Regardless of which action you plan to take, the first step is to file a complaint against the contractor with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — whether the contractor is licensed or unlicensed.

CSLB complaints are investigated, and any violations or illegal activity are recorded on the contractor’s public license record for future homeowners to see. The CSLB does not charge a fee to file a complaint.

While the CSLB cannot recover money for you, filing a complaint is often required before pursuing other remedies, such as bond claims or small claims court. In some cases, the CSLB may also attempt to contact the contractor to encourage completion of work or correction of violations.

Not sure how or when to file a complaint?  We can prepare the paperwork for you. Learn more on the Services Offered page.

If the contractor is licensed and bonded, you may be able to recover money by filing a claim against their contractor’s bond.

A bond claim can be used when a contractor:

• Took payment and failed to complete the work

• Performed work improperly or caused damage

• Violated the terms of the contract
  
  

Bond claims are submitted to the contractor’s bonding company and must meet specific requirements and deadlines. If approved, payment is made from the bond — not directly by the contractor. Bond claims do not cost money to file.

Bond claims are often overlooked or filed incorrectly, which can delay or prevent recovery. Filing a claim against their surety bond is one of the best ways to recover lost money.

Need help?  We can prepare the bond claim paperwork for you and help you submit it correctly. Learn more on the Services page.

If the contractor is unlicensed or you are unable to recover full compansation through a bond, small claims court is often the next step to pursue repayment.

Small claims court allows homeowners to:

• Seek repayment for money paid to a contractor

• Recover costs for incomplete or defective work

• Hold unlicensed contractors financially accountable
  
  

The process requires proper documentation, filing the correct forms, and notifying the contractor. While attorneys are not allowed in small claims court, being organized and having the right paperwork greatly improves your chances of success.

Even if a bond amount is awarded, it may not come close to the total damages that were incurred.  In that case you would also file a small claims case to recover the rest of the damages. There is a small charge to file a small claims case. If you are on a fixed income you may qualify for a fee waiver.  In that case you do not need to put out any more money to file a small claims case.

Need help?  We can prepare the small claims forms and organize your documentation so you can present your case clearly and confidently. Learn more on the Services page.

Many homeowners feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure where to start after being ripped off by a contractor. Choosing to do nothing may feel like the easiest option in the moment, but it almost always results in no recovery, no accountability, and no record of the misconduct. The contractor keeps your money and is free to repeat the same behavior with the next homeowner. Taking action—whether through a complaint, bond claim, or court filing—creates a paper trail and gives you a real chance to recover losses. 

If the process feels intimidating or confusing, that’s where we can help. Check out the Services Offered page for more information.