Construction contractors in Washington

Washington licenses this trade at state level through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, so one search covers the whole state. This page holds 149,280 licenses, copied from the L&I file published 2026-10-22.

What this file says about itself

Every figure here is as of 2026-10-22, the day L&I published the file — not as of today. That is deliberate: a count of current licenses recomputed on each page view is a different number every day and a wrong one the moment the refresh stops.

• 149,280licenses in the file
• 68,34446% of the file — unexpired, and recorded by L&I as active
• 70,78447% of the file — past their expiry date on that date, of which 12,377 carry a different L&I word — closed, re-licensed, and so on — which is why this is larger than the EXPIRED row below
• 5,038still live, but due to expire within the following 90 days

That last figure is the reason a license check has a shelf life. 5,038 of these licenses lapse within three months of the file’s own date unless they are renewed, and a printout of this page taken today can be wrong about any of them by the time the work starts.

L&I’s own words, and how often each appears

L&I publishes a status word for every license, and this page repeats that word rather than working one out from the expiry date. 9,544 of these licenses carry a word meaning something is wrong while their expiry date was still ahead — the exact combination a date-only reading calls current, and the exact case someone checking a contractor is checking for. A further 608 are unexpired and not active either, and are deliberately not counted with them: L&I records those as replaced — a business that re-registered, usually after a change of legal entity — which is not a finding against anybody. So subtracting the first two figures above from the total reaches 10,152 rather than 9,544, and this is where the difference goes.

L&I records a specialty against every license

Every contractor on this page holds the same license type, and L&I records a specialty beside it that bounds what its holder may work on. The 11 holders of HOUSE MOVING hold a registration, and the work they may do is not the work the 110,797 holders of GENERAL may do — and both read the same status word.

Every one of those words is defined, and the definitions are below. WAC 296-200A-016 sets out what each specialty covers, in L&I’s own words, and this page prints them rather than sending you to look them up.

Each share is rounded to the nearest whole percent, so that column does not add to exactly 100; the counts beside it add to 149,280, and they are the figures to read.

What each specialty covers

L&I does not print this beside a licence and neither does its verification tool: both give you the word. It is set out in WAC 296-200A-016, and what follows is that rule, unedited, against the count of who holds each one in the file of 2026-10-22.

Read the rule’s own title first: What are the definitions of the specialty contractor classifications for the purpose of contractor registration only? The last four words are L&I’s, and they are a limit on everything below. These definitions say what a specialty covers. They are not a statement that holding one makes a particular job lawful or that lacking one makes it unlawful — a building permit, a separate certification, or the contract you are about to sign can each decide that instead. Where the rule names one of those, it is printed with the definition.

GENERAL110,797 licenses

A contractor whose business operations require the use of more than one building trade or craft upon a single job or project or under a single building permit. A general contractor also includes one who superintends, or consults on, in whole or in part, work falling within the definition of a contractor.

RCW 18.27.010(12) defines the other side of the line: a specialty contractor is "a contractor whose operations do not fall within the definition of ‘general contractor’", and may only subcontract work that is incidental to the specialty contractor’s work.

RCW 18.27.010 — General contractor

PAINTING/WALLCOVERING5,628 licenses

A contractor in this specialty applies materials common to the painting and decorating industry for protective or decorative purposes. Includes the installation of surface coverings including paints, papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, turpentines, japans, dryers, thinners, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives, water, and any other vehicles, mediums, and materials which by evaporation may be mixed and applied to the surface of structures. Surface preparation, caulking, pressure washing, sandblasting, and cleaning preparatory to painting/wall covering are included.

Registration is not required for commissioned artwork and commissioned mural painting.

WAC 296-200A-016(40) — Painting and wall covering

FLOOR COVERING AND COUNTER TOPS4,243 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, repairs or replaces floor covering materials and related accessories including preparation of the surface to be covered. Included are: Linoleum, carpets, carpet backings and pads, and materials manufactured of asphalt, wood, vinyl, laminates, rubber and material common to the industry installed for sanitary and decorative purposes for nonstructural bearing interior and exterior use. Excludes work outlined in subsection (56) of this section.

Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(22) — Floor covering and counter tops

LANDSCAPING3,249 licenses

A contractor in this specialty constructs, maintains, repairs, installs and develops landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the ground within or surrounding a structure or tract or plot of land. Also prepares and grades plots; treats, conditions, prepares, and installs topsoil; performs hydroseed spraying; and plants all decorative vegetation. Landscaping includes installation of nonload bearing slabs, walkways and areas using concrete, brick, stone, or gravel; decorative wooden decks; garden walls, fences and screens up to six feet in height; and all other materials and equipment common to the industry. This specialty includes installation of residential lawn sprinklers (without pumps), ponds and water-features.

(Excluded from this specialty are cast in place or tilt up concrete, load bearing walls for structures, perimeter fencing along property lines or boundaries.) Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW and/or plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW. Registration is not required for companies who only deliver material and are not installing or placing the product.

WAC 296-200A-016(33) — Landscaping

TILE, CERAMIC, MOSAIC, NATURAL AND MFG STONE2,252 licenses

A contractor in this specialty prepares surfaces as necessary and installs glazed wall, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, faience, glass mosaic and stone tiles, thin tile that resembles full brick, natural or simulated stone slabs for bathtubs, showers and horizontal surfaces inside of buildings, or any tile units set in the traditional or innovative tile methods, excluding hollow or structural partition tile.

Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(56) — Tile, ceramic, mosaic and natural and manufactured stone

CABINETS, MILLWORK AND FINISH CARPENTRY2,036 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs cabinets, countertop frames, cases, sashes, doors (including hardware), trims, nonbearing partitions, closets and other items of finish carpentry by cutting, surfacing, joining, gluing, and framing wood and wood products. Also places, erects, fabricates and finishes such cabinets and millwork in structures, including the cutting, framing, installation and finishing of wood and wood products, such as prefabricated cabinets and millwork.

WAC 296-200A-016(5) — Cabinets, millwork and finish carpentry

CONCRETE1,772 licenses

A contractor in this specialty completes all work in connection with the processing and placing of concrete composed of materials common to the concrete industry, including finishing, coloring, curing, repairing, testing, drilling, sawing, grinding, chipping, and grouting. Placing film barriers, sealing, and waterproofing are included. The construction, centering, and assembling of forms, molds, slip forms, and pans.

Reregistration is not required for companies who provide concrete pumping services or delivery of materials only.

WAC 296-200A-016(9) — Concrete

HANDYMAN1,456 licenses

A contractor in this specialty must be an individual who does all work personally without employees or other specialty contractors. A handyman may perform more than one unrelated specialty trade or craft provided they do all work themselves. All work shall be limited to minor and casual work of existing residential maintenance and repair with a total dollar value of time and materials under two thousand dollars. Work requiring a building permit may not be done by this specialty. If the registered contractor is a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), one person must be identified as a handyman.

Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(26) — Handyman

HEATING/VENT/AIR-CONDITIONING AND REFRIG (HVAC/R)1,430 licenses

A contractor in this specialty fabricates, installs, services, and maintains equipment for the purpose of heating and cooling of indoor air. Systems may include the following areas of work and related equipment using industry accepted materials: Duct work; air filtering devices; water treatment devices; pneumatic controls; control piping; thermal and acoustical insulation; vibration isolation materials and devices; liquid fuel (propane) piping and tanks; gas piping from service connection to equipment it serves; and stainless steel kitchen systems. Includes the testing and balancing of the air handling systems. Also includes systems that utilize solar energy.

Work in this specialty may also require electrical licensing per chapter 19.28 RCW and/or plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(28) — Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R)

TREE REMOVAL SERVICE1,271 licenses

A contractor in this specialty falls and/or removes trees, stumps and/or branches on residential or commercial property or near a residential or commercial structure, outbuilding or fence.

WAC 296-200A-016(57) — Tree removal

PLUMBING1,230 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, alters, repairs and renovates all potable water, building supply, and distribution pipes; all plumbing fixtures and traps; all drainage and vent pipes; and all building drains and building sewers, including their respective joints and connections, devices, receptors, and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises and shall include potable water piping, potable water treating or using equipment, medical gas and medical vacuum systems, liquid and fuel gas piping, and water heaters, hydronic heating systems and vents for same. Includes solar heating equipment attached to potable water systems.

