California Construction Law Resource
Reference material for California homeowners dealing with bad contractors: rights, remedies, and recovery options.
Jayson Elliott, Esq.
4.8 · 371 Google Reviews
(650) 668-8000· Free consultation
Reference material, not legal advice. This site provides general information about California construction law. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a licensed attorney before taking action.
Select your situation for a detailed guide to your rights and options under California law.
Your situation
How it works
Photograph all work, preserve all texts and emails, and gather your contract and payment records before anything else.
A formal written demand resolves up to 40% of contractor disputes without going to court — and creates a paper trail if you need to escalate.
The Contractors State License Board can investigate, suspend the contractor’s license, and order restitution — at no cost to you.
Bond claims, small claims court, or a civil lawsuit — your attorney will identify which path recovers the most, fastest.
Free interactive tools
Common questions
California’s contractor laws are specific and powerful. Here’s what most people want to know first.
You have several options: demand in writing that the contractor return to fix defects, file a complaint with the 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 before taking any step.
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 4 years for written contracts and 2 years for oral contracts from substantial completion.
A contractor who takes money and abandons a project may be guilty of contractor fraud under California Penal Code §532 and BPC §7160, which carries civil penalties of 3× your actual damages. File a police report, file a CSLB complaint immediately, and consult a construction attorney. Full guide →
Visit cslb.ca.gov and complete the online complaint form. You will need the contractor’s license number, contact information, a description of the problem, and copies of your contract and payment records. The CSLB can investigate, order restitution, and suspend or revoke the license — at no cost to you. Full guide →
For disputes under $12,500 you may handle the matter yourself in small claims court. For larger claims, complex construction defects, or situations involving unlicensed contractors or fraud, an attorney significantly improves outcomes. Bay Legal PC offers free consultations — there is no cost to understand your options.
Palo Alto, California
§07 · Your attorney
California State Bar No. 332479 · Bay Legal PC · Palo Alto, California
Jayson Elliott is a California licensed attorney at Bay Legal PC handling construction disputes, contractor fraud, CSLB complaints, and related matters throughout California — from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Central Valley.
“Jayson and Ashley helped me tremendously with a construction dispute in which my previous general contractor abandoned the project. I cannot recommend them enough.”
“I had issues with a contract that was not fulfilled. Jayson sent a demand letter outlining where the contract was breached. In the end I was paid back and got the outcome I wanted.”
“Jayson was very knowledgeable about contractor law. He helped me understand my options and sent a letter that got results quickly. Highly recommend for any contractor dispute.”
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