Use a comparison sheet
Give each proposal the same headings: rooms, assessment, preparation, repairs, finish, painting, protection and cleanup. Preserve the contractor’s wording instead of interpreting vague terms. If one includes painting and another stops at a prepared surface, totals describe different endpoints. Ask for written clarification before deciding which meets the brief. Keep your original room record beside each proposal.
Look at responsibility and uncertainty
Ask who performs the work, handles specialist assessment and responds to unexpected material or damage. Review access assumptions and tasks assigned to you. Confirm how scope and price changes are approved. An attractive schedule remains dependent on actual conditions; ask which tasks must happen before it is confirmed and how delays are communicated.
Verify before agreeing
Use Washington L&I contractor-verification resources and confirm insurance details directly. Read payment and change provisions in the agreement. The FTC advises written estimates describing work, materials, completion and price. Keep all versions together. This publication offers educational planning, not estimates, contractor rankings or removal bookings; make the hiring decision with the business you select.
Keep these questions with your notes
- Compare the same endpoint.
- Ask who owns assessment and changes.
- Verify the business and save the agreement.
This is general planning information, not a diagnosis, site assessment or hazardous-material work instruction.