Planning Center
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Here you will find our library of fun and informative articles about the planning and the process for projects in and around your home. Please feel free to click around and if you don`t see a topic you would like information on, simply go to our feedback section and let us know.
How to Hire a Contractor
Hiring the right contractor takes proper due diligence. To get you off on the right foot.
The CSLB was established by the state Legislature back in 1929 and is here to protect consumers like you before and after you hire a contractor. We have a number of services and tips to help ensure that your construction project is successful.
Hire Only Licensed Contractors
The most important tip is making sure the contractor you hire is licensed. By law, anyone in California who contracts to perform work that is valued at $500 or more for materials and labor must hold a current, valid license from the CSLB. There are 43 different types of licenses, including general and specialty contractors.
General Building Contractors ("B" License)
These contractors usually oversee projects and coordinate the specific subcontractors for a job. A general building contractor may also contract for specialty work, but must hold a specialty license for that work or have a specialty contractor do the work.
Specialty Contractors ("C" Licenses)
These contractors are hired to perform a single job. For example, if you want only roofing or plumbing work, you should hire a contractor licensed in that particular specialty. To learn more about specialty contractors and for a list of the different specialties, clck the link below.
Ask to See the Contractor's License
Before hiring any contractor, you should ask to see his or her pocket license, along with picture identification. Make sure the names match. Write down the license number and check it here on the CSLB Web site or by calling the CSLB's automated license check phone system. The number is 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
Checking the Status of a Contractor's License Online
There are three ways for you to check the status of a contractor's license on this Web site.
- Check by the Contractor's business name
- Check by their license number
- Check by Personnel name
The CSLB also offers a number of guides and publications to help you along the way. The most popular is What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor.
For a complete list of the CSLB's consumer-related publications or to get information on how to file a complaint, should you have any problems with your project, visit the CSLB's Home Page.
Special thanks for this article to the CSLB and their continued efforts to protect the consumer and quality trade professionals.
