How do I check a contractor's bond?
Answered by Netanel Presman, General Contractor (CSLB #1105249) · Updated
Short answer
Every state licensing board that requires contractor bonds publishes the bond amount, bond company, and bond status in the license lookup. California (CSLB), Oregon (CCB), Washington (L&I), and Arizona (ROC) show bond status alongside license status. The bond amount should be at least 5-10% of your contract value for practical recourse if a dispute goes to claim.
In detail
A contractor's bond is a financial guarantee that if the contractor fails to perform the contract, pay subcontractors, or violates licensing law, the homeowner (or sub) can file a claim against the bond.
How to check:
- California (CSLB) — License Lookup shows "Contractor's Bond" with bond number, surety company, and bond amount ($25,000 standard, higher available). Also shows any disciplinary bond or judgment bond.
- Oregon (CCB) — License Search shows bond type, surety, and amount. Oregon residential bond minimums are $20,000 for residential general contractor, $15,000 for residential specialty.
- Washington (L&I) — Verify Contractor shows bond amount, surety, and bond status. Washington residential general bond is $12,000.
- Arizona (ROC) — License Search shows bond amount + RRF participation. Arizona residential bond scales by volume ($4,200-$9,000+).
What the bond actually covers:
- Performance — contractor took money but didn't complete the work (or completed it materially differently than contracted).
- Payment — contractor received homeowner payment but didn't pay subcontractors or suppliers, who could then lien your home.
- Licensing violations — discipline, unlicensed work, abandoning a job.
What the bond does NOT cover:
- Defective workmanship that the contractor would repair under normal warranty.
- Damages above the bond amount.
- Disputes where the homeowner and contractor simply disagree about work scope.
Bond math for homeowners:
- California's $25,000 bond is a floor. On a $150,000 kitchen remodel, the bond covers only about 17% of total contract value. For contracts over $100,000, look for contractors who've voluntarily posted a higher bond (often the mark of a higher-volume shop).
- If your state uses a Recovery Fund (Arizona RRF, Oregon CCB Recovery Fund), that's a separate pool beyond the bond.
- In disputes, filing a claim typically requires documented correspondence, a mediation attempt, and a notice of claim. The bond company defends the contractor; don't expect a fast payout.
AskBaily surfaces bond amount + status as part of the pre-match verification.
Sources
How AskBaily helps
AskBaily scopes your project in one chat — permit flags, cost range, and timeline — then routes you to one licensed contractor whose license we verify live. No shared leads, no racing against seven other bidders, no lead fees to your pro.