Business brisk for building repairers

Residents are cautioned about scam artists

SCOTT WYLAND, THE OLYMPIAN

THURSTON COUNTY -- The earthquake that rumbled through South Sound on Wednesday has thrown some repair work to building contractors.

Although contractors are busier, they aren't being bombarded with repair orders, several contractors said Thursday.

Most jobs involve fixing modest rather than extensive damage, they said.

"Some of them are fairly light, some are pretty substantial," said Andy Johnson, a Tumwater general contractor who specializes in commercial buildings. Since the quake hit, Johnson has received more orders for fixing cracked drywall, displaced light fixtures, damaged ceiling tiles and light structural damage, he said.

Larry Vanderhoof, an Olympia general contractor, said he's getting similar orders.

"We're probably doing more of that type of work than we normally would, obviously," Vanderhoof said.

Vanderhoof spent Thursday morning surveying the damage done to Washington State Grange on Ninth Avenue and Capitol Way. The grange's walls and ceiling were laced with cracks, he said.

Licensed contractors like Vanderhoof and Johnson join state and local officials in warning residents that disasters can bring out con artists who use the opportunity to prey on victims.

To protect against unscrupulous contractors:

-Be wary of unlicensed contractors soliciting business door-to-door.

-Ask the contractor for a registration number. All Washington contractors are required to register with the state Department of Labor and Industries.

-When calling L&I, request proof that a contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.

-Get at least three different bids to ensure you aren't being gouged.

-Obtain a written contract and request references.

-Be suspicious of contractors who ask for large payments upfront.

Also, anyone who finds asbestos during earthquake demolition or remodeling needs to secure an asbestos abatement permit from the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority.

The authority can waive the 10-day waiting permit for commercial buildings.

To learn more

To find out information about a contractor, call the Department of Labor & Industries at (800) 647-0982 or view the Web site at www.lni.wa.gov/scs/ contractors.

The Olympian Copyright 2000

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