Door and Window Repair in Spokane, WA

Describe the problem before requesting bids

Photograph the whole door or window, the damaged area, and any manufacturer label you can reach without dismantling anything. Record which openings need attention, their floor level, and whether you can open, close, and lock them. For moisture complaints, describe where you see water or fogging and when you notice it. Give the contractor observations rather than choosing a repair method in advance.

For a sticking door, ask the contractor to assess the hinges, latch, threshold, and frame before proposing replacement. For a window, request separate explanations for glass work, operating hardware, and frame work. Ask who will perform each part of the job. Request repair and replacement options if you want to compare both, with an explanation of what each option addresses.

Explain any broken glass or door that cannot secure the home when booking. Ask for separate prices for temporary protection and the permanent repair. Keep people away from damaged glass and avoid forcing an opening that resists movement.

Settle approvals before ordering replacement parts

The City of Spokane's residential permit page lists a Window Replacement Policy, an Egress Window Guide, and a Roofing, Siding, & Windows Permit Application. Contact the Permit Center with your address and proposed scope, including any change to the opening. Ask which policy, application, and inspections apply before you order a replacement. [3]

For historic work, describe the proposed exterior appearance as well as the repair. The Historic Preservation Office says owners of Spokane Register properties must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for actions affecting exterior appearance and other covered changes. Its guidance also says properties in the named local historic districts require a certificate when seeking a building permit. Confirm your property's status before committing to a different window style or door design. [1]

Ask a bidder proposing replacement of a historic feature to explain why repair is unsuitable and how the proposed replacement will match it. The rehabilitation standards on the preservation office's page call for repairing deteriorated historic features and matching distinctive features when deterioration requires replacement. [1]

Agree on material disturbance and preparation

Ask the contractor to identify what they will remove around the opening. Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency includes window replacement among renovation activities and distinguishes qualifying owner-occupied single-family residences from rentals and other properties. When someone other than the owner-occupant performs a qualifying home's renovation, the agency requires an AHERA-certified Building Inspector to conduct the asbestos survey, along with other project requirements. [2]

Contact Spokane Clean Air about the proposed disturbance before anyone removes surrounding materials. Ask who will arrange the survey, which areas it covers, and whether asbestos removal requires notification or a certified abatement contractor. Request the costs and responsibilities in writing. Describe the actual work so the agency can advise on requirements for your project. [2]

Agree on access, furniture protection, cleanup, and how the contractor will secure the opening if the job spans multiple visits. Ask for the measurement visit, parts order, and installation dates. Tell the contractor about any access restrictions before accepting the schedule. Leave dismantling to the agreed work plan.

Compare the full repair cost and contract

Use written bids for your specific job to set a budget. Request separate amounts for diagnosis, parts, labor, surrounding frame or trim work, disposal, and temporary protection. Ask each bidder to state exclusions and explain how they will price hidden damage. Keep approval fees separate when comparing the contractor's repair and replacement options.

Washington L&I recommends interviewing several qualified, registered contractors and comparing written bids beyond price. Use its Verify tool to check registration, bond, liability insurance, and infractions. L&I says contractors who work alone without employees or other workers do not need a workers' compensation account. Verify coverage when the contractor brings employees or other workers onto your job. [4]

L&I says a contract should include price with sales tax, payment terms, completion date, applicable permit fees, specific work, materials, warranties, and change-order procedures. Ask the contractor to document changes before carrying them out. Agree on completion checks, then operate and lock each repaired opening with the contractor before accepting the work. [4]

Spokane historic review fees for individually listed residences

Choose the next step for your opening

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the affected opening, damage, and accessible manufacturer labels.
2. Describe the symptoms, number of openings, floor level, and security concerns.
3. Confirm the property jurisdiction and ask about permits for the proposed scope.
4. Check historic status before approving an exterior appearance change.
5. Ask who will arrange any required asbestos survey before material disturbance.
6. Compare written bids with matching parts, labor, cleanup, and warranty details.
7. Follow L&I's guidance to verify registration, insurance, and workers' compensation coverage when the contractor brings employees or other workers.
8. Agree on change orders and inspect operation, locking, and cleanup before acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does window replacement need a Spokane permit?

Confirm with the authority responsible for your address and proposed work. The City lists a Window Replacement Policy and a Roofing, Siding, & Windows Permit Application. Describe whether you plan to change the opening as well as the window, and ask which requirements apply to that scope. [3]

Can I repair a historic window without design review?

The Historic Preservation Office says normal maintenance or repair does not require design review when the work leaves exterior appearance unchanged. Ask the office to confirm how that distinction applies to your proposal before authorizing changes. [1]

Does hiring a contractor change the asbestos requirements?

Yes. For a qualifying owner-occupied single-family home's renovation, Spokane Clean Air requires an AHERA-certified Building Inspector's survey when someone other than the owner-occupant does the work. The agency recommends that survey, but does not require it, when the qualifying owner-occupant performs the renovation themselves. [2]

What should I compare besides the quoted price?

Compare the specific work, materials, start and completion dates, warranties, taxes, and applicable permit fees. L&I recommends written bids and a written contract. Ask each contractor to identify exclusions and explain the process for approving additional work. [4]