How we work
Two paths. One promise: a California-licensed contractor on every job.
We'd rather be honest about how this works than lock you into a sales pitch. Here's exactly what happens after you submit a quote request — and who signs your contract.
Path A — In-house
When the project is in our wheelhouse and our schedule is open, we take it directly.
- Performed under CSLB #XXXXXXX, held by our Responsible Managing Officer.
- General liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- California contractor's bond.
- Your contract is with the entity holding the license — clearly identified.
- Lifetime workmanship warranty on tile and waterproofing.
Path B — Vetted partner
When a project fits a specialist better, or our schedule is full, we route it to one of our vetted Sacramento partner contractors.
- Active CSLB license, verified by us on cslb.ca.gov.
- Current general liability + workers' compensation insurance.
- California contractor's bond on file.
- Clean CSLB disciplinary record.
- Your contract is with that partner contractor — their license # on the contract.
From quote to keys
The exact sequence.
- 1
Estimate request
You submit a short form or call us. We review your project, location, timeline, and budget.
- 2
Path decision
Within 5 minutes (business hours) we tell you which path fits — in-house or partner — and why.
- 3
Free in-home consultation
The actual contractor of record (us or partner) does the walkthrough and writes the itemized quote.
- 4
Contract + build
California-compliant home improvement contract signed with the licensed contractor. License # on the contract. Build begins.
Why this model
Most homeowners get a better result this way.
The remodeling industry runs on subcontractors. The polished "we do everything in-house" promise rarely survives the actual job site — tile guys, plumbers, glaziers, electricians, and concrete crews are almost always specialized teams.
We do two things differently. First, we're transparent about who's actually doing the work. Second, we route projects to the team that's the best fit for that project — a 1990s tub-to-shower conversion and a $90k spa bathroom with a wet room are different problems with different best-in-class teams.
In every case, the contractor of record is California-licensed, insured, and bonded. You can verify any of them in 30 seconds at cslb.ca.gov.
Your protections (regardless of path)
- 3-day right to cancel. BPC §7159.
- Max 10% or $1,000 down. Whichever is less.
- License # on contract. Verifiable on cslb.ca.gov.
- CSLB complaint process. California Contractors State License Board.
- Contractor's bond. California-required surety.
- Workers' comp + GL insurance. Verified before any work starts.
Questions we hear
Real answers.
Are you a contractor or a referral service?+
Both. Tanbark Build Co. is structured to do real work and also to refer projects when that gets you the best outcome. Some projects we take in-house under California CSLB License #XXXXXXX (held by our Responsible Managing Officer). Others we route to one of our vetted, independently CSLB-licensed Sacramento partner contractors. You always know which path before you sign anything.
Who actually signs my contract?+
The actual licensed contractor of record on your project. If we're doing it in-house, your contract is with the entity holding CSLB #XXXXXXX. If we route the project, your contract is with the partner contractor (whose California license # appears on the contract). You can verify any California contractor at cslb.ca.gov before signing.
Do you get paid for referrals?+
When we route a project to a partner contractor, that contractor pays us a referral fee. That fee does not change the price you pay; California's Business and Professions Code rules govern how contractors price their work, and your contract is at the contractor's published rate. You're free at any time to obtain additional bids and pick any contractor you want.
How do you vet partner contractors?+
Active California CSLB license verified directly on cslb.ca.gov. Current general liability insurance. Current workers' compensation insurance (or sole-proprietor exemption if applicable). Current California contractor's bond. No unresolved CSLB disciplinary actions. A track record we can verify with past customers. Specialization in the service we're routing.
What if something goes wrong with the work?+
Your remedies are against the licensed contractor of record under California law (BPC §7159 home improvement contract protections, the CSLB complaint process, and the contractor's bond). For in-house work, that's us. For referred work, that's the partner contractor — and we'll help you escalate to the CSLB Complaint Intake Unit if you ever need to.
Can I just pay for the AI design and not the project?+
Yes. The AI design preview is free, no obligation. We do not require you to hire us or any partner to use it. Many homeowners use it just to plan, get spousal buy-in, or shop bids with their existing contractor.
Ready to start?
Tell us about your project.
Quick intake form. A Project Manager will follow up to schedule a free in-home estimate. We'll tell you up front whether we're doing it in-house or routing to a partner — and why.