If a Contractor Breaks Something in Your Home: What to Do

If a contractor breaks something in your home, document the damage right away, tell the contractor in writing, and ask how the damage will be covered. California's Contractors State License Board (CSLB) says commercial general liability coverage "is not required; however, it covers damage to your property". If the contractor will not make it right, you may be able to pursue the contractor's license bond or file a CSLB complaint.

Picture a homeowner in Chino whose kitchen remodel ends with a cracked countertop and a leak under the sink. This guide explains what to do first, who may pay, and which state options exist if talks stall.

If a Contractor Breaks Something: First Steps

1. Stop and document. Take clear, dated photos and video of the damage from several angles. Keep any broken pieces if it is safe to do so.
2. Notify the contractor in writing. Describe what happened, when, and what you want done. CSLB says it "will ask if you have formally notified your contractor of your concerns with the project," and it offers a sample letter. Save a copy.
3. Ask about coverage. Ask the contractor, in writing, how the damage will be handled and whether they carry liability coverage.
4. Keep a project file. CSLB's complaint guide lists "contracts (all pages, front and back), change orders, and cancelled checks (front and back)" as documents to send, and says "Photos can also be submitted."
5. Talk to your own agent or company. Ask whether your homeowners policy might respond, and what they need from you.

Who Pays: Contractor Coverage, Bonds and Your Policy

CSLB's guide to finding the right contractor explains the main layers.

Contractor liability coverage. CSLB says: "Commercial general liability insurance is not required; however, it covers damage to your property. If the contractor does not carry general liability insurance, they should be able to explain how damage or losses will be covered; otherwise you or your insurance company could end up paying for damages."

The license bond. "Licensed contractors are required to have a contractor license bond of $25,000." CSLB adds: "Be aware: this bond is often not enough to cover multiple complaints made against it or your project if it's worth more than the value of the bond."

Your own policy. The Insurance Information Institute (III), in its guide to remodeling, suggests you "Verify the insurance coverage of the contractor and the subcontractors." It says that if coverage is insufficient, "you may need to fill in the gaps by extending the limits of the liability portion of your homeowners policy". Whether your own policy responds to contractor damage depends on its terms.

Check License, Bond and Workers' Comp Before Work Starts

The best time to prevent a dispute is before the first wall comes down. CSLB says: "You can check the license status online or call (800) 321-CSLB (2752)." Its Check a License tool lets you search by license number, business name or personnel name.

Workers' compensation matters too. CSLB says: "In California, if a contractor has employees, they are required to carry workers' compensation insurance." It also warns: "If a worker is injured working on your property and the contractor doesn't have insurance, you could be financially liable to pay for injuries and rehabilitation."

A contractor with no employees can instead give CSLB a signed exemption. According to CSLB's workers' compensation page, C-8 concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 asbestos abatement, C-39 roofing and C-61/D-49 tree service contractors "are required to carry workers' compensation insurance" regardless. It also says "Failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage will result in the license being suspended."

III also suggests: "When hiring a general contractor, ask to see a copy of his or her workers compensation policy."

What Your Contract Should Say

CSLB's page on contracts and binding agreements says: "In California, there must be a written contract for all home improvement projects over $500 in combined labor and materials costs." Key points:

• The contract "should detail the work, price, when payments will be made, who gets the necessary building permits, and when the job will be finished".
• CSLB's finding-the-right-contractor page adds: "A licensed contractor must provide you with information regarding both types of insurance in your written contract."
• Changes belong on a written "change order," including any price changes.
• The down payment "should never exceed 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less".

For more on repairs that go wrong, see our post on what goes wrong when home repairs are done incorrectly.

Recovery Options if the Contractor Will Not Fix It

File a claim on the license bond

CSLB's bond fact sheet says: "If the contractor violates laws, causes property damage, or doesn't pay their workers, a bond claim may be filed to seek compensation." Find the surety company on the contractor's CSLB license record, gather "copies of your contract, payments, messages, and any proof of the contractor's mistakes or violations," and contact the surety directly. CSLB notes that "Claims above $10,000 must be filed in a superior court."

File a CSLB complaint

CSLB's complaint page says it addresses license law violations "for up to four years from the date of the act". According to CSLB's complaint process page, outcomes can include mediation and "orders of correction requiring the contractor to make repairs to your project or pay you to hire others to do so". Citations "may contain civil penalties of up to $30,000 (depending on the violation)".

CSLB also runs "a mandatory program for disputes involving alleged damages of $25,000 or less" and "a voluntary program for disputes involving allegations of damage between $25,000 and $50,000". If mediation does not work, the contractor has no history of repeated acts, and the estimated loss is under $12,500, CSLB may point you to small claims court. It is candid about limits: "we cannot guarantee that you will get any money back".

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a contractor have to carry liability coverage in California?

No. CSLB says commercial general liability insurance is not required, but it covers damage to your property. A contractor without it should be able to explain how damage or losses will be covered. The written contract must include information about both types of insurance.

How much is a California contractor's license bond?

CSLB says licensed contractors must have a $25,000 license bond. CSLB warns the bond is often not enough to cover multiple complaints, or a project worth more than the bond. Claims go to the surety company, not CSLB, and claims above $10,000 must be filed in superior court.

How long do I have to file a CSLB complaint?

CSLB says it addresses violations of Contractors State License Law, by licensed or unlicensed contractors, for up to four years from the date of the act. Formally notify your contractor first and save a copy of that letter to include with your complaint.

Plan Ahead Before the Next Project

A remodel can change what your home is worth and how it should be covered. III suggests contacting your agent before or shortly after construction begins. At Farmers Insurance - Young Douglas, our agents explain home coverage in plain terms, and our housing advice library has more homeowner guides. Coverage depends on your policy. Get a free quote and coverage review.

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Written by LaMonte Douglas, owner of Young Douglas Insurance, a Farmers Insurance agency serving California from Ontario. CA License #4091974.

Sources (accessed September 23, 2026): CSLB, How Do I Find the Right Licensed Contractor?; CSLB, Contracts and Binding Agreements; CSLB, Check a License; CSLB, Workers' Compensation Requirements; CSLB, Fast Facts: Contractor License Bonds; CSLB, Filing a Construction Complaint; CSLB, Complaint Process Against Licensed Contractors; CSLB, A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints; Insurance Information Institute, Remodeling Your Home.

Last updated: September 23, 2026.