Department of Labor & Industries

Don’t get soaked by an unregistered contractor!

An unregistered contractor can turn your remodeling dream into a soaking wet nightmare. Just ask the rainy-day family in the ad above. Their unregistered contractor botched their renovation and left them sitting in the rain with a hole in their roof.

Go to ProtectMyHome.net and make sure you hire a registered contractor. 

In Washington state, the law requires construction contractors to register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The department registers contractors after confirming they have a bond, business license, liability insurance, and meet other requirements.

If something goes wrong, you’ll have some financial recourse with a registered contractor. You could be out of luck with an unregistered contractor.

To check if contractors are registered, ask for their registration number and verify it at ProtectMyHome.net. It’s a free, one-stop shop packed with resources to help you hire and work with construction contractors. A Spanish version of the website is at ProtejoMiHogar.net.

Besides hiring a registered contractor, remember that inspections will be required to ensure electrical, plumbing, manufactured home alterations and other work is up to code. The contractor doing the work must buy the required permits.

Hiring a contractor? Hire Smart. 

·  Verify their registration at ProtectMyHome.net or call 1-888-811-5974. 

·  Get at least three written bids. 

·  Check contractor references.

·  Pay only as work is completed. 

·  Never pay in full until you’re satisfied.

·  Get more tips at ProtectMyHome.net