Plumber certification is required for work within a building per chapter 18.106 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(42) — Plumbing

ROOFING1,204 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs and repairs materials common to the industry that form a water tight, weather resistant surface for roofs and decks, including all accessories, plywood, coping, flashing, valleys, gravel stops, and roof insulation panels above the roof decks. The work is completed using the following materials: Asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, glass fabric, urethane foam, metal roofing systems, flax, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate or any other roofing, waterproofing, weatherproofing or membrane material(s) or a combination thereof. Also includes roofing related architectural sheet metal.

(This specialty does not allow for structural repair of trusses, beams or joists.)

WAC 296-200A-016(44) — Roofing

FRAMING AND ROUGH CARPENTRY965 licenses

A contractor in this specialty performs any form work, framing or rough carpentry necessary to construct framed structures; installs or repairs individual components of framing systems and performs any rough carpentry or associated work, including but not limited to the construction or installation of: Subflooring, siding (flat work only), decks, exterior staircases, new exterior doors and railings, fascia, roof decking, truss members and rafters, and sheathing using carpenter hand tools and power tools.

WAC 296-200A-016(23) — Framing and rough carpentry

DRY WALL962 licenses

A contractor in this specialty lays out and installs gypsum wall board and gypsum wall board assemblies including nonstructural metal framing members, and performs the taping, primer and texturing operations including the application of compounds that adhere to wall board to produce a continuous smooth or textured surface. Includes interior lath and plaster repair.

WAC 296-200A-016(15) — Drywall

SIDING861 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs all types of exterior siding including but not limited to wood, wood products, vinyl, aluminum and metal siding to new or existing buildings.

WAC 296-200A-016(49) — Siding

EXCAVATION, GRADING AND LAND CLEARING825 licenses

A contractor in this specialty digs, moves and alters materials forming the surface of the earth by digging, horizontal boring, trenching, grading, or compacting the material for a cut, fill, grade, or trench, with hand and power tools, machines and explosives. Included is the placement of shoring, the oiling of base materials, and incidental blasting and drilling.

(This specialty excludes excavating for water, gas, and oil wells.) Use of explosives requires licensing per chapter 70.74 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(18) — Excavation, grading and land clearing

MASONRY687 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs concrete units and baked clay products; concrete, glass and clay block; natural and manufactured stone; terra cotta; and firebrick or other material for refractory work. Includes the fabrication and installation of masonry component units for structural load bearing and nonload bearing walls for structures and fences installed with or without mortar; ceramic veneer (not tile) and thin brick that resembles full brick for facing; paving; and clear waterproofing, cleaning and caulking incidental to masonry construction. This specialty also includes chimney cleaning and repair.

WAC 296-200A-016(36) — Masonry

PRESSURE WASHING608 licenses

A contractor in this specialty uses the force of pressurized water to clean and prepare surfaces for any protective, decorative and/or functional treatment on a commercial and/or residential structure. This specialty may also provide dust control.

WAC 296-200A-016(43) — Pressure washing

FENCING541 licenses

A contractor in this specialty constructs, erects, alters, or repairs all types of fences, corrals, runs, railings, cribs, game court enclosures (excludes roof), guard rails and barriers, backstops, posts, flagpoles, and gates. This includes installing, cutting, shaping, fabricating and repair of metal and wood fencing, cattle guards and supplemental materials.

(This specialty excludes masonry walls.) Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(19) — Fencing

WELDING AND ORNAMENTAL METAL516 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, alters, removes, or repairs all architectural, structural and decorative steel, aluminum or other materials in welding techniques by the use of processes common to the industry.

WAC 296-200A-016(61) — Welding and ornamental metal

GLAZING/GLASS509 licenses

A contractor in this specialty selects, cuts, assembles, and/or installs, replaces and repairs all makes and kinds of glass, glass work, mirrored glass, and glass substitute materials for glazing; executes the installation and glazing of frames, panels, sashes, skylights and glass doors; and/or installs these items in any structure. Also includes the installation of steel and aluminum glass holding members, glass products, and related hardware, as well as standard methods of weatherproofing, caulking, glazing, sealants, and adhesives.

WAC 296-200A-016(24) — Glass and glazing

PAVING/ STRIPING/ SEAL COATING469 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, excavates, grades, compacts, and repairs the application of asphalt/cement to streets, driveways, parking lots, boat ramps, and landing strips and taxiways for an airport. Also includes the filling of cracks and voids in existing surfaces, the application of sealants and the installation of precast bumpers, nonelectrical traffic signs/markers and striping on the surface.

