Questions to ask a contractor

CSLB says contractors must show their license number on business cards, bids and contracts, and suggests checking the pocket license against a photo ID. Source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor

A license number on a card does not mean the license is valid. Look it up on the CSLB site. Source: CSLB: Check a license, CSLB: Finding the right contractor

CSLB says home improvement salespeople must be registered, and suggests asking to see the registration card. Source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor

CSLB says a contractor with employees must carry workers' compensation, and some license types must carry it even without employees. Source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor

CSLB notes general liability is not required, and that the contract must describe both kinds of insurance. Source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor

CSLB says licensed contractors must have a license bond, and that bonds do not cover everything. Source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor

CSLB says a contract should cover the work, price, payment timing, who gets permits and when the job will be finished. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements

CSLB advises being as specific as possible about materials. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements

CSLB says the contract should state who gets the necessary permits. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements

CSLB suggests the contract include everything agreed, up to complete cleanup and debris removal. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements

CSLB says changes to work, materials, dates or price should be written on a change order. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements

CSLB describes a right to cancel within a short window after signing, and says cancellation must be in writing. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements

California limits home improvement down payments. CSLB explains the limit and the rare bond exception. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements

CSLB says only contractors with this rare bond can ask for more up front, and you can see it on the license lookup. Source: CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements, CSLB: Check a license

CSLB suggests these as references to check whether a contractor is reliable. Source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor

CSLB suggests confirming a current address and phone, and notes the license lookup shows an address of record. Source: CSLB: Finding the right contractor, CSLB: Check a license