Short answer
Look up the license number on the Contractors State License Board website and check that it is active, the classification is C-8 Concrete, and a bond and workers’ compensation are on file. CSLB says every active C-8 contractor must carry workers’ comp, employees or not. Down payments are capped at 10% or $1,000, whichever is less.
Key facts
- Seeing a license number does not mean the license is valid; check it (CSLB)
- All active C-8 Concrete contractors must carry workers’ comp or a self-insurance certificate (CSLB)
- If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you could be financially liable (CSLB)
- Down payment cap: 10% or $1,000, whichever is less (CSLB)
Look up the license
CSLB says contractors must show their license number on business cards, bids and contracts, but seeing a number does not mean the license is valid. Look it up on cslb.ca.gov. Check the status, the classification (C-8 is Concrete), the bond and workers’ compensation.
Here is ours: Tru Concrete, C-8 license #1008445, current and active through October 31, 2027, with a $25,000 contractor’s bond and workers’ compensation on file, per CSLB’s license detail page.
Why workers’ comp matters
CSLB says that if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no insurance, you could be financially liable, and your homeowner’s policy may or may not cover it. It also says all active C-8 Concrete contractors must carry workers’ compensation insurance or have a self-insurance certificate on file, whether or not they have employees.
Bids and down payments
CSLB tells homeowners to get at least three written bids on identical plans and scope, and to beware of a bid far below the others. By law, a home improvement down payment cannot exceed 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, unless the contractor has a blanket performance and payment bond on file with CSLB.
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