WAC 296-200A-016(41) — Paving/striping/seal coating

WINDOW COVERINGS363 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs window treatment rods and other handling devices and covering products, including but not limited to the following: Material and fabric that make up louvers, shutters, and blinds; residential and commercial draperies; permanent screens; expanded metal window and door guards; and plastic film and/or other treatments applied for temperature control.

WAC 296-200A-016(59) — Window coverings

INSULATION AND ACOUSTICAL343 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, alters, and repairs insulation materials used for the nonmechanical control of heat, sound, and moisture for use in the construction of structures and equipment. Work includes installation methods and devices such as supports, fastening systems, adhesives, mastics, plastics, weather-stripping and material used for the preparation of insulation work and common to the industry. Also includes application and installation of materials to protect or finish insulated surfaces.

WAC 296-200A-016(31) — Insulation and acoustical

GUTTERS/DOWNSPOUTS340 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, repairs, and maintains gutters and exterior downspouts of metal, wood, and plastic and channel devices common to the industry, for the use of water run-off of the exterior of a building.

WAC 296-200A-016(25) — Gutters and downspouts

UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS338 licenses

A contractor in this specialty provides excavation, cabling, horizontal boring, grading, and backfilling necessary for construction of a utility or telecommunication system prior to the line of demarcation. Also performs fabrication and/or installs pipes and piping for the conveyance or transmission of steam, gases, chemicals, and other substances.

WAC 296-200A-016(58) — Utilities and telecommunications

OVERHEAD/GARAGE DOORS328 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs wood, wood panel, steel panel or steel roll-up doors and the rails and support systems common to the industries. The installation of power or hand operated opening/closing motors and devices is included.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(39) — Overhead/garage doors

CONSTRUCTION CLEAN-UP298 licenses

A contractor in this specialty cleans up and/or removes from buildings, grounds or structures any debris resulting from any construction project including but not limited to: Concrete, plaster, drywall, any paint or adhesive products from windows, floors, ceramic tile and bathroom fixtures.

(Registration is not required for janitorial services, i.e., at final cleaning.)

WAC 296-200A-016(10) — Construction clean-up

SIGNS291 licenses

A contractor in this specialty fabricates and installs all types of signs, including but not limited to: Post or pole supported signs, signs attached to structures, painted wall signs and modifications to existing signs.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(50) — Signs

APPLIANCES/EQUIPMENT275 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs or replaces appliances where minimal gas and water connection are required, such as a refrigerator with an icemaker, gas clothes dryer, gas cook top, gas oven or other similar appliances and only from the existing shut off at wall or floor to the appliance or an appliance that becomes a fixed part of a structure (use of flex for the connection is limited to six feet or less).

The installation or replacement of dishwashers, hot water tanks, and garbage disposals requires a plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(1) — Appliances, equipment

LOCKS, SECURITY AND ALARM EQUIPMENT271 licenses

A contractor in this specialty sets up, installs, maintains and repairs all doors and door assemblies, gates, locks and locking devices, panic and fire rated exit devices, manual and automatic operated gate and door closures and releases, jail and prison locking devices and permanently installed or built-in safes and vaults as well as early warning systems.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(35) — Locks, security alarms and warning systems

METAL FABRICATION249 licenses

A contractor in this specialty fabricates, installs and repairs architectural and general products made of sheet metal including but not limited to exhaust hoods, counters, etc. This includes layout, cutting, fabrication, and installation of sheet metal products, assembly and installation of premanufactured sheet metal or other industry accepted products, and bracing and reinforcing materials.

(Does not include structural metal fabrication.)

WAC 296-200A-016(38) — Metal fabrication/sheet metal

STEEL ERECTORS238 licenses

A contractor in this specialty fabricates and erects structural steel shapes and plates of any profile, perimeter or cross-section, which are or may be used as structural members for buildings and structures, including the rebar, riveting, welding, rigging and metal roofing and decking systems.

WAC 296-200A-016(51) — Steel erectors

SANITATION SYSTEM / SIDE SEWERS227 licenses

A contractor in this specialty fabricates and installs septic tanks, storm drains, and other sewage disposal and drain systems outside the building structures. This classification includes the laying of cast-iron, steel, concrete, vitreous and nonvitreous pipe and any other hardware associated with these systems, including any related excavating, grading, trenching, surfacing and backfilling.

