Contractor who presents a bill substantially larger than the orally presented estimate.

The short answer is, yes, paying the $2k claim gives you the right to a release of the contractor's lien claim (RCW 60.04.071). But it is important to keep in mind that Washington's lien statutes (RCW ch. 60.04) only secure the lien claim; the statutory scheme exists separate and apart from the contractor ultimately proving the validity of the underlying breach of contract claim. Your question suggests you don't agree with the billing, but are considering paying the lien amount to avoid any further hassle. If so, be sure to make the $2k payment in exchange for the contractor's release of all claims--including lien and contract claims. Also, you may want to speak with a lawyer before capitulating to the contractor's lien claim. You have options to challenging the reasonableness of the lien claim. Further, the contractor has strict time requirements for recording and foreclosing on the lien--if the contractor fails to meet these deadlines, the contractor loses its lien rights and would be left to pursuing its payment without the advantage of holding your property for ransom.