Bathroom Remodel — Washington license requirements
01 The project
The starting point is the work itself — Bathroom Remodel in Washington. The job determines which trades are involved, and the trades determine which license classifications may be required.
| Component | Trade |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | Plumbing |
| Electrical | Electrical |
| Tile | Tile |
| Framing | Framing |
| Drywall | Drywall |
| Painting | Painting |
02 Jurisdiction
This project is evaluated for Washington — the registration-plus-trade-credential state. Construction contractors hold the ch. 18.27 contractor registration (no exam, $30k/$15k bond by class), while electrical (ch. 19.28) and plumbing (ch. 18.106) run through their own contractor licences and certified individuals under L&I. The $500 and $2,000 bands decide small jobs, RCW 18.27.130 preempts local contractor licences, and RCW 18.27.110 makes the local permit issuer verify the registration. Washington jurisdiction page.
Permit fees, plan-review timelines and every locality beyond Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Bellevue remain LOCAL_AUTHORITY_REQUIRED; Spokane was researched from search-result snippets and its official PDF, a disclosed limitation. The statewide electrical work-permit fee schedule is NOT_VERIFIED. Without a job-site location the local permit answer is NOT_DETERMINED, never a guess. State requirements are not the complete story for any locality.
03 Trade → license
Relations below are recorded per state — only this jurisdiction's classifications are shown.
Trades involved: Plumbing, Electrical, Tile, Framing, Drywall, Painting.
- May require PLUMBING-CONTRACTOR — Plumbing Contractor License (business) confirmed S-WA-18-106-400 rule WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTORPlumbing portion: performed ONLY by a licensed plumbing contractor (RCW 18.106.020/400) with a designated FULL-TIME certified plumber ($53.20 assignment), $6,000 bond, $250k-form GL, 24-month cycle, $148.10 fee (CONFLICT-WA-001 shows L&I's $139.10 renewal beside it). NOT required to hold ch. 18.27 registration for plumbing work (18.106.400(3)) — but may hold it to prime the non-plumbing work. GCs cannot offer/advertise/bid plumbing (WA-GC-NO-PLUMBING) (research §N.3).
- Component basis ELECTRICIAN-JOURNEY-01 — General Journey Level Electrician (01) (individual certificate) confirmed S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIAN rule WA-ELEC-WORKERThe worker limb: 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I' — journey level (01) or a specialty category; trainees supervised (75%/100% by class); 3-year renewal with 24 h CE (research §D.3).
- May require GENERAL-CONTRACTOR — General Contractor (ch. 18.27 registration class) confirmed S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR rule WA-GC-NO-PLUMBINGThe prime/general limb (framing, tile, cabinets, painting, drywall, flooring): GC class registration if the job spans >1 trade (RCW 18.27.010(5)) — 'As of July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer, advertise, and/or bid on projects that require plumbing work' (L&I verbatim). Single-trade contracts instead register that one specialty (tile (56), cabinets (5), drywall (15)) (research §N.3).
- Component basis PLUMBER-JOURNEY-LEVEL-PL01 — Journey Level Plumber (PL01) (individual certificate) confirmed S-WA-18-106-020 rule WA-PLUMB-WORKERThe worker limb: the person performing the plumbing must hold a journey/residential/residential-service certificate (or trainee/temporary) + photo ID in possession; PL02 residential covers ≤3-story dwellings (research §D.4/§N.3).
- May require ELECTRICAL-CONTRACTOR-GENERAL-01 — General Electrical Contractor License (01) (business) confirmed S-WA-19-28-041 rule WA-ELEC-CONTRACTORElectrical portion: electrical contractor license (general 01 or applicable specialty) + certified electricians, $4,000 bond, 24-month cycle, designated certified master/administrator (RCW 19.28.041). Whether an electrical-only business ALSO needs ch. 18.27 registration is CONFLICT-WA-002 → NOT_DETERMINED (WA-ELEC-ONLY-REG) (research §N.3).
04 Scope
What the official sources say about the work involved — typed assertions, never a boolean "covers". Interpretations are marked as such.
- Officially included PLUMBER-JOURNEY-LEVEL-PL01 Potable Water Distribution Fixtures Traps Drains And Water Heaters Within Property Lines (may_perform) RCW 18.106.020; L&I Plumber Certification program S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT The individual plumbing boundary — water heaters inside the trade (water-heater page), outside-building lines outside it (research §D.4/§N.5).
