San Diego hiring checklist
How to hire a contractor in San Diego
Check that the firm holds the right CSLB license class for the trade (for any job of $1,000 or more) and pulls the City permit itself. Get an itemized written bid, keep the deposit to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, and compare the price against local ranges before you sign.
Sources: CSLB license classifications; Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §7048 and §7159; SD Price Hub price pages (City of San Diego 2026 permits and cited published price lists). Prices are public ranges, not quotes.
By Christian Kjeldsen, San Diego researcher · Last updated
How a request works here
We are an independent San Diego price guide, not a contractor, and we don't do the work. Send one free request. We read it ourselves and reply with a price range for your job and what to ask. If you want quotes, tell us, and we'll introduce you to licensed local firms. We check each firm's CSLB license and City permit history first. Nothing is shared with any business until you say so. No firm pays us for your request, and you never have to hire anyone.
Which license to look for, and what the job costs
Look up the license number on cslb.ca.gov and check that the class matches the work, the license is active, and the bond and workers' comp are on file.
| Job | CSLB class to look for | Typical San Diego price | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU builder | B (general building) | Median single ADU $120,900 on 2026 City permits | ADU builders |
| Electrical panel upgrade | C-10 (electrical) | 100A→200A $2,800–$4,200; City permit $176.57 | Panel electricians |
| Pool safety fence | C-13 (fencing) | Mesh $15–$35/ft; aluminum $30–$60/ft | Pool fence installers |
| Fence | C-13 (fencing) | $34–$54/ft; 150 ft wood privacy ≈ $5,000 | Fence prices |
| Pool build, remodel, replaster | C-53 (swimming pool) | Replaster $6,500–$9,500 (15k gal); permitted new/remodel median $55k | Pool prices |
| Tree trimming and removal | D-49 (tree service) | Trim $300–$700; removal $500–$1,500 | Tree prices |
| Shower doors | C-17 (glazing) | Frameless door + panel $1,200–$2,500 | Shower door prices |
| Spray foam insulation | C-2 (insulation) | $2–$5 per sq ft installed | Insulation prices |
| Landscaping and backyard | C-27 (landscaping) | Get itemized quotes; permitted projects skew large | Backyard prices |
| Seismic retrofit, walk-in shower | B (general building) | Bolt and brace $3,000–$7,000; walk-in shower $4,000–$9,000 | Retrofit prices |
The 6 checks before you sign
- Right license class, active. Any job of $1,000 or more needs one.
- They pull the permit. Ask for the permit number and look it up with City of San Diego Development Services. Be careful with "owner-builder" setups.
- Itemized written bid. Scope, materials, permit and fees, cleanup, what is excluded.
- Legal deposit. 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, with later payments tied to finished work.
- Change orders in writing. Every extra, priced before the work is done.
- Price sanity check. Compare against the ranges above. A bid far below them should say what it leaves out.
What to send for a useful quote
- ZIP code and the type of job
- Size: feet of fence, square feet, amps, number of trees
- What is there now, with 2–3 photos
- Any plans, permits or inspection dates
- Budget range and when you want to start
Common questions
- Does a San Diego contractor need a license?
- Yes, in California, for any job where labor plus materials comes to $1,000 or more (Bus. & Prof. Code §7048, raised from $500 on Jan 1, 2025). Check any license free at cslb.ca.gov.
- How big a deposit can a contractor ask for?
- For home improvement contracts, no more than 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less (Bus. & Prof. Code §7159).
- Can I cancel a contract after signing?
- Generally yes. California gives a 3-business-day right to cancel most home improvement contracts signed at your home, and the contract must include the cancellation notice.
- Are you a contractor?
- No. SD Price Hub is an independent price guide. We reply with a price range and, if you ask, introduce you to licensed local firms. Nothing is shared until you say so, and no firm pays us for your request.