Part 2: Work on your house · Chapter 10

Getting professional help

Who you call depends on the job. In California, CSLB (the Contractors State License Board) licenses contractors, and CDI licenses insurance agents and brokers ³⁷.

Who for what

• Roof. CSLB has a roofing classification, C-39 ¹. CDI says the Office of the State Fire Marshal keeps a list of tested and approved roofing materials ².
• Several trades in one project. CSLB says a licensed general building contractor ("B") fits when a job needs more than two types of work ³.
• Trees. CSLB's tree service classification, D-49, covers pruning trees and removing trees, limbs and stumps ⁴.
• Landscaping. CSLB's landscaping classification, C-27, covers building and maintaining landscape systems around a structure ⁵.
• Insurance. An agent or broker handles coverage and premiums. CDI has a Find an Agent or Broker tool, and says to check that an agent's or broker's license is valid ⁶⁷.
• Fire department. In Los Angeles County, the Fire Department's Defensible Space Inspection Program enforces the Fire Code on brush clearance for improved parcels, and its Defensible Space Unit coordinates inspections with fire station personnel ⁸. If you live elsewhere, ask your city or district fire department what it offers.

IBHS doesn't endorse specific contractors, though it says a contractor familiar with its program can help you prepare ⁹.

Check a license with CSLB

1. Go to CSLB's Check a License page. Enter the license number, or search by business or contractor name ¹⁰¹¹.
2. Read the status and the license history page. CSLB says that page also shows the contractor's insurance information ¹¹.
3. Ask to see the pocket license and a photo ID, and make sure the person matches the license ¹¹.

CSLB says seeing a license number doesn't mean the license is valid, so check the status ¹¹. It also says contractors need a license for work worth $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or work that needs a building permit ³. You can call CSLB at (800) 321-CSLB (2752) ³.

What FirePrepper plans

FirePrepper plans to connect homeowners with licensed professionals. That service isn't running yet.

Sources

1. CSLB, "Licensing Classifications Detail: C-39 Roofing Contractor." https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C39 (read 2026-11-09)

2. CDI, "Safer from Wildfires." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/Safer-from-Wildfires.cfm (read 2026-11-09)

3. CSLB, "What Kind of Contractor Do You Need?" https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/What_Kind_Of_Contractor.aspx (read 2026-11-09)

4. CSLB, "Licensing Classifications Detail: D-49 Tree Service Contractor." https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=D49 (read 2026-11-09)

5. CSLB, "Licensing Classifications Detail: C-27 Landscaping Contractor." https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C27 (read 2026-11-09)

6. CDI, "Top Ten Tips for Finding Residential Insurance." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/5-residential/Top10Tips_FindingResidentialIns.cfm (read 2026-11-09)

7. CDI, "Residential Insurance: Homeowners and Renters Information Guide." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/03-res/res-ins-guide.cfm (read 2026-11-09)

8. Los Angeles County Fire Department, "Defensible Space." https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-programs/ (read 2026-11-09)

9. Wildfire Prepared (IBHS), "Frequently Asked Questions." https://wildfireprepared.org/frequently-asked-questions/ (read 2026-11-09)

10. CSLB, "Check a Contractor License or Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) Registration." https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx (read 2026-11-09)

11. CSLB, "Finding The Right Contractor." https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx (read 2026-11-09)