Under California law, a home improvement contract is required for residential work when the total contract price (labor AND materials) is at least:
a.$200
b.$500
c.$1,000
d.$2,500
Explanation
California requires a written home improvement contract for any work on a residential property totaling $500 or more, including both labor and materials (B&P §7159). Note: this $500 written-contract threshold is a DIFFERENT number from the $1,000 unlicensed minor-work threshold under §7048 — SB 517 amended §7159 for 2026 (subcontractor-disclosure rules), but left this $500 figure in place, so do not confuse the two.
Law Reference: Bus. & Prof. Code §7159This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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Related questions on this topic
- A homeowner can cancel a home improvement contract that was solicited at their home within:
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Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)