- Officially included ELECTRICAL-CONTRACTOR-GENERAL-01 All Phases And All Types Of Electrical And Telecommunications Installations (may_perform) WAC 296-46B-920(1); RCW 19.28.041 S-WA-WAC-296-46B-920 The unambiguous electrical credential — general (01) is the one qualified for rooftop PV without interpretive strain (research §D.3/§O).
- Officially included GENERAL-CONTRACTOR More Than One Building Trade Or Craft On A Single Job Or Permit Or Superintending Consulting (may_perform) RCW 18.27.010(5) / (1)(a) S-WA-18-27-010 The general-contractor class definition — Washington uses 'registration' and 'class', never a 'general contractor license' (research §B/§D.1).
05 Requirements
| Requirement | Kind | Statement | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor REGISTRATION required to advertise, bid or perform construction work — gross misdemeanor without it RCW 18.27.020 + RCW 18.27.010(1)(a) verbatim (read 2026-10-04) | registration | RCW 18.27.020 verbatim: 'Every contractor shall register with the department.' It is a gross misdemeanor to advertise, offer to do work, submit a bid or perform work as an unregistered contractor, with separate counts per day per worksite after citation, and it is unlawful to subcontract to or use an unregistered contractor (corroborated as an infraction by RCW 18.27.200(1): 'Subcontract to, or use, an unregistered contractor'). 'Contractor' is defined expansively (RCW 18.27.010(1)(a)): any entity that in pursuit of an independent business undertakes/offers/bids to construct, alter, repair, improve, move, wreck or demolish any building or structure 'including the installation of carpeting or other floor covering, the erection of scaffolding …, the installation or repair of roofing or siding, performing tree removal services, or cabinet or similar installation; or, who, to do similar work upon his or her own property, employs members of more than one trade upon a single job or project or under a single building permit.' | S-WA-18-27-020Source S-WA-18-27-020 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.27.020 — Registration required — Prohibited acts — Criminal penalty — RCW 18.27.020 + RCW 18.27.010(1)(a) verbatim (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.27.020 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read 2026-10-04: 'Every contractor shall register with the department.' Gross misdemeanor to advertise, offer, bid or work unregistered; separate counts per day per worksite after citation; unlawful to subcontract to or use an unregistered contractor; hiring an already-registered contractor that later lapses is allowed until written notice. Backs REQ-WA-REGISTRATION-REQUIRED-001 and rule WA-REG-REQUIRED. |
| All plumbing contract work must be by a licensed plumbing contractor — dedicated certified plumber + $6,000 bond + $50k/$100k/$200k insurance L&I Plumbing Licensing Requirements verbatim + RCW 18.106.020/.400/.410/.420 (read 2026-10-04) | license | L&I verbatim (read 2026-10-04): 'Beginning July 1, 2021, the "specialty plumbing" registration was no longer valid, and general contractors could no longer perform work with a certified plumber. All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW.' RCW 18.106.020(1): 'After January 1, 2021, no contractor may employ a person to engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing unless the contractor is a licensed plumbing contractor under this chapter and the person performing the plumbing work has' the right certificate. RCW 18.106.400: application + fee; 24 calendar months; WC/ESD/excise evidence; (3) 'plumbing contractors are NOT required to be registered under chapter 18.27 RCW'; (4) must employ a FULL-TIME individual with a valid journey level or appropriate specialty plumber certificate (owner/partner or full-time employee — L&I's 'dedicated plumber,' Designated Plumber Assignment F627-052-000); (7) own-residence exemption unless the building is for rent/sale/lease. Bond $6,000 (RCW 18.106.410); insurance $50k/$100k/$200k (RCW 18.106.420). | S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTORSource S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR — Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)L&I — Plumbing Licensing Requirements (SB 6170 history, application, bond, insurance, renewal) — L&I Plumbing Licensing Requirements verbatim + RCW 18.106.020/.400/.410/.420 (read 2026-10-04) https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/plumbing/licensed-plumbing-contractor/licensing-requirements Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04. Verbatim: 'Beginning July 1, 2021, the "specialty plumbing" registration was no longer valid, and general contractors could no longer perform work with a certified plumber. All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW.' 'Licensed plumbing contractors can choose to also be registered as general contractors under Chapter 18.27 RCW, to perform non-plumbing works such as installing cabinets, tile, etc.' 