Home Improvement 2020 Department of Cable and Consumer Services

1. H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T
D E PA R T M E N T O F C A B L E A N D CO N S U M E R S E R V I C E S

2. PLANNING ON HIRING A HOME
IMPROVEMENT CONTACTOR
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Consumer Affairs can provide:
 Tips on hiring a contractor
 Information on home improvement laws
 Complaint histories on contractors
 Mediation and arbitration services regarding consumer-contractor
disputes (i.e. deficiencies in work, no work performed)

3. BEFORE HIRING A HOME
IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR
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 Obtain recommendations, references, and research contractor to find out if
other consumers have complaints.
 Verify business has a business license (BPOL) through Fairfax County at
703-222-8234.
 Verify contractor is licensed by state of Virginia at
www.dpor.virginia.gov/licenselooup or call 804-367-8511.
o Contractors must be licensed for any contract amount over $1,000:
o Class A license required for projects whose total value exceeds $120,000
o Class B license for projects between $10,000 to $120,000
o Class C for projects between $1,000 to $10,000
 Ask friends or neighbors

4. ADDITIONAL TIPS ON HIRING A HOME
IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR
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 Get a least three written estimates from different contractors and
find out if they will be using subcontractors on project.
 Verify contractor has insurance to cover damage to your home, or
injury to employees working on your property.
 After you decide on contractor, make sure to obtain a written
contract.

5. INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN A
CONTRACT
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 Contractor:
o Name, Business Name, Location, Address
o License Number, Class, Expiration Date
 Job Location - Job Description – Materials Used
 Total Cost – Deposit – Payment Schedule
 Start Date – End Date
 Permits – Inspections – Zoning
 Modifications & Cancellations Policy

6. ONCE A CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN
SELECTED- TIPS AND INFORMATION
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 Make sure you have completed appropriate paperwork with your homeowner’s
association for approval of the home improvement work, if applicable.
 Make a minimal deposit
o Don’t let payments get ahead of completed work
o Keep records of all payments
 Once work starts:
o Verify permits have been obtained
o Monitor project to be sure all work passes inspection.
 Before making final payment, make sure final inspections are approved, get
copies of warranties for materials and workmanship, and make sure you are
satisfied with the job.

7. HOME SOLICITATION SALES ACT
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 Under Sections 59.1-21.1 and 59.1-21.3 of the Code of Virginia: if a contract
is signed in your home, you have rights under the Home Solicitation Sales
Act, which falls under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act
 Normally, you have rights to cancel home solicitation sale until midnight of
third business day after the day on which you sign an agreement or offer to
purchase
 Notice of cancellation given by you does not require a certain form and is
sufficient if it indicates by any form of written expression your intention
 The buyer may not cancel a home solicitation sale if you request seller
provide goods and services without delay because of an emergency

8. “BUYER’S RIGHT TO CANCEL”
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The contract must have a “Buyer’s Right to Cancel” clause above the
signature line on the contract.
Sample Notice of Cancellation
Date of Transaction:_________________
To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice or any other
written notice, or send a telegram to (Name of Business) at (Address of Business) not later than midnight of
(Date). I hereby cancel this transaction.
Buyer’s signature: ____________________________ Date:__________

9. CONTRACTOR FRAUD LAW
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 Section 18.2-200.1 of the Code of Virginia Protects you if:
o You sign a contract for home improvement
o You pay a deposit to the contractor
o The contracted work is not completed and the deposit it
not refunded

10. CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Fairfax County Consumer Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-222-8435, TTY 711
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer
consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov
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