Property owners, including consumers, business owners, and governmental agencies, routinely have need for qualified construction contractors to construct various types of private and public projects, from new construction to remodeling and rehabilitation. Such owners are well aware that California law requires that anyone doing such work must be properly licensed by The Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

To legally perform construction work, however, it is not enough for a contractor just to have a contractor's license; that license must be issued for the specific type (or classification) of work that is to be done. A licensed Plumbing Contractor, for example, may not contract for roof repairs, electrical work, or other work not specifically identified by CSLB as applicable for the plumbing classification. Contractors working out of their license classification are subject to disciplinary action by CSLB.

Many contractors are qualified in more than one field of construction and, accordingly, have applied for and been issued Supplemental License Classifications. These additional classifications are all attached to the same contractor's license number and the contractor is thus allowed to contract for work in any and all of his/her licensed classifications.

Private owners and public agencies should always verify that contractors with whom they intend to contract are (1) properly licensed by CSLB and (2) possess the necessary license classifications for the work proposed.

Upon request, the CSLB provides information about a licensed contractors license and bond status. The Contractors State License Board has offices throughout California. For the phone number and address of the office nearest you, call the Board’s toll-free automated information number: 1 (800) 321-CSLB or (916) 255-3900.

You can also visit the Contractors State License Board’s website, for more information.