california home improvement laws
Overview
California has an extensive, consumer-protection driven set of home improvement laws and regulations. Substantial protections are afforded to homeowners, while contractors and salespersons are required to comply with complex, and sometimes burdensome, legal obligations. In order to assist parties, the Contractors State License Board provides a broad array of resources and services in order to facilitate disputes between homeowners and contractors.
The home improvement attorneys at Flores Ryan, LLP have expertise in every aspect of California home improvement laws. We provide our legal expertise to accomplish our client’s objectives under the applicable home improvement laws. Our extensive experience as home improvement attorneys allows us to advance home improvement transactions and disputes strategically to maximize the likelihood of a rapid and successful result.
ARTICLES
CSLB Citations
Getting back to the basics of how a CSLB Citation works, this article will provide an overview of what every contractor should know.
Don’t Go Changin’…Unless You’ve Followed Your Change Order Procedure
An overview of how crucial it is for contractors to follow their change order procedures.
What Is Bidder Responsibility?
Bidder responsibility represents the minimum requirements a bidder must have to be awarded public work.
Get It Right: Reinstatement And Reissuance Of A Contractor’s License
The CSLB protects California’s consumers by regulating the construction industry to promote consumer and employee health, safety, and its general welfare.
KEY POINTS
- Under Business and Professions Code section 7151, "home improvement" means the repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, modernizing of, or adding to, residential property.
- The requirements for Home Improvement Contracts are set forth in Business and Professions Code section 7159.
- The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or exceed 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. Business and Professions Code section 7159, subdivision (d)(8).
- Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 7159, subdivision (d)(9), it is against the law for a contractor to collect payment for work not yet completed, or for materials not yet delivered.
- Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order. The order must describe the scope of the extra work or change, the cost to be added or subtracted from the contract, and the effect the order will have on the schedule of progress payments.
FORMS
Below you can generate the following forms applicable to California Home Improvement projects: