Find a contractor in Washington, DC
A general contractor manages construction and remodeling projects, from kitchens and bathrooms to additions. They hire and schedule subcontractors, order materials, handle permits and keep the job moving. A good contractor gives a detailed written contract, keeps you updated, and is licensed and insured where required.
How many contractors are in Washington?
The Census Bureau counted 134 residential remodelers with employees in Washington, DC ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, District of Columbia has 138, or 20.5 per 100,000 residents: fewer than the US rate of 40.5, and 149th of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 601 self-employed businesses in residential building and remodeling contractors are based in District of Columbia, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 20011 (19), 20002 (13), 20016 (13), 20009 (11).
Half of Washington's homes were built before 1957, and 59% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 134 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, District of Columbia | 20.5 US: 40.5 |
| Rank among large US cities | 149 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 77% |
| Self-employed, District of Columbia | 601 Census NES 2023: residential building and remodeling contractors |
| Median year homes were built | 1957 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 59% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 672,079 ACS 2023 |
What do contractors in Washington help with?
- Kitchen remodels
- Bathroom remodels
- Home additions
- Basement finishing
- Structural repairs
- Window and door replacement
- Decks and porches
- Whole-home renovations
- Accessibility upgrades
- Insurance restoration
How do you choose a good contractor in Washington?
- Check the contractor's license where required and verify it online.
- Ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- Get three detailed written bids with the same scope.
- Ask who pulls permits. It should be the contractor.
- Ask for references from recent jobs like yours.
- Use a written contract with scope, schedule, payment milestones and change order rules.
- Avoid large up-front payments.
Many states and cities license or register general contractors and require permits for remodeling; ask for a license number where one is required. See District of Columbia license rules and lookup.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Who will be on site each day?
- Will you pull permits?
- What is the payment schedule?
- How do you handle changes and surprises?
- What warranty do you offer?
- Can I talk to recent clients?
Red flags to watch for
- Asking for most of the money up front.
- No written contract.
- Suggesting you skip permits.
- No license or insurance.
- Pressure to sign quickly.
What changes the price?
- Project size and scope
- Materials and finishes
- Structural changes
- Permits and inspections
- Access and site conditions
- Hidden damage found during work
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many contractors are there in Washington?
The Census counted 134 residential remodelers with employees in Washington, DC in 2023, plus 601 self-employed businesses in District of Columbia.
What is a change order?
It is a written change to the original contract, including new costs or timing. Get every change in writing.
Should I pay a contractor up front?
A deposit is common, but avoid paying too much before work starts. Pay in stages as work is completed.
Do I need permits for a remodel?
Many remodels need permits, especially for structural, electrical, plumbing or HVAC work. Ask your contractor.
Contractors in nearby cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a contractor.