What should I ask a backyard contractor before hiring?
Ask for the license number, workers' compensation status, who pulls the permit, who will be on site, the payment schedule (California caps most down payments at 10% or $1,000, whichever is less), labor and materials warranties, and 2–3 recent local jobs like yours.
Questions to ask a San Diego backyard contractor before you hire
Free checklist. Print it or keep it open on your phone during calls. A good backyard contractor will be glad you asked.
Questions
- What is your CSLB license number, and is it in the business name on this quote?
- Are you covered by workers’ compensation, or do you have no employees (CSLB shows which)?
- Who pulls the permit, and is it in the price?
- Who will actually be on site, your crew or a subcontractor?
- What is the payment schedule? (California caps the down payment at 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, on most home improvement contracts.)
- What warranty do you give on labor, and who backs the materials warranty?
- Can I see 2–3 recent local jobs like mine?
- Will you show a drawing before work starts?
- Irrigation: drip or spray, and does it meet water rules?
- Are any rebates (turf replacement) part of the plan?
Check before you hire
- Check the license free on CSLB
- CSLB: home improvement contract rules (deposit, cancel rights)
- CSLB: Senior Scam Stopper
Write down the answers
Ask every provider the same questions, then compare side by side. If someone is vague on two or more, keep looking.
Next: red flags and what a fair quote includes · local prices
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