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• Guides and Pamphlets

Guides and Pamphlets

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Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up

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

Checklist for Prescreening Contractors

( PDF )

Mandatory Arbitration Program Guide

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

Voluntary Arbitration Program Guide

Describes the voluntary arbitration program provided by 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 doing business with contractors
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )

What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor

Provides information on hiring and doing business 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 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

Information oabout selecting a landscaper
( PDF | Order )

A Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Mechanic's Liens

Describes what a homeowner needs to know to prevent a lien against his/her property
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )

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

Owner-Builders Beware!

Your responsibilities as an owner-builder
( PDF | Order | other PDFs: Spanish)

Tips for Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Information about roof maintenance and hiring and working with roofing contractors
( PDF | Link | Order | other PDFs: Spanish )

Consumer Guide to Filing a Small Claims Court Construction Claim

Basic information about filling a small claims court construction claim
( PDF | Order )

Before You Dive Into Swimming Pool Construction...

Basic steps for hiring and working with swimming pool contractors
( PDF | Link | Order )

What is a Stop Order?

What consumers and contractors should know about stop orders
( PDF )

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. 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 )

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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 CSLB prior to licensure. If the form is not submitted, CSLB cannot issue a license. (Business and Professions Code section 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 frequently 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

Important basics about obtaining a contractor license
( PDF | Order | Spanish version Link | other PDFs: Spanish )

Description of Classifications

Description of 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 )

Becoming an Industry Expert

Information on how to become a CSLB Industry Expert
( PDF)

Study Guides for Licensing Exams

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

What is a Stop Order?

What contractors and consumers should know about stop orders
( PDF )

California Contractors License Law & Reference Book - 2013 Edition

The California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (2013 Edition) is available for purchase or to view online.

The 2013 law book can only be purchased directly from LexisNexis. The cost of the book with CD-ROM is $25.00 plus $9.49 shipping and handling. Major credit cards are accepted.

Please select one of the following ways to order your law book. Be sure to ask for "California Contractors" (ISBN: 978-0-769-86362-7).

• Place your order online:
  http://www.lexisnexis.com/store/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=relatedProducts&catId=140&prodId=47851
• Call toll-free: (800) 223-1940 (Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time)
• Fax orders: (518) 462-3788

The California Contractors License Law & Reference Book is not sold at any Contractors State License Board office.

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Building Official Information Guide

Helpful information about license classifications and filing complaints
( PDF | Link )