'As of July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer, advertise, and/or bid on projects that require plumbing work.' Dedicated plumber: 'a certified plumber as the "dedicated plumber" … owner/partner or a full-time employee' (Designated Plumber Assignment F627-052-000, notarized, $53.20). Steps: DOR registration → Continuous Plumbing Contractor Surety Bond $6,000 → GL policy → application F627-051-000 (original, notarized) $148.10 → designated plumber $53.20; insurance '$200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit'; mail processing 1-2 weeks. Renewal $139.10 (online/mail/in person, 12-digit number + UBI, bond + GL ≥$250,000 current); reinstatement $69.50 (suspension notice by certified AND first-class mail within 2 days). 'Phase 3 rule making will begin soon focused on some outstanding items and the phase out of the construction contractor plumbing specialty' (CONFLICT-WA-003 side B). CONFLICT-WA-001: these renewal/reinstatement figures differ from WAC 296-400A-045 ($148.10 / $74.00). |
| Individual plumber certificate + photo ID required to work in the plumbing trade — PL01/PL02/PL04/trainee, exam required RCW 18.106.020 verbatim + L&I Plumber Certification (read 2026-10-04) | license | RCW 18.106.020(1) (read in full 2026-10-04): 'No person may engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing without having a journey level certificate, specialty certificate, residential service certificate, temporary permit, or trainee certificate and photo identification in his or her possession' (L&I must also require visible display); trainees supervised per RCW 18.106.070. Medical gas piping 'Without exception' needs a journey level certificate PLUS medical gas piping installer endorsement. Violations are infractions, each day and each worksite separate; notices may issue to the worker, the contractor and the authorizing employee. Experience (L&I, read): PL01 = 4 years/8,000 h incl. ≥2 years/4,000 h commercial or industrial; PL02 = 3 years/6,000 h (single-family/duplex/apartments ≤3 stories); PL04 = 2 years/4,000 h service-repair. Exam application $202.10 (PSI-contracted testing), certification $242.70. | S-WA-18-106-020Source S-WA-18-106-020 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.106.020 — Certificate or permit required — Photo identification — Trainee supervision — Penalty — RCW 18.106.020 verbatim + L&I Plumber Certification (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.106.020 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04: no person may engage in or offer the trade of plumbing without a journey level/specialty/residential service certificate, temporary permit or trainee certificate PLUS photo ID in possession (L&I must also require visible display); trainees supervised per RCW 18.106.070; 'After January 1, 2021, no contractor may employ a person to engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing unless the contractor is a licensed plumbing contractor under this chapter and the person performing the plumbing work has' the right certificate; medical gas piping requires journey level certificate + medical gas endorsement, no exception; violations are infractions with each day and each worksite separate; notices may issue to the worker, the contractor and the authorizing employee; '(5) It is unlawful for anyone required to be licensed under this chapter or registered under chapter 18.27 RCW to subcontract to or use anyone not licensed under this chapter for work covered by the provisions of this chapter.' Backs REQ-WA-PLUMBER-001 (rule WA-PLUMB-WORKER). |
| Electrical contractor license required to engage in the electrical construction trade — UBI + designated master/administrator + $4,000 bond L&I Electrical Contractor page verbatim + RCW 19.28.041 (read 2026-10-04) | license | L&I (read verbatim 2026-10-04): 'To engage in the business of the electrical construction trade, you must get an electrical contractor license from L&I.' RCW 19.28.041: unlawful to do electrical contracting without the license; general (01) or specialty; expires 24 calendar months; application needs WC evidence, ESD number, excise tax registration and UBI; must designate an individual holding a valid master journey level / master specialty electrician or administrator certificate (19.28.041(5)); original $4,000 electrical/telecommunications contractor's surety bond (or assignment of savings), one bond maximum even with multiple specialty licenses, cancellation → suspension; '(4)' is EXCLUSIVE against political subdivisions — no local electrical licenses/bonds/fees for the same purpose. L&I: 'All work performed must be done by properly certified electricians.' 