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California contractor compliance, explained
Short, plain-English guides to the compliance paperwork every California subcontractor signs. Written by ContraForge Editorial, grounded in California statutes.
Overview
The 4 Compliance Documents Every California Subcontractor Signs
Lien waivers, W-9s, ACORD 25 COIs, and Safety Data Sheets — what each does, what each puts at risk, and where they go wrong.
Read the guideLien Waivers
California Lien Waiver: The Complete Guide (All 4 Statutory Forms)
California Civil Code §§8132–8138 defines the only four legally valid lien waiver forms. Everything else is suspect.
Read the guideLien Waivers
Conditional vs Unconditional Lien Waivers: What You Lose When You Sign the Wrong One
A conditional waiver waits for payment to clear. An unconditional waiver takes effect on signature. Get it wrong once and you can lose tens of thousands.
Read the guideInsurance
How to Read an ACORD 25 Certificate of Insurance (Contractor's Checklist)
The one-page COI that gets contractors onto projects. This is what to check on every single one.
Read the guideTax
7 W-9 Mistakes That Delay Contractor Payments
The shortest form in construction is also the one that most reliably holds up a check. Here are the mistakes that trigger backup withholding.
Read the guideSafety
The 16 Sections of an OSHA Safety Data Sheet (and 3 That Must Never Be Missing)
Every hazardous chemical on a California jobsite needs a current SDS. Here's what OSHA requires and what to never accept.
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