Why Checking Credentials Matters Before You Hire
So you’ve got a big project coming up. Maybe it’s a kitchen remodel, an addition, or something that’s been on your list for years. You’ve talked to a few contractors, gotten some quotes, and now you’re ready to pull the trigger. But wait — have you actually verified that the person you’re about to hand thousands of dollars to is legit?
Here’s the thing. Contractor fraud is way more common than most people realize. And it’s not just about losing money. Hiring someone without proper licensing or insurance can leave you liable for injuries on your property. It can void your homeowner’s insurance. And if the work isn’t up to code, you might have to tear it all out and start over.
If you’re searching for the Best General Contractor in Tacoma WA, you’ll want to know exactly how to separate the real professionals from the pretenders. This guide walks you through the whole verification process step by step.
Step 1: Verify Their Contractor License
Every state has different licensing requirements, but the process for checking is pretty straightforward. Most states maintain an online database where you can search by contractor name or license number.
What to Look For
When you pull up a contractor’s license info, you’re checking for a few specific things:
- The license is currently active (not expired or suspended)
- The license type matches the work you need done
- There aren’t any disciplinary actions or complaints filed
- The business name matches what they told you
According to the Wikipedia article on general contractors, these professionals must meet specific qualification standards that vary by jurisdiction. Don’t assume a license from one state transfers to another.
Red Flags That Scream Trouble
Watch out for contractors who:
- Give you a license number that doesn’t match any records
- Claim they’re “working under” someone else’s license
- Say licensing “isn’t required” for your project (it usually is)
- Get defensive or evasive when you ask for verification
A legitimate General Contractor in Tacoma WA will happily provide their license number. They know you’re going to check, and they want you to.
Step 2: Confirm Their Insurance Coverage
This part is actually more important than the license check. And honestly, it’s where a lot of homeowners drop the ball.
Contractors need two types of insurance at minimum:
General Liability Insurance
This covers damage to your property during the project. If a worker accidentally puts a sledgehammer through your plumbing or knocks over scaffolding onto your car, this is what pays for repairs.
You want to see at least $1 million in coverage. For bigger projects, $2 million isn’t unreasonable.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Here’s where things get scary if they don’t have it. Without workers’ comp, any injury on your property could potentially become your financial responsibility. We’re talking medical bills, lost wages, even lawsuits.
Don’t just take their word for it. Request an actual certificate of insurance.
Step 3: Request and Review the Certificate of Insurance
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document that proves coverage exists. Any insured contractor can get one from their insurance company in about 24 hours.
What the Certificate Should Show
When you receive the COI, check these details:
- Policy effective dates (make sure coverage is current)
- Coverage amounts for both liability and workers’ comp
- The contractor’s name matches exactly
- Your name is listed as “certificate holder”
Better yet, call the insurance company directly using the phone number on the certificate. Confirm the policy is active and hasn’t been cancelled. Fake certificates exist, and this takes about five minutes to verify.
Step 4: Check for Complaints and Reviews
A license and insurance don’t guarantee quality work. They just mean the contractor meets minimum legal requirements. For the full picture, you need to dig deeper.
Start with your state’s contractor licensing board. They maintain records of formal complaints and disciplinary actions. Then check the Better Business Bureau for any unresolved disputes.
Online reviews help too, but take them with a grain of salt. Look for patterns rather than individual complaints. Every contractor has at least one unhappy customer somewhere.
What If They Refuse to Provide Documentation?
This one’s easy. Walk away.
Seriously. Any contractor who won’t provide their license number or a certificate of insurance is either unqualified or hiding something. There’s no legitimate reason to refuse these basic requests.
Finding the Best General Contractor in Tacoma WA means finding someone who’s transparent about their credentials. The good ones actually appreciate when clients do their homework — it shows you’re serious about the project.
Protecting Yourself Throughout the Project
Verification doesn’t stop once you sign the contract. Keep these practices going:
- Get lien waivers from subcontractors after they’re paid
- Verify permits are actually pulled (not just promised)
- Keep copies of all documentation in one folder
- Never pay more than 10-15% upfront
Working with a qualified General Contractor in Tacoma WA shouldn’t feel risky. When you’ve done your homework, you can focus on the exciting parts — picking finishes, watching the transformation happen, and knowing the work is being done right.
For more guidance on hiring contractors and managing home projects, you can explore additional resources that break down the process further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify a contractor’s license?
Usually about 10 minutes. Most state licensing boards have online databases where you can search by name or license number. The results come up instantly, showing current status and any disciplinary history.
Can I verify insurance myself or do I need a lawyer?
You can absolutely do this yourself. Request a certificate of insurance from the contractor, then call the insurance company directly to confirm coverage is active. No lawyer needed for basic verification.
What happens if I hire an uninsured contractor and someone gets hurt?
This is the nightmare scenario. Without workers’ comp coverage, you could potentially be held liable for medical expenses and lost wages. Your homeowner’s insurance might cover some of it, but they could also deny the claim since you hired an uninsured contractor.
Are handyman services required to have the same licensing?
Licensing requirements for handymen vary by state and project size. Generally, small repairs and maintenance work don’t require licensing, but anything structural, electrical, or plumbing-related typically does. Check your local regulations to be sure.
How often should I re-verify insurance during a long project?
For projects lasting several months, request updated certificates every 30-60 days. Policies can lapse mid-project, and you want to catch that before it becomes your problem.
