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How to Check a California Licensed Contractor

, September 10, 2024 / Written by: Bradco Kitchens & Baths
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September 10, 2024
Written by: Bradco Kitchens & Baths

In the construction industry, verifying a contractor's credentials is crucial to ensuring you receive quality work for your construction project. Hiring unlicensed contractors can put your business and facility at risk, making it more vulnerable to legal and safety issues. Partnering with reputable companies like Bradco Kitchen ensures you work with professionals who adhere to industry standards and regulations.

According to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), any individual who bids on a construction contract worth $500 or more in labor and materials must hold an active contractor registration with an active license from the State of California. To confirm this, the online database provided by the CSLB is your primary resource for checking a contractor's licensed info. This database will provide you with essential details, such as when the contractor acquired their professional license, business entity types, their types of insurance, and any current or past civil actions, legal issues, or safety citations against their company.

You should check the contractor’s adherence to regulatory licensing and licensing requirements for thorough verification. Ensuring they are an insured contractor with active coverage and comply with public safety measures can further help determine their reliability and professionalism. Additionally, reviewing their business record and history of personnel can provide insight into the contractor’s experience and past performance, which is especially important in identifying any potential scams or breaches of contractor laws. Evaluating their approach to various construction activities, such as kitchen remodeling, cooperation with legislators, and adherence to all code updates, is crucial for legal and safe operations.

Additionally, check whether the contractor is a qualifying individual listed on the license and verify their personnel history to assess the company’s overall reliability. This also involves understanding their licensing process to ensure they meet all regulatory standards. This ensures that you deal with skilled professionals who adhere to contractor laws and safety protocols.

Check Online

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1.  Visit the California Contractors State License Board.

Look for the menu option on the left that says "Instant License Check."

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2.  Search by the contractor's license number.

Find the contractor’s six-digit license number on printed materials like advertisements, estimates, or business cards. A California contractor must include their license info on all printed materials by law. Alternatively, you can search using the contractor's first and last name or company name. Ensure their social security or other identification is handy if additional verification is needed. You can also use the lookup tool to check the contractor's license status to ensure it is active and valid.

3.  Click the contractor's name to examine the license history.

Click on the contractor’s name to view their license history. If multiple results appear, refine your search by the city where the contractor operates. Verify the type of work they are licensed to perform, the license status (active or inactive), and their insurance and bond details. An insured contractor will carry adequate workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring compliance with safety standards and protecting you from legal liability in case of on-the-job injuries.

Additionally, check for construction citations to assess their adherence to industry regulations. Note if the contractor is exempt from workers’ compensation insurance, as this indicates they are working alone or without subcontractors.

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4.  Ensure the contractor has workers' compensation insurance for employees.

You could be liable for any on-the-job injuries workers incur if they don't. If it is noted that the license holder is exempt from workers' compensation insurance, be alert, as this means the contractor has stated to the California Contractors State License Board that they are working alone and have no workers or are not using subcontractors. Additionally, verify the types of insurance they carry and confirm with their insurance company to ensure adequate coverage and prevent issues with fraudulent insurance coverage, especially for any improvement contract.

Be sure to review the hour requirements for insurance coverage to ensure compliance. Also, check their application status to ensure they are up-to-date with all licensing requirements and are in good standing with their current contractor association.

5.  Look for judgments against the contractor.

Look for any public complaints or complaint disclosure, as well as public records of civil actions against the contractor, to gauge their reputation and adherence to quality construction standards. This step helps you verify the contractor's history of personnel of record and their commitment to industry standards. Additionally, it helps identify if the contractor is a qualifying individual or has a qualifying partner who meets all regulatory requirements. You should also review any file complaints to assess their responsiveness to customer issues.

It is also important to ensure the contractor follows public safety measures and has no outstanding safety citations. This reflects their commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, which is crucial for current contractors operating in the construction industry and complying with CSLB license requirements. Additionally, staying informed through discussions on contractor regulations can provide further insights into the contractor's adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance. Be aware of prime contractor liability issues, as they can affect your responsibility in case of safety breaches or accidents.

Also, any complaints against contractors should be reviewed to assess their history and reputation. Crucial reminder: Thoroughly vet your contractor to avoid potential issues and ensure a safe, compliant working environment.

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  • Telephone the CLSB at 800-321-2752. This allows you to check contractor's licenses using an automated voice system.
  • Press the number 1. This enables you to check the validity and history of a contractor's license.
  • Press the number 1 again. Next, enter the license number. A license only has numerals, not letters.
  • Review the license information provided. The automated system shares the same contractor license and personnel histories that are available on the CSLB website.

If you don't know the license number, speak with an agent. Press the numeral 2, then 9, to transfer your call to a live agent who can answer questions Monday through Friday during business hours. For a complete list of the contractor's qualifications, including their history of personnel, consider contacting the CSLB directly. Engaging in discussions on contractor regulations and rule updates can also provide additional context about the contractor's compliance with current industry standards.

BRCONI INC dba B & R CONSTRUCTION INC is proud to uphold an impeccable record with the CSLB. As a qualifying individual with an active license, we maintain $1 million in liability insurance and ensure that all our workers are covered with appropriate workers’ compensation insurance. We also provide proof of insurance to verify our coverage. Our commitment to construction industry standards, safety standards, and quality construction reflects our dedication to excellence in construction activities, providing services with skilled professionals, and maintaining an exceptional record in the license database.

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