'If an electrical contracting business does other, non-electrical work, registration as a contractor may also be required.' | S-WA-LNI-ELEC-CONTRACTORSource S-WA-LNI-ELEC-CONTRACTOR — Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)L&I — Electrical Contractor (license requirements, bond, renewal, reinstatement) — L&I Electrical Contractor page verbatim + RCW 19.28.041 (read 2026-10-04) Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04. Verbatim: 'To engage in the business of the electrical construction trade, you must get an electrical contractor license from L&I.' General electrical (01) = all types of electrical and telecommunications installations; specialty electrical contractors = WAC 296-46B-920(2) categories; 'All work performed must be done by properly certified electricians.' Requirements: valid UBI (DOR or SOS), a certified assigned electrical administrator or master electrician, an original $4,000 electrical/telecommunication contractor's surety bond (or assignment of savings), a workers' compensation account if the business hires employees. 'Electrical contractors are encouraged to carry general liability insurance. However, L&I does not keep records of liability insurance for electrical contractors.' 'If an electrical contracting business does other, non-electrical work, registration as a contractor may also be required.' Renew every 2 years (bond current, administrator assigned, no unpaid citations); >90 days expired → cannot renew online; suspension whenever requirements lapse; reinstatement with documents + fee (WAC $71.50); application F500-018-000; 8-10 week application processing; 12-digit license number. CONFLICT-WA-002 quote (side B) lives here. |
| Individual electrician certificate required to work in the electrical trade — journey (01) or one of 14 specialties, exam via PSI L&I Electrician page verbatim (read 2026-10-04) | license | L&I (read verbatim 2026-10-04): 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I.' General journey level (01) = 'all types of electrical and telecommunications installations,' qualified with 8,000 hours (≤4,000 in 4,000-hour specialties) + 96 hours basic classroom instruction, then PSI exam; 14 specialty categories — 4,000-hour (Residential 02, Pump and irrigation 03, Signs 04, Limited energy 06, HVAC/refrigeration 06A, Nonresidential maintenance 07; trainees supervised ≥75%, 48 h classroom) and 2,000-hour (Domestic well 3A, HVAC restricted 6B, Nonres lighting/retrofit 7A, Residential maintenance 7B, Restricted nonres 7C, Appliance repair 7D, Equipment repair 7E, Door/gate 10; 100% supervision). Trainees 16+. Oregon reciprocity for (01). | S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIANSource S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIAN — Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)L&I — Electrician (individual certificates, experience, exams, renewal, CE) — L&I Electrician page verbatim (read 2026-10-04) https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/electrical-licensing-exams-education/electrician Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04. 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I.' Two levels: general journey level (01) 'may perform all types of electrical and telecommunications installations' — qualify with 8,000 hours (no more than 4,000 in 4,000-hour specialties) + 96 hours basic classroom instruction, then PSI exam; 'There are 14 specialty categories in the electrical construction trade' — 4,000-hour specialties Residential (02), Pump and irrigation (03), Signs (04), Limited energy (06), HVAC/refrigeration (06A), Nonresidential maintenance (07) (trainees supervised ≥75%, 48 h classroom); 2,000-hour specialties Domestic well (3A), HVAC restricted (6B), Nonresidential lighting maintenance/retrofit (7A), Residential maintenance (7B), Restricted nonresidential maintenance (7C), Appliance repair (7D), Equipment repair (7E), Door/gate/similar systems (10) (100% supervision until exam). Trainees 16+. Oregon reciprocity for (01). Renew every 3 YEARS on your birthday — 24 hours CE incl. 8 hours code update + 4 hours RCW/WAC; fee doubles after expiration; >90 days expired → retest only; inactive status while not working. Exams scheduled with PSI after approval (research §K). |
| General contractors cannot offer, advertise or bid plumbing work (since 2021-07-01) — they must become licensed plumbing contractors L&I Plumbing Licensing Requirements verbatim (read 2026-10-04) | contract rule | L&I verbatim (read 2026-10-04): 'As of July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer, advertise, and/or bid on projects that require plumbing work. General contractors can choose to also be licensed as plumbing contractors under Chapter 18.106 RCW to perform contract plumbing work.' Corroborated by RCW 18.106.020(1): after Jan 1, 2021 no contractor may employ persons in the plumbing trade unless the contractor is a licensed plumbing contractor. Before 2021 the old path was a 'registered plumbing contractor under chapter 18.27' (statute's own transition language). | S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTORSource S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR — Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)L&I — Plumbing Licensing Requirements (SB 6170 history, application, bond, insurance, renewal) — L&I Plumbing Licensing Requirements verbatim (read 2026-10-04) https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/plumbing/licensed-plumbing-contractor/licensing-requirements Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04. Verbatim: 'Beginning July 1, 2021, the "specialty plumbing" registration was no longer valid, and general contractors could no longer perform work with a certified plumber. All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW.' 