Hiring a Contractor in Big Bear: What to Know

Finding a contractor in Big Bear is often different than it is in larger cities.

Many homeowners find people through Facebook groups, word of mouth, Nextdoor posts, neighbors, local business pages, or community recommendations. Sometimes that works well. Other times, it can be hard to tell who is experienced, who is licensed, and who is simply looking for side work.

For homeowners, second-home owners, and vacation rental owners, hiring the wrong person can become expensive very quickly. That is especially true in Big Bear, where many jobs involve steep lots, snow, weather exposure, older cabins, large properties, or projects that become more complicated than expected.



Before hiring anyone, it helps to understand what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and when it makes sense to hire a licensed contractor.

Where Most Big Bear Homeowners Find Contractors

Many homeowners in Big Bear find contractors through:

• Facebook groups
• Local Facebook business pages
• Referrals from neighbors or friends
• Property managers
• Real estate agents
• Google searches
• Yard signs
• Trucks with local business names
• Local directories
• Community forums

There is nothing wrong with finding someone through Facebook or word of mouth. In fact, many good contractors in Big Bear get most of their work that way.

However, homeowners should be careful about hiring someone just because they were recommended in a comment section or responded quickly to a post.



Before hiring anyone, it is worth taking a few extra minutes to ask questions, verify information, and make sure the person is a good fit for the job.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Someone

Before hiring a contractor or handyman in Big Bear, homeowners should ask:

• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured?
• How long have you worked in Big Bear?
• Have you done similar projects before?
• Can you provide references?
• Do you have photos of past work?
• Will you provide a written estimate?
• Will permits be required?
• What happens if additional work is needed?
• How quickly can you start?
• Do you use employees or subcontractors?
• What kind of payment schedule do you use?

Even if someone seems trustworthy, it is still a good idea to get details in writing.

Why Licensing Matters

California allows some small jobs to be performed without a contractor license, but there are limits.

Starting in 2025, an unlicensed person can legally perform work if:

• The total labor and materials are under $1,000
• No permit is required
• They do not use employees or helpers
• The work is minor in nature

That means someone may legally help with small handyman work, fence repairs, yard cleanup, minor painting, pressure washing, or other small jobs.

However, once a project exceeds $1,000, requires permits, or becomes more complex, California generally requires a contractor license. That includes many common Big Bear projects such as deck work, large fencing projects, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, hot tub installation, remodeling, concrete, and retaining walls.

How Licensed and Unlicensed Contractors Should Advertise

California also has rules about advertising.

Licensed contractors are generally required to include their contractor license number in advertisements, websites, social media pages, business cards, vehicles, flyers, and other marketing materials.

Unlicensed people can still advertise certain small jobs, but they are expected to disclose that they are not licensed.

For example, if someone is advertising on Facebook for handyman work, yard cleanup, pressure washing, or fence repairs under the legal exemption amount, they should include wording such as:

• Not CSLB Licensed
• Unlicensed — jobs under $1,000 only
• Not a Licensed Contractor

If someone claims to be licensed but refuses to provide a license number, that is a red flag. California law also does not allow people to advertise as licensed contractors if they are not actually licensed. 

Be Careful About Giving Large Deposits

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is paying too much money upfront.

California limits contractor down payments to:

• $1,000
• Or 10% of the contract price

Whichever amount is less

For example:

On a $5,000 project, the maximum down payment is $500

On a $20,000 project, the maximum down payment is still $1,000

If someone asks for half upfront, wants all materials paid for before work starts, or asks for a large cash payment immediately, homeowners should be cautious. California does not make exceptions for special-order materials or other excuses contractors sometimes use.



Many homeowners feel pressured to pay large deposits because contractors say they need the money to hold a spot, buy materials, or start work quickly. However, paying too much upfront can create problems if the contractor disappears, delays the job, or never returns.

Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor

Many homeowners still hire unlicensed workers for small jobs because they may be less expensive, easier to find, or available faster.

For small jobs under $1,000, that may be perfectly fine.

However, the risks become much larger on bigger projects.

Hiring an unlicensed contractor can create problems if:

• The work is poor quality
• Permits are required
• Someone gets injured on your property
• There is damage to your home
• The contractor disappears
• The project is left unfinished
• Insurance refuses to cover the work
• The contractor asks for too much money upfront
• There is no written agreement

For second-home owners who are not in Big Bear full time, these risks can be even greater because they may not be there to monitor the work in person.

How to Check a Contractor License

Before hiring someone, homeowners should always verify their license through the California Contractors State License Board.

You can search by:

• License number
• Contractor name
• Business name

You should also check:

• Whether the license is active
• Whether there are complaints or disciplinary actions
• Whether the license classification matches the type of work
• Whether the contractor carries insurance
• Whether the business name matches what is listed online

A contractor who avoids giving a license number, says they are “working under someone else’s license,” or becomes defensive when asked basic questions should be treated cautiously.

Red Flags to Watch For

Homeowners in Big Bear should be cautious if a contractor:



• Wants a large cash deposit
• Will not provide a written estimate
• Refuses to provide a license number
• Has no online presence at all
• Only communicates through Facebook Messenger
• Shows up after storms offering quick repairs
• Says permits are not needed when they probably are
• Pressures you to make a fast decision
• Uses vague business names or no business name
• Cannot provide photos, references, or proof of insurance 

Helpful Resources

• CSLB License Lookup
• CSLB Advertising Rules
• CSLB Home Improvement Contract Rules
• CSLB Complaint Information
• CSLB Consumer Guides 

FAQs