WAC 296-200A-016(46) — Sanitation systems and/or side sewers

FIRE PROTECT SYSTEM189 licenses

A contractor in this specialty lays out, fabricates, repairs and installs all types of fire protection systems, including all the equipment associated with these systems using water, steam, gas or chemicals. Systems may include the following areas of work and related equipment: Restaurant hood protection systems; fire pumps and drivers; pressure and storage tanks; all piping and valves; sprinkler heads and nozzles; and application of materials for the prevention of corrosion or freezing.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW and/or fire-protection licensing.

WAC 296-200A-016(21) — Fire protection

IRRIGATION/SPRINKLING SYSTEMS184 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, repairs, and maintains sprinkler systems to distribute water for the purpose of irrigation, dust and soil erosion control using equipment, materials, and fittings common to the industry. Connections to potable water lines, installation of backflow prevention devices for nonpotable water, installation of hose bibs and installation of service lines from source of supply are permitted only when they are an integral part of the sprinkler system and outside a building.

The use of pumps to draw or boost the pressure from any source of water that are used on a residential sprinkler system or for irrigation on a farm require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW. (If both the electrical and plumbing trades are pursued this specialty is not allowed.)

WAC 296-200A-016(32) — Irrigation sprinkler systems

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT/MACHINES177 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs all industrial machinery such as generators, compressors and processors which are bolted or otherwise attached so as to be permanently affixed to a structure.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW and/or plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(29) — Industrial equipment/machines

DOORS, GATES AND ACTIVATING DEVICES157 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, modifies or repairs all types of residential, commercial or industrial doors including sliding door assemblies. This includes but is not limited to: Wood and screen doors, metal-clad doors, glass sliding/stationary doors and frames, automatic revolving doors, hospital cubical doors and related installations.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(12) — Doors, gates and activating devices

INST EQUIP/STAT FURN/LAB T/LO157 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, alters and repairs equipment and furniture that become a fixed part of the structure, such as stationary desks, lockers, chalkboards, shelving, storage, seats in an auditorium (including stationary bleachers) and equipment used in a stage or gymnasium. Work includes the installation, alteration and repair of institutional kitchen equipment and laboratory equipment, such as stationary counters and tables, shelving partitions, and such other equipment as is generally accepted for use as commercial building accessory.

WAC 296-200A-016(30) — Institutional equipment, stationary furniture, lab tables, lockers

SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND HOT TUBS147 licenses

A contractor in this specialty constructs, alters, and repairs permanent swimming pools and spas or hot tubs, including associated equipment. May also do repairs to damaged acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain and other like materials in standard bathtubs or showers.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW and/or plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(54) — Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs

BOILER/STEAM FIT/PROC PIPING95 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, services and repairs power boiler installations and hot water heating systems, including fire-tube and water-tube steel power boilers and hot water heating low pressure boilers, steam fitting and piping, fittings, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators, convectors, hydraulics, fuel oil tanks and fuel oil lines. Also includes chimney connections, flues, refractories, burners, thermal insulation, and accessories, fuel and nonpotable water lines from source of supply to boilers; process and specialty piping and related equipment, pneumatic and electrical control, sheet insulation and all other equipment, including solar heating equipment associated with these systems.

Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(4) — Boiler, steam fitting, process piping

LATHING AND PLASTERING90 licenses

A contractor in this specialty coats surfaces with a mixture of sand, gypsum plaster, quick-lime or hydrated lime and water, or sand and cement and water, or a combination of such other materials that create a permanent surface coating, including coatings for the purpose of soundproofing and fireproofing. These coatings are applied with a plasterer's trowel or sprayed over any surface which offers a mechanical means for the support of such coating, and will adhere by suction. This contractor also installs lath (including metal studs) or any other material prepared or manufactured to provide a base or bond for such coating.

WAC 296-200A-016(34) — Lathing and plastering

DEMOLITION AND SALVAGE89 licenses

A contractor in this specialty is involved in the wrecking of existing structures intended for disposal or salvage, by use of tools, equipment or explosives, and the raising, cribbing and underpinning of buildings and other structures so the alterations, repairs and temporary structures may be constructed under the retained and undisturbed portion of the building or other structures. Includes the erection of temporary ramps, barricades, and pedestrian walkways when required for demolition/wrecking and/or salvage projects.

