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A B General Building license covers jobs with two or more unrelated trades, like an ADU, an addition or a remodel. A B contractor can't take a stand-alone plumbing, electrical or roofing job unless they also hold that specialty license or subcontract it to someone who does.

Plumbing work calls for a C-36 Plumbing license. A B general builder can do plumbing only as part of a larger job with other unrelated trades, unless they also hold a C-36.

Electrical work calls for a C-10 Electrical license. Ask whether the job needs a permit. Panel upgrades and EV chargers usually do.

Heating and air conditioning work calls for a C-20 license. CSLB requires C-20 licensees to carry workers' compensation even if they have no employees, so check that a policy is on file.

A stand-alone roofing job calls for a C-39 Roofing license. CSLB requires C-39 licensees to carry workers' compensation even if they have no employees, so check that a policy is on file.

This page lists C-46 Solar licensees. Electrical (C-10) and B General Building contractors can also install solar systems under CSLB rules. They aren't listed here.

Building a swimming pool calls for a C-53 Swimming Pool license. For pool contracts, California caps the down payment at 2% of the price or $200, whichever is less.

Landscape construction calls for a C-27 Landscaping license when the job is $1,000 or more or needs a permit.

Painting jobs of $1,000 or more, or any job that needs a permit, call for a licensed contractor, normally a C-33 Painting and Decorating license.

Concrete work calls for a C-8 Concrete license. CSLB requires C-8 licensees to carry workers' compensation even if they have no employees.