A drawer that sticks, a leaky faucet, a washer that won't drain. Here is how to hire for small home fixes and appliance repair in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff, Encinitas and Carlsbad without getting burned, and a local who can find and check someone for you.
Handyman in Solana Beach, Del Mar or Encinitas: when a license matters
- Under $1,000 only. A license is required for any job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials together, any job that needs a building permit, and any job where they use employees. An unlicensed handyman's ads must say they are not licensed (CSLB · AB 2622).
- Ask for the license number and check it at CSLB Check a License.
- Down payment: on a home improvement contract, no more than $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less (Contractors State License Board). Never pay ahead of the work done. Licensed general contractors based in town (CSLB data): Solana Beach 77, Del Mar 53, Cardiff 52, Encinitas 243, Carlsbad 424.
Appliance repair in Solana Beach and Encinitas: check the registration
- California registers appliance and electronic repair businesses through the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Look one up at the state's license search; complaints go to the Bureau.
- The trip charge must be quoted before the visit, and you get a written estimate with the total price before any repair (BHGS). Ask whether the diagnostic fee comes off the repair.
- Before you call: a photo of the model and serial number sticker, what it's doing, and whether a warranty still covers it.
PJ finds and checks
PJ doesn't do the repair. He finds two or three people who do, checks the license or registration, gets the quotes, books the visit, and can be there to let them in. He takes no cut and never steers you to someone who pays him. Small jobs: Family Assist, $30 an hour, usually under an hour of his time. A bigger job after the storm: the storm contractor check.
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This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
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Questions people ask
Do I need a licensed contractor for handyman work in California?
Yes for any job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials, any job that needs a building permit, or any job with employees (Contractors State License Board). Below all three, no. Ask for the license number and check it at CSLB's Check a License page.
How do I check an appliance repair company in California?
California registers appliance and electronic repair businesses through the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Look the business up in the state's license search at search.dca.ca.gov; file complaints with the Bureau.
Who can find a reliable handyman in Solana Beach, Encinitas or Carlsbad?
PJ, a local in Solana Beach, finds two or three, checks their license, gets quotes and books the visit, from Del Mar to Carlsbad. Family Assist, $30 an hour, no cut from anyone.
Who does appliance repair in Solana Beach or Encinitas?
PJ finds two or three repair businesses registered with the state's Bureau of Household Goods and Services, checks the registration and books the visit. Ask for the trip charge before the visit and a written estimate before the repair. Family Assist, $30 an hour.
How much can a contractor ask for up front in California?
On a home improvement contract, no more than $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less, per the Contractors State License Board.
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