How to Choose a Contractor in Los Angeles

Hiring the wrong contractor in Los Angeles is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. Unlicensed work, failed inspections, abandoned projects, and predatory contracts are all too common in the LA construction market. This guide gives you a clear, practical framework for vetting and hiring a contractor in Los Angeles — whether you are doing a kitchen remodel, building an ADU, or taking on a full home renovation. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) has been operating in Los Angeles long enough to know exactly what separates good contractors from bad ones.

Step 1: Verify the License Before Anything Else

In California, any contractor doing work over $500 in labor and materials must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This is not optional — it is the law.

To verify a contractor’s license:

Go to cslb.ca.gov
Search by license number or business name
Confirm the license is active, in the correct classification, and shows no disciplinary actions

For general construction work — remodels, ADUs, additions, new construction — you want a Class B General Building Contractor license. APLA Construction’s license number is #1136359 — verify it at cslb.ca.gov anytime.

Step 2: Confirm Insurance

A licensed contractor must carry two types of insurance. Ask for certificates before signing anything:

General liability insurance: Covers damage to your property during construction. Minimum $1M per occurrence for residential projects.
Workers compensation insurance: Covers injuries to workers on your property. Without this, you could be liable if a worker is injured on your job.

Ask for certificates of insurance with your name listed as an additional insured. A legitimate contractor will provide these without hesitation.

Step 3: Get At Least 3 Bids

Never hire the first contractor you talk to. Get a minimum of three detailed written bids for any project over $10,000. When comparing bids:

Make sure all three are bidding on the exact same scope of work
Be suspicious of bids dramatically lower than the others — this usually means cutting corners, planning change orders, or not accounting for permits
The middle bid from the most credentialed contractor is often the right choice

Step 4: Read the Contract Carefully

California law requires written contracts for all home improvement projects over $500. A proper contract must include:

Contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number
Start date and estimated completion date
Detailed description of all work to be performed
A complete list of materials (brand, grade, or quality)
The total price and payment schedule
A 3-day right to cancel notice (required by California law)

Red Flags in a Construction Contract

Large upfront payment demanded (California law caps the deposit at $1,000 or 10% of the contract, whichever is less)
No permit mentioned for work that clearly requires one
Vague scope with no material specifications
No start or completion date
Contractor asks you to pull the permit yourself

Step 5: Check References and Reviews

Ask every contractor for 3 references from projects similar in scope to yours, completed within the last 2 years. Actually call them. Ask:

Was the project completed on time and on budget?
How did the contractor handle problems that came up?
Would you hire them again?
Were permits pulled and inspections passed?

Also check Google reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look at how the contractor responds to negative reviews.

Step 6: Understand the Permit Process

In Los Angeles, most significant construction work requires a permit from LADBS or the relevant city building department. A good contractor pulls permits for every job that requires them. Permits protect you because:

Work is inspected by a city inspector — not just the contractor
Unpermitted work can prevent you from selling your home
Insurance claims may be denied for damage related to unpermitted work
You can be required to demolish unpermitted work at your own expense

If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time and money, walk away.

Step 7: Understand the Payment Schedule

A fair payment schedule is tied to project milestones. A typical structure for a mid-size remodel:

10% deposit at contract signing (California law maximum)
25% at project start / demolition complete
25% at rough work complete and inspected
25% at finishes installed
15% at final completion and punch list resolved

Never pay the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work.

Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Contractor in LA

No physical business address
Pressure to sign immediately or lose the price
Cash only payments
Cannot produce proof of insurance on request
Asks you to get your own permits
No written contract
No CSLB license or license does not match the work type

Questions to Ask Every Contractor Before Hiring

What is your CSLB license number and classification?
Can you provide certificates of general liability and workers compensation insurance?
Will you pull all required permits for this project?
Who will be on my job site daily — your own employees or subcontractors?
Can you provide 3 references from similar projects in the last 2 years?
What is your payment schedule and what milestones trigger each payment?
How do you handle unexpected conditions discovered during construction?
What is your estimated timeline from start to completion?

Frequently Asked Questions — Hiring a Contractor in Los Angeles

How much can a contractor legally ask for as a deposit in California?

California law limits the initial deposit to $1,000 or 10% of the total contract price, whichever is less. Any contractor demanding a large upfront payment before work begins is either uninformed about the law or operating dishonestly.

What is the difference between a licensed and bonded contractor in California?

Licensed means the contractor has passed the CSLB exam, met experience requirements, and is registered with the state. Bonded refers to a $25,000 surety bond all CSLB licensees must carry, which provides limited consumer protection if a contractor fails to complete a job or causes damages.

Can I hire an unlicensed contractor for small jobs in Los Angeles?

California law allows unlicensed contractors only for jobs under $500 total (labor and materials). Anything above that requires a licensed contractor. Hiring unlicensed exposes you to liability and leaves you with no legal recourse through the CSLB.

What should I do if my contractor abandoned the job in Los Angeles?

File a complaint with the CSLB immediately at cslb.ca.gov. The CSLB can revoke licenses, issue fines, and pursue contractors on behalf of consumers. Also consult an attorney if significant funds were paid for undelivered work.

How long does it take to get a permit for a remodel in Los Angeles?

Simple permits can be issued same-day. Kitchen and bathroom remodel permits take 2–6 weeks. ADU permits take 4–10 weeks. Room additions and structural work typically take 6–14 weeks.

How do I verify APLA Construction’s license?

Search license number #1136359 at cslb.ca.gov. You will find it active, in good standing, with a Class B General Building Contractor classification.

Why Choose APLA Construction for Your Los Angeles Project

APLA Construction meets every standard described in this guide:

Licensed: CA General Contractor License #1136359
Insured: General liability and workers compensation on every project
Permit-first: We pull permits for all work that requires them, every time
Transparent contracts: Fixed-price written contracts with milestone-based payment schedules
References available: Completed projects across Greater Los Angeles

Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359

Serving all of Greater Los Angeles — San Fernando Valley, Westside, South Bay, Pasadena, and beyond. Learn more about APLA Construction.

How to Choose a Contractor in Los Angeles – 2026 Guide