What is the price? But there’s another question every homeowner should ask before allowing someone to work on their home: Is this contractor properly registered, bonded and insured? 

That question matters more than anything; especially when you’re investing in projects like window replacement, exterior doors or siding. 

Because saving money on the initial installation doesn’t necessarily save money if something goes wrong. 

And unfortunately, we’ve had to repair jobs done by other companies who didn’t truly know what they were doing when the homeowner who thought they were getting a great deal eventually finds themselves searching for a qualified contractor to fix someone else’s work. 

What Does “Licensed, Bonded and Insured” Actually Means in Washington? 

Homeowners commonly search for a licensed, bonded and insured contractor, but Washington State uses slightly different terminology for most construction work. 

Construction contractors are generally required to register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). State requirements also include a contractor bond and liability insurance. 

These aren’t simply credentials to put on a website. 

They’re part of a system designed to provide protection for the public looking to do business with companies. 

Before hiring someone to replace your windows, doors, siding or complete another construction project, homeowners can use Washington L&I’s contractor verification system to check whether a contractor’s registration is active and review information about their bond, insurance and history. 

You don’t have to take our word for it. Look us up and save this link to look up any other company you research as well. 

Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business 

What Can Happen When You Hire an Unregistered Contractor? 

Maybe the estimate is considerably lower. Maybe someone had a friend who could do the job. Maybe they say they’ve been doing this for years and show you before and after pictures on their phone. 

None of those things replace proper contractor registration, bonding and insurance. 

The real question is: 

What happens if something goes wrong? 

Poor workmanship may not become obvious immediately. 

A window can look perfectly fine from across the room while problems with the installation are developing where you can’t see them. 

With exterior home improvement projects, improper installation can potentially contribute to issues involving water intrusion, air leakage, operation, surrounding materials and long-term performance. 

And that’s when the original “deal” can become considerably more expensive. 

Eventually, Someone Has to Fix It 

This is the part homeowners don’t always consider when comparing estimates. 

If an installation isn’t completed correctly the first time, you may eventually need another contractor to do the following: 

Remove it. Diagnose it. Repair the surrounding area. Correct the installation. Or replace it altogether. 

Now you’re paying for the project twice. 

And correcting someone else’s work isn’t necessarily as simple as starting over. 

A qualified contractor first must determine what was done, what failed, whether anything surrounding the installation was affected and what needs to happen to correct it properly. 

That’s why the lowest initial price isn’t necessarily the lowest total cost. 

Why Bonding Matters 

A contractor bond isn’t simply another certificate. 

Washington requires registered general and specialty contractors to maintain surety bonds. As of 2026, the required bond is $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. 

A bond may provide a potential avenue for financial recourse when certain contractor obligations aren’t fulfilled. 

That doesn’t mean being bonded guarantees a perfect project or automatically reimburses a homeowner. 

It means there is an additional layer of consumer protection that simply isn’t there when you’re dealing with an unregistered contractor who carries no required bond. 

Why Contractor Insurance Matters 

Construction happens on your property. 

That alone should make insurance an important part of your contractor’s decision. 

Washington contractor registration requires general liability insurance. L&I currently requires at least $250,000 in combined coverage or specified public-liability and property-damage coverage. 

Why should a homeowner care? 

Because accidents and property damage can happen and we take great care to make sure that doesn’t happen. Other companies may not be so careful. 

According to Washington L&I, when a registered contractor’s negligence causes damage to a person or property, the contractor’s liability policy may provide coverage depending on the circumstances. 

Don’t leave yourself open to these accidents, call someone who is licensed, bonded and insured first and foremost. 

Window Replacement Is More Than Putting a Window Into an Opening 

This is particularly important when you’re choosing a window replacement contractor. 

The quality of the window matters. But so does the installation. 

Your windows are part of your home’s exterior envelope. They’re expected to manage Northwest weather while helping your home remain comfortable and protected. 

That’s why Washington L&I specifically recommends that homeowners arranging new window installation use a registered contractor. 

And there’s another important detail: 

If your window company uses subcontracted installers, you can verify that contractor too. 

A reputable company shouldn’t be uncomfortable answering questions about who is performing work on your home and that is why when you ask us we provide the answers. 

Before Hiring a Window Contractor, Check These Things 

Before signing a window replacement contract, take a few minutes to verify: 

Is the contractor registered with Washington L&I? 
Is the registration currently active? 
Does the contractor have an active bond? 
Is liability insurance current? 
Who will be performing the installation? 
If subcontractors are being used, are they properly registered? 
Does the written estimate clearly explain the scope of work? 
What warranties apply to the product and installation? 

Does the contractor have established reviews, references and completed projects you can evaluate? 

Washington L&I provides a public contractor verification tool where homeowners can check registration status and additional contractor information before hiring. 

Verify a Washington contractor here → Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business 

Don’t Compare Window Replacement Estimates on Price Alone 

Get multiple estimates. 
Ask questions. 
Compare products. 
Compare warranties. 
Compare installation practices. 
But also compare who is standing behind the project. 

A lower estimate may look attractive until you discover what wasn’t included—or until another contractor has to come behind the original installer and make it right. 

At Energy Exteriors NW, we believe homeowners should understand what they’re purchasing, who’s working on their home and what protections are in place before a project begins. 

Because your home deserves more than the lowest number on a piece of paper. 
It deserves work that’s done correctly—and a company that’s accountable for the work being done. 

Looking for a Window Replacement Contractor in Washington? 

If you’re researching window replacement in Snohomish County or the surrounding Northwest communities, don’t be afraid to ask contractors for their credentials. 

In fact, we encourage it. 
Research us. 
Verify us. 
Ask us questions. 
Then do the same with every company you’re considering. 
An informed homeowner is better equipped to choose the right company for their home. 

And if you’re ready to talk about your window replacement, exterior door or siding project, request an Exclusive Estimate from Energy Exteriors NW. 

We’ll help you understand your options before you decide what’s right for your home. 

Request Your FREE Exclusive Estimate → Contact Us | Energy Exteriors NW