How to Choose a Licensed Contractor in Los Angeles: The Complete Checklist

Before signing any contract, verify these 10 items:

1. Valid California Contractor's License Verify at cslb.ca.gov. Look for:
• Active status
• Correct classification for your project (B = General, C-36 = Plumbing, C-10 = Electrical)
• No disciplinary actions
• Workers' compensation insurance on file

2. Proper Insurance
• General liability (minimum $1M)
• Workers' compensation (required if they have employees)
• Ask for a Certificate of Insurance — call the insurer to verify it's current

3. Physical Business Address A legitimate contractor has a real office or shop — not just a P.O. box or cell phone number.

4. Written Estimate with Detailed Scope The estimate should itemize:
• Materials (brand, model, quantity)
• Labor
• Permits and fees
• Timeline
• Payment schedule

5. References from Recent Projects Ask for 3–5 references from the past 12 months. Call them and ask:
• Was the project completed on time?
• Were there unexpected costs?
• Would you hire them again?

Walk away if you see any of these warning signs:

Immediate red flags:
• Demands large upfront payment (more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less — California law)
• No written contract
• Pressures you to sign immediately ("this price is only good today")
• Can't provide license number
• Wants to be paid only in cash
• Shows up unsolicited after a storm or disaster

Yellow flags:
• No online presence or reviews
• Won't provide references
• Significantly cheaper than other bids (often means cutting corners)
• Vague about timeline or scope
• Doesn't mention permits
• Uses a personal vehicle with no company branding

California has strong consumer protection laws for home improvement:

Down payment limits: A contractor cannot legally request more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price (whichever is less) as a down payment.

Right to cancel: You have 3 business days to cancel any home improvement contract signed at your home.

Lien releases: Contractors must provide unconditional lien releases with each payment, protecting you from subcontractor claims.

Contract requirements: California law requires written contracts for any project over $500, including:
• Contractor's license number
• Start and completion dates
• Description of work
• Total price
• Payment schedule
• Notice of 3-day right to cancel

Filing complaints: If a contractor violates these laws, file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) at 1-800-321-CSLB.

Getting multiple bids is smart — but comparing them requires looking beyond the bottom line:

Compare apples to apples:
• Are all bids based on the same scope of work?
• Are material specifications the same? ("granite countertops" vs. "Level 3 Cambria quartz" are very different)
• Do all bids include permits?
• What's included in "labor" — demolition? Cleanup? Haul-away?

The cheapest bid isn't always the best:
• Extremely low bids often mean the contractor is: - Cutting corners on materials - Not pulling permits - Underinsured or uninsured - Planning to hit you with change orders later - Desperate for work (potential quality issues)

The sweet spot: Look for the bid that's detailed, comprehensive, and in the middle range. A good contractor's price reflects fair labor rates, quality materials, proper insurance, and permit compliance.

Ask every contractor these questions:

1. "What is your license number and classification?" (Verify at cslb.ca.gov)
2. "Will you pull all required permits?" (The answer must be yes)
3. "Who will be on-site daily supervising the work?"
4. "What is your payment schedule?" (Should align with milestones, not upfront)
5. "How do you handle change orders?" (Should be in writing, signed by both parties)
6. "What warranty do you provide?" (Industry standard: 1–2 years on workmanship)
7. "Can I see 3 similar projects you've completed recently?"
8. "What's your timeline, and what could cause delays?"
9. "Do you use subcontractors? Are they licensed and insured?"
10. "What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?"

A professional contractor will answer these confidently and provide documentation.

Here's how Times Square Remodeling meets every item on this checklist:

- License: Active California Contractor License #953868 (General Building B)
• Insurance: Fully insured with general liability and workers' compensation
• Experience: 15+ years serving Greater Los Angeles
• Reviews: BBB A+ Accredited, 4.6 Google rating, 4.0 Yelp rating
• Permits: We handle all permit applications and inspections — included in every estimate
• Written estimates: Detailed, itemized proposals with clear scope and timeline
• References: 90+ project photos and videos on our website from real completed jobs
• Warranty: Written workmanship warranty on all projects
• Financing: Certified PACE contractor through Renew Financial
• Communication: Dedicated project manager for every job

We believe transparency builds trust. That's why we publish our license number, show real project photos, and encourage you to verify everything.