Construction compliance inspectors from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) cited the violators for unregistered contracting or for unlicensed plumbing or electrical work during unannounced inspections at nearly 350 construction sites Oct. 13 and 14.

Contracting without being registered is against the law in Washington. Violations carry fines of $1,200 for a first-time offense and up to $10,000 for repeat offenses.

Contractor registration helps reduce the chance that homeowners and other customers fall victim to unethical contractors. L&I registers contractors after confirming they have insurance and a bond and meet other requirements that protect consumers.

Along with catching violators, the two-day enforcement emphasis yielded positive results. Inspectors with L&I’s Contractor Registration program confirmed 417 construction contractors, 59 plumbers and plumber trainees, and 34 electricians and electrical trainees were complying with the law.

Multi-state effort to find and cite violators
The targeted enforcement was part of a 16-state coordinated effort throughout October organized by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA). The nationwide campaign raised awareness of state agencies’ role in protecting consumers and maintaining fair competition in the construction industry, said Melissa McBride, L&I’s Chief of Construction Industries.

“This was an opportunity not only to enforce the law but for me to hear directly from our customers in the field. Their feedback helps us improve our services for them,” said McBride, who is a past president of NASCLA and current board member. “We want to do all that we can to protect consumers from unregistered contractors and support fair competition among contractors who are following the rules.”

Multiple counties covered in two-day campaign
L&I’s construction compliance inspectors usually work alone in the field, searching for active construction sites to visit. They check if contractors are following state requirements to register, and if electricians and plumbers are properly licensed.

During last month’s action, two dozen inspectors worked in highly visible teams to check sites in Tacoma, Vancouver, and Seattle, along with other locations in Pierce, Clark, King, Thurston, Spokane, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Snohomish, and Chelan counties.

Besides issuing 41 infractions, inspectors made 70 referrals to other L&I departments for outstanding debts owed to the agency, safety violations, and possible audits for failing to report employees for workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

Spokane homeowner Jim Murphy was having a hot water tank replaced when he saw inspectors in his neighborhood. “I had no idea that L&I performed random spot checks,” he said, “but I’m glad you are out there.”

For tips on how to hire and work with contractors on your home construction projects, go to ProtectMyHome.net.