Welcome to the State of California

Guides and Pamphlets


For Consumers...


Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up

( PDF | Link | Order | other PDF's: Spanish | Chinese | Korean | Russian | Vietnamese )


Checklist for Prescreening Contractors

( PDF )


Mandatory Arbitration Program Guide

Describes the mandatory arbitration program provided by the CSLB for complaints about damages of $12,500 or less.
( PDF | Link )


Voluntary Arbitration Program Guide

Describes the voluntary arbitration program provided by the CSLB for complaints about damages between $12,500 and $50,000.
( PDF | Link )


A Consumer Guide to Asbestos

What Consumers need to know about asbestos removal.
( PDF | Order )


What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor

Provides information for Seniors on hiring and dealing with contractors.
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )


What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor

Provides information on hiring and dealing with contractors.
( Link | Order | English | Spanish | Chinese | Korean | Tagalog | Vietnamese )


A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints

Describes how to file complaints against contractors with the CSLB.
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )


A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts - Terms of Agreement

Information for homeowners about the requirements of home improvement contracts.
( PDF | Link | Order )


After A Disaster Don't Get Scammed

Tips on protecting yourself after a disaster.
( PDF | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )


Choosing the Right Landscaper

Gives information on choosing the right landscaper.
( PDF | Order )


A Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Mechanic's Liens

Describes what a homeowner needs to know in order to prevent a mechanic's lien against their property.
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )

Conditional and Unconditional Waiver and Release Forms
( PDF | Link )


Owner-Builders Beware!

Know your responsibilities as an owner-builder.
( PDF | Order )


Tips for Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Gives information on roof maintenance and hiring and dealing with roofing contractors.
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDF's: Spanish )


Consumer Guide to Filing a Small Claims Court Construction Claim

What Consumers need to know about filling a small claims court construction claim.
( PDF | Order )


Before You Dive Into Swimming Pool Construction...

Provides information on hiring and dealing with swimming pool contractors.
( PDF | Link | Order )


Traveling Contractor Scams Tip Sheet

How to protect yourself from transient criminals' door-to-door scams.
( PDF )

California Building Performance Guidelines for Residential Construction

This 230-page book is an easy-to-read manual and an excellent tool for the consumer to understand a new home. The book contains appropriate and comprehensive homeowner maintenance tips, and defines the standards to which the home should be built. It's also useful for builders, helping them align expectations with responsibility and practical care. The book is published by the Building Standards Institute, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to improve residential construction quality through education. The cost is $49.95 + California sales tax (if applicable) + shipping/handling. Click the link below to learn more or to order the book.
( Link )


For Contractors...

Advertising Guidelines for Contractors

Tips and guidelines for contractor advertising.
( PDF )


Asbestos: A Contractors' Guide and Open Book Examination

All new applicants for a license must complete the asbestos open-book examination if it has not been done previously. The examination and verification form must be completed and submitted to the CSLB prior to licensure. If the form is not submitted, the CSLB cannot issue a license. (Business and Professions Code Section (B&P 7058.5)

The Open Book Examination does not certify a contractor to engage in asbestos-related work. The purpose of the guide and the examination is to make contractors aware of the risks of dealing with asbestos and to provide the knowledge base necessary to respond appropriately to construction situations where asbestos is or may be present.
( PDF | Order )


Blueprint for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor

Answers to commonly asked questions on how to become a licensed contractor.
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )


A Guide to Contractor License Bonds

Basic information about surety bonds. ( PDF | Order )


Building Your Career as a Licensed Contractor

The Top 10 Questions on Contractor Licensing.
( PDF | Order | Spanish version Link | other PDFs: Spanish )


Description of Classifications

A pamphlet describing all CSLB classifications.
( PDF | Link | other PDFs: Spanish )


Contracting for Success - Guide to Home Improvement Contracts

Detailed information for contractors about the requirements of home improvement contracts.
( PDF | Order )


Study Guides for Licensing Exams

Study guides describe general content of exams, sample questions, and resources for study.
( Link )


California Contractors License Law & Reference Book - 2010 Edition

The California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (2010 Edition) is available for purchase or to view online.

The 2010 Law Book can be purchased from LexisNexis. The book with CD-ROM is $20.00 plus $6.22 shipping and handling. Applicable sales tax for your area will also be added (call the toll-free number below for the exact amount). Major credit cards are accepted.

Please select one of the following ways to order your law book with CD-ROM. Be sure to ask for "California Contractors" (ISBN 978-1-4224-5986-7).

When ordering by mail, send a check or money order payable to "LexisNexis Matthew Bender" and include a street address and the recipient's name. All orders are shipped by carrier and cannot be delivered to a post office box.

(Please note: The 2010 Edition of the California Contractors License Law & Reference Book is not sold at any Contractors State License Board office.)


For Building Departments...

Building Official Information Guide

A Q&A for building officials about license classifications and filing complaints.
( PDF | Link )