Hiring a Contractor

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries' (L&I) web site does not properly display because JavaScript is disabled or not supported by your browser.The following links may help you navigate the L&I web site:

Topic Index.

Home.

Safety.

Find a Law (RCW) or Rule (WAC).

Help.


Hiring a Contractor

Protect yourself when hiring a contractor

Basics for Homeowners

Homeowner's Guide to Hiring a Contractor

This step-by-step 'Homeowner's Guide to Hiring a Contractor' will help you find a contractor who is qualified to handle your project, and avoid many of the most common problems. But if you do have problems, find out what you can do.

To be safe, look up your contractor using these online services:

Look up a contractor, electrician, plumber or elevator professional
Make sure a contractor is registered, with a bond and insurance, and an electrician, plumber or elevator mechanic is certified (licensed) in Washington. Disclaimer regarding updates and accuracy.

Information in the Department of Labor and Industries Look Up a Contractor, Electrician or Plumber online database is updated Monday through Friday by 5:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (state holidays excluded).

Neither the State of Washington nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information in the Public Access System and shall not be liable for any losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, portions may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity who relies on information obtained from the System does so at his or her own risk.

Check if a contractor or plumber has any recent infractions
A quarterly list of infractions issued to contractors and plumbers that have not followed the laws and rules of Labor and Industries.

Especially for Contractors

Verify that your contractor is up to date on workers' compensation premiums

If you are a contractor, you could be held liable to L&I for any unpaid premiums if you hire a subcontractor or other business that's delinquent paying its workers' compensation premiums. Fill out the online Contractor Tracking Request form to be notified if they get behind in paying premiums or if they become unregistered or unlicensed during the next year. Get information about using this online search. Note: You should also make sure they have an active Department of Revenue tax registration account (www.DOR.wa.gov).

Is your subcontractor really an employee?
You may be an employer with requirements — and not know it! In some cases, a self-proclaimed “independent contractor” is actually a worker for whom you must do such things as pay workers’ compensation premiums, meet wage and hour requirements, pay unemployment tax, etc. Not understanding your requirements can leave your business vulnerable to unwanted penalties and even lawsuits. Besure to take advantage of this online webinar sponsored jointly by the IRS and L&I: "Hiring Workers for Your Business: Are They Independent Contractors or Employees?"

Report fraud

Report employer and contractor fraud — It's your money; help us help you.
- Report employer workers' comp fraud if you find that a business that
  - does not have an account with L&I AND
  - you know that they do have employees.
- Report unregistered vontractors if you find that a contractor is not registered, bonded and insured to do business in Washington.

For more detail, see these helpful publications:

Hiring a Contractor or Remodeler: What You Should Know
Questions to ask and precautions to take.
A Guide to Hiring Independent Contractors in Washington State
You might be an employer and not know it. Use this to determine when you are required to pay workers' compensation premiums and unemployment tax for those you hire. Also, if it's your job site, you'll learn about wage, hour and safety requirements.