Hiring a licensed contractor can make your project go smoother and may protect you legally. When applying for a permit you or your contractor must declare one of the following:
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They are either exempt from the Contractor's State License Law or
- They or their employees will do all of the work, and that the project is not for sale or
- They are exclusively contracting with a licensed Contractor
Workers' Compensation:
Applicants must also make declarations about workers' compensation:
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That they will maintain a certificate of consent to self-insure
- Will maintain workers' compensation insurance
- Will not employ any person in any manner so as to become subject to the workers' compensation laws of California
Contractor's State Licensing Board:
Contractors are licensed through the
California Contractor's State License Board. Verify if a contractor is licensed and up-to-date on their Workman's Compensation Insurance and more by
checking license.
General Advice About Using Contractors:
- Hire only state-licensed contractors.
- Check a contractor's license number online or by calling 1 800-321-2752.
- Get at least three bids.
- Get three references from each bidder and review past work in person.
- Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms.
- Confirm that the contractor has workers' compensation insurance for employees.
- Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. Don't pay in cash
- Don't let payments get ahead of the work.
- Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments.
- Don't make the final payment until you're satisfied with the job and the permit is finaled.
Owner Builder Information:
Are you acting as an Owner Builder?
Owner Builder Benefits and Risks
Notice to Property Owner as Owner Builder
