Check who you are hiring
Confirm the contractor's legal business identity, applicable state registration or license, insurance, and any other credentials relevant to your project. Washington's contractor lookup is a primary place to check registration status. Ask for current documentation and verify that the name on the proposal matches the business you researched. Do not rely solely on badges or a website claim.
Compare the scope
A proposal should identify the surfaces and work included, preparation, repairs, products if known, protection, cleanup, schedule assumptions, exclusions, price, and how changes are handled. A low bid may exclude steps another contractor included. Ask for any verbal commitments to be added to the written agreement.
Ask about preparation and conditions
Ask how the contractor will assess the surfaces, what preparation is planned, and how weather or hidden damage may change the schedule or scope. For older paint that may contain lead, ask how the work will be handled safely by appropriately qualified people. Avoid unsafe DIY paint removal.
Assess communication
A good process should make it easy to know who to contact, what happens after the estimate, how access is arranged, and when updates are shared. Ask whether there will be a walkthrough, a written proposal, and a final review of the work. Clear communication helps prevent mismatched expectations.
Review references carefully
Look for feedback that speaks to the type of work and communication you need. Confirm that reviews are genuine and current; do not treat an aggregate score or a badge image as proof of scope or workmanship. If you speak with a reference, ask about preparation, schedule, site care, and how questions were resolved.
Understand warranty terms
Ask what workmanship warranty applies, how long it lasts, what work is covered, and how to request service. Read the written terms and proposal together. For Orca Painting, covered work has a two-year workmanship warranty; the project documents explain the applicable coverage and terms.
Choose with confidence
Meet the contractor, compare proposals line by line, and take time to ask questions before signing. Orca Painting's process begins with project details and a walkthrough, followed by a written proposal so the planned work is clear before it is booked.
