Before you hire anyone for commercial and restaurant plumbing in Fullerton

Ask for the CSLB license number and look it up at cslb.ca.gov. Confirm the license is active, check the classification and look at bond and workers' compensation information.

Some work does, at least part of the kitchen or building. Ask for the expected shutdown window in writing and whether the job can be split across off-hours.

Repairs like clearing a drain usually do not, but replacements and new work such as water heaters, gas lines, sewer laterals and interceptors often do. Check with the city, and ask the contractor who pulls the permit.

Ask before the inspection. Footage and a written summary help you compare quotes, talk to your landlord and plan maintenance.

Ask to see the footage, where the damage is and what a spot repair would involve. For a big job, a second opinion from another licensed contractor is reasonable.

Ask whether the company's own employees or subcontractors will be on site, and confirm that whoever does the work is covered by the license and insurance you checked.