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State files updated Oct 29, 2026
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California contractor license

Smith - Hyder Inc

Smith - Hyder Inc of Berkeley holds California license 852961 (B General Building). The CSLB file dated Oct 29, 2026 lists it as active.1 It expires Jan 31, 2027.

Licensed 21 years, longer than 64% of 125 active Berkeley general contractors.

Active

Smith - Hyder Inc, Berkeley

License
852961
Class
B General Building
Expires
Jan 31, 2027
Bond
$25,000
Workers' comp
Exempt

CSLB file dated Oct 29, 2026

From the CSLB file dated Oct 29, 2026. Not a consumer report; check the board before you hire.

What bond, insurance and workers' comp are on file?

Bond
$25,000North River Insurance Company (The), from May 28, 2025, continuous
Liability insurance
Not in the CSLB fileCheck with the board
Workers' comp
Exemptfrom Dec 11, 2024

Who is on this license?

Officer
Christopher J. HyderSince Jan 14, 2005
Responsible managing officer
Craig L. SmithSince Jan 14, 2005

What work does this license cover?

Issued Jan 14, 2005.

The workers' comp exemption means the holder told the CSLB it has no employees. If a crew works on your job, ask for a workers' comp certificate.

Which other Berkeley businesses hold B General Building?

General Contractors in BerkeleyCalifornia general contractors

What should you check before hiring?

What to ask before you hire

  1. Get the license number in writing. The name on the license should match the name on your contract and invoice.
  2. Check the class covers the job. A license for one trade doesn't cover another. California license classes
  3. Ask for a certificate of insurance sent to you by the insurance agent, not handed over by the contractor. How to read a COI
  4. Ask who will be on site. If a crew works on your property, ask for proof of workers' comp. An exemption on file means the contractor told the CSLB it has no employees.
  5. Put it in a written contract: license number, price, start date and payment schedule. Check the license again on the day you sign.

If the license is lapsed

  1. Don't sign or pay a deposit until the CSLB shows the license active again.
  2. Ask the contractor why. For a bond or insurance lapse, ask for proof that the new bond or policy was filed with the CSLB, then check again.
  3. If work has started, hold further payments, keep the contract, receipts and photos, and file a complaint with Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
  4. Check another contractor. California license lookup

Sources

  1. CSLB License Master (cslb.ca.gov, Oct 29, 2026)
  2. Contractors State License Board (CSLB)