My Contractor Did Bad Work.
What Are My Legal Rights?

If a contractor did bad work on your home, you have several legal options. You can demand they return to fix the defects in writing, file a complaint with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), pursue the contractor in small claims court for amounts up to $12,500, or hire a construction attorney to send a formal demand letter or file a lawsuit. Document everything with photos, written communications, and receipts before taking action.

Yes. California law allows homeowners to bring claims for breach of contract, negligence, and violation of the Contractors State License Law. If the contractor is licensed, you may also file a claim against their $25,000 contractor bond. The statute of limitations is generally 10 years for latent defects and 3 years for patent defects from the date of substantial completion.

A contractor who takes money and abandons a project may be guilty of contractor fraud or theft by false pretenses under California Penal Code §532. File a police report immediately, file a CSLB complaint, and consult a construction attorney. You may recover losses through the contractor's bond, a civil lawsuit, or — if the contractor was unlicensed — by voiding the contract and recovering all payments made.

Visit cslb.ca.gov and complete the online complaint form. You'll need the contractor's license number, contact information, and documentation of the dispute. The CSLB investigates complaints and can suspend or revoke a contractor's license, which gives you significant leverage in resolving the dispute — often without going to court.

For disputes under $12,500, you may handle the matter yourself in small claims court. For larger claims, complex defects, contractor fraud, or situations where the contractor has disappeared or is unresponsive, a construction attorney significantly improves your outcome. Bay Legal PC offers free initial consultations for construction disputes throughout California.