'Licensed plumbing contractors can choose to also be registered as general contractors under Chapter 18.27 RCW, to perform non-plumbing works such as installing cabinets, tile, etc.' 'As of July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer, advertise, and/or bid on projects that require plumbing work.' Dedicated plumber: 'a certified plumber as the "dedicated plumber" … owner/partner or a full-time employee' (Designated Plumber Assignment F627-052-000, notarized, $53.20). Steps: DOR registration → Continuous Plumbing Contractor Surety Bond $6,000 → GL policy → application F627-051-000 (original, notarized) $148.10 → designated plumber $53.20; insurance '$200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit'; mail processing 1-2 weeks. Renewal $139.10 (online/mail/in person, 12-digit number + UBI, bond + GL ≥$250,000 current); reinstatement $69.50 (suspension notice by certified AND first-class mail within 2 days). 'Phase 3 rule making will begin soon focused on some outstanding items and the phase out of the construction contractor plumbing specialty' (CONFLICT-WA-003 side B). CONFLICT-WA-001: these renewal/reinstatement figures differ from WAC 296-400A-045 ($148.10 / $74.00). |
| NOTICE TO CUSTOMER disclosure — residential ≥$1,000, commercial $1,000–$60,000 — prerequisite to ANY lien claim RCW 18.27.114 + L&I Register page verbatim (read 2026-10-04) | contract rule | RCW 18.27.114 (read 2026-10-04): the NOTICE TO CUSTOMER is required for residential (four units or fewer) repair/alteration/construction at bid/contract of $1,000 or more, and for commercial projects of $1,000 or more and less than $60,000; 12-point bold type; signed copy retained 3 years; '(4) compliance with this section is a prerequisite to any lien claim'; failure to give it is an infraction; does NOT apply to ch. 39.04 public works contracts or contractors contracting with other contractors (subsection (5)). L&I: 'You must provide this Model Disclosure Statement Notice to Customer (F625-030-000) for all residential jobs of $1,000 or more and for commercial projects of $1,000 to $60,000.' | S-WA-18-27-114Source S-WA-18-27-114 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.27.114 — Disclosure statement required — Prerequisite to lien claim — RCW 18.27.114 + L&I Register page verbatim (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.27.114 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read 2026-10-04: NOTICE TO CUSTOMER required for residential (≤4 units) repair/alteration/construction at bid/contract ≥$1,000, and commercial ≥$1,000 and <$60,000; 12-point bold type; signed copy retained 3 years; '(4) compliance with this section is a prerequisite to any lien claim'; failure = infraction; (5) does not apply to ch. 39.04 public works contracts or contractors contracting with other contractors. L&I: model disclosure F625-030-000, 'for all residential jobs of $1,000 or more and for commercial projects of $1,000 to $60,000' (Register page). Backs REQ-WA-DISCLOSURE-001 (rule WA-DISCLOSURE-1K). |
| Permit issuance must VERIFY the state credential, PRINT its number and give written risk notice — building permits (18.27.110) and plumbing permits (18.106.440) RCW 18.27.110 + RCW 18.106.440 + RCW 19.28.101/.141 (read 2026-10-04) | permit | RCW 18.27.110 (read 2026-10-04): no city/town/county may issue a construction building permit for registrable work without verifying current registration; the issuer must print the registration number on the permit and give the applicant written notice of the homeowner's risk; falsifying exemption information forfeits the permit. RCW 18.106.440 (read in full): the identical duty for PLUMBING permits — verify current plumbing contractor license, print the license number, written notice of license laws and homeowner risk, falsified exemption → permit forfeited. 