HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT

Contract Date: [Date]
Contract Number: [Contract Number]

PARTIES

HOMEOWNER:
Name(s): [Homeowner Full Legal Name(s)]
Property Address: [Street Address, City, State, Zip]
Mailing Address (if different): [Mailing Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

CONTRACTOR:
Company Name: [Contractor Legal Name]
DBA (if applicable): [DBA Name]
Address: [Contractor Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]
State Contractor License Number: [License Number]
License Classification: [Classification]
License Expiration: [Date]
Workers' Compensation Policy: [Policy Number] Carrier: [Carrier Name]

PROJECT LOCATION

Property Address: [Street Address]
City: [City] State: [State] Zip: [Zip Code]

1. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

1.1 Work to be Performed

Contractor agrees to furnish all labor and materials to complete the following home improvement work:

[Provide detailed description of all work to be performed, including:
- Specific rooms or areas
- Type of work (repair, renovation, addition, etc.)
- Materials to be used
- Finishes and specifications
- Fixtures and equipment included]

1.2 Work Included

The following work is included in this Contract:
- ☐ [Item 1]
- ☐ [Item 2]
- ☐ [Item 3]
- ☐ [Item 4]
- ☐ [Item 5]

1.3 Work NOT Included

The following work is expressly excluded:
- ☐ [Exclusion 1]
- ☐ [Exclusion 2]
- ☐ [Exclusion 3]

1.4 Materials and Products

Contractor will use the following materials:

2. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT

2.1 Total Contract Price

Homeowner agrees to pay Contractor the total sum of:

$[Total Contract Price] ([Amount in Words] Dollars)

2.2 Payment Schedule

[// GUIDANCE: Many states limit down payments. California limits deposits to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, for home improvement contracts. Verify your state's requirements.]

2.3 Down Payment Limitation Notice

NOTICE TO HOMEOWNER: The down payment may not exceed [applicable state limit or percentage]. The Contractor may not request payment for work not yet completed or materials not yet delivered, except as provided by law.

2.4 Payment Method

Payments shall be made by:
- ☐ Check payable to: [Contractor Name]
- ☐ Credit Card (subject to [___]% processing fee)
- ☐ Electronic Transfer to: [Account Information]
- ☐ Other: [Specify]

2.5 Late Payment

Payments not received within [10] days of due date may be subject to late charge of [1.5]% per month (or maximum permitted by law).

3. PROJECT TIMELINE

3.1 Start Date

Work shall begin on: [Start Date] or within [___] days of permit approval.

3.2 Completion Date

Work shall be substantially completed by: [Completion Date]

3.3 Work Schedule

Contractor will work:
- Days: [e.g., Monday through Friday]
- Hours: [e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM]

3.4 Delays

The completion date may be extended for:
- ☐ Weather delays
- ☐ Material availability delays
- ☐ Changes requested by Homeowner
- ☐ Permit delays
- ☐ Concealed conditions discovered during work
- ☐ Other causes beyond Contractor's control

Contractor shall notify Homeowner promptly of any expected delays.

4. CHANGE ORDERS

4.1 Written Changes Required

Any changes to the work described in this Contract must be in writing and signed by both Homeowner and Contractor before the changed work is performed.

4.2 Change Order Pricing

Changes will be priced as follows:
- ☐ Fixed price agreed in writing, OR
- ☐ Time and materials at the following rates:
- Labor: $[___] per hour
- Materials: Cost plus [___]%
- Subcontractor work: Cost plus [___]%

4.3 No Oral Changes

IMPORTANT: Contractor is not authorized to perform additional work without a written change order. Homeowner is not obligated to pay for work not covered by this Contract or a written change order.

5. PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS

5.1 Permits Required

• ☐ Building Permit
• ☐ Electrical Permit
• ☐ Plumbing Permit
• ☐ Mechanical Permit
• ☐ Other: [Specify]
• ☐ No permits required for this work

5.2 Responsibility for Permits

☐ Contractor / ☐ Homeowner shall obtain required permits.

