In California any concrete job over $1,000 needs a CSLB licensed contractor, and you can check the license yourself on cslb.ca.gov.
Look Up the License
Ask for the license number and look it up on cslb.ca.gov. Check that the name on the license matches the name on the estimate. Check that the license is current. Look for the classes the license holds.
The C-8 Class
The CSLB says a C-8 Concrete Contractor forms, pours, places, finishes and installs mass, pavement, flat and other concrete work. It also sets screeds for pavement and flat work. The class does not cover a business whose only work is plaster coatings or placing steel bars for concrete. Read the C-8 classification.
The $1,000 Line
Since January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2622 sets the minor work line at $1,000. Below that, a person without a license may do the job only if it needs no permit and they hire no one to help. Most concrete jobs cost more than that, so most need a licensed contractor. Source is CSLB bulletin 24-07.
A person without a license who advertises small jobs must say in the ad that they are not licensed.
Street Work Can Need Another Class
Work on a driveway apron or a public sidewalk may count as street work. The CSLB says a A Class A license is the General Engineering Contractor class. It covers fixed works such as roads. General Engineering Contractor works on fixed works such as roads. Some cities in the County ask for that class in the street area. Ask Chula Vista what it needs for your job. See the CSLB building official guide.
Get It in Writing
- The contractor's name, address and license number
- What will be built, how big and what finish
- Who gets the permit and who pays for it
- The total price and when each payment is due
- A start date and how long the job will take
Read the contract before you sign it. Ask about anything that is not clear.