Where the data comes from
We download the California Contractors State License Board's public list of every contractor holding a B (General Building) license in San Diego County. It includes the license number, legal business name, address, phone, license dates, bond and workers' comp details. It's the same information the board shows on its own license lookup, in bulk.
How a builder gets matched
Business names on Google and on websites rarely match the legal name on a license, and a wrong match would be worse than no match. So we only list a builder when one of these lines up exactly:
- the license number printed on the builder's own website (California requires contractors to show it in their ads), or
- the builder's phone number, matching the number on the state record.
We never match on a similar-sounding name.
The four checks
- Active license. The license status in the state record is active, with no suspension, revocation or expiry.
- B, General Building. The license includes the B classification, which California requires for new home construction such as a detached ADU.
- Bond on file. A contractor's bond is on file with the state and hasn't been canceled.
- Workers' comp status. We show whether the business carries workers' comp, uses a staffing firm, or is exempt (no employees on record).
What removes a listing
- A license that is suspended, revoked, expired or inactive.
- A canceled contractor's bond.
- A license number or phone number that no longer matches the state record.
We re-download the state data every month, and the date of the last check is shown on every profile.
How builders are ordered
By years licensed, longest first. It's simple, it's public, and money can't change it. If we ever offer paid placements, they will be labeled Sponsored and shown separately; they will never change this order. See how we make money.
What we don't check
Being honest about the limits matters as much as the checks:
- Quality of work. A valid license doesn't guarantee good workmanship.
- Financial health. Several failed ADU companies held licenses until they collapsed.
- Complaint history. We don't yet pull the board's complaint or disciplinary history; check it on the board's lookup.
- Liability insurance. The state record doesn't include general liability coverage; ask for a certificate.
Always confirm a license on the board's Instant License Check before you sign.
Corrections
If something on a listing is wrong, email hello@findaducontractor.com with the license number. We correct verified errors within two business days.