Videos

Short videos from Contractors Guidebook, each with a written summary and a full transcript. Each video walks through one official step and links to the agency page it comes from.

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How to Start a Contractor Business, Step by Step

A 66-second walk through the paperwork to start a contracting business: license rules, business structure, a free EIN, bonds and insurance, workers’ comp, the first hire and self-employment tax.

Summary, chapters and transcript: How to Start a Contractor Business, Step by Step Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

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Shorts

California Contractor License: CSLB Basics
Watch on YouTube California Contractor License: CSLB Basics (opens in a new tab)Read the guide: California Contractor License (CSLB): Steps and Fees

Images from our videos

Video thumbnails and the illustrations used in the videos. Each one links to its video or guide.

Our intro video: How to Start a Contractor Business, Step by Step.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.Watch the video: How to Start a Contractor Business, Step by Step

Video thumbnail: "California Contractor License: CSLB Basics" in white letters on an oxblood band over an illustrative jobsite photo, with ContractorsGuidebook.com — Our Short: California Contractor License: CSLB Basics.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.Watch the Short in the guide: California Contractor License (CSLB): Steps and Fees

The bed of a white work truck loaded with ladders, lumber and a red tool bag on a quiet street at dawn — Loading up for the first jobs. Start with our checklist.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.From the guide: How to Start a Contractor Business: A U.S. Checklist

Hands sort blank permit-style paperwork into red and blue folders on a desk — Licenses and permits each have their own forms. Check your state and city.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.From the guide: Contractor License Requirements by State: How to Check

A wood-framed house under construction with sawhorses, stacked lumber and a red extension cord under a clear blue sky — California contractors get their license from the CSLB.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.From the guide: California Contractor License (CSLB): Steps and Fees

Shop keys on a blue folder next to a red holder of blank business cards — Choosing a business structure comes before the business cards.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.From the guide: LLC vs. Sole Proprietor for Contractors

A hand holds a phone showing a simple blank online form above a desk with a red coffee cup and work gloves — Getting an EIN online from the IRS is free.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.From the guide: How to Get an EIN for Free From the IRS

A white hard hat, work gloves, safety glasses and a red first-aid case on a tailgate at a busy jobsite — Safety gear on site; workers’ comp rules vary by state.Illustrative image created with AI tools. Not a photo of a real business, jobsite or person.From the guide: Workers’ Comp for Contractors: How to Find Your State’s Rules

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Short walkthroughs of one official step at a time, with real sources. New videos on the Contractors Guidebook YouTube channel.

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Education only: general information, not tax, legal, insurance or other professional advice for your situation. Rules, fees and deadlines change and vary by state, county and city, so check the official agency we link or ask a licensed professional before you act. We may earn money from ads and, in the future, paid links; our advice isn’t for sale.