Start with the license
In California, contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Ask any plumbing company for its CSLB license number and look it up yourself at cslb.ca.gov. The lookup shows whether the license is active, the business name it is issued to, its classification and other public information.
Make sure the name on the license matches the name on the estimate and the invoice. If someone cannot or will not give you a license number, treat that as an answer.
A simple hiring process
- Describe the problem clearly.What is happening, where in the house, since when, and what you have already shut off. Photos help.
- Check the license.Look up the CSLB number before anyone arrives, or at least before you approve work.
- Ask how the visit works.Whether there is a charge to come out or diagnose, and how the estimate will be given.
- Get the scope and price in writing.The work, materials, cleanup, permit responsibility and total, before work begins.
- Confirm who will do the work.The company's own employees or subcontractors, and whether they are covered by the license you checked.
- Keep records.Estimate, invoice, any permit and inspection sign-off, and warranty registration for new equipment.
What a useful written estimate includes
- The company name and CSLB license number
- A description of the problem found and how it was diagnosed
- The specific work to be done and the materials or equipment model
- What is excluded, such as drywall, flooring or concrete restoration
- Whether a permit is included and who arranges the inspection
- The total price and any terms for additional work found later
Questions to ask any plumber
- What is your CSLB license number, and what name is it under?
- Will your employees or subcontractors do the work?
- Is there a charge to diagnose, and is it applied to the repair?
- Will this work need a permit from the city?
- What warranty applies to the parts and to your workmanship, in writing?
- If you find something else once you start, how will you tell me before doing it?
Where to check
- Contractor license lookup
- cslb.ca.gov
- Permits and inspections
- City of Fullerton building department
- Water service questions
- Fullerton's city water utility
- Gas leaks or gas service
- SoCalGas; call 911 from outside if you smell gas
Common questions
Does a handyman need a license for plumbing work?
California has limits on what unlicensed workers can do. Look up the current rules at cslb.ca.gov, and for anything involving gas, water heaters or significant plumbing, hire a licensed contractor.
Should I get more than one estimate?
For larger jobs such as water heater replacement, repiping or sewer repair, comparing two or three written estimates helps you understand the scope and spot anything missing.
Can I reach Golden Hills Plumbing through this website?
This is a preview site. The phone number shown is a temporary placeholder, and the request form is visible but not yet connected to a destination, so a submission is not sent anywhere yet. Whoever you hire, check the CSLB license yourself.
General information for Golden Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.