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2019 BNCW & Sangster Motors Home Tour & Remodeling Expo

Be an Informed Consumer

What is required by law? 12 TIPS
TO REMEMBER:
In Washington, all contractors who
perform work or who advertise or 1. Make sure your contractor is
submit bids in this state must be properly registered.
registered with the Department of 2. Be wary of contractors who
Labor & Industries (L&I), post a bond ask you to pick up the building
and carry general liability insurance permit.
coverage. 3. Plan your project carefully,
including detailed plans, if
A general contractor must maintain a necessary.
$12,000 bond. A specialty contractor, 4. Try to get at least three
such as a painter, must maintain a written bids on each job.
$6,000 bond. An electrical contractor 5. Ask contractors for
must maintain a $4,000 bond. references.
Dissatisfied consumers may pursue 6. Ask what inconveniences
restitution by taking civil action in might arise.
Superior Court against a contractor’s
bond. 7. Obtain a written contract.
Except for the licensing of electricians 8. Make sure you understand
All registered contractors must carry and certification of plumbers, there the terms before you sign
general liability insurance coverage isn’t a competency test to become a anything.
in the amount of $50,000 property contractor in Washington State. 9. Be cautious about paying for
damage and $200,000 public liability work not yet completed.
or $250,000 combined single limit. A contractor must provide a “Notice 10. Put all change orders in
(Note: This requirement does not to Customer” disclosure statement to writing.
pertain to electrical contractors. you for any residential project with a 11. Make frequent inspections
Telecommunications contractors must projected cost of $1,000 or more, and and consult your local building
carry $170,000 in general liability any commercial project of $1,000 to department.
insurance.) $60,000. As the property owner, you
are ultimately responsible for ensuring 12. Avoid making final payment
A contractor must have a current suppliers, subcontractors and workers until you have received a lien
release from suppliers and
business license, and if the contractor are paid. If your contractor doesn’t pay subcontractors.
has employees, he or she must have them, they have the right to file a lien
workers’ compensation coverage. on your property to obtain payment.

· Luxury Vinyl Plank · Carpet · Pre-Finished Wood
· Ceramic Tile · Vinyl · Professional Installers
· Laminate Flooring · Area Rugs · Design Consultants

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