Okay so I met with the Labor and Industries rep for my area in washington state today, about my fine and what to do about my license. He told me that I have to get a contractors license and to stop running any advertisement. He stated that roof cleaning in washington state is a grey area but so many contractors have complained about my small tiny oporation that his boss fined me and will continue to fine me if I dont get a license, I am working on getting a license but man thats about 12 grand. On the upside I have had 2 banks and one dentist office ask me for bids to clean their roofs. Hmmmm do I dare do it or should I make sure the state is totally happy first, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I would not do the roofs prior to getting your license. There's nothing worse then them showing up to the job your on an issuing you a stop work order or fine you in front of the customer. Talk to them and see what licnese you have to get and maybe get a licensed friend or someone to do the roofs for ya. Good luck
-- Edited by WDE on Friday 8th of October 2010 12:23:04 AM
well I am checking into a specialty license, and believe it or not the local roofers seem to be the ones turning me in for cleaning roofs. I think they are a bit threatened. I have actually competed on some cleaning jobs that they have bid and I got them because I don't power wash the roofs. I have also cleaned a few jobs that they had roof bids on. Now they are turning me in like 10 times a wk, the L&I guy said I have had at least 15 to 20 calls about my company last month. Man people are so scared of something new. I will get all my ducks in a row and then they can say nothing, nothing at all.
the fine was 1000.00 bucks, they will drop it to 500 and if I appeal the court cost bs is 200 bucks, I wont do the other jobs until I am okay to the states satisfaction, but 4 months ago when I called them and L&I they both said the same thing ( all you need is a state license and a UMB or UIMB a tax license and thats it) now they are saying something totally different and it is irritating. I can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I no I can
Roof Cleaning Western Washington 360-783-2576 wrote:
Okay so I met with the Labor and Industries rep for my area in washington state today, about my fine and what to do about my license. He told me that I have to get a contractors license and to stop running any advertisement. He stated that roof cleaning in washington state is a grey area but so many contractors have complained about my small tiny oporation that his boss fined me and will continue to fine me if I dont get a license, I am working on getting a license but man thats about 12 grand. On the upside I have had 2 banks and one dentist office ask me for bids to clean their roofs. Hmmmm do I dare do it or should I make sure the state is totally happy first, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Until they put thier findings in writing you dont have to do anything. If they said its a grey area then they have to have the state make a written determination. If it isnt in writing it doesnt exist.
The hammer is for hitting things so you don't hurt your hands and a tape is for finding out how long something is. This is great I have only been a member for a short while and I am already able to help someone. And that is what this forum is for. Pat
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Patrick Carder President Vantage Point Home Services www.vphs.biz 301-392-3911 Maryland's only licensed roof inspector/cleaner MHIC#97865 MHI#30280
The ticket should pertain to specific laws and should be listed on the form. Check into those laws and consider an attorney. It sounds as though you are doing a FANTASTIC JOB! You are a threat. When you are a threat, people will give you a hard time. Expect it to get worse before it ever gets better. Protect yourself against libel and slander, write down everything including your experiences and the who, what, when and where's. AC is right. Get EVERYTHING in writing.
The ticket should pertain to specific laws and should be listed on the form. Check into those laws and consider an attorney. It sounds as though you are doing a FANTASTIC JOB! You are a threat. When you are a threat, people will give you a hard time. Expect it to get worse before it ever gets better.Protect yourself against libel and slander, write down everything including your experiences and the who, what, when and where's. AC is right. Get EVERYTHING in writing.
This is very true!
-- Edited by gutterdog on Friday 8th of October 2010 05:13:47 PM
I had a branch in Tacoma 5 years ago. The laws are completely different over there. They are probably assuming you are pressure washing. In Washington state you must have a contractors license for pressure washing.
thanks for all the responses, and if you power wash in Washington state you do have to have a license. Unless you are only doing sidewalks or driveways no need to get a license. I read the fine and they are stating that I use the word power wash in my postcards, therefore I am fined. still a gray area. I am appealing the fine and asking for it to be put in writing.
That has got to be frustrating. Wish I could offer you some concrete answers. If in your shoes I would spend the weekend at a Public Library reading state and local law books for answers on how to move forward. Keep fighting the good fight.