Guides & answers

California C-39 Roofing Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Workers' Comp

California C-39 roofing contractor license: what it permits, how to verify a roofer, and the workers' comp rule that applies to every C-39.

California C-20 HVAC Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Workers' Comp

California C-20 HVAC contractor license: what it permits, what HVAC work needs a licensed contractor, and the workers' comp rule for C-20.

How to Avoid Contractor Scams in California

How to avoid contractor scams in California: verify the CSLB license first, watch for cash-only deals and big deposits, and get everything in writing.

What to Check Before Hiring a Contractor in California

What to check before hiring a contractor in California: an active CSLB license, the right classification, the $25,000 bond, workers' comp, and insurance.

What to Do If a Contractor Isn't Licensed in California

What to do if a contractor isn't licensed in California: check their CSLB status, know the risks, report them, and how to get your money back.

California C-36 Plumbing Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Workers' Comp

California C-36 plumbing contractor license: what it covers, what plumbing work needs a licensed contractor, and how to verify a plumber's CSLB license.

California C-10 Electrical Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and the Two Credentials to Check

Verify a California electrician: the C-10 license covers the business, DIR certification covers the worker. Scope, solar and battery rules, how to check both.

California C-27 Landscaping Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Contractor vs. Architect

California C-27 landscaping contractor license: what it covers, landscape contractor vs. landscape architect, and how to verify a landscaper.

California C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Workers' Comp

California C-49 tree and palm license: what it covers, the legacy D-49 code, why an ISA arborist is not a license, and how to verify a tree service.

California C-46 Solar Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Spotting Solar Scams

California C-46 solar contractor license: what it covers, C-46 vs. C-10 for battery storage, and how to verify a solar company before you sign.

California Class B General Building Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and What It Covers

California Class B general building license: what a B contractor covers, its single-trade limits, and how to check one is licensed and insured.

California C-29 Masonry Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Unlicensed-Work Limits

California C-29 masonry contractor license: what it covers, how it overlaps concrete and paver work, and how to verify a mason before you hire.

California C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Build vs. Service

California C-53 swimming pool contractor license: what it covers, whether a general contractor can build a pool, and how to verify a pool builder.

California C-33 Painting Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Lead-Safe (RRP) Rules

California C-33 painting contractor license: what it covers, when a small job needs a license, and the EPA Lead-Safe rule for pre-1978 homes.

California C-13 Fencing Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Permit vs. License

California C-13 fencing contractor license: what it covers, why a fence permit is not the same as a license, and how to verify a fence contractor.

California D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance License: Scope, Verification, and When Your Pool Service Needs One

California C-61/D-35 pool and spa maintenance license: what it covers, when a pool service needs a license, and how it differs from C-53.

California C-8 Concrete Contractor License: Scope, Verification, and Workers' Comp

California C-8 concrete contractor license: what it covers, the permit question for driveways and patios, and the no-exemption workers' comp rule.

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Contractor in California: What Work Needs a License

What needs a licensed contractor in California: the $1,000 threshold (AB 2622, 2025), the minor-work exemption's limits, and the penalties for unlicensed work.

How do I verify a California contractor's license?

Verify a California contractor's license: confirm the CSLB status is Active, the classification fits your job, and the bond is on file. Free, step by step.

What does an "active" CSLB license mean?

An active CSLB license means a contractor is currently authorized to work in California. What active, inactive, suspended, expired, and revoked each mean.

How do I check if a contractor is licensed and insured in California?

How to check a California contractor is licensed and insured: confirm the CSLB status, bond, and workers' comp, then verify a liability insurance certificate.

How do I check if a California contractor is bonded?

How to check if a California contractor is bonded: each profile shows the $25,000 contractor bond on file in the CSLB record, required under B&P Code §7071.6.

Licensed vs. bonded vs. insured: what's the difference?

Licensed vs. bonded vs. insured in California: licensed means CSLB-authorized, bonded is a $25,000 guarantee, insured means workers' comp and liability.

What is the $25,000 California contractor bond?

The $25,000 California contractor bond: required by B&P Code §7071.6, it is a limited guarantee against licensing-law violations, not insurance.

Do California contractors need workers' compensation insurance?

Do California contractors need workers' comp? With employees, yes. C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, and C-61/D-49 need it even with none; all licensees will by 2028.

What work requires a licensed contractor in California?

What work needs a licensed contractor in California? Any job where labor, materials, and all other items total $1,000 or more, raised from $500 by AB 2622.

How do I check for complaints or disciplinary history against a contractor?

How to check a California contractor's complaints and disciplinary history: CSLB's license page lists resolved citations, suspensions, and revocations only.

What are the red flags when hiring a contractor?

Red flags when hiring a contractor: no verifiable CSLB license, a status that isn't active, large cash deposits, and no written contract.

What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor?

The risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor in California: no $25,000 bond, no CSLB complaint process, and possible liability for injuries.

What is a C-39 roofing license in California?

What a C-39 roofing license is in California: the CSLB classification for roofing contractors, what it permits, and its workers' comp rule.