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The Basics for Home and Business Owners...
Should you hire an electrical contractor?
If you are not qualified to perform electrical installations yourself, hire a licensed electrical contractor. If you are dissatisfied with your contractor's response, safeguard your property by reviewing the information on this page to take action yourself, or take legal action.
Hiring an electrical contractor
If you hire, make sure:
- Your electrical contractor is licensed and bonded by going to Look Up a Contractor, Electrician or Plumber.
- You use these online tools to research hiring a contractor.
- The electrician(s) and other electrical professionals the contractor has hired to do the work are properly certified for the work they are doing by using the link above.
- Your electrical contractor has obtained the required permits and inspections for the work being performed.
Safeguard your property by making sure...
... you have the proper permits and approvals, and/or check the status of any inspections by contacting your local L&I offce. Lack of proper documentation for electrical modifications may cause problems when you try to sell your property.
Dissatisfied with your electrical contractor's response?
File a lawsuit against an electrical contractor you are dissatisfied with only as a last resort. Lawsuits against electrical contractors must follow the requirements of RCW 19.28.071, including:
- The lawsuit must be filed in Superior Court.
- The bonding company or banking authority and contractor must be served as per statute requirements.
See Filing Suit against an Electrical Contractor (F625-053-000 67 KB PDF) for the complete step-by-step procedure.
Call the L&I Electrical Program at 360-902-5269 if you have any questions.
