Contractors - Hiring in California

In California when you hire someone to perform work on your property...check this out--
"A contractor's license issued by the State of California Contractors State License Board is required when the work is to be performed by someone other than the property owner and is valued over $500.00 including labor and material."
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/owner-builder.asp
The State Contractors License Board" in California is an invaluable resource to protect yourself by checking out an individual or company in California.
How do you find out if someone is licensed in good standing?
Go here to check
By Personnel Name http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/Personnel+Request.asp
By Company Name http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/Name+Request.asp
By number (you might see on advertising) http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/License+Request.asp
Inquiry hours online are:
Inquiry Hours (PST)Mon-Sat 6:00 AM-1:30 AMSun 6:00 AM-8:30 PM


Are you unsure of what you should know before you hire a contractor?
What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor
Some ideas to help you know if your contractor measures up!
Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up
What should your Home Improvement Contract cover?
Should there be a time limit?
What if s/he wants all the money up front?
Who gets the permits?
What about insurance?
Terms of Agreement - A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts
The person I spoke with says I can save money by being an "Owner Builer".


Go to these pages and read carefully for everything you need to know!
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractorEd/FreeInfoPostcard.asp
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/services/guides.asp

Don't just read...be sure to follow the advice to check out licensing and all insurances by contacting (or receiving from) the insurance company itself all insurance proof.