Choosing a Contractor
First time using a contractor? Check out these easy steps from the California Contractors State License Board to ensure you work with someone who is qualified, licensed, and capable of doing the job.
- Make sure your contractor is licensed.
All contractors' advertisements must have the contractor's state license number. You can check license status online or call 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). - Shop around.
Get at least three written bids on your project, and make sure you're comparing apples to apples. This is one of the largest investments you will make. Be informed. - Ask for personal recommendations.
Ask friends and family to learn if they’ve completed similar projects. Other good references include architects, real estate brokers, designers, subcontractors such as electricians and plumbers, your city or county building department, and the Better Business Bureau. - Verify the contractor's business location and telephone number.
A contractor who operates a business out of the back of a pickup truck with a cellular telephone may be difficult to find to complete a job or fix something that has gone wrong after the last bill is paid. - Verify the contractor's workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage.
In California, if a contractor has employees, they're required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance, or ask for the name of the contractor's insurance carrier and agency to verify that the contractor has the insurance.
Ask how much liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance they have and if they’ve had any recent claims. A claim could imply unsafe building practices and conditions. Javier Rice Construction has not had a liability or workers’ compensation claim in 10 years. - Ask for references.
We provide three—including the project we’re currently working on. Anyone can come up with three favorable references; if your current client is happy, that speaks volumes.
