Guide
Before you hire a water damage contractor in Washington
Washington registers contractors through the Department of Labor and Industries. A few minutes with the state's lookup tool tells you more than any ad. This page explains what the law says and what to ask.
Calling soon after you find the water usually leaves more choices. The call goes to an independent contractor.
What the law says
Washington's contractor law, RCW 18.27, defines a contractor as anyone in an independent business who undertakes, offers to undertake or bids to construct, alter, repair, add to or improve a building. Water damage repair that rebuilds walls and floors fits that description.
The law also says all advertising that shows a contractor's name or address must show the contractor's current registration number. That includes materials used to solicit retail customers directly.
Check in four steps
Ask for the registration number
A registered contractor will have one and ads that show a name or address must carry it.
Look it up
L&I's tool, Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson, or Business, shows whether the business is registered, and its bond and liability insurance status.
Match the name
The business name on the lookup should match the name on the estimate and the contract.
Read the scope
Ask for what will be done, in which rooms, what will be removed and what equipment will run, written down.
Questions worth asking
- Will you give me a written scope before work starts?
- Which materials do you plan to remove, and why?
- How will you show me the moisture readings during drying?
- Who is on site each day, and are they your employees?
- What do you need from my insurer and when?
- Does anything in the paperwork assign my claim to you?
The last question matters. The Insurance Commissioner warns that an assignment of benefits form could affect your rights to your claim.
Plumbers and other trades
A plumber fixes a pipe. An electrician checks wiring that got wet. A restoration contractor dries and rebuilds. L&I's lookup covers more than one kind of credential, so search each business you hire.
About the referral line
This site is a referral line. It does not vouch for or guarantee any contractor, and the disclaimer in the footer asks you to verify the contractor's license and insurance. The referral disclosure explains the arrangement.
Water still spreading? Make the call.
You will be asked what is wet, where the water came from and whether it has stopped. Have the street address in front of you.