What is a California Contractor License (Roofer or Pool License) Bond?
As part of the application process, general and specialty contractors who want to obtain a Contractor License in California are required by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to purchase a California Contractor License (Roofer or Pool License) Bond.
While the state requires all contractors to obtain a $25,000 Contractor License Bond, swimming pool and roofing contractors are held to higher standards in the application process for this bond. They are held to higher standards because surety companies find that bonds written for pool and roofing contractors, compared to other classifications, have a higher number of claims. As such, it’s essential to complete the correct application. If you are neither a pool nor roofer contractor and need a California Contractor License Bond, apply here. If you are a pool/roofer contractor, keep reading to learn more.
**Effective January 1st, 2023, the CA Contractor License Bond, Bond of Qualifying Individual, and Contractors Disciplinary Bond will increase to a $25,000 bond amount as a result of Senate Bill 607. This page has been updated to reflect that.**
Who has to get this bond?
In the state of California, contractors must have a license in order to perform most types of construction and home improvement work. One of the contractor-licensing requirements is obtaining a surety bond.
The California Contractor License (Roofer or Pool License) Bond guarantees that roofing and pool contractors will abide by all state laws and regulations while performing work. The bond protects consumers from damages that the contractor may cause when failing to adhere to those laws. For example, if a licensed contractor commits a fraudulent act, the injured party can file a claim on the contractor’s bond and receive compensation from the surety company for damages up to the bond amount. The bonded contractor is ultimately responsible for reimbursing the surety for all valid claims that get paid out, plus any additional expenses incurred.
In addition to the $25,000 bond, contractor license applicants that register as an LLC must also obtain the $100,000 California LLC Employee/Worker Bond.
How much does a CA Pool and Roofing Contractor License Bond cost?
How much you pay for your bond depends on several factors, including the bond amount, your experience within the industry, and, most importantly, your credit. The California Pool and Roofing Contractor Bond has a bond amount of $25,000. Fortunately, that isn’t what you’ll pay for the bond.
The surety company will calculate your premium rate, which is only a percentage of the bond amount, based on the factors mentioned above. However, because roof and swimming pool contractor license bonds often have more claims than other license types, surety companies have established more strict underwriting parameters for applicants. For individuals with excellent credit and several years of experience, you may see quotes start around 1-2% of the bond amount. If you have nonstandard credit, apply for your free quote anyways. At EZ Surety Bonds, we work with multiple sureties to try to find you the best quote.
Obligee Information
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the obligee for swimming pool and roofing contractor license bonds. Their contact information is as follows:
Contractors State License Board
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Outside California: (916) 255-3900
How to Get a California Contractor License (Roofer or Pool License) Bond?
At EZ Surety Bonds, we aim to make surety bonding simple, fast, and stress-free. By filling out the short application form, you can get your free quote in as little as 24 hours.
Our surety experts are here to assist you throughout the process. If you have any questions along the way, contact us at info@ezsuretybonds.com or call us at 1-866-546-4605.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a licensed contractor in California?
To become a licensed contractor in California—assuming you meet the basic age and experience requirements—you must:
- Designate a qualifying individual and identify your license class.
- Submit your contractor license application form, along with the necessary fees. The application fee for a single classification is $450, with an additional initial license fee of $200 for sole owners or $350 for non-sole owners to be paid after exams.
- Pass the required examinations.
- Obtain your $25,000 contractor license bond and, if you are registered as an LLC, the $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond.
- Submit your bond(s) to the obligee within 90 days of approval.
For more information, check out our guide to obtaining a Contractor License in California.
How much is a Roofing or Swimming Pool Contractor License Bond in California?
All contractors in California are required to obtain a $25,000 Contractor License Bond. Swimming pool and roofing contractors must also meet this requirement. However, because licensed contractors with these classifications tend to have more claims filed against their bonds, the bond premiums are typically higher. If you are an experienced contractor with excellent credit, you may see quotes starting around 1-2% of the bond amount. However, every applicant varies, so fill out the short application on our site to get your free quote in as little as 24 hours.
I purchased my California Pool/Roofer Contractor License Bond—now what?
After purchasing your contractor license bond, the original document will be mailed to you. You must file the bond with the obligee, the CSLB, within 90 days of implementation. The filing requirement for every obligee varies; however, the California CSLB will accept the original document or an electronically filed version. Whether or not you can file electronically will depend on the surety company that writes your bond.
