A Washington residential construction contract should spell out the scope of work, price, allowances, exclusions, payment schedule, change order process, schedule, warranty, and the contractor’s L&I registration and bond. For residential work priced at $1,000 or more on up to four units, state law (RCW 18.27.114) also requires the contractor to give the customer a disclosure statement before starting work, covering the customer’s rights, the contractor’s registration and bond, and the possibility of lien claims (Bart Reed, Stoel Rives LLP).
What is the Washington contractor disclosure statement?
The disclosure statement is a form, required by RCW 18.27.114, that contractors must give residential customers before starting covered work. It applies to repair, alteration, or construction of four or fewer residential units or accessory structures with a bid or contract price of $1,000 or more (Stoel Rives LLP).
It explains the customer’s rights, the contractor’s registration and bonding, and warns that unpaid parties may file liens. The customer signs to acknowledge receipt. A contractor who skips it may lose the right to bring a lien claim on that contract.
What should the scope of work include?
The scope should describe exactly what will be built, referencing plans, specifications, and the estimate. It should list inclusions and exclusions so nothing is assumed.
Vague scope is the most common source of disputes. See What Should Be Included in a Construction or Remodeling Estimate? for what a complete scope and estimate cover.
How should price, allowances, and payments be written?
The contract should state the total price or pricing method, list each allowance with its amount, and tie payments to completed milestones rather than dates alone. Ask whether Washington sales tax is included, since contractors must collect it on the full contract price for homeowner construction (Washington Department of Revenue).
Avoid paying a large share up front. Milestone payments keep money aligned with work in place.
How should change orders be handled?
The contract should require written change orders, signed before the changed work is done, showing the added or reduced cost and any schedule impact. It should also explain how concealed conditions are priced.
Our post What Homeowners Should Expect During Construction: Change Orders and Unforeseen Conditions covers this in detail.
What about schedule, permits, and warranty?
The contract should state the expected start, key milestones, who pulls permits and schedules inspections, and what happens if delays occur. It should also define the warranty: what is covered, for how long, and how to request service.
For realistic timelines, see How Long Does a Design and Construction Project Take in Tacoma, WA? and When Can My Construction or Remodeling Project Start?.
How do I verify the contractor before signing?
Check the contractor’s L&I registration and bond at ProtectMyHome.net or by calling 1-800-647-0982. General contractors must carry a $30,000 bond (L&I), and the registration number should appear on the contract.
Transparent Construction LLC’s registration number is TRANSCL796L3.
Contract checklist: what to look for
| Contract item | What good looks like | Red flag |
| Disclosure statement | Provided and signed before work starts | Missing |
| Scope | References plans, lists inclusions and exclusions | “Remodel kitchen” with no detail |
| Price and allowances | Line items with named allowances | One lump sum |
| Payments | Tied to completed milestones | Large up-front deposit |
| Change orders | Written and signed before work | Verbal approvals |
| Registration and bond | L&I number listed and verifiable | No number |
Ready for a clear contract?
Transparent Construction LLC provides residential remodeling, Custom Homes, and Commercial Remodeling with written scopes, line-item pricing, and change order processes. Our Owner’s Representative & Project Oversight service can review a contract from another builder. We do not provide legal services.
Contact Transparent Construction LLC or call 253-339-6117 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a written contract required for home remodeling in Washington?
A written contract is strongly recommended, and for residential work of $1,000 or more on up to four units, the contractor must provide the RCW 18.27.114 disclosure statement before starting.
What happens if my contractor did not give me a disclosure statement?
The contractor may not be able to bring a lien claim on that contract, and failing to comply is an infraction. Talk to an attorney about your situation.
How much should I pay up front for a remodel?
There is no single rule, but payments tied to completed milestones protect owners better than large up-front deposits.
Should my contract include the contractor's license number?
Yes. Include the L&I registration number so you can verify registration and bond status.
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