Home About Consumer Resources Members Calendar Contact 2021 Referral Guide YOU ARE HERE Home > Consumer Resources SEARCH FORM Search Before You Hire a Contractor Check Out the License By law, anyone in California who contracts for or bids on a construction project valued at $500 or more (total labor and materials) must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). To qualify for a license, a contractor must verify four years of journey-level experience in the trade, pass both a trade and license law examination, and post a license bond. Since 2005, all new contractors are required to pass a background investigation that includes a criminal background check. Contractors are required, by law, to put their CSLB license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed operators are required to say they are not state-licensed in their advertisements. Ask to see the contractor’s plastic pocket license and photo identification. Verify the license and make sure it is in good standing by visiting the CSLB website: www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling CSLB’s toll-free automated line: 800.321.CSLB (2752). Get at least three bids and ask for references on work the contractor has completed in the local area. View the contractor’s past projects in person. Financial Information Don’t pay in cash. Stick to your schedule of payments and don’t let the payments get ahead of the completed work. Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1,000, whichever is less.* (This goes for any home improvement project, including swimming pools.) Get It in Writing Make sure you have a written contract and don’t sign it until you fully understand the terms. All changes to the contract, or “change orders,” need to be in writing and signed by both parties. Keep a job file of all project papers and payments, and don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job. Homeowners waive their three-day right to cancel if they sign a “service and repair contract,” which is different from a standard “home improvement contract.” (Service and repair contracts are usually for emergency repairs where the consumer initiated the contact and cannot wait.) License History If you want information about a contractor’s license history and pending or prior disciplinary actions, please call the appropriate CSLB Legal Action Disclosure telephone number: Northern Region: 916.255.4041 Southern Region: 562.345.7656 Complaint Forms If you have a complaint against a contractor, free forms are available at www.cslb.ca.gov or call 800.321.CSLB (2752) and ask for a copy of A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints and a complaint form. *There is an exception to this rule for about two dozen contractors who have filed a blanket performance and payment bond with the Registrar. This information is noted on the contractor’s license detail page on CSLB’s website. For more information, contact: Contractors State License Board P.O. Box 26000 Sacramento, CA 95826-0026 800.321.CSLB (2752) www.cslb.ca.gov • CheckTheLicenseFirst.com The Humboldt Builders Exchange is a non-profit member association of over 300 member businesses in the construction industry and related services such as architecture, engineering, building supply, hardware, insurance, and more. The association was established to promote unity among licensed contractors and affiliates. Our goal is to provide education, support services, and annual college scholarships. All Contents © Humboldt Builders’ Exchange, Inc.Site by EvenVision