How to Check a California Licensed Contractor
According to the California State License Board (CSLB), any person who bids on a construction contract worth $500 or more of labor and materials must have a current contractor’s license from the State of California. The CSLB is the first place to check a CA licensed contractor. You’ll learn critical information about a contractor such as when the person acquired their license, how much insurance they carry and if the individual has any current or past legal actions against their company. Further research such as contacting former clients and inspecting work quality can also help determine the quality of a California contractor.
Check Online
1. Visit the California Contractors State License Board. Look for the menu option on the left that says “Instant License Check.”
2. Search by the contractor’s license number. Locate your vendor’s six-digit license on any printed materials such as advertisements, an estimate worksheet or business card. By law a California contractor must include their license number on all printed materials.
Another way you can search for the contractor in this website option is by typing the
person’s first and last name or company name.
3. Click the contractor’s name to examine the license history. Several people with the same name may appear. If so, search for the city where you believe your contractor resides.
Verify when the contractor obtained a license and what type of construction work they are licensed to perform. Notice if the license is currently active and how much insurance and bonds they carry.
4. Ensure the contractor has workers compensation insurance for employees. If they don’t, you can be liable for any on-the-job injuries incurred by workers. If it is noted that the Contractor is exempt from workers compensation insurance be alert as this means that the contractor has stated to the California Contractors State License Board that he is working alone and that he has no workers or not using subcontractors.
5. Look for judgments against the contractor. Verify there are no public complaints or civil actions against substandard work.
Check by Phone
1. Telephone the CLSB at 800-321-2752. This allows you to check contractor’s licenses using an automated voice system.
2. Press the number 1. This enables you to check the validity and history of a contractor’s license.
3. Press the number 1 again. Next, enter the license number. A license only has numerals, not letters.
4. Review the license information provided. The automated system shares the same contractor license histories available on the CLSB website.
Speak with an agent if you don’t know the license number. Press the numeral 2, then 9 to transfer your call to a live agent who can answer questions Monday through Friday during business hours.
BRCONI INC dba B & R CONSTRUCTION INC
Is proud to maintain an impeccable record with the CLSB at all times. We carry $1million liability insurance and all our workers are insured with proper workers compensation insurance