How we vet ADU builders

Vetting takes the gamble out of choosing a builder.

Los Angeles is the epicenter of California's ADU boom — and a documented hotspot for contractor scams. We screen builders so you only ever talk to pros who are properly licensed, bonded, and insured.

1-800-ADU-Pros is a referral and pre-qualification service, not a contractor. We don't hold a construction license and we don't build anything ourselves. What we do is review builders against a consistent set of checks before we list them, so that every introduction we make starts from a baseline of verified, public-record information. Construction is performed by the independent California-licensed contractors we introduce you to, and each builder's CSLB license number is shown on their profile.

Vetting reduces risk — it doesn't eliminate it. License, bond, and insurance status can change over time, which is why we re-check listed builders on an ongoing basis and why we always encourage you to confirm a builder's license yourself before you hire and before you pay.

What every listed builder must clear

No builder appears in our directory until they pass all four. We re-verify license and bond status on an ongoing basis.

1. Active CSLB License

We confirm a current, active California State License Board (CSLB) number in the right classification — typically Class B (General Building) for an ADU — verified against public CSLB records, and we re-check that it stays active rather than lapsed, suspended, or revoked.

2. Bonded & Insured

We look for the required $25,000 contractor's bond on file, plus general liability coverage and active workers' compensation for crews, as reflected in CSLB records and the builder's documentation.

3. Track Record

We review CSLB complaint and disciplinary history and look for a verifiable history of completed Los Angeles ADU work — the kind of recent local projects you can cross-check in public permit records.

4. Local Service Area

We confirm the builder actively serves your part of the Greater Los Angeles market and works with the local permitting process — so you're matched with a pro who knows your area, not someone driving in from out of region.

Honest about what we can and can't promise

What we do

• Verify each builder's CSLB license number, classification, and active status from public records before listing them.
• Show the CSLB license number on each builder's profile so you can confirm it yourself.
• Check for the required bond and for general liability and workers' compensation coverage.
• Review CSLB complaint and disciplinary history and look for a real, verifiable LA project history.
• Re-check license and bond status on an ongoing basis and match you to builders who actually serve your area.

What we don't do

• We don't guarantee any builder's work, pricing, timeline, or results — your contract is directly with the independent builder.
• We don't supervise construction or act as your contractor, agent, or representative.
• We can't guarantee a builder's status hasn't changed since our last check — license and insurance status can change, so verify before you hire and before you pay.

You can independently confirm any builder's license for free with the CSLB “Check a License” tool. California law also caps contractor down payments at $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less — never pay large deposits up front.

Browse the builders we've vetted

Every profile shows the builder's CSLB license number, classification, and service area — so you can verify, compare, and choose with confidence. Browse vetted builders.