Legal Question in Construction Law in California

If you are simply suing them in small claims for the unpaid amounts and not foreclosing a mechanic's lien, then you need only write to them once demanding payment before you can file suit in small claims court. You do not need to notify them three times by certified mail, though doing so will only help your case (demonstrates your efforts to resolve the matter outside of litigation).

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There is no such requirement unless you intend to create and enforce a mechanic's lien. I do suggest buying the Nolo Press (or similar) book on California small-claims procedures are reading up on planning, filing, trying and collecting a claim.