Do's and Don'ts for
California Consumers
-- taken from a free brochure printed by the California Contractors
State License Board (CSLB) --
- The steps you must NEVER skip!
- Financial Perspectives
- General Advice
- Registering a complaint against a contractor
- Contacting the Contractors State Licensing
Board
- Click here to return to FAQs
Main Page
The Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) can tell if
your contractor is licensed, in good standing and in the proper classification
to fit your needs. Before you hire a contractor or sign a contract for home
repair, call the Contractors State Licensing Board toll free at 1-800-321-CSLB
(2752).
You can do more to protect
yourself before hiring a
contractor.
Click here to return to FAQs Main Page
- Do contact the Contractors State License Board with the name,
license number and business address for each of the bidding contractors.
TheCSLB can be contacted toll free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or at www.cslb.ca.gov.
They can provide information about a contractor's license status.
- Do get at least three bids and ask for references of work the
contractor has completed in your local area.
- Do request "What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor"
-- a publication to help you make informed decisions when dealing with
contractors. Order by calling the number above or contact them on the Internet at www.cslb.ca.gov.
- Get more info
- Don't pay cash!!!
- Don't let the payments get ahead of the work that has been
completed
- Don't pay the full cost of the job up front
- Do require a written contract and Don't sign it until you Fully
understand the terms.
- Do know how much to give as a deposit. Under state law, when
undertaking a home improvement or repair job, contractors cannot ask for a
deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1000, whichever is
less except if the contractor has a bond or approved bond equivalent that
ensures completion of your project. In that case, they can ask for more of a
deposit. Remember though, it is your money. You can say no!
- Don't be a victim. Do be aware that consumers have been targeted by
scam artists posing as contractors.
- Do deal only with licensed contractors.
- Don't rush into the repairs
- Don't hire the first contractor who comes along.
- Do ask to see the contractor's "pocket license" or Home
Improvement Sales registration.
All contractors are issued pocket licenses that show the type of trade for
which they are licensed and the expiration date of the license.
- Ask to see some additional form of identification so you know who
you are dealing with.
If you have a complaint against a contractor, call the board at 1 800-321-CSLB
(2752) and ask for a copy of "A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction
Complaints".
They can be contacted toll free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or at www.cslb.ca.gov.