What kind of licence is necessary to professionally install hardwood floor. Is it general contractor licence or a special one? I'm in California.

www.cslb.ca.gov

You need a c-15.

Thanks for the info, but I do not need it for myself. I just want to know what to ask when installer comes to my hose to quote the job.

What part of Nor Cal are you located?

SF Bay Area on Peninsula

Yes, according to CA. state law, anyone who performs any work on any structure that exceeds $500.00 in labor and materials must be licensed. Homeowners are exempted if they are doing the work personally on their own property. In CA. a flooring contractor will typically carry a C-15 specialty license. This covers flooring except ceramic or natural stone tile. You can check on the contractor's license status online by going here:
http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/Li ... equest.asp
They also need to carry workers compensation insurance IF they have any employees, including a "helper". A bond is required to obtain and hold a contracting license. One other tidbit. A contractor can only get 10% of the contract amount OR $1,000.00, whichever is less, as a deposit. This INCLUDES the material costs. A contractor may get an additional amount (draw) upon delivery of the materials, if they are supplying the materials. This is what I typically do to comply with state law. Here is an excellent read:
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/forms/wysk.pdf

Gary,
Excellent info. This is exactly what I was looking for. I am sending you email with few more questions.