Kitchen Remodeling in Spokane: Plan and Hire

Set a scope that contractors can price

Write down the daily problems you want to solve: too little storage, an awkward preparation area, worn finishes or appliances you plan to replace. Separate required work from optional upgrades. Give each bidder the same cabinet plan, appliance list and description of any proposed sink, range or wall changes.

Ask for a written proposal that names materials, major suppliers and subcontractors. Washington L&I says contracts should include price with sales tax, payment terms, completion date, applicable permit fees, specific work, warranties and a change-order process. Ask the contractor to identify allowances and exclusions so you can compare the proposals on the same basis. [4]

Get site-specific written bids to set your budget. Ask each bidder to separate the base scope from optional work and explain how you will approve costs for conditions discovered after opening walls or removing flooring. Choose cabinet finishes, hardware and appliances before signing, or record an allowance for each undecided selection.

Resolve jurisdiction and asbestos before demolition

Confirm whether your property lies in the City of Spokane or outside its boundaries. The City's residential permit page directs owners to Spokane County's SCOUT Property Dashboard, where an address search provides property information and contacts for appropriate agencies. Use that result when asking which approvals your kitchen scope needs. [1]

Give the permitting authority a concrete scope: any wall removal, fixture relocation, electrical changes, gas work and ventilation changes. Ask which applications and inspections apply before approving demolition. The City's residential page provides remodel and trade-related resources. Have your contractor record the applicable permits and who will obtain them in the proposal. [1]

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency treats remodeling and disturbance of floors, walls, plumbing or electrical systems as renovation. For a qualifying owner-occupied single-family residence, it requires an AHERA-certified inspector's survey when someone other than the owner-occupant performs the renovation. Include survey arrangements in your pre-demolition plan. [2]

Tell the agency if you rent out the home or plan another use. Its owner-occupied category requires the family to own and use the property as its permanent primary residence before and after the project. Rentals and mixed-use buildings do not qualify. Ask the agency which survey, removal and notification requirements apply to your situation before fixing a demolition date. [2]

Choose a contractor and control payments

Washington L&I recommends checking contractor registration through its Verify tool to confirm bonding, liability insurance and outstanding infractions. Check workers' compensation coverage when the contractor has employees or other workers. L&I notes that owner-operators without employees do not need a workers' compensation account. [4]

Ask who will manage subcontractors, order materials and answer questions during construction. Request references for kitchens with a similar scope and speak with those homeowners. Discuss cleanup, access to the house and the point at which you will lose use of the sink and cooking appliances.

Agree on payments tied to completed phases and document changes in writing. L&I advises homeowners to avoid full payment before completion and satisfaction with the work, and to request lien releases from major subcontractors and suppliers before final payment. Put those arrangements in the contract. [4]

Plan inspections and the kitchen shutdown

For City of Spokane projects, work covered by a permit requires at least one inspection; the scope may require several. The permit applicant must request appropriate inspections, including the final inspection, and keep work accessible and exposed until approval. Ask your contractor to identify the inspection points before closing walls. [3]

Before demolition, ask the contractor to confirm material availability, delivery arrangements and the order of work. Decide where you will wash dishes, store food and prepare meals. Agree on how the crew will separate the work area from occupied rooms and how you will receive schedule updates.

Choose appliances before finalizing cabinetry

Choose the dishwasher model before approving its cabinet opening. Give the designer and installer the manufacturer's dimensions and installation instructions. Compare the capacity you need with the space you want to reserve for storage.

The national ENERGY STAR criteria distinguish standard and compact dishwashers by capacity. Standard models hold at least eight place settings plus six serving pieces; compact models fall below that capacity. ENERGY STAR sets maximum water-use limits of 3.2 and 2.0 gallons per cycle, respectively. Use these certification limits alongside capacity and model specifications when selecting an appliance. [5]

National ENERGY STAR dishwasher water-use limits

Match your project to the next planning step

Your hiring checklist

1. Confirm the property's jurisdiction and contact the appropriate permit office with your proposed scope.
2. Prepare one scope sheet, cabinet plan and appliance list for all bidders.
3. Ask the remodeler to address asbestos survey arrangements before demolition.
4. Review contractor registration and applicable workers' compensation coverage using Washington L&I's guidance.
5. Compare materials, allowances, exclusions, taxes, permit fees and change-order terms.
6. Agree on material deliveries, kitchen shutdown arrangements and inspection responsibilities.
7. Document completed phases, approved changes and closeout paperwork before final payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out which permits my kitchen remodel needs?

Confirm your property's jurisdiction, then describe the proposed work to the appropriate permitting authority. Include wall changes, plumbing relocation, electrical work, gas work and ventilation changes in that discussion. Ask your contractor to document required permits and include applicable fees in the proposal. [1] [4]

Do I need an asbestos survey if I live in the home?

For a qualifying owner-occupied single-family residence, Spokane Clean Air requires an AHERA-certified inspector's survey when someone other than the owner-occupant performs renovation. It recommends, but does not require, that survey for owner-performed remodeling in that category. Confirm your property's eligibility and scope with the agency. [2]

How should I compare kitchen-remodel bids?

Give bidders the same scope and compare products, warranties, start and completion dates, taxes and permit fees. Washington L&I recommends written bids and a written contract. Ask bidders to explain allowances and exclusions before choosing. [4]

Can the crew close walls before inspection?

For City-permitted work, the permit applicant must keep work accessible and exposed for inspection until approval. Ask the contractor to confirm the required inspection has passed before covering the work. [3]