Homeowners rebuilding after fire damage face heightened risk of contractor fraud, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. The agency is urging disaster victims to verify any contractor before paying for work.
L&I said it investigates repeated cases of homeowners cheated by unregistered contractors during disaster recovery. The agency recommends using tools at ProtectMyHome.net to verify whether contractors are registered and up to date with state requirements.
"It's crucial for people to get bids from at least three contractors, and to check their backgrounds, before starting any work or paying any money," said Melissa McBride, chief of L&I's Contractor Registration Program.
ProtectMyHome.net provides guidance on hiring, including a worksheet outlining questions to ask before hiring. L&I recommends against paying in full until work is completed.
Homeowners can report fraudulent contractors online or by calling 1-888-811-5974. The state's Homeowner Recovery Fund may offer assistance if a registered contractor fails to complete work.