Homeowner Checklist

Homeowner’s Contractor Checklist

Hire with Confidence & Protect Your Home

   Before You Hire:

Step 1: Check Licensing        

ƒ       Verify the contractor at CSLB.ca.gov

ƒ       Make sure there are no unresolved complaints

Step 2: Verify Insurance

ƒ       General liability & workers’ compensation

ƒ       Keep a copy of their certificate

Step 3: Get a Written Contract

ƒ       Scope of work, materials, price, timeline

ƒ       Include payment schedule (≤ $1,000 or 10% upfront whichever is lower)

Step 4: Compare Quotes

ƒ       Get 3+ quotes

ƒ       Avoid unusually low bids

Step 5: Check References & Past Work

ƒ       Ask for 2–3 references

ƒ       Look at photos of completed projects

Step 6: Confirm Permits

ƒ       Who is pulling permits? Contractor or owner?

ƒ       Make sure inspections are planned

Step 8: Pay Safely

ƒ       Pay in stages tied to milestones

ƒ       Always get receipts

Watch Out for Scams:

ƒ       Pressure to sign immediately

ƒ       Extremely low prices or leftover materials

ƒ       Requests for full upfront payment