Hiring a home service professional in the Vancouver/Clark County area shouldn't feel like a gamble. But without the right questions, it can be. Whether you need a plumber for a leaking water heater, an electrician to add a circuit, or an HVAC tech to diagnose a struggling A/C, the person you hire matters — a lot. Here are the five questions that separate reliable pros from risky ones.
1. "Are you licensed, bonded, and insured — and can I verify that?"
In Washington State, most home service trades require a contractor's license through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Plumbers and electricians have additional specialty certifications. A legitimate pro will volunteer their license number — you shouldn't have to pry it out of them.
How to verify: Visit the Washington L&I website (lni.wa.gov) and use the "Verify a Contractor" tool. Enter the license number or business name. Check that the license is active, the bond is current, and there are no recent infractions. This takes two minutes and is the single most important step you can take.
Bonding and insurance: A bond protects you if the contractor violates regulations or fails to complete the work. General liability insurance covers property damage — like if a plumber accidentally floods your kitchen. Ask for an insurance certificate and confirm it's current.
2. "Can you provide a written estimate before starting work?"
Verbal estimates aren't worth the breath they're spoken with. A reputable professional provides a written estimate — or at minimum a detailed scope of work — before starting any job that isn't a simple service call.
What a good estimate includes:
- A clear description of the work to be performed
- Materials and equipment to be used (brands and models if applicable)
- Labor rate or flat project price
- Estimated timeline — start date and duration
- Payment terms — including deposit if required
- Warranty or guarantee terms on labor and materials
For larger jobs ($5,000+), get estimates from at least three contractors. The cheapest bid isn't always the best — a suspiciously low estimate often means corners will be cut.
3. "What's your experience with this specific type of work in Clark County?"
General experience is good. Local, specific experience is better. A plumber who's worked in Vancouver for ten years knows that many older homes in the Hough and Arnada neighborhoods have galvanized pipes that require different techniques than newer PEX plumbing in east Vancouver. An HVAC tech familiar with Clark County knows that heat pumps are common here and that sizing matters differently in our mild-but-damp climate.
Listen for: Specific references to local building codes, common issues in Clark County homes, and familiarity with your home's era of construction. If the answer is generic — "oh, I've done lots of these" — push for details.
4. "Can you provide references from recent Clark County clients?"
Online reviews are useful but can be gamed. Ask for two or three references from the past six months — ideally for work similar to yours. Then actually call them.
What to ask references:
- Was the work completed on time and on budget?
- Did the crew clean up after themselves each day?
- Were there any surprises or change orders — and how were they handled?
- Would you hire them again?
- Has the work held up since completion?
Also check the contractor's reputation beyond reviews: the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), Nextdoor recommendations from your neighborhood, and the Washington L&I infraction database.
5. "What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer — and what's NOT covered?"
Every professional should stand behind their work. The question isn't just whether there's a warranty — it's what the warranty actually covers and for how long.
Typical warranties to expect:
- Labor warranty: Usually 1 year minimum on workmanship.
- Manufacturer warranty: Covers the equipment or parts. The contractor should register the product warranty for you.
- Extended/service warranties: Some HVAC contractors offer multi-year labor warranties as part of a maintenance agreement.
Bonus: Trust Your Gut
Beyond the five questions above, pay attention to how the contractor communicates. Do they return calls promptly? Do they explain things clearly without talking down to you? Are they punctual for the estimate appointment? A professional who's disorganized or dismissive during the sales process will be worse once they have your money.
Clark County is home to many excellent, honest, hardworking home service professionals. The five questions above help you find them — and avoid the ones who give the industry a bad name. A little diligence on the front end means you can relax knowing the job is in good hands.