(This specialty does not include the alterations, additions, repairs or rehabilitation of the permanently retained portions of such structures.)

WAC 296-200A-016(11) — Demolitions and salvage

WELL DRILLING82 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs and repairs water wells and pumps by boring, drilling, excavating, casing, cementing and cleaning to provide a supply of uncontaminated water. May also install water conditioning equipment and perform soil sampling.

(Excludes the installation of jet and submersible pumps; electrical pump controls and wiring from pump equipment to first readily accessible disconnect; and water line to storage or pressure tank.) Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW. (If both the electrical and plumbing trades are pursued this specialty is not allowed.)

WAC 296-200A-016(62) — Well drilling

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/REFRIG78 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, alters, and repairs refrigeration equipment and systems used for processing, storage, and display of food products and other perishable commodities for the control of air temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This allows construction, fabrication, erection, installation, service, maintenance and repairs of devices, machinery and units, including refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, air-conditioning units and insulated spaces. Also includes installation of any related insulation, ducts, blowers, registers, controls over humidity and thermostatic controls for the control of air, liquid, and/or gas temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit or ten degrees Celsius.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(8) — Commercial/industrial refrigeration

STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL64 licenses

A contractor in this specialty constructs, repairs, and installs the ventilation screens, bird exclusion devices, and caulking of cracks and holes for exclusion of and repelling pests. Includes the replacement of bird blocking screens.

WAC 296-200A-016(52) — Structural pest control

WOOD/PELLET AND GAS STOVES63 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs wood, pellet, or gas stoves, zero clearance and fire place inserts. These systems may include the following areas of work and related equipment: Air-filtering devices; gas piping from service connection to equipment; chimney, flashing and flues; and outside combustion air ducts.

The installing of piping, ducting and equipment for transmitting the heated air or water produced by the devices may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW and/or plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(63) — Wood/pellet and gas stove

DRAIN CLEANING / SNAKING62 licenses

A contractor in this specialty can perform camera examination, cleaning or snaking of building drainage and vent pipes and/or sewer pipe. Nothing in this specialty is intended to waive any plumbing certification requirements of chapter 18.106 RCW or any local enforcement agency code provisions or allow for the removal, installation or replacement of any damaged plumbing parts or fixtures.

WAC 296-200A-016(13) — Drain cleaning and snaking

TANKS AND TANK REMOVAL62 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs and/or removes fuel storage, grain and other types of tanks which have been or are to be used for dispensing gasoline, diesel fuel, waste oil, kerosene, propane or other chemicals. This work involves the installation and/or removal of all incidental tank related piping.

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(55) — Tanks and tank removal

AWNINGS, CANOPIES, PATIO COVERS, EXTERIOR SCREENS60 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs and repairs window awnings, door hoods, exterior screens, freestanding or attached canopies, and patio covers constructed of metal, fabric, fiberglass, and plastic.

WAC 296-200A-016(3) — Awnings, canopies, patio covers and exterior screens

ASBESTOS AND LEAD58 licenses

A contractor in this specialty cleans, handles, repairs, removes, encapsulates, encloses, hauls and disposes of paper or hard block insulation on hot water piping, heating ducts, or as molded pipe fitting insulation and joint compounds on furnaces or floor tiles, sheet flooring, ceiling tiles and acoustical (stucco) finishes or as wall and attic insulation materials, or for shingles or siding material and cement pipes for interior or exterior asbestos or lead products.

All asbestos contractors shall adhere to state (DOSH) and/or federal (OSHA) standards regulating all forms of this hazardous material. Asbestos certification per chapter 296-65 WAC is required. Lead abatement certification for workers may be required per chapter 70.103 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(2) — Asbestos and lead

ELEVATOR58 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, repairs, alters, relocates, demolishes and maintains elevators and other conveyances, including all associated equipment and equipment associated with the safe and efficient installation and operation of electrical, hydraulic and manual operated elevators.

Work in this specialty may also require elevator licensing per chapter 70.78 RCW and/or an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(17) — Elevator

WATER CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT57 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs water conditioning equipment or water treatment equipment with the use of only such pipe and fittings as are necessary to connect the water conditioning or water treatment equipment in a water supply system and only within six feet of the water service supply. Drainlines must run to existing floor drain, standpipe or outside the structure.

