How to Check Your Contractor Before You Hire Them

Hiring a contractor for paving work isn’t just about finding the best price — it’s about finding someone you can trust to show up, do the job right, and keep you protected along the way.

At Pimentel Paving Inc, we know how important this is — because even as contractors ourselves, we’ve been “stung” before when we didn’t check carefully enough.

It’s easy to trust when you’re a trustworthy person, but unfortunately, not every contractor is who they say they are.

That’s why we put together this easy step-by-step guide. A few minutes of research can save you a major headache down the road.

Asphalt stamped in Eurofan pattern Slate Color Street roundabout Petaluma CA

Step 1: Verify Their License

Visit California’s Contractors State License Board website:
👉 Check Your Contractor Here

You can search by the contractor’s name or license number. Once you find their listing:

  1. Match the name. Make sure the name on the license matches who you met with during your bid appointment.
  2. Check the business start date. Look at when their business was started.
  3. Review insurance info. Scroll to the middle of the page to see if they carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. If not, ask yourself — are they doing all the work alone with no helpers? Question who they will be bringing to your job site. If the contractor brings in manual labor in place of employed and insured workers, they’re probably doing it to avoid paying taxes.

If someone says they’ve been in business for 30 years, but their license is only two years old, that’s a red flag.

If workers on your property aren’t insured, you could be the one held liable if someone gets hurt.

Step 2: Check for Other Licenses

At the bottom of the page, click the link for “Other Licenses.” Have a pen and paper handy—you will need it to keep this step from becoming overwhelming.

  1. Write down every person and company name you see.
  2. If other names are listed, you’ll need to check their licenses, too —go back to Step 1 above to check out the new name.
  3. Question why if there are multiple licenses associated with this contractor.
  4. If you got multiple bids, check whether one of those other companies is also connected to the license holder you’re considering.

A CSLB contractor license is strictly in the name of the license holder and is non-transferable. No one can legally “work under” someone else’s license.

Step 3: Review the Contract Carefully

Once you’ve chosen a contractor:

  1. Get everything in writing: The scope of work should be clearly spelled out with a detailed breakdown of the work to be done, including materials, quantities, brand names, and colors.
  2. Payment schedule: Get a clear schedule of progress payments.
  3. Timeline: Get approximate start and completion dates.
  4. Permits: The contract should specify who is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits.
  5. Double-check measurements: Make sure the square footage matches across all bids to prevent surprise “extra” charges later.
  6. Lien warnings: The contract must include a “Mechanic’s Lien Warning” informing you that subcontractors and suppliers could place a lien on your property if they are not paid.

Know your rights!

  • The contractor’s license number must appear on every contract.

  • You have three days to cancel without penalty.

  • Except for the deposit, contractors can’t accept payment for work that is incomplete or for materials that haven’t been delivered.

Step 4: Request Proof of Insurance

  1. Ask for liability insurance and workers’ compensation certificates.
  2. Request to be listed as “additional insured” on your contract. This shouldn’t cost you extra, and it gives you peace of mind.

Being listed as “additional insured” on your paving contract means the contractor’s insurance covers legal claims, protecting your assets.

Step 5: Ask for the Asphalt Tags

Here’s an insider tip most people don’t know:

Every paving job has an asphalt tag issued by the plant with the project name and address on it. Ask for a copy. This lets you verify the amount of asphalt used on your job. You can calculate whether the correct square footage and depth were installed.

Don’t risk paying for 3″ of asphalt when they are only laying 2″ or less.

Final Thoughts About Paving Contracts

Taking these steps might feel like extra work, but it’s a simple way to make sure you get the quality job you’re paying for, without surprises.

At Pimentel Paving, we’re proud to stand behind our work and happy to walk you through any of these steps. Transparency matters to us, and we want you to feel confident before, during, and after your project.

📞 Have questions? Contact us!