1. Check the license
Unless a job is under $1,000 in labor and materials, needs no permit and the worker has no employees, California requires a contractor's license (CSLB, AB 2622), which covers essentially every real deck. Deck builders usually hold one of two classes:
| Class | What it covers for decks |
|---|---|
| B, General Building | Projects involving multiple trades on a structure, common for decks tied into the house |
| C-5, Framing and Rough Carpentry | Framing and rough carpentry; the published scope names exterior staircases and railings, but decks are not named explicitly (CSLB C-5) |
Look up the license number on the CSLB license check: confirm it's active, matches the business name, and shows workers' compensation if they have employees.
2. Know California's contract rules
- A written contract is required for home improvement work over $500.
- The down payment can't exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
- Progress payments shouldn't exceed the value of work done and materials delivered.
- The contract should name start and completion dates and the license number.
Source: CSLB home improvement contracts.
3. Compare bids line by line
| Line item | What a complete bid says |
|---|---|
| Drawing | Plan with size, height, stairs and railing layout |
| Footing plan | Number, size and depth of footings; slope setbacks |
| Framing lumber | Grade and treatment, joist size and spacing, beam and post sizes |
| Ledger | How it attaches to the house and how it is flashed |
| Decking | Exact product line, color and fastening method |
| Railings | System, height and stair handrails |
| Stairs | Number of flights, landings, lighting if any |
| Permit | Who pulls it; plan and engineering fees included or not |
| Demolition | Tear-out, haul-off and site protection |
| Warranty | Workmanship warranty in writing, plus the product warranty |
| Timeline | Start date, duration and payment milestones |
Price ranges for each part are in the deck cost guide.
Red flags
- A large cash deposit, or one above the legal limit.
- "We don't need a permit for this" on an attached or raised deck. See permit rules.
- No license number on the bid, or a number that doesn't match the business.
- A one-line bid ("build 400 sq ft deck") with no framing or footing details.
- Pressure to sign the same day.
Hiring questions
How much do deck builders charge per hour?
Most deck builders price by the project, not the hour, because the work runs on materials, height, access and permits. Hourly rates show up mainly on small repair jobs. Compare full, itemized bids rather than hourly numbers.
What license does a deck builder need in California?
Any deck job of $1,000 or more, or any job that needs a permit, requires a CSLB license. Deck builders typically hold a B (general building) or C-5 (framing and rough carpentry) license. Look up any license number on the CSLB website.
How much can a contractor ask for up front?
For home improvement contracts, California limits the down payment to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less, and progress payments should not get ahead of the work done and materials delivered.