Work in this specialty may also require plumber certification per chapter 18.106 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(60) — Water conditioning equipment

SANDBLASTING43 licenses

A contractor in this specialty uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials and prepares surfaces for any protective, decorative and/or functional treatment on a commercial or residential structure.

WAC 296-200A-016(45) — Sandblasting

DRILLING, BLASTING AND SOIL SAMPLING41 licenses

A contractor in this specialty does core and post hole drilling, horizontal drilling (no piping) and drilling for placement of charges and performing blasting work and performs soil sampling.

(Does not include water well drilling.) Work with explosives requires licensing per chapter 70.74 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(14) — Drilling, blasting and soil sampling

CLOSETS37 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, repairs and maintains the lateral or horizontal shelving systems, racks, rails, or drawers involved in a closet or storage system.

WAC 296-200A-016(7) — Closets

SUSPENDED CEILING AND ACOUSTICAL TILE35 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, modifies or repairs all types of suspended ceilings, including but not limited to lay-in-grid and other types of systems involving solid, perforated or translucent ceiling panels.

WAC 296-200A-016(53) — Suspended ceilings and acoustical tile

SCAFFOLDING AND SAFETY RAILINGS33 licenses

A contractor in this specialty erects metal or wood scaffolding including temporary sidewalk sheltered construction work barricades, safety railings, stages and bleachers.

WAC 296-200A-016(47) — Scaffolding and safety railings

CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS24 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, modifies, or repairs central vacuum systems, pneumatic tube dispatching systems or any other type of pipeline which operates systems of reduced pressure for industrial and residential cleaning.

(This specialty does not include any medical or hazardous waste systems.)

WAC 296-200A-016(6) — Central vacuum systems

MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME SET-UP23 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs, alters, repairs or prepares for moving any type of manufactured mobile home for the purpose of sitting the home which includes connections of the plumbing, gas, electrical and foundation system.

Installation of electrical wires and equipment that convey electrical power to the home or to an outlet in the home, and the ground cross-over, requires an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW. A certified installer per chapter 46.63B RCW [ 43.22A RCW ] must be employed. (Equipment does not include plug-in household appliances.)

WAC 296-200A-016(37) — Manufactured/mobile home set up

SERVICE STATION EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE18 licenses

A contractor in this specialty installs auto hoisting equipment, hydraulic systems, grease racks, compressors, air hoses, fuel dispensing, cathotic and other service station equipment

Work in this specialty may also require an electrical license per chapter 19.28 RCW.

WAC 296-200A-016(48) — Service station equipment and maintenance

FIREPROOFING AND COATING14 licenses

A contractor in this specialty applies by industry accepted practices independently qualified fireproofing and coating materials that are fire resistant.

WAC 296-200A-016(20) — Fireproofing and coating

HOUSE MOVING11 licenses

A contractor in this specialty raises, lowers, cribs, underpins, and moves structures, including their foundations.

(This specialty does not include the alterations, additions, repairs or rehabilitation of such structures.)

WAC 296-200A-016(27) — House moving

What a result here means

It means the L&I file of 2026-10-22 recorded that license with that status and expiry date. It does not mean the license is current right now: a license can be suspended or revoked between the board’s files, and this copy would not know. That is why every result links to L&I’s own lookup, and why you should use it before hiring anyone.

If a name is not here

A license issued after 2026-10-22 will not be in this copy. A contractor lookup on this page searches the construction contractors in the registration file L&I publishes. L&I registers contractors by license type, and this page covers the construction contractor type — general builders and the specialties registered under it, from roofing to landscaping. Electrical and plumbing contractors hold their own license types and are on their own pages.

Washington registers contractors through L&I, and this page covers one license type. A contractor registered under a different type, or under a business name spelled differently from the one you searched, will not appear here even though L&I holds them.

What Washington licenses, and what it does not — and what a license covers, which is less than most people hiring a contractor assume.

The other registers on this site

• Electrical contractors in Texas — TDLR
• Air conditioning contractors in Texas — TDLR
• Barbering and cosmetology establishments in Texas — TDLR
• Electrical contractors in Washington — L&I
• Construction contractors in Oregon — CCB
• Plumbing contractors in Washington — L&I