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Washington
Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Washington registers contractors and certifies electricians and plumbers through the Department of Labor and Industries. These are the statewide home and car rules we could confirm on official Washington pages.
Key Washington facts
- Every contractor working in Washington has to register with Labor and Industries. (source: Washington State Legislature)
- Working as a contractor without that registration is a gross misdemeanor. (source: Washington State Legislature)
- Registered contractors file a surety bond of $30,000 for general contractors or $15,000 for specialty contractors. (source: Washington State Legislature)
- On home jobs priced at $1,000 or more, the contractor must give you a written disclosure statement before work starts. (source: Washington State Legislature)
- That statement warns that the bond or deposit might not be enough to cover a claim. (source: Washington State Legislature)
- It also warns that if a supplier or worker files a lien, you could end up paying twice for the same work. (source: Washington State Legislature)
- The statement tells you that you may hold back a percentage of the contract price until the job is done. (source: Washington State Legislature)
- Labor and Industries suggests getting at least three written bids and comparing them. (source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries)
- For bigger projects, the agency suggests asking for a performance bond. (source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries)
- Eligible homeowners can look into the state Homeowner Recovery Fund. (source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries)
- When you look up a contractor, you can see whether there are lawsuits against its bond. (source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries)
- A financed sale solicited in person away from the seller's place of business can be canceled by certified mail posted by midnight of the third day, not counting Sundays and holidays. (source: Washington State Legislature)
Washington topics
Washington plumbing
Washington plumbing rules here come from RCW 18.106 and the Labor and Industries plumber certification program.
Washington electrician
Washington electrical rules here come from RCW 19.28 and the Labor and Industries electrical permit pages.
Washington auto
Washington car repair rules come from RCW 46.71, and new car warranty rules from RCW 19.118 with the Attorney General's Lemon Law Administration.
Not covered yet
We have not published Washington pages for these topics yet, because we have not confirmed enough Washington specific facts on official pages: HVAC, Roofing, Appliance repair, Garage doors, Locksmith, Pest control, Movers.
Sources
- Washington State Legislature (Revised Code of Washington): RCW 18.27.020 (Registration required; penalties) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Washington State Legislature (Revised Code of Washington): RCW 18.27.040 (Bond or other security required) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Washington State Legislature (Revised Code of Washington): RCW 18.27.114 (Disclosure statement to customers) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: Hiring a Contractor (checked November 2, 2026)
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business (checked November 2, 2026)
- Washington State Legislature (Revised Code of Washington): RCW 63.14.154 (Retail installment transactions; buyer's right to cancel) (checked November 2, 2026)
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