Are you a contractor in California that regularly performs home improvement work? If so, you need a statutorily compliant, written Home Improvement Contract for all work over $500.00.
Under California law, construction work is considered “Home Improvement” work if it involves any of the following:
Repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, or modernizing of, or adding to, residential property including, the construction, erection, replacement, or improvement of:
- driveways,
- swimming pools, spas and hot tubs,
- terraces, patios, awnings,
- storm windows,
- landscaping, fences,
- porches,
- garages,
- fallout shelters, basements,
- other improvements of the structures or land such as Accessory Dwelling Units
- installation of home improvement goods: including carpeting, texture coating, painting, fencing, air conditioning or heating equipment, and termite extermination. Home improvement goods include goods which are to be so affixed to real property as to become a part of real property whether or not severable.
California contractors know the risks of performing home improvement work without a current, statutory compliant contract: Homeowners can refuse to pay, can cancel the work after you have spent funds on materials, they can report you to the Contractor Licensing Board. An up-to-date, complaint contract is crucial to protect your business and your income. Contractors who perform work without a statutorily compliant home improvement contract risk paying consequential, actual and punitive damages to homeowners who sue. Even more compelling, Contractors who violate California law concerning home improvement contracts risk suspension or revocation of their contractor’s license.
The Document Lawyer has updated its Home Improvement Contract to comply with the 2022 changes to the California Business and Professions Code §7159. You can purchase our form California Home Improvement Contract here.