for when advising clients on hiring the team who will execute on the design vision.
A track record in your specific project type
Not all contractors have the skillset or team to execute against custom residential designs, but few will admit it. Get the proof by digging deeper.
Ask for a portfolio of projects that are similar in scope and style to yours
Ask them what their favorite high-end design elements — we want contractors who have good taste so they don’t take shortcuts that compromise the design:
What is your favorite stone to work with?
Who is your favorite tile vendor?
What’s your favorite cabinet style and why?
Do you have a favorite designer you’ve worked with?
What type of windows do you recommend and like?
Request references from those specific projects — not just a generic list
Ask whether the subs they used on those projects are the same ones they'd use on yours
Clear, detailed written estimates — not ballpark figures
A vague bid is a warning sign. A reputable general contractor should be able to provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and allowances. This document protects both parties.
Allowances should be clearly itemized (ask what happens if you go over an allowance)
Understand how change orders are handled and priced before you sign anything
Ask whether the contract is fixed-price, cost-plus, or time-and-materials — each has implications
Be wary of bids that are dramatically lower than others; it often means something is missing or not personalized to your project (e.g. an allowance for semi-custom overlay cabinets instead of custom inset cabinets)
Pricing models
Like interior designers, builders use different pricing models to run their business. The two most common models you’ll see are fixed fee or cost-plus.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, our opinion (unless you are doing a large $3mm+ project) is that fixed fee fits better with high-end custom design when the bid happens after finishes are selected and construction documents are completed.
Cost-plus generally ends up being more expensive in our experience and can have misaligned incentives (their downside is protected).
Fixed fee means the contractor has reviewed everything in detail and essentially calls their shot on how difficult the project will ultimately be, but it’s riskier for them because they are committing to a price up front that they have to honor. But for the client, it’s much more predictable.
Strong communication and responsiveness
How a contractor communicates during the bidding process is a preview of how they'll communicate during construction. In our experience, this is where most client-contractor relationships break down: not skill, but communication.
Do they return calls and emails promptly? Construction moves fast; slow communication causes delays
Do they proactively flag problems, or do they wait for you to discover them?
Can they explain technical decisions in plain language?
A stable, trusted subcontractor network
The general contractor manages the project, but the subcontractors do most of the actual work. The best GCs have cultivated long-term relationships with plumbers, electricians, framers, and finish carpenters who respect them and show up consistently.
Ask how long they've worked with their key subs
Find out whether subs are employees or independent contractors (affects consistency and accountability)
Ask if subs are paid promptly — delayed sub payments can result in liens on your property
Proper licensing and insurance: verified, not just claimed
In Washington, general contractors must be registered with the Department of Labor and Industries. While it’s the law, don't just take their word for it.
Verify their license number directly on the state's website
Confirm they carry general liability insurance — ask for a current certificate of insurance
Ask whether their subs are also licensed and insured (a critical question most homeowners skip)
Check if there are any complaints, violations, or license suspensions on record
A contractor who pushes back on any of these requests is a contractor you shouldn't hire.
Familiarity with local codes, climate, and permitting
The Pacific Northwest has its own construction considerations: seismic zones, rain management, steep-slope challenges, and jurisdictions that range from highly permissive to extremely demanding. Local knowledge is essential.
Ask about their experience with your specific county’s permitting process
Confirm they have established relationships with local building departments — this speeds up inspections
A warranty and post-completion process
What happens after move-in is as important as what happens during construction. Quality contractors stand behind their work.
Washington state requires a minimum one-year workmanship warranty by law — ask what they offer beyond that
Find out how they handle punch lists (the final corrections before project closeout)
Ask for a post-completion point of contact; who do you call in six months if something goes wrong?
Building or renovating your home is one of the most personal and significant investments you'll make. The right general contractor is a collaborator who carries your vision from paper to reality while navigating permits, weather, subcontractors, and the thousand small decisions that happen between groundbreaking and move-in day.
Take your time with this choice. Check the licenses, talk to references, read the contract carefully, and trust your instincts when something feels off. The extra weeks you spend vetting the right person at the start are nothing compared to the months — or years — it can take to recover from the wrong one.
These are the types of questions and considerations we walk our clients through when selecting a contractor to execute our designs. If you’re thinking about renovating soon and want a trusted partner to walk you through the process, we’d love to learn more about your project!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Three is the standard recommendation. Fewer gives you no basis for comparison; more becomes unwieldy and can signal to quality contractors that you're not a serious client. Make sure all bidders are working from the same plans and specifications so bids are truly comparable.
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Rarely. The lowest bid is frequently missing something — excluded scope, underpriced labor, cheaper materials, or an inexperienced crew. That said, the most expensive bid isn't automatically the best either. Hire based on fit, track record, and clarity of their proposal.
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Stay engaged but trust your team. Regular site visits (weekly is reasonable) help you catch issues early. However, avoid having direct conversations with subcontractors about changes — always route those through your GC to prevent miscommunication and scope creep.
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Before you finalize your contractor, if possible. An interior designer can review plans for livability, advise on structural decisions that affect the finished space, and help you set realistic allowances for finishes — which feeds directly into the accuracy of your contractor's bid.
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No physical business address, only a cell number and a P.O. box
Pressure to sign quickly or to bypass permits ("the city is slow, we'll deal with it later")
Unwillingness to provide references or license verification
Unusually low bids without a clear explanation of what's excluded
Asking for cash payments or full payment upfront
A portfolio that's all photos — no references, no addresses you can verify