Make sure your contractor is registered

Thinking of paying someone to do a little work around the house? The state Department of Labor and Industries is reminding homeowners to check out contractors they’re considering hiring for remodeling projects. Homeowners should make sure contractors are registered, bonded and insured.

Unregistered contractors underbid their competition because they misclassify their workers to dodge unemployment taxes and workers’ compensation insurance premiums. They also do not carry a bond or insurance, which can sting a homeowner should something go wrong with the job, L&I warned. At HiringaContractor.Lni.wa.gov, consumers can make sure contractors have the appropriate credentials, check for violations and find checklists of what to do before, during and after a home improvement project:

-       What protections should be included in your contract before work begins.
-       How to protect yourself against liens.
-       How to identify a scam.
-       Other tips and tools to protect yourself and manage your construction project.

Report unregistered contractors online or by calling 1-888-811-5974.