California home-improvement contract and payment checklist

Put the complete scope in writing

• Materials, brands, colors, quantities, and allowances
• Work included and explicitly excluded
• Approximate start and completion timing
• Cleanup, disposal, protection, and site-access responsibilities
• Who obtains permits and schedules inspections
• How written change orders will be approved and priced

Review the payment structure

A payment schedule should be understandable before work begins. Compare each requested payment with completed work or delivered materials, keep receipts, and avoid informal cash arrangements that are not documented in the contract.

• Confirm the lawful down-payment limit using the current CSLB guide.
• Do not let payments get far ahead of completed work and delivered materials.
• Require written change orders before paying for changed work.
• Retain copies of checks, invoices, receipts, messages, and signed documents.

Confirm the parties and responsibility

The construction contract is between the homeowner and independent contractor, not Local Renovation Pros. Confirm the contractor's legal name, license number, address, insurance information, and the person authorized to approve changes.

Use the current official guidance

Contract and payment requirements can change. Read the current CSLB consumer guide before signing, and consider qualified legal advice for a large or disputed project.