The Washington State Department of Labor offers a highly valuable website where you can verify a contractor’s license, insurance, bond, records of infractions, and the number of employees on their payroll.
Click here to verify a contractor: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/
Step 1: enter your contractor’s name and choose the right company from the list.
What to look for on the verification page
.
1. Does your contractor have a valid license?
It is important to hire licensed contractors for several reasons:
- Legal compliance: Licensed contractors are required to comply with the laws and regulations of their industry, including building codes, safety standards, and other legal requirements. By hiring a licensed contractor, you can be confident that the work will be performed in compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and fines.
- Quality assurance: Licensed contractors have typically undergone training and testing to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of their trade. This can provide assurance that the work will be done correctly and to a high standard, reducing the risk of mistakes, defects, or poor workmanship that could lead to safety hazards or costly repairs.
- Protection for consumers: Licensed contractors are often required to carry liability insurance and/or bonding, which can protect consumers from financial harm in the event that something goes wrong during the project. This can provide peace of mind and financial security for homeowners or businesses that are undertaking a construction project.
- Accountability: Licensed contractors are accountable to their licensing board or governing body, and can be subject to disciplinary action if they violate regulations or fail to meet their obligations. This can help to ensure that contractors are held to high standards of conduct and professionalism, and can provide a mechanism for addressing complaints or disputes.
2. Verify Insurance
Contractor liability insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides protection to contractors and construction businesses against claims for property damage or bodily injury that may arise during the course of their work. This insurance typically covers the costs associated with legal fees, medical expenses, property damage, and other related expenses that may be incurred as a result of a claim. Contractor liability insurance is often required by law or contract in order to ensure that the contractor is able to cover the costs of any damages that may occur during the course of their work.
3. Verify Bond
Contractor bonds represent a pledge made by the underwriting surety firm that the bonded contractor will adhere to all the provisions of the state’s contractor licensing regulations.
4. Verify the number of employees on the payroll.
Paying employees under the table is still a common practice in the trades! You can also use the number of employees on payroll to verify that your home is not being subbed out to a third party.
Are you planning to hire a contractor in Washington State? Before signing any contracts, it’s essential to verify that the contractor is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to verify contractors in Washington State to ensure you hire a qualified professional for your project.
Step 1: Check the Contractor’s License In Washington State, contractors must be licensed to perform work. To verify a contractor’s license, you can check the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) website. On the website, you can search for a contractor by name, business name, or license number. Make sure the contractor’s license is valid and in good standing.
Step 2: Verify Insurance Coverage Ask the contractor to provide proof of insurance coverage, including general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Verify the coverage by contacting the insurance provider directly. Without proper insurance, you could be liable for any accidents or injuries that occur on your property during the project.
Step 3: Check for Complaints and Disciplinary Actions The L&I website also provides information on complaints and disciplinary actions against contractors. Check the contractor’s history to ensure they don’t have any major red flags.
Step 4: Ask for References Ask the contractor for references and follow up with those references. Ask about their experience working with the contractor and whether they would recommend them for future projects.
By following these steps, you can verify contractors in Washington State and make an informed decision before hiring a professional. Don’t rush into hiring the first contractor you come across. Take the time to do your research and ensure that you hire a qualified contractor who will provide quality work for your project.