What Should Be Included in Home Improvement Contracts?

In Connecticut, a written contract is not just a best practice. It is legally required. The Connecticut Home Improvement Act sets strict requirements that must be met for a home improvement contract to be valid and enforceable. If a required element is missing, a contractor may not be able to enforce the agreement.

What Qualifies as “Home Improvement”?

Home improvement includes the repair, replacement, remodeling, or addition to residential homes, driveways, swimming, pools, porches, garages, roofs, siding, insulation, flooring, patios, landscaping, fences, doors, and windows, the total of which work is over $200.

Required Contract Provisions

To comply with the Home Improvement Act, the contract must be in writing and include the following:

• Contractor Information

  • The contractor’s legal name and address

  • The contractor’s Connecticut registration number

• Signatures

  • The contract must be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor

• Start and Completion Date

  • A start date

  • A projected completion date

• Notice of Cancellation Rights

  • The contract must include a clear notice stating that the homeowner may cancel the contract before midnight of the third business day after signing.

• Disclosure of Other Legal Entities

  • The contract must disclose any other legal entities in which the contractor’s owner or owners have held ownership within the past five years.

Any change to the contract must be in writing and signed by the homeowner and the contractor. The homeowner must receive a completed copy of the signed contract.

Why This Matters

Connecticut courts strictly enforce the Home Improvement Act. If a contract does not meet statutory requirements, a contractor may not be able to collect payment, even if the work was completed properly.

A properly drafted contract protects your business, sets clear expectations, and reduces the risk of disputes.

If you need assistance drafting or updating a home improvement contract that complies with Connecticut law and protects your business, contact Levene Legal today.