How much can a California contractor ask for upfront?

Avoid paying in cash. Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10 percent of the total cost of the job or $1,000, whichever is less. * (This applies to any home improvement project, including swimming pools.) Stick to your schedule of payments and don’t let payments get ahead of the completed work.

How long will the California contractors State License Board hold a contractor responsible for observable defects?

CSLB has up to four years from the date of violation, and up to ten years for some hidden structural defects.

What happens if you dont have a contractor license in California?

A first offense is punishable by up to six months in jail, a $5,000 fine, as well as administrative fines between $200 and $15,000. A second offense is a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine for up to 20 percent of the contract up to $5,000. California is also very clear on payment disputes involving contractors without licenses.

Where can I Find my contractor license in California?

Through the California Contractors State License Board website (which you can find here), you can actually access the licensed contractor database. This allows you to look up any potential contractor to search the status of the contractor’s license.

What does it mean to be a contractor in California?

Contractor licensing in California is a function of the Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB). Established in 1929, this governing body’s primary goal is to protect consumers from predatory contractors and fly-by-night crews. The CSLB works to establish trade standards, ethics, and sound business practices in the state.

Do you need contractors license or handyman license?

There is a world of difference between estimating smaller handyman jobs than that of a licensed contractor. It takes years of practice, and a sound working knowledge of materials and blueprints. Most good handymen should never really need to get a contractors license because there are plenty of smaller scale jobs out there.

Who is the employer of a construction worker in California?

Under California law, a contractor, licensed or unlicensed, who engages the services of unlicensed subcontractors or construction workers is, by specific statute, the employer of those unlicensed subcontractors or workers, even if the subcontractors or workers are independent contractors under the usual common law rules.