Legal Question in Construction Law in California

It would be wise to contact an attorney well-versed in construction cases of this nature, so that she can analyze your claims against the contractor (and potential claims by the landscaper against you for failure to pay). In many of these cases, it can be determined that the contractor was working without a license or improperly working without workers' compensation, which would deem the contractor unlicensed. In either of those situations, the landscaper would not be entitled to collect any payment from you, and you could even be entitled to reimbursement of payments you've already made. An attorney can also advise you about options for making a claim against the contractor's license bond and/or to the Contractors State License Board.

Laws regarding contractors (and particularly contractors who are doing work for homeowners) are very specific, and not every attorney is familiar with this area of law.