| L & I 10 - Step Checklist |
| Labor and Industries does not endorse specific contractors and cannot provide referrals.
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| 1. Interview several qualified contractors and solicit written bids. Question bids that are significantly lower than all others. |
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2. Verify that the contractor is registered. Ask them to show identification and their L&I contractor-registration card. Check the contractor's registration status at:
· Contractors.LNI.wa.gov
· L&I's toll-free contractor-registration line (1-800-647-0982)
· Your local L&I service center |
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| 3. Review all aspects of the bid, not just the price. Materials, time frames, cleanup practices, required deposits and references also are important. |
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| 4. Ask for references on similar projects and go look at the finished product. References should include suppliers of products and subcontractors. |
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| 5. Be wary of contractors who ask you to buy the building permit. Property owners can purchase a permit for work they personally do on their own property, but only a registered contractor can buy a permit for work on someone else's property. |
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| 6. Be wary of a contractor who asks for a large deposit or the entire cost upfront. Ten to 15 percent of the bid price is normally sufficient. Withhold 15-20 percent of the project cost until you are fully satisfied with the finished product. |
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| 7. Before work begins, ask the contractor for the required disclosure statement, called “NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS,” if your project is valued at more than $1,000. This statement provides you with information about your rights and responsibilities. |
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| 8. Try to anticipate problems and inconveniences such as cost overruns or cleanup, and make sure a written agreement is in place before work begins. |
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| 9. Protect yourself against liens on your property for a contractor's unpaid bills. You can make your check payable to both the contractor and the material supply house, pay for the materials yourself, or require a lien release at the time of delivery. |
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| 10. Put all change orders in writing and include the additional cost. Ask questions as work progresses. If you don't like an answer or don't understand it, stop the work until you do |
