Find A Licensed Contractor

Many clients ask for contractor referrals after we inspect their homes. Home inspection Authority is not a general contractor service as we do not perform repairs. We highly recommend contacting qualified licensed professionals for costs of repairs or replacement of systems to get accurate information on costs. We have made a list of contractors we are familiar with for your convenience.

You can also use Google for specific contractors in your area for more options. We recommend you get at least 3 quotes from 3 separate licensed contractors per repair/upgrade. We do not recommend any repairs be done by a handyman or unlicensed contractors.

Be advised that unlicensed individuals pose a risk to you and your family’s financial security if a worker is injured while on your property, your property is damaged, or if the work is incomplete and/or faulty. Few, if any, unlicensed individuals have a bond or workers’ compensation insurance. The quality of their work usually doesn’t compare to that of a licensed contractor. Don’t take the chance in order to save a few dollars. You’ll probably end up paying more in the long run.

You can verify the contractors license or call (800) 321-CSLB (2752). https://www.cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/checklicenseII/checklicense.aspx

Home Inspection Authority does not and cannot guarantee or warranty the performance of 3rd party contractor services. We highly recommend asking for references and contractor license’s from multiple contractors in order to determine which contractor and or service is best for your needs prior to having any service performed.

When You Do Need a Contractor’s License

According to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB):

• Any individual or business performing work on a building, home improvement, or other structure must be licensed if:

  • The total cost of labor and materials on a single contract is $1,000 or more, or

  • The project requires a building permit, or

  • Employee labor is used
    CSLB

• As of January 1, 2025, state law (AB 2622) raised the handyman exemption threshold from $500 to $1,000, meaning unlicensed persons may only legally take on jobs under that amount—even advertising them—so long as they clearly state they’re not licensed. However, if the job needs a permit or involves employees, a contractor’s license is required regardless of cost Home GnomeCSLB.

When You Don’t Need a License

You can legally perform home repair work without a contractor’s license if all these conditions are met:

1. Total project cost (labor + materials) is under $1,000.

2. No building permit is required.

3. No employees, subcontractors, or apprentices are involved.
   Housecall ProLegalClarity

Examples of tasks typically allowed under the $1,000 handyman exemption include:

• Painting and decorating

• Hanging drywall, minor drywall repair

• Fixing doors or fences

• Mounting TVs

• Installing ceiling fans or window screens

• Minor plumbing (e.g., replacing faucets or fixtures)

• Minor carpentry or landscaping work

• Appliance repairs
  Home GnomeHousecall Pro

But notice: You can’t split a larger job into multiple smaller jobs to stay under the limit. That’s explicitly prohibited.

​