Need a Home Services Contract in Connecticut? AroundWire Can Help

In Connecticut, home services contracts—covering areas such as home repair, remodeling, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work—are subject to specific legal and regulatory requirements. Contractors must be licensed by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), with certain trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers) requiring specialized licensing and adherence to state building codes. Written contracts are mandatory for home improvement projects exceeding $200, and these must include the contractor’s registration number, a clear scope of work, start and completion dates, total cost, payment schedule, and notice of the homeowner’s three-day right to cancel under the Connecticut Home Improvement Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-429). Risk mitigation typically involves proof of general liability insurance and, when applicable, workers’ compensation coverage. Payment terms usually require a modest deposit (often capped at one-third of the contract price by custom), with balance due upon satisfactory completion; Connecticut law prohibits contractors from demanding full payment upfront. Contracts should address dispute resolution, with mediation or small claims court favored for minor disagreements. Compliance with lead-safe work practices is necessary for homes built before 1978. Local permitting requirements may also apply, and failure to comply with statutory contract terms can render agreements unenforceable. These norms aim to protect consumers and establish clear expectations for both parties.