Good Steward · Hiring

Red flags when hiring

Educational Board list of bond, insurance, and L&I warning signs for homeowners. Not legal advice and not a guarantee that any single signal proves fraud.

Stop and verify

Contract legal name does not match the L&I Verify record — or license shows inactive / unbonded.
Pressure to pay cash or large sums before a written scope and permit plan.
Refusal to pause while you open WA L&I Verify.
No clear answer on who pulls permits or who stands for inspections.
Handshake-only change orders; “we’ll figure price later.”
No proof of insurance or bond when asked — or certificates that do not name the contracting entity.
Door-to-door urgency after a storm with no local references you can call.

Official source of truth: WA L&I Verify. Companion walkthrough: How to verify a WA contractor.

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Red flags FAQ

Where do I verify a Washington contractor?

Official WA L&I Verify: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/. The Board’s verify-contractor page is a walkthrough companion only.

Is a low deposit always safe?

Deposit norms vary. The red flag is paying large sums before written scope, permit ownership, and L&I verification — not a specific Board percentage.