5.3 Permit Costs

Permit costs are ☐ included in / ☐ in addition to the Contract Price.
Estimated permit costs: $[Amount]

5.4 Inspections

Contractor shall schedule all required inspections and shall not proceed with work until inspections are passed.

6. SUBCONTRACTORS

6.1 Use of Subcontractors

☐ Contractor will use subcontractors for portions of the work.
☐ All work will be performed by Contractor's employees.

6.2 Subcontractor Disclosure

[// GUIDANCE: Some states (e.g., California SB 517) require disclosure when subcontractors will perform more than 50% of work.]

If subcontractors will perform more than 50% of the Contract Price:

6.3 Contractor Responsibility

Contractor remains responsible for all work performed by subcontractors.

7. WARRANTY

7.1 Contractor's Warranty

Contractor warrants that:
- All work will be performed in a good and workmanlike manner
- All materials will be new and of good quality
- Work will comply with applicable building codes
- Work will be free from defects in materials and workmanship

7.2 Warranty Period

This warranty is effective for [One (1) Year] from the date of substantial completion.

7.3 Warranty Service

During the warranty period, Contractor will repair or replace defective work at no charge to Homeowner. Contractor will respond to warranty requests within [5] business days.

7.4 Warranty Exclusions

This warranty does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage caused by Homeowner misuse or neglect
- Damage caused by others
- Items covered by manufacturer warranties

7.5 Manufacturer Warranties

Contractor will provide Homeowner with manufacturer warranties for:
- [Product 1]: [Warranty Period]
- [Product 2]: [Warranty Period]

8. INSURANCE

8.1 Contractor's Insurance

Contractor maintains the following insurance:
- General Liability: $[Amount] per occurrence
- Workers' Compensation: As required by law
- Auto Liability: $[Amount]

8.2 Proof of Insurance

Contractor will provide certificates of insurance upon request.

9. CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Contractor shall:
- ☐ Obtain all required permits (if responsible under Section 5)
- ☐ Perform work according to building codes and manufacturer specifications
- ☐ Provide qualified and skilled workers
- ☐ Maintain a clean and safe work area
- ☐ Protect Homeowner's property from damage
- ☐ Properly dispose of construction debris
- ☐ Schedule and attend all required inspections
- ☐ Complete work within the agreed timeline

10. HOMEOWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Homeowner shall:
- ☐ Provide access to the property during work hours
- ☐ Make timely decisions on material selections
- ☐ Pay invoices when due
- ☐ Provide clear access to work areas
- ☐ Remove or protect personal belongings in work areas
- ☐ Secure pets during work hours
- ☐ Notify Contractor of any known hazards or conditions

11. LIEN WAIVERS AND PROTECTION

11.1 Mechanic's Lien Notice

NOTICE TO HOMEOWNER: Under state law, contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers may have the right to file a mechanic's lien against your property if they are not paid for work or materials. You have the right to require lien waivers from all parties before making payment.

11.2 Lien Waivers

With each payment request, Contractor shall provide:
- Conditional lien waiver from Contractor
- Conditional lien waivers from subcontractors/suppliers (if applicable)

Upon receipt of payment, Contractor shall provide:
- Unconditional lien waiver from Contractor
- Unconditional lien waivers from subcontractors/suppliers (if applicable)

11.3 Final Lien Waivers

Before final payment, Contractor shall provide unconditional lien waivers from all parties who worked on or supplied materials for the project.

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

12.1 Good Faith Discussion

The parties agree to discuss any disputes in good faith before pursuing other remedies.

12.2 Mediation

If a dispute cannot be resolved through discussion, either party may request mediation. Mediation costs will be shared equally.

12.3 Legal Action

☐ Binding Arbitration: Disputes not resolved through mediation shall be decided by binding arbitration under the rules of [AAA/local rules].

☐ Court: Disputes not resolved through mediation may be brought in the appropriate court.

12.4 Governing Law

This Contract is governed by the laws of [State].

