Selecting a Contractor in California

What Kind Do You Need?

There are 42 different types of contractor licenses, including general and specialty contractors.  General building contractors usually oversee projects and coordinate the specific subcontractors for a job.  Specialty or subcontractors usually are hired to perform a single job.  For example, if you want only roofing or plumbing work, you may want to hire a contractor licensed in that particular specialty.  A general building contractor may also contract for specialty work, but must hold a specialty license for that work or actually have a specialty contractor do the work.  If the job requires more than two types of work on a building, then it is appropriate for a licensed general building contractor to contract for and oversee the entire project.  For example, if your remodeling project will involve the performance of plumbing, electrical and carpentry work under one contract, a licensed general building contractor should be hired.

Under those circumstances, a general building contractor may perform all of the work on a building, or have specialty subcontractors do all or part of the scope of work for which they are licensed.

One of the best ways to select a licensed contractor is to seek out personal recommendations from friends or business acquaintances who recently had work of the type you want completed.

If the work you are considering is valued at $500 or more, a valid California Contractor's License is required for the license category in which the contractor is to work.  If you contract with someone who does not have a license, the Contractors Board may not be able to assist you with a resolution to a complaint, and a remedy against an unlicensed contractor may be available only in civil court. This is one more good reason to work only with licensed contractors!

Check The Contractor's License

Is the contractor properly licensed?  In California, any job that costs $500 or more for material and labor must be performed by a contractor who holds a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board in the specialty for which he or she is contracting.

Ask to see the contractor's pocket license and some additional form of identification.  The name on the pocket license should be the same as the name of the contractor or business name under which the contractor is working.

It is illegal for one contractor to use another contractor's license, just as it is illegal for someone to use another's driver's license.

When you establish that the contractor's or company's name matches what appears on the pocket license issued by the Contractors State License Board, call the Board's toll-free number, (800) 321-CSLB, or check their web site, www.cslb.ca.gov, to find out if the license is valid.

Finally, if the contractor is operating with a valid license, you may also want to find out whether the person is a member of a professional or trade association that has a code of ethics or standards for its trade. You may want to contact the local chapter of the association to see whether it will act as an intermediary in case of disputes, or arrange for an impartial arbitrator. If you want an arbitration clause in your contract, make sure the contractor you are considering will agree to arbitrate any disputes that arise out of the contract. 

Bryluen is a Licensed Contractor
	Bryluen is a licensed Class B - General Building Contractor with the State of California.   License number 808076.  Bryluen also holds a Home Improvement Certificate.  We can provide estimates or bids for your projects, and we are also available as a consultant to make recommendations and help you manage your entire project.