08/21/2026
🚨 A QUICK REMINDER FROM ALLIED BUILDERS 🚨
These are two posts we came across within about 10 minutes of each other today — and unfortunately, we see stories like this every single day.
Homeowners paying thousands of dollars upfront. Contractors disappearing. Jobs left unfinished. Work done incorrectly. And families left trying to figure out what to do next.
Before you hire someone to work on your home, check their license. And just as importantly, make sure the person or company actually doing the work is working under that license legally.
In California, a contractor’s license isn’t something someone can simply “borrow” or use because they know a licensed contractor.
Before handing over your money:
• Verify the contractor’s license with the CSLB
• Make sure the name/company you’re hiring matches the license
• Confirm workers are properly covered and working legally under that contractor
• Get a written contract with a clear scope of work
• Know California’s rules regarding deposits and progress payments
• Be cautious when someone wants a large amount of money upfront
A 50% deposit should be a HUGE red flag. California generally limits a home-improvement down payment to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less, with limited exceptions.
A lower price isn’t a bargain when you end up paying someone else to finish or repair the work.
Protect your home. Protect your money. Hire licensed. Hire legitimate. Verify before you sign.
— Allied Builders
Licensed California General Contractor
