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       Review any complaint disclosures or disciplinary actions, if available

Step 2: Verify Insurance

ƒ       General liability & workers’ compensation

ƒ       Keep a copy of their insurance certificate

Step 3: Get a Written Contract

ƒ       Scope of work, materials, price, timeline

ƒ       Payment schedule (upfront payment cannot exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less). 

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       Confirm who pulls the permits. Avoid acting as the owner-builder unless you fully understand the responsibilities. 

ƒ       Make sure inspections are planned

Step 7: 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 excessive or full upfront payment