Water damage in Los Angeles County, CA

In California, anyone performing construction or restoration work where the combined labor and materials total $1,000 or more, or where any structural work is involved (e.g., opening walls, removing drywall/insulation), must hold a license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — typically a B (General Building) or an appropriate C-classification. (The licensure threshold rose from $500 to $1,000 under AB 2622, effective January 1, 2025.) California does not issue a state mold-remediation license, so mold work involving structural repair falls under CSLB classifications rather than a mold-specific credential. CSLB actively cites unlicensed operators, so homeowners should confirm a contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov before hiring.