How to Choose a General Contractor in San Jose | 10-Point Checklist

Quick Answer: To choose a general contractor in San Jose: (1) verify CSLB license at cslb.ca.gov, (2) check BBB rating and Google reviews, (3) get 3 written bids, (4) verify liability insurance and workers’ comp, (5) never pay more than 10% down or $1,000 (whichever is less) per California law.

How to Choose a General Contractor in San Jose

Hiring the wrong contractor is the #1 mistake San Jose homeowners make in home remodeling. A bad contractor can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, leave projects unfinished, or create safety hazards. This checklist helps you hire right the first time.

1. Verify CSLB License

California requires all contractors doing work over $500 to hold a valid CSLB (Contractors State License Board) license. Check any contractor’s license at cslb.ca.gov. Look for: active status, no disciplinary actions, correct classification (Class B for general contractor), and bonding. Quartz Construction holds CSLB #1003436 — verify instantly online.

2. Check Insurance

Ask for certificates of insurance showing: (a) General Liability — minimum $1M per occurrence; (b) Workers’ Compensation — required for any contractor with employees. Without workers’ comp, you may be liable if a worker is injured on your property.

3. Get 3 Written Estimates

Never accept a verbal estimate. Require written, itemized bids from at least 3 licensed contractors. Compare scope of work, materials specified, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty. Beware of bids that are 30%+ lower than others — they often indicate cut corners or missing scope.

4. Understand California Down Payment Law

California law limits contractor down payments to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. Any contractor asking for more than this upfront is violating state law and is a red flag. Progress payments tied to project milestones are standard and acceptable.

5. Read Online Reviews

Check Google reviews (aim for 4.5+ stars with 20+ reviews), BBB rating (A or A+), and Houzz or Yelp profiles. Look for patterns in negative reviews — one bad review may be an outlier, but 5 reviews mentioning “didn’t finish on time” indicates a real problem.

6. Get a Detailed Written Contract

California requires home improvement contracts to be in writing for jobs over $500. Your contract must include: scope of work, materials and brands specified, start and completion dates, payment schedule, warranty terms, and permit responsibilities.

7. Verify Permits Will Be Pulled

Any structural work, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes require permits in San Jose. A contractor who offers to “skip the permit” to save money is putting you at risk: unpermitted work must be demolished or legalized at your expense when you sell, and your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damage from unpermitted work.

The 10-Point Contractor Checklist

• ✅ CSLB license verified (active, Class B, no disciplinary actions)
• ✅ General liability insurance $1M+
• ✅ Workers’ compensation certificate
• ✅ Down payment ≤10% or $1,000 (CA law)
• ✅ 3+ written, itemized bids obtained
• ✅ Google reviews 4.5+ stars
• ✅ BBB rating A or A+
• ✅ Written contract with scope, timeline, payment schedule
• ✅ Permit responsibility stated in contract
• ✅ References from similar projects provided

Quartz Construction is a licensed general contractor in San Jose (CSLB #1003436) with a BBB A+ rating and 4.9⭐ across 65+ Google reviews. Call (650) 749-7436 for a free consultation.

Recent Projects — Quartz Construction & Remodeling

Google Reviews — What Our Clients Say

Follow Quartz Construction & Remodeling

Stay up to date with our latest projects, tips, and offers.

FacebookInstagramYouTubeYelpLinkedInHouzzX

Get Your Free Estimate

Quartz Construction & Remodeling | CSLB #1003436 | Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Phone: (650) 749-7436

Address: 1777 Hamilton Ave #1080, San Jose, CA 95125

Hours: Mon–Sat 7am–7pm | Free Estimates

Service Area: San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Gatos & Bay Area