Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor in Clark County
Most contractors are honest small businesses. A few aren’t, and they tend to show the same warning signs. If you see one of these, slow down and check further.
1. They aren’t registered, or the registration doesn’t match
Look up every construction contractor on WA L&I Verify a Contractor. Be wary of an inactive registration, no bond or insurance on file, or a business name that doesn’t match the bid.
2. Door-to-door “we were just in the neighborhood” offers
Unsolicited offers, especially right after a windstorm, often come with leftover materials, a discount for signing today, or a claim that your roof or driveway is in urgent danger. Get a second opinion.
3. Pressure to decide on the spot
A fair bid is still fair tomorrow. High-pressure “today only” pricing is designed to stop you from comparing.
4. A large upfront payment, or cash only
A deposit for materials can be normal. A request for most of the price upfront, cash only, or payment to a personal account is not. Tie payments to completed work.
5. No written contract
Get the scope, materials, price, schedule, payment terms, permits, cleanup and warranty in writing before work starts. Changes should be written down too.
6. “You don’t need a permit for this”
Sometimes that’s true. Sometimes it means the contractor wants to avoid an inspection. If you’re unsure, check with your city or Clark County Community Development. See our permit guide.
7. A bid far below everyone else’s
A very low bid can mean missing scope, cheaper materials, or costs that show up later as change orders. Compare bids line by line. Our bid comparison guide can help.
8. No local address or references
Ask for references from recent local jobs, and confirm the business has a real phone number and address.
If something goes wrong
Document everything in writing. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has consumer protection resources, and L&I’s Hiring a Contractor page explains your options, including claims against a contractor’s bond and the Homeowner Recovery Fund for eligible homeowners.