Before you hire a contractor

Your before you hire checklist

1. Ask if the job needs a permit, and who pulls it.
2. Check the contractor license on the CSLB website.
3. Get at least two written quotes with line items.
4. Ask what is not included: haul away, patching, painting, permit fees.
5. California law limits a home improvement down payment to $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less, including for swimming pools (Bus. & Prof. Code 7159). There is no exception for special-order materials. Payments after that cannot get ahead of the work done or materials delivered. Sources: Bus. & Prof. Code 7159(d)(8)(C), CSLB: Home Improvement Contracts.
6. Get the start date, finish date and payment schedule in writing.

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