Need a Home Services / Other Contract in Georgia? AroundWire Can Help

In Georgia, contracts for "Home Services / Other"—a broad category that may include handyman work, cleaning, landscaping, pest control, and similar non-specialty residential services—generally require clear, written agreements outlining scope of work, pricing, and timelines. While Georgia law does not mandate written contracts for all home services, best practice and consumer protection norms strongly favor them, especially for jobs over $2,500. Contractors performing specific trades (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC) must hold relevant state licenses, but general home service providers may not need licensure unless local ordinances require it; always check with municipal authorities for local registration or permitting rules. State law (Georgia Code Title 43) imposes licensing for certain specialties, and misrepresentation of licensure status is prohibited. Liability insurance is commonly required, both to protect the contractor and to meet homeowner or municipal expectations; workers’ compensation insurance is necessary if the contractor has three or more employees. Contracts typically include payment terms specifying deposit limits (often no more than one-third up front), with final payment due upon satisfactory completion. Dispute resolution in Georgia usually defaults to local courts, but mediation or arbitration provisions are sometimes included to expedite outcomes. Risk factors include unclear scopes of work and lack of insurance, both of which can expose parties to liability. It is also common practice to include clauses addressing warranty of workmanship, right to cure defects, and procedures for change orders.