How to Check a Concrete Contractor in La Mesa
Check the license before you sign or pay. In California any concrete job over $1,000 in labor and materials needs a licensed contractor.
Look Up the License
At cslb.ca.gov you can search by license number, business name or the owner's name. Make sure it is active and the name matches the person you are dealing with.
Check the Bond
The license detail page also shows the contractor's bond. Look for a bond on file before you sign, and check that the name on the bond matches the name on your contract.
Street Work
State guidance says some cities want a General Engineering (A) license for work in the right of way. If your job reaches the curb, ask which license covers that part.
The $1,000 Limit
Since January 1, 2025, AB 2622 sets the minor work limit at $1,000 in labor and materials. It only applies when no permit is needed and the worker hires no one. Unlicensed people who advertise must say they are not licensed.
Read the Workers Comp Line
The license page also shows workers comp. Exempt on that line means the license holder told the state it has no one on payroll. The same lookup checks a home improvement salesperson, so look up the person who sold you the job if it was not the owner. The CSLB phone line is 800-321-2752.
Payment Rules
The CSLB says a down payment should never be more than 10 percent of the price or $1,000, whichever is less. On a $6,800 driveway, that is $680.
- After that, pay by phase. The CSLB sample contract says each phase and its amount must be listed.
- Ask for a lien release each time you pay.
- You can cancel within three business days of getting a signed copy, or five business days if you are over 65.
Put It in Writing
Ask for a contract that lists size, finish, base prep, steel, joints, cleanup and permits. Do not pay cash to someone you cannot look up.
Look Us Up Too
American Polo Remodeling is the contractor on every La Mesa Concrete job, CSLB #1084257. It is a California Class B General Building contractor, licensed, active and bonded. Check it yourself at the CSLB license check. Read how we run a job under our B license.
Common Questions
How do I check a contractor's license in California?
Search the license number, business name or owner's name at cslb.ca.gov.
Who handles the driveway apron at the street?
The apron sits in the public right of way. Some cities want an A license for that work. Ask the city before the job starts.
What should I check on a contractor's license?
That it is active, that the name matches the company on your contract, and that a bond is on file. Check it all on cslb.ca.gov.
How much can a contractor ask for up front?
No more than 10 percent of the price or $1,000, whichever is less. The one exception is a contractor with a blanket bond on file with the CSLB.