12.5 Attorney's Fees

The prevailing party in any legal action is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

13. RIGHT TO CANCEL

13.1 Cancellation Period

YOU, THE HOMEOWNER, HAVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS CONTRACT WITHIN THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS.

You may cancel this Contract without any penalty or obligation within three (3) business days from the date you sign.

[// GUIDANCE: Some states provide extended cancellation periods: California AB 1327 (effective 2026) provides 5 days for seniors and 7 days for disaster repairs. Verify state requirements.]

13.2 How to Cancel

To cancel, mail or deliver a signed notice to:

[Contractor Name]
[Contractor Address]
[City, State, Zip]

Or email to: [Contractor Email]

13.3 Cancellation Notice Form

The following notice may be used:

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

Date: _____________

I hereby cancel the Home Improvement Contract dated [Contract Date] with [Contractor Name] for work at [Property Address].

Homeowner Signature: _________________________

Printed Name: _________________________

13.4 After Cancellation

If you cancel, the Contractor must return any payments within [10] days.

14. TERMINATION

14.1 Termination by Homeowner

Homeowner may terminate this Contract at any time for any reason upon written notice. Upon termination, Homeowner shall pay Contractor for:
- Work completed through termination date
- Materials ordered and delivered
- Non-refundable costs incurred

14.2 Termination by Contractor

Contractor may terminate this Contract if:
- Homeowner fails to make payments when due (after [10] days' notice)
- Homeowner substantially interferes with work
- Conditions exist that make completion impractical

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, Contractor shall:
- Cease work
- Remove equipment and debris
- Provide lien waivers for amounts paid

15. GENERAL PROVISIONS

15.1 Entire Agreement

This Contract is the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions or agreements.

15.2 Amendments

Changes to this Contract must be in writing and signed by both parties.

15.3 Severability

If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

15.4 Notices

Notices shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses shown above.

15.5 Assignment

Neither party may assign this Contract without written consent of the other.

16. REQUIRED NOTICES AND DISCLOSURES

16.1 Lead Paint Disclosure (For Pre-1978 Homes)

☐ Applicable - Property was built before 1978. Contractor has provided the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and lead disclosure form has been completed.

☐ Not Applicable - Property was built in 1978 or later.

16.2 Asbestos Notice

If asbestos is discovered during work, Contractor will stop work in the affected area and notify Homeowner. Asbestos abatement is not included in this Contract.

16.3 Contractor's License Statement

All work will be performed by a contractor licensed in accordance with state law.

16.4 Bond Information

☐ Contractor is bonded. Bond Amount: $[Amount] Surety: [Surety Name]
☐ Contractor is not bonded.

17. ADDITIONAL TERMS

[Insert any additional terms specific to this project]

18. SIGNATURES

READ THIS CONTRACT CAREFULLY. DO NOT SIGN UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND ALL TERMS.

HOMEOWNER ACKNOWLEDGES:
- ☐ I have received a copy of this signed Contract
- ☐ I understand I have [3] business days to cancel this Contract
- ☐ I have read and understand all terms of this Contract
- ☐ I have received the Cancellation Notice Form

HOMEOWNER:

CONTRACTOR:

ATTACHMENTS

☐ Exhibit A: Detailed Scope of Work
☐ Exhibit B: Material Specifications/Selections
☐ Exhibit C: Plans/Drawings (if applicable)
☐ Exhibit D: Lien Waiver Forms
☐ Exhibit E: Lead Paint Disclosure (if applicable)
☐ Exhibit F: Cancellation Form

NOTICE: You are entitled to a completely filled-in copy of this Contract, signed by both you and the Contractor, before any work may begin.

[// GUIDANCE:
1. Verify state-specific home improvement contract requirements
2. Check deposit limitations in your state
3. Confirm cancellation period requirements (3 days federal minimum; some states require more)
4. For projects over certain dollar thresholds, additional requirements may apply
5. Some states require specific contract language or disclosures
6. Consult with licensed attorney for compliance review]