California Construction Law

Hired an Unlicensed Contractor? California Law Lets You Get Everything Back.

California Business and Professions Code §7031 is one of the most powerful consumer protection statutes in the country. If your contractor was unlicensed, you can recover all money paid — regardless of whether the work was done correctly.

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Legal Information — Not Legal Advice: This page provides general information about California law. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation.

The §7031 Rule — No License, No Pay

California Business and Professions Code §7031 is unambiguous: a contractor who was not properly licensed at the time work was performed cannot collect or maintain any compensation for that work. Section 7031(b) gives you the right to sue to recover all compensation paid — even if you knew the contractor was unlicensed, and even if you were satisfied with the work. California courts have consistently enforced this rule strictly.

How to Check If Your Contractor Was Licensed

Go to cslb.ca.gov and click "Check a License." Enter the contractor's name or license number. Verify the license was active during the period your work was performed and that it covers the type of work done. Even if a contractor has a license number, verify it was in the correct classification for your project.

What "Unlicensed" Includes

No CSLB license at all
License expired at the time of the work
License suspended at the time of the work
License was in a different classification than the work performed
License was in another person's name (the contractor was not the licensee)

Two-Year Time Limit: Claims under BPC §7031 are subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered the contractor was unlicensed. Act promptly.

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Bay Legal PC handles construction disputes throughout California. Tell us about your situation and we'll be in touch promptly.

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