Filing a complaint with the California Contractors State License Board is free, relatively fast, and gives you access to powerful administrative remedies including binding arbitration.
The CSLB can investigate the contractor, suspend or revoke their license, require mandatory arbitration, facilitate settlement, and refer serious cases for criminal prosecution. For disputes involving licensed contractors where the claim is $50,000 or less, CSLB arbitration is free, binding, and enforceable as a court judgment.
Go to cslb.ca.gov and look up the contractor. Confirm the license was active during the period your work was performed and the classification covers the type of work done. Note the bonding company name and policy number for your simultaneous bond claim.
Assemble your contract and change orders, all invoices and proof of payment, photographs of defective work organized chronologically, all written communications with the contractor, a written timeline of events, and any independent inspection reports.
The CSLB accepts online complaints. You will need the contractor's license number, contact information, a description of the work and problem, the contract amount and amount paid, and supporting documentation. Be specific and factual.
After filing, the CSLB assigns an investigator who contacts both you and the contractor. Respond promptly to all investigator requests. The investigator's report forms the basis of any disciplinary action or referral to arbitration.
For disputes with a licensed contractor where your claim is $50,000 or less, request binding arbitration through the CSLB's Arbitration Program. This is free, binding, and enforceable as a court judgment. Request arbitration explicitly in your complaint.