'Verification' is defined in RCW 18.27.010(17): copying a current-on-its-face registration card, checking the L&I registration database, or calling L&I. Electrical work permits: RCW 19.28.101 state-issued by default (L&I inspection, permit affixed to installation, utility connects only after approval) with the local opt-out of RCW 19.28.141 (Seattle issues/inspects its own). | S-WA-18-27-110Source S-WA-18-27-110 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.27.110 — Building permits — Verification of registration required — Responsibilities of issuing entity — RCW 18.27.110 + RCW 18.106.440 + RCW 19.28.101/.141 (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.27.110 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read 2026-10-04: no city/town/county may issue a construction building permit for registrable work without verifying current registration; the issuer must print the registration number on the permit and give the applicant written notice of the homeowner's risk; falsifying exemption information forfeits the permit. The statutory engine of Washington's state-vs-local distinction (research §B). Backs REQ-WA-PERMIT-VERIFY-001 (rule WA-PERMIT-VERIFY). |
06 Rule: WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
RCW 18.106.020 verbatim: 'After January 1, 2021, no contractor may employ a person to engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing unless the contractor is a licensed plumbing contractor under this chapter and the person performing the plumbing work has' the right certificate. RCW 18.106.400: license expires 24 calendar months; requires WC evidence, ESD number, excise registration and a FULL-TIME individual holding a journey level or appropriate specialty plumber certificate (the 'dedicated plumber', $53.20 assignment); $6,000 bond (RCW 18.106.410); $50k/$100k/$200k insurance (RCW 18.106.420); and the license-holder is NOT required to hold ch. 18.27 registration for plumbing work (.400(3)). Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| plumbing-license-required | plumbing_contractor_license_required |
|
| plumbing-license-held | plumbing_license_already_held |
|
| not-plumbing-work | outside_chapter_18_106 |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-18-106-020S-WA-18-106-400S-WA-18-106-410S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
07 Rule: WA-ELEC-WORKER
L&I Electrician page verbatim: 'To work in the electrical construction trade in Washington, you must have a valid electrician certificate issued by L&I.' General journey level (01) qualifies with 8,000 hours (no more than 4,000 in 4,000-hour specialties) + 96 hours classroom then a PSI exam; 14 specialty categories on 4,000-hour and 2,000-hour paths; trainees 16+ must be supervised (75% or 100% by specialty class). Renewal every 3 years on your birthday with 24 hours CE. Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| certificate-required | electrician_certificate_required |
|
| supervised-trainee | supervised_trainee_path |
|
| no-electrical-work | outside_electrical_trade |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-LNI-ELECTRICIANS-WA-19-28-041
08 Rule: WA-GC-NO-PLUMBING
L&I Plumbing Licensing Requirements verbatim: 'As of July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer, advertise, and/or bid on projects that require plumbing work.' and 'Beginning July 1, 2021, the "specialty plumbing" registration was no longer valid, and general contractors could no longer perform work with a certified plumber. All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW.' A GC may BECOME a licensed plumbing contractor to perform it, or hold GC registration alongside for non-plumbing work. Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| gc-cannot-bid-plumbing | gc_may_not_offer_advertise_or_bid_plumbing |
|
| gc-non-plumbing-scope | gc_may_bid_non_plumbing_scope |
|
| not-a-gc | not_a_general_class_registrant |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTORS-WA-18-106-020
09 Rule: WA-PLUMB-WORKER
RCW 18.106.020: no person may engage in or offer the trade of plumbing without a journey level / specialty / residential service certificate, temporary permit or trainee certificate PLUS photo identification in possession. Levels (L&I Plumber Certification): Journey level PL01 — 8,000 h incl. 4,000 h commercial/industrial; Residential PL02 — 6,000 h, dwellings ≤3 stories; Residential Service PL04 — 4,000 h; plus PL03/PL03A/PL30/MG01 and trainees. Medical gas requires journey level + endorsement and is NEVER exempt (RCW 18.106.150(7)). Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| certificate-required | plumber_certificate_required |
|
| certificate-held | certificate_already_held |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-18-106-020S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT
10 Rule: WA-ELEC-CONTRACTOR
RCW 19.28.041: unlawful to do electrical contracting without an electrical contractor license — a SEPARATE credential from ch. 18.27 registration (general 01 or a WAC 296-46B-920(2) specialty), 24 calendar months, $4,000 surety bond (one maximum across specialties), UBI + WC evidence + excise registration on application, and a designated individual holding a valid master journey level / master specialty / administrator certificate. L&I: 'All work performed must be done by properly certified electricians.' Whether an electrical-only business must ALSO hold ch. 18.27 registration is CONFLICT-WA-002 (rule WA-ELEC-ONLY-REG). Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| electrical-license-required | electrical_contractor_license_required |
