How to Choose a Licensed General Contractor in Los Angeles

Step 1 — Look up the licence on CSLB

In California, any job worth $500 or more in labour and materials must be done by a licensed contractor. Search the licence number on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website and read the whole record, not just the status line.

• Status: it should say current and active.
• Classifications: a B General Building licence for multi-trade work; a specialty licence such as C-15 Flooring for that trade.
• Bond: the record shows whether a contractor's bond is on file.
• Workers' compensation: either a policy, or an exemption stating the contractor has no employees.
• Business name and address: they should match the contract you are given.

Step 2 — Ask about insurance separately

The CSLB record shows workers' compensation but not general liability insurance. If liability coverage matters to you, ask for a certificate of insurance and check its dates.

Step 3 — Get a written contract

California home improvement contracts must be in writing and include a description of the work, the price, a payment schedule and a notice of your right to cancel. The down payment on a home improvement contract is limited to 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.

Step 4 — Make sure permits are in the contractor's name

In the City of Los Angeles, permits are issued by the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS); cities such as Santa Monica, Malibu, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach have their own departments. A contractor who asks you to pull an owner-builder permit is shifting the responsibility — and the liability — to you.

Red flags

Walk away if you see any of these:

• Cash only, or a large payment before any work starts.
• No written contract, or a licence number that doesn't match the name on it.
• Pressure to sign the same day.
• A request that you get the permits yourself.