Quick Answer: To find a licensed contractor in San Jose, verify their license at cslb.ca.gov — California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) database. Any contractor legally working on jobs over $500 in California must hold an active CSLB license. Look for an active license in the right classification (B-General Building, C-8 Concrete, C-36 Plumbing, etc.) with no disciplinary actions on record.
7 Steps to Finding a Licensed Contractor in San Jose
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verify CSLB license | Search cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/checklicenseII | Confirms active license, bond, and workers’ comp |
| 2. Check license classification | Confirm the right “C” or “B” class for your project | A roofing contractor (C-39) can’t legally do plumbing (C-36) |
| 3. Confirm workers’ comp insurance | Ask for COI with your address listed | Protects you if a worker is injured on your property |
| 4. Check general liability insurance | Minimum $1M per occurrence — ask for COI | Covers property damage during the project |
| 5. Get 3 written bids | Same scope, same materials — compare apples to apples | Protects against low-ball bids with hidden costs |
| 6. Check online reviews | Google, Yelp, Houzz — look for recent detailed reviews | Reveals actual customer experience beyond the sales pitch |
| 7. Require a written contract | California law requires written contracts for jobs over $500 | Defines scope, materials, timeline, and payment schedule |
Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor in San Jose
- Asks for more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) as a down payment — this violates California law
- Cannot provide a valid CSLB license number, or the number doesn’t match at cslb.ca.gov
- Offers a cash discount to skip the permit — unpermitted work creates legal problems when you sell
- No physical address — only a P.O. box or cell number
- Pressure tactics — “this price is only good today”
- Subcontracts all work without disclosing it
CSLB License Classifications for Bay Area Remodeling
Most home remodeling work is coordinated by a B-General Building contractor (like Quartz Construction — CSLB #1003436), who can manage all trades. Specialty work requires specialty licenses: C-8 (Concrete), C-36 (Plumbing), C-10 (Electrical), C-39 (Roofing), C-33 (Painting).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CSLB and how do I use it to verify a contractor? The CSLB (Contractors State License Board) is California’s licensing authority for contractors. Visit cslb.ca.gov and search by license number or contractor name to verify an active license, bond status, workers’ comp, and any disciplinary history.
How much can an unlicensed contractor legally charge in San Jose? Unlicensed contractors in California cannot legally charge more than $500 for materials and labor combined. Any project exceeding $500 requires a licensed contractor under California Business and Professions Code Section 7028.
Does a contractor need a business license in San Jose in addition to a CSLB license? Yes — contractors must hold a City of San Jose business license (or the relevant city’s business license) in addition to their CSLB state contractor’s license.
Quartz Construction & Remodeling holds CSLB License #1003436 with an active B-General Building classification, $2M liability insurance, and full workers’ compensation coverage. Call (650) 749-7436 to schedule a free consultation for your San Jose remodeling project.
Watch: San Jose Remodeling Projects by Quartz Construction
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What Our Bay Area Clients Say
4.9 ★ average rating across Google, Yelp, and Houzz from 150+ Bay Area homeowners.
"Quartz Construction did an amazing job on our kitchen remodel. The team was professional, on time, and the results exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend to any Bay Area homeowner!"
— Michael T. |
"We hired them for a bathroom remodel in our San Jose home. From permitting to final walkthrough, everything was handled perfectly. The tile work is stunning. 5 stars without hesitation."
— Sarah L. |
"Just finished our ADU garage conversion. The project came in on budget and on schedule — rare in the Bay Area! The rental income already started. Could not be happier with Quartz Construction."
— David R. |
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Licensed General Contractor • CSLB Lic#1003436 • Serving San Jose, Santa Clara & Bay Area
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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