|
| electrical-license-held | electrical_license_already_held |
|
| not-electrical-work | outside_electrical_regulation |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-19-28-041S-WA-LNI-ELEC-CONTRACTORS-WA-WAC-296-46B-920
11 Who does what — the registration, two trade licences and two permit gates
A remodel splits across Washington's layers: the GENERAL/prime contract is the ch. 18.27 registration, while the plumbing and electrical portions are separate trade licences with certified individuals — never collapsed into one answer:
| Portion | Credential / rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Prime contract (general remodeling scope) | the ch. 18.27 contractor REGISTRATION — general if more than one building trade on the job, else the applicable specialty (rule WA-REG-REQUIRED) | S-WA-18-27-020 |
| Plumbing portions (rough + finish) | a licensed plumbing contractor with a designated full-time certified plumber — a general contractor cannot bid this since 2021-07-01 (rule WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR) | S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR |
| Electrical portions | a licensed electrical contractor with a designated certified master/administrator + certified electricians (rule WA-ELEC-CONTRACTOR) | S-WA-LNI-ELEC-CONTRACTOR |
| GC bidding the plumbing | barred — a general contractor cannot offer, advertise or bid plumbing work; it may become a licensed plumbing contractor to perform it (rule WA-GC-NO-PLUMBING) | S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR |
| Disclosure | the NOTICE TO CUSTOMER is required on a residential job of $1,000 or more and is a prerequisite to a lien (rule WA-DISCLOSURE-1K) | S-WA-18-27-114 |
| Permit verification | the permit issuer verifies the registration (RCW 18.27.110) and the plumbing credential (RCW 18.106.440) | S-WA-18-27-110 |
| Bond / insurance | registration bond $30k general / $15k specialty, GL and workers'-comp; plumbing contractor carries a $6,000 bond and its own GL conditions | S-WA-18-27-010 S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR |
Local permit examples are labeled LOCAL and never statewide; permit fee amounts are NOT_VERIFIED — the verification rule is verified, the prices are not. S-WA-SEATTLE-PERMIT
12 Permit and verification layer
Washington separates the credential from the permit: the STATE decides who may work (the ch. 18.27 registration and the two trade licences), while the city or county issues the permit. RCW 18.27.110 makes the permit issuer verify the registration before issuing, print the number and give the homeowner-risk notice, and forfeits the permit if the exemption was falsified; ch. 18.106.440 is the plumbing twin. S-WA-18-27-110
A permit is per JOB, a credential is per WHO, and RCW 18.27.130 bars a local contractor licence (with carve-outs for a general business licence and non-registrable contractors) — but the city still sets its permit rules and general business licence. S-WA-19-28-101
Verify the credential that actually applies on the official lookup before relying on any outcome here: L&I Contractor Lookup (covers the ch. 18.27 registration; electrical and plumbing credentials have their own L&I verification paths). S-WA-LNI-VERIFY
Source S-WA-SEATTLE-PERMIT — City of Seattle — Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
Seattle SDCI — Do You Need a Permit? ($6,000/6-month minor-work threshold, exemptions) — Seattle Do-You-Need-a-Permit / Re-Roof / Electrical / Mechanical pages verbatim (read 2026-10-04)
https://www.seattle.gov/construction-and-inspections/permits/do-you-need-a-permit
Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04
LOCAL EXAMPLE — read 2026-10-04 (HTTP 200). Verbatim: 'Minor repairs or alterations. You don't need a permit for minor repairs or alterations that cost $6,000 or less in any 6-month period. The $6,000 limit is based on fair market value of labor and parts, even if you do the work yourself.' 'You need a permit for any work on load-bearing supports, changes to the building envelope, and work that reduces egress, light, ventilation, or fire resistance no matter how small the project.' Usually no permit: painting/cleaning, re-pointing a chimney, installing kitchen cabinets, paneling/surface finishes over existing systems, insulating existing buildings, hazardous-material abatement, limited in-kind repair; on-grade patios/slabs; sheds <120 sq ft; retaining walls ≤4 ft; fences <8 ft; platforms/walks/driveways <18 in. above grade; dish/panel antennas ≤6.56 ft. 'Even if you don't need a permit, your project must meet all code requirements.' Seattle Residential Code R105.2 / Building Code 106.2 referenced (research §M.1/§N.2).