California licenses painting contractors and limits what they can take as a deposit. That makes it easier to screen a painter here than in many states. The licensing and payment facts on this page are from the Contractors State License Board, called CSLB.
This page gives general information for property owners in California. It is not legal advice. For a decision about your own property, contact the agency named here or speak to a lawyer.
How do I find a good painter?
The best way to find a good painter is to ask people whose houses you can see, then check the license before you ask for a price. Neighbors, friends, property managers and local reviews are all useful starting points.
- Search the name on the CSLB website.
- Ask to see recent work similar to yours.
- Have the painter visit. Someone who studies the walls and asks about repairs is taking the job seriously.
- Compare written quotes with the same scope.
Does a painter need a license in this state?
Yes. In California a painter needs a license for any job worth $1,000 or more, counting labor and materials together. CSLB issues it, and the class for painters is C-33, Painting and Decorating.
The threshold was $500 until January 1, 2025. Under $1,000, an unlicensed person may do the work only if no building permit is needed and they have no employees. Salinas Painting Solutions is licensed and insured.
How do I check a painter's license and insurance in this state?
You can check a license at cslb.ca.gov or by calling CSLB on 800-321-2752. Look it up by license number, business name or the name of the owner.
The listing tells you whether the license is active, which classes it holds, and the status of the bond and workers' compensation cover. The business name should match the one on your quote. Liability insurance is not shown in full, so ask for a certificate sent from the insurer.
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a sensible number, and it is what CSLB suggests. With three written quotes for identical work you can see the normal price and spot one that is out of line.
Hand each painter the same written list of what you want. Otherwise you are comparing three different jobs.
What should a painting estimate include?
A painting estimate should include everything needed to understand what you are buying.
- The areas and surfaces: walls, ceilings, trim, doors, closets, or each side of the exterior.
- The preparation: washing, scraping, patching, sanding, caulking and priming.
- How many coats, which product and which sheen.
- Protection of floors, furniture, plants and paving.
- Repairs listed and priced on their own.
- Cleanup, the total price and the payment terms.
- The contractor's business name and license number.
What should be in a painting contract?
A painting contract should state the scope of work, the materials, the total price, the payment schedule and the start and finish dates. It must be in writing and signed by both sides. California requires a written contract for home improvement work over $500.
The license number belongs on it too. If anything changes once work begins, get the change and its price in writing before it is done.
How much deposit should I give a painter?
In California a painter cannot take a deposit of more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. This is a legal limit on home improvement contracts, and CSLB publishes it.
So on a $6,000 job the most that can be asked up front is $600, and on a $15,000 job it is $1,000. Later payments must not get ahead of the work completed.
A painter wants half up front in cash. Is that a red flag?
Yes, it is a red flag twice over. Half the price in advance is well beyond the legal deposit limit, and cash leaves you with no proof of payment.
CSLB tells consumers not to pay in cash. Use a check or a card and keep the receipts.
Should I hire a painter who wants all the money up front?
No. A painter who asks for all of the money before starting is breaking the deposit rule, and you would have nothing left to hold back if the job goes badly.
Keep the final payment until the work is finished and you have inspected it together.
What are the red flags?
The red flags are mostly missing paperwork and pressure to decide quickly.
- No license number, or a number that belongs to a different name.
- A request for a large deposit or for cash.
- Nothing in writing.
- A special price that expires today.
- A very low quote that says little about prep.
- No questions about the age of the house, when homes built before 1978 come under lead rules.
- Someone at the door offering a deal with paint left over from another job.
A painter says they can start tomorrow. Is that a red flag?
Not always, but ask why. A painter who can start tomorrow might have had a cancellation. Busy, established painters are normally booked ahead, and more so in the dry months when exterior work peaks.
Whatever the reason, check the license, see some past work and sign a written contract before work starts.
What should I ask a painter before hiring?
Here are useful questions to ask a painter before hiring.
- What is your CSLB license number?
- Do you have liability insurance and workers' compensation cover?
- Who will do the work, and are they your employees?
- What prep is in the price, and how many coats?
- Which paint will you use on each surface?
- My house was built before 1978. How will you handle lead-safe work?
- What is the payment schedule?
- If something goes wrong after you leave, what happens?
Do painters give a warranty, and what should it cover?
Many painters offer a written warranty on workmanship. Ask for its terms before you sign anything. A worthwhile one covers peeling, blistering and flaking that result from poor prep or application, and it states the period.
Expect it to exclude leaks, structural movement, moisture inside the wall and ordinary wear. The paint maker has a separate product warranty. Ask us what would apply to your job.
What if a painter damages my floors or furniture?
If a painter causes damage, report it straight away with photos and a written note. A responsible contractor repairs or pays for it, directly or through liability insurance.
If a licensed contractor refuses, you can file a complaint with CSLB, online or by phone. Careful covering prevents most damage, and we protect floors and furniture before we open any paint.
The only real price is a written one for your own property. Estimates are free. Call or text (831) 257-0052.