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Before you hire a restoration contractor

California licenses contractors through the Contractors State License Board. The checks below come from the board's own consumer pages.

(951) 507-1096

Tap to call. Say your ZIP code and what happened.

A moisture meter pressed against a painted wall to read how wet the drywall is

Checks the board recommends

  1. Look up the license

    Check status online at the board's license page or by phone at (800) 321-CSLB (2752). The board points out that seeing a license number does not mean the license is valid.

  2. Match the person to the license

    Ask for the pocket license and a photo ID, and make sure the name matches.

  3. Ask about salespeople

    A home improvement salesperson should show a registration card and photo ID.

  4. Confirm an address and phone

    The license lookup shows an address of record.

  5. Ask about insurance

    Ask for a certificate of insurance, and for workers' compensation if the contractor has employees.

Contracts

California requires a written contract for home improvement work above a small job threshold. The contract should list the contractor's name, address and license number, the scope of work, the price, the payment schedule, who gets permits and the completion date. Do not sign a blank or partly blank contract.

The board says a down payment should not exceed 10 percent of the contract price or a fixed cap, whichever is less, unless the contractor has a blanket performance and payment bond on file. You can generally cancel within three days of signing; read the board's contract page for the exceptions.

Bids and low offers

The board suggests getting at least three written bids based on the same scope, and says not to accept a bid just because the price is low. An unusually low bid from an unlicensed operator is a risk, not a saving.

  • Ask what is included and what is not.
  • Ask who will be at the house and how many days equipment will run.
  • Ask what happens if more damage turns up after walls are opened.

What a referral site cannot tell you

The board's fact sheet says a referral service may connect customers with licensed contractors, but may not solicit or negotiate contracts for them, and the customer should contract and pay the contractor directly. This site works that way. It cannot vouch for any contractor.

The board's check-a-license tool is at cslb.ca.gov.

Water in the house right now?

Call, give your ZIP code, and say what happened. You will be connected with an independent restoration contractor. Calling early gives you more choices than calling after the damage has spread.

(951) 507-1096