The most comprehensive resource for California homeowners dealing with roofing contractor disputes. Free demand letter templates, CSLB complaint guidance, contractor bond recovery process, and your complete rights under B&P 7159 home improvement contract laws.
California-specific demand letters with legal citations, step-by-step instructions, and fillable forms
For roofs that leak due to improper installation, flashing defects, or failure to follow manufacturer specs. Includes water damage claims.
→When your contractor started but didn't finish the job. Recover payments for uncompleted work and cost to hire a replacement contractor.
→Contractor disappeared mid-project or stopped responding. Demand refund of deposits and cover costs under B&P 7107 abandonment provisions.
→Contractor substituted cheaper materials than specified in contract. Includes violations of B&P 7109 departure from specifications.
→ Full RefundUnder B&P 7031, recover ALL money paid to unlicensed contractors - even if work was completed. Also covers permit violations.
→Contractor took excessive deposit (over 10% or $1,000) or disappeared with your money. Criminal referral options included.
→Contractor refuses to honor workmanship warranty. Includes manufacturer warranty claims and voided warranty due to installation defects.
→ InsuranceStorm chasers, insurance restoration fraud, inflated claims, or substandard emergency repairs. Includes insurance assignment abuse.
→Your rights under California Business & Professions Code and Civil Code
California home improvement contracts MUST include:
The most powerful homeowner protection in California:
cslb.ca.govProtects you from losing large deposits:
Right to cancel home solicitation contracts:
When contractors walk away from jobs:
New construction performance standards:
If you haven't fully paid your contractor, they may file a mechanic's lien against your property within 90 days of completion. However, contractors who lack proper licensing, didn't provide proper preliminary notices, or who abandoned the project may have defective lien rights. Always get lien releases for payments made.
Gather these documents before sending your demand letter or filing claims
Estimate your total damages for demand letter and potential recovery
Step-by-step guide to filing a complaint with the Contractors State License Board
Before filing, collect all relevant documents including your contract, payment records, photos of defective work, correspondence, and any repair estimates. The more documentation you have, the stronger your complaint.
File your complaint at cslb.ca.gov or call 800-321-CSLB (2752). You'll need:
A CSLB investigator will review your complaint, may inspect the work, and contact the contractor. The contractor has an opportunity to respond and potentially resolve the issue. Investigations typically take 30-90 days.
CSLB is a regulatory agency, not a court. They cannot order the contractor to pay you money or force them to complete work. For monetary recovery, you'll need to:
Look up the contractor at cslb.ca.gov. The license detail page shows the surety company name, bond number, and effective dates. All California contractors must maintain a minimum $25,000 bond.
Send a written claim to the surety company via certified mail. Include your contract, proof of payments, photos of defective work, and a clear statement of damages. Request payment up to the bond amount.
The surety has 30 days to investigate and respond. They may pay valid claims, request more information, or deny the claim. If denied, you may need to sue both the contractor and surety.
Bond claims must be filed within 2 years of the violation OR 1 year from project completion date, whichever is later. Multiple claimants may compete for limited bond funds.
Know when you can handle it yourself vs. when professional help is needed
Get a 30-minute strategy session with a California construction attorney. Review your case, understand your options, and get a clear action plan.
Book $125 Consultation →Common questions about California roofing disputes
Visit cslb.ca.gov and use the "Check a License" feature. Enter the contractor's license number, name, or business name. Verify they have an active C-39 (Roofing) classification and current workers' comp insurance.
If no response within 10-14 days, file a CSLB complaint, submit a bond claim to the surety company, and consider filing in Small Claims Court. The demand letter creates a paper trail showing you attempted resolution.
Yes, but document everything. Under California law, you can withhold payment for incomplete or defective work, but provide written notice of the specific deficiencies. Be aware the contractor may file a mechanic's lien.
It depends. If you have confidence in their ability and willingness, allowing repairs may be faster. However, get any repair agreement in writing with specific timelines. If they've been unresponsive or you've lost trust, hiring another contractor may be better.
Don't panic. Contractors have 90 days from completion to file a mechanic's lien. However, liens can be challenged if the contractor was unlicensed, didn't provide preliminary notices, or if you have valid defenses. Consult an attorney if a lien is filed.
Check your contract - many include attorney fee provisions that allow the prevailing party to recover fees. Additionally, some California statutes (like the CLRA) allow fee recovery. In Small Claims Court, you cannot have an attorney represent you, so fees aren't an issue.