General information

Washington State requires all construction contractors to register with the State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). RCW Section 18.27.040 also requires construction contractors to be bonded and insured to protect the public.

If you are unable to resolve serious problems with a contractor, you can file suit against their bond. 

• Filing a Lawsuit from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
• What to Do if You Want to File Suit Against Your Construction Contractor from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
• Filing a Claim Against a Washington Registration Bond from Conway Law, PLLC

Self-help kit from the law library

The law library sells a Start a Contractor's Bond Claim self-help kit with forms and instructions to start a claim against the contractor's bond (it does not cover how to finalize the process). It includes forms for either the homeowner or a subcontractor/supplier who has not been paid. Kits can be purchased at the library or online and mailed out.