The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) plays a vital role in protecting consumers from dishonest contractors. It also ensures that contractors are licensed and have the necessary experience to conduct construction work.
CSLB’s main functions include licensing contractors, setting regulations, investigating complaints, and conducting sting operations. It also educates consumers, offering guides and tips on hiring a contractor.
CSLB’s Role
The Contractors State License Board is a predominant authority and fundamental educational resource for individuals hiring contractors to complete construction projects. It also offers a complaint process for homeowners, other contractors and subcontractors, or public agencies to file a claim against a licensed contractor.
Contractors State License Board has several ways to help consumers resolve disputes with contractors, such as through a CSLB-led mediation or one of two arbitration programs based on damage amounts. The CSLB website also contains valuable consumer guides and publications.
CSLB’s headquarters office receives and processes applications for new and additional classification licenses, changes of license records, and license renewals. It also reviews disciplinary actions initiated by field offices and provides other support services. The headquarters office also prepares and releases verified certificates of licensure used in legal proceedings. Moreover, it establishes system software standards and plans hardware, network implementation, and capacity management. It also conducts training for field staff.
CSLB’s Functions
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the regulatory body that determines which trades need licensing, sets requirements, and investigates complaints. It also works to educate consumers and routinely releases consumer guides.
CSLB requires contractors to submit various reports and records, including financial documents and insurance policies. It may also require criminal background checks. The Board may deny a license if a crime is found to be substantially related to a contractor’s duties, functions and qualifications.
Homeowners, other contractors, subcontractors and employees are welcome to file a complaint about licensed and unlicensed contractors. Complaints can cover anything from poor artistry to false advertising, and if the Board deems them valid, they could lead to fines or even license suspension or revocation.
In addition to investigating complaints, the CSLB administers exams that must be passed to become a licensed contractor. These exams typically include a law and business section and a specific trade exam.
CSLB’s Requirements
If you want to work as a contractor in California, you must obtain a license from the CSLB. This organization administers licensing exams, investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors and enforces state and local construction laws.
Applicants for a contractor license must have verifiable experience in the trades they are applying to be licensed for. They must also pass the Law/Business and Trade exams. In addition, they must obtain a surety bond or cash deposit. This security is designed to protect customers in the event of contractual violations committed by the licensed contractor.
The CSLB also requires that applicants have certain insurance coverage, including general liability and workers’ compensation. Some clients may also need their contractors to have proof of insurance before starting work on a project. An individual, partnership, corporation or limited liability company can hold a license. Those not meeting the eligibility requirements can be denied a right or face civil and criminal sanctions.
CSLB’s Lookup Tool
The CSLB’s lookup tool allows consumers to check contractors’ status and verify their information. This will enable them to determine if the contractor is licensed and whether or not they have a history of complaints against them.
CSLB’s field offices receive and investigate consumer complaints against licensed or unlicensed contractors doing business in California. These investigations can lead to various corrective actions, including fines and ordered restitution to the consumer.
CSLB also conducts sting operations and sweeps to reduce illegal contracting and cites those working without a license. CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) averages one undercover sting or sweep operation weekly throughout the state. Consumers can help by ensuring contractors and home improvement salespeople are properly licensed before hiring them. You can run their name or license number through CSLB’s online database. You can also see if they are bonded and whether or not there is an active legal action against them.