Guides & answers

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

A guide to the California C-39 roofing contractor license: what it permits, what roofing work requires it, how to verify a roofer, and the workers' comp rule for C-39.

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

A guide to the California C-20 HVAC contractor license: what it permits, what HVAC work requires it, how to verify a contractor, and the SB 216 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 upfront deposits, get everything in writing, and never overpay.

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, insurance, references, and a written contract.

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

What to do if a contractor isn't licensed in California (or you suspect they aren't): verify their status on CSLB, understand the risks, and report unlicensed activity to CSLB.

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

A guide to the California C-36 plumbing contractor license: what it covers, what plumbing work requires it, whether individual plumbers need a license, and how to verify one.

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

A guide to the California C-10 electrical contractor license: what it covers, the two credentials to check (CSLB C-10 vs. DIR certification), solar and battery rules, and verification.

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

A guide to the California C-27 landscaping contractor license: what it covers, the difference between a landscape contractor and a landscape architect, and how to verify one.

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

A guide to the California C-49 tree and palm contractor 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

A guide to the California C-46 solar contractor license: what it covers, C-46 vs. C-10 and battery storage, how to verify a solar company, and how to spot a solar scam.

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

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

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

A guide to the California C-29 masonry contractor license: what it covers, how it overlaps concrete and paver work, what an unlicensed mason may legally do, and how to verify one.

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

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

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

A guide to the California C-33 painting contractor license: what it covers, when a small job needs a license, the EPA Lead-Safe (RRP) rule for pre-1978 homes, and how to verify a painter.

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

A guide to the California C-13 fencing contractor license: what it covers, why a fence permit isn't the same as a license, how it differs from masonry walls, and how to verify a fence contractor.

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

A guide to the California C-61/D-35 pool and spa maintenance license: what it covers, when a pool service legally needs a license, how it differs from C-53, and how to verify one.

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

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

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

What work needs a licensed contractor in California: the $1,000 threshold (AB 2622 raised it from $500 in 2025), the minor-work exemption, and what you give up by hiring unlicensed.

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. Here's 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 request a current 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 is workers' comp and liability cover. The differences.

What is the $25,000 California contractor bond?

The $25,000 California contractor bond explained: required by B&P Code §7071.6, it's a limited guarantee against licensing-law violations — not insurance. How claims work.

Do California contractors need workers' compensation insurance?

Do California contractors need workers' comp? With employees, yes. C-39, C-8, C-20, C-22, and D-49 must carry it regardless — and all licensees must by Jan 1, 2028.

What work requires a licensed contractor in California?

What work needs a licensed contractor in California? Any job of $1,000+ in labor and materials, raised from $500 on Jan 1, 2025 under AB 2622 (B&P Code §7048).

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-detail page lists resolved citations, suspensions, and revocations — not pending complaints.

What are the red flags when hiring a contractor?

Red flags when hiring a contractor: no verifiable license, a status that isn't Active, big cash deposits, no written contract, and high-pressure offers. What to watch for.

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, possible liability for injuries, and harder recovery for bad work.

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 the workers' comp rule that applies to all roofers.