Listen: The Dunn Lumber Podcast: How to Protect Yourself From Liability When Hiring Trade Contractors, recorded live March 17 at the Master Builders Association Remodelers Council Dinner. Scott Hildebrand, residential law specialist, presents his list of the top 10 things NOT to do when hiring the tradespeople who are essential to your professional success.

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Don't get on the wrong side of L&I. Recorded live at the March 23 Remodelers Council Dinner, L&I's own Erich Smith guides you through the rules and regulations you need to know to stay safe and fine-free.

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By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

Pierce is Only County in Seattle Metro Area to See Permit Activity Rise

Looking at the three-county Seattle Metro Area, Pierce is the only county to see permit activity rise through July 31 of this year, compared to the same period last year. The latest permit data from the U.S. Census Bureau show single family permits rose 13 percent and multifamily permits doubled in Pierce County. Meanwhile, King County saw a slight decrease in permits, with single family permits down 2 percent and multifamily permits down 4 percent. Snohomish County saw double-digit declines of 11 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

The Builders’ Bulletin is intended to provide a convenient way to track housing in our market and includes information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, U.S. Census Bureau, Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

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