Before you hire anyone

A simple checklist for homeowners in Washington. It's free, and it works whether you find a pro through Clynder or anywhere else.

For any job

• Check them for free on L&I Verify. Make sure the registration is active and that a bond and liability insurance are on file. You can also see violations and lawsuits against their bond. L&I's homeowner page is ProtectMyHome (1-800-647-0982).
• Know what "registered" means. In Washington, general and specialty contractors are registered with L&I (no exam). They must carry a bond — $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors since July 2024 — plus liability insurance. These are minimums and may not cover a big loss.
• Electricians and plumbers need more. Electricians need a state license. Plumbers need a certificate, and the plumbing company needs a plumbing contractor license. Ask to see their L&I card and look it up.
• Look for the registration number. Registered contractors must put it on their ads, bids, and business cards. A handyman who advertises must be registered, even for small jobs.
• Get the price in writing. For small jobs, a text or email is fine: what's included, the total price, cleanup, and when they'll come.
• Ask if sales tax is included. Most labor on a home is taxable in Washington (window cleaning is not). Rates depend on your address — check it on DOR.
• Keep deposits small. No Washington law sets a limit, but L&I advises paying as the work gets done and never paying in full until the end.

For bigger jobs ($1,000 or more)

• Get the Disclosure Statement before work starts. For home jobs of $1,000 or more, the contractor must give you this notice before starting, and you sign to show you got it (RCW 18.27.114). It explains liens. If a contractor doesn't give it to you, they can't file a lien claim on that job. Subcontractors and suppliers keep their own lien rights.
• Get a written contract. It should list the work, the materials, who pulls the permits, the timeline, and the payment schedule.
• Check if you need a permit. Everett requires permits for many jobs, including re-roofs. Rules are different in unincorporated Snohomish County. Call Everett Permit Services (425-257-8810) or Snohomish County PDS (425-388-3311).
• Tie payments to finished stages, not dates. Pay as each part is done.
• Put changes in writing. Extra work, extra cost, or a delay should be agreed in writing before it happens.
• Ask for lien releases. Before big payments, ask for signed releases from subcontractors and suppliers. You can also pay with a joint check made out to both the contractor and the supplier.
• Final payment after inspections. If the job needs permits, make the last payment after the inspection passes.

Can I cancel?

Under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule, if you bought something of $25 or more at your home, you usually have until midnight of the third business day to cancel. It does not cover emergency repairs or repairs you asked for — which is often the case after a storm. Washington has no general 3-day rule for home repairs.

During the job

• Keep a folder (paper or on your phone): the contract, receipts, photos of the work, texts and emails, inspection sign-offs, and lien releases.

If something goes wrong

• Talk first, in writing. Most problems get fixed with a clear message and a date.
• Claim against the contractor's bond. You file a lawsuit in superior court (for Everett: Snohomish County) against the contractor and the bond. Homeowners generally have two years from when the work was substantially finished or abandoned (RCW 18.27.040). The bond only pays up to its amount.
• Homeowner Recovery Fund (new in 2026). Since July 1, 2026, if you win a bond lawsuit against a registered contractor and the judgment isn't fully paid, the state's Homeowner Recovery Fund may pay up to $25,000. You must live in the home and apply within 90 days. Another reason to hire only registered contractors.
• Remove an improper lien. You can ask the superior court to remove a lien that clearly has no basis or is too large (RCW 60.04.081). Be careful: if the judge finds the lien is valid, you may have to pay the other side's lawyer. Talk to a lawyer first.
• Report deceptive practices. Washington's Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) protects you from deceptive business practices. You can file a complaint at atg.wa.gov (1-800-551-4636). The Attorney General forwards it and asks the business to respond, but it can't force a refund. For contractor problems, also contact L&I.
• Get help. For money or legal decisions, talk to a Washington attorney. Small claims court is another option for smaller amounts.

Fair for both sides

Good contractors like clear rules too. A written price, written changes, and payments tied to finished work protect you and the person doing the job.

When a contractor joins Clynder, I check that their registration is active on L&I. Things can change after that — a bond or insurance can lapse — so check them again yourself before the job starts. It's free and takes 2 minutes. Contractors on Clynder pay a membership fee. Clynder is not a contractor.