Find Certified Contractors in Seattle, Washington

Almost every major home improvement project in Seattle requires a permit from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). This includes structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, and most exterior modifications.

Projects Requiring Permits:

• New construction and additions
• Decks, fences over 8 feet, and retaining walls over 4 feet
• Basement finishing and ADU construction
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work
• Roofing and siding (especially if changing materials)
• Water heaters and furnaces

What Usually Doesn't Need a Permit:

• Painting and wallpaper
• Flooring and cabinets (if not changing layout)
• Minor repairs and maintenance
• Fences under 8 feet

Apply Online: Most permits can be applied for through Seattle SDCI's online portal.

King County: For properties outside Seattle city limits, visit King County Permits.

In the state of Washington, most trades in the home services and home improvement industries require that the company and/or contractor be licensed to perform work. These trade licenses are regulated by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

We help provide you with peace of mind by verifying all state-required insurance coverage and trade licenses for every Best Pick company on an annual basis.

Workers' Compensation: Washington is a "monopolistic state"—you MUST purchase workers' comp through the state's Labor & Industries (L&I) fund, not private insurers. This is required if you have any employees.

General Liability & Bonding: Seattle requires general liability limits of $250,000 property damage and $500,000 bodily injury. Contractors must also post a surety bond ($30,000 for General Contractors, $15,000 for Specialty).

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor holds valid general liability insurance and meets all state-mandated workers' compensation and bonding requirements. You can also verify a license directly at the Washington L&I Contractor Verification.

Seattle summers are dry and sunny. The city gets the bulk of its rain in the fall, winter, and early spring months.

Residential remodelers, tree service professionals, and roof and window experts are in high demand in Seattle.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Seattle annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Seattle, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.