Seattle, September 4, 2025
News Summary
This roundup offers homeowners a practical, step-by-step guide to hire a contractor, including defining scope, vetting, verifying licenses and comparing itemized quotes. It also covers Seattle project news: a major design firm was chosen for final design work on the West Seattle Link Extension, northbound I‑5 over the Ship Canal Bridge is reduced to two lanes for preservation work, and a local startup building quoting software for HVAC and home-service contractors raised $3.7M. Together these items highlight the importance of clear communication, accountability and local planning for better outcomes in homes and transit.
Seattle construction and transit roundup: Contractor hiring guide, West Seattle Link design, I‑5 Ship Canal Bridge work, and local startup funding
Key items first: Homeowners and small project owners should use a clear step-by-step process when hiring contractors to avoid delays, extra costs, and poor work. In transit news, a Dallas-based firm was chosen to lead design work on the West Seattle Link Extension, a 4.1-mile light rail addition that includes a new bridge, a tunnel and four new stations. On the roads, northbound I‑5 over the Ship Canal Bridge saw weekend closures and a multiweek lane reduction as part of Revive I‑5 preservation work. In local tech, a Seattle startup focused on contractor sales tools raised fresh funding to expand a quoting product aimed at home services companies.
Hiring a contractor: the quick essentials
Construction projects require time, money and trust. Working with the wrong contractor can cause delays, cost overruns or unsatisfactory results. A clear plan and careful vetting help homeowners find workers who deliver lasting quality.
Step-by-step hiring checklist
- Define the project: Before contacting contractors, decide the scope, budget range, timeline and design preferences. Knowing whether you need a general contractor, a specialist, or both makes searches faster.
- Match skills to work: A kitchen remodel often needs strong cabinetry and plumbing skills. New roofs require structural and weatherproofing expertise. In Seattle, look for specialists in durable siding and custom patios suited to local weather and neighborhood styles.
- Do local research: Ask friends and neighbors for referrals, read online reviews and check community forums for recent experiences.
- Verify credentials: Confirm licensing, permits, trade association memberships and specialized certifications through professional directories and licensing boards. Request proof of insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation.
- Shortlist and compare: Create a shortlist of three to five contractors. Review portfolios, ask about similar past projects, and speak directly to references about communication, problem-solving and meeting deadlines.
- Get itemized quotes: Avoid choosing solely by price. Request itemized bids that separate labor, materials, permits and expected extras. A much lower bid can signal lower-quality materials or hidden fees.
- Assess timelines and communication: Prefer realistic timelines over unrealistically fast promises. Ask how day-to-day project management works and how often you will get updates.
- Sign a clear contract: Confirm payment schedule, change-order procedures and warranty terms before work begins.
West Seattle Link Extension — design award and schedule
A firm was selected to provide Phase 1 design and design validation for the West Seattle Link Extension. The full project is estimated to cost between $6.7 billion and $7.1 billion. The extension will add 4.1 miles of new light rail, one new bridge, one new tunnel and four new stations, connecting the SODO neighborhood with West Seattle’s Alaska Junction. Planning began in 2017, the route and station locations were set in October 2024, and federal approval in April allowed the project to move into final design. Construction is expected to start in 2027 with service planned to begin in 2032. The work is intended to improve transit connectivity and is likely to influence new development near stations, including retail and affordable housing.
I‑5 Ship Canal Bridge work — closures and schedule
Contractors closed northbound I‑5 through Seattle for weekend prep work between July 18 and July 21. During the closure crews restriped lanes, installed 15 drainage structures, prepared expansion joints and set up a two-lane work zone with concrete barriers. Inspections and repairs addressed bridges, lighting and potholes, and crews worked under the Convention Center to test fire suppression systems and replace tunnel lights.
Starting the Monday after the weekend work and continuing through Aug. 15, northbound I‑5 across the Ship Canal Bridge is reduced to two lanes around the clock and the speed limit is lowered to 50 mph through the work zone. The near-term scope includes resurfacing about 20% of the bridge deck, replacing expansion joints and continuing drainage improvements. I‑5 express lanes will run northbound only until early Aug. 18 to help capacity. Southbound motorists should expect reduced express lane access in the mornings and possible delays. Work will shift to the southbound lanes in fall and winter; specific dates for those closures have not yet been announced.
Local startup funding — contractor sales software
A Seattle-area company that builds quoting software for residential contractors raised $3.7 million in new funding. The round was led by a climate-focused investor, with participation from several other venture backers. Founded in 2021, the company operates with a small team and has now raised $4.9 million in total. Its product uses home square footage, year built, equipment matches and local rebate data to generate instant, personalized quotes for HVAC and other home services. The goal is to make buying clearer for homeowners and to help contractors convert more leads into sales.
Why this matters to homeowners and local businesses
The hiring guide helps homeowners avoid common pitfalls that lead to added cost and stress. Transit and road work affect travel times, freight movement and neighborhood access, and design and construction plans often shape future development. New software tools aim to streamline contractor sales, which can reduce friction in booking home services and help reputable firms grow.
Bottom line
Start by defining needs, then research thoroughly, check experience and credentials, compare itemized quotes, and choose contractors who communicate clearly and respect your vision. Watch traffic notices and project schedules for major closures and lane changes, and expect long lead times on big transit projects that move from design to construction over several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I start when I need a contractor?
Begin by defining the scope, budget and timeline. Decide whether you need a general contractor or a specialist. Gather referrals and create a shortlist of three to five candidates for comparison.
What credentials should I check?
Verify licenses, permits, trade association memberships and specialized certifications. Request proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance before signing a contract.
Why avoid the cheapest bid?
A very low bid can hide poor materials, rushed work or missing costs. Ask for itemized quotes that separate labor, materials, permits and expected extras to compare offers fairly.
How can I judge a contractor’s timeline?
Look for realistic schedules that reflect time for permitting, inspections and weather. Ask how the contractor manages daily work and how often they will provide updates.
Where can I get updates on local bridge and freeway work?
Check official traffic and transportation communications for closures, lane reductions and schedule changes. Plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time during major work periods.
What does the new contractor sales software do?
The software creates instant, personalized quotes for home services by using home size, age, equipment compatibility and local rebate information to give homeowners clearer pricing and contractors more leads.
Key features summary
| Topic | What it covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor hiring guide | Steps to define projects, verify credentials, compare bids and manage timelines | Helps homeowners avoid delays, extra costs and unsafe work |
| West Seattle Link Extension | Design award for 4.1 miles, a bridge, a tunnel and four stations; cost estimate $6.7–$7.1B | Improves transit connectivity and guides near-station development |
| I‑5 Ship Canal Bridge work | Weekend closures, lane reductions through Aug. 15, speed limit lowered to 50 mph | Impacts commute times and freight movement; plan alternate routes |
| Local startup funding | $3.7M raised for a quoting tool for HVAC and home services; total funding $4.9M | Aims to make buying clearer for homeowners and boost contractor sales |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- The Seattle Times
- Wikipedia: Labor shortage
- Construction Dive
- Google Search: West Seattle Link Extension
- KING 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ship Canal Bridge
- GeekWire
- Google News: EDEN startup Seattle
- Daily Journal of Commerce (Seattle)
- Google Scholar: Hiring contractors best practices
Author: Construction TX News
TEXAS STAFF WRITER The TEXAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructiontxnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Texas and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Texas Construction Expo, major infrastructure unveilings, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Texas Building Branch, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Austin Commercial and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
