Resources
California construction law, at the source.
Links to the official text of the laws that most often affect homeowners and contractors. The one-line descriptions are our plain-language orientation only; the statutes themselves control, and an attorney can tell you how they apply to you.
Contractors and home improvement
- Contractors State License Law (Business & Professions Code §§7000–7191)Licensing, contractor obligations, and discipline.
- Home improvement contracts (B&P §7159)What a home improvement contract must contain.
- Down payments and progress payments (B&P §7159.5)Limits on down payments and payments ahead of completed work.
- Unlicensed contractors (B&P §7031)Limits on an unlicensed contractor's ability to sue for payment.
- Right to cancel certain home repair contracts (Civil Code §1689.6)Cancellation rights for home solicitation contracts to repair or restore a home.
- CSLB: Laws and regulationsCSLB's compilation of contractor laws and regulations.
Payment, liens, and defects
- Works of improvement: mechanics liens, stop payment notices, and lien releases (Civil Code §§8000–9566)Preliminary notices, lien rights, and the statutory waiver and release forms.
- Construction defect claims for new homes (Civil Code §§895–945.5)Building standards for new residential construction and the pre-litigation process for defect claims.
Business practices
- Unfair competition (B&P §17200)California's prohibition on unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices.
- False or misleading advertising (B&P §17500)California's prohibition on untrue or misleading statements in advertising.
Building codes
- California Building Standards Commission: Codes (Title 24)The California Building, Residential, Green, Energy, and other codes, with free online access.
Legal help
- State Bar of California: Certified lawyer referral servicesConnect with a California attorney. (Content copyright © The State Bar of California.)
- State Bar of California: Attorney SearchConfirm an attorney is licensed. (Content copyright © The State Bar of California.)
- California Courts: Small claimsThe courts' self-help guide to small claims cases.
Official statute text is published by the California Legislature at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Links reviewed October 2026.