In Hot Water

Registration as a specialty contractor in Washington requires a $15,000 surety bond on file with the Department of Labor & Industries; the general contractor requirement is $30,000.

The bond is a limited fund a homeowner (or subcontractor or supplier) can make a claim against, through the courts, if a registered contractor fails to meet its obligations on a job. Contractors must also keep general liability insurance on file — at least $50,000 in property damage and $200,000 in public liability coverage, or a $250,000 combined single limit — which covers damage the contractor causes, not workmanship disputes. The rows above are the bond and insurance filings L&I publishes for this registration; whether a specific filing applies to a specific project depends on its dates and terms.

Pool and spa contractors build, install, and service swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. Typical work includes new pool construction, equipment replacement — pumps, heaters, filters — liner and surface repair, and spa hookups. A $15,000 surety bond and general liability insurance, filed with WA L&I, are required for this registration.