MHIC - Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Safety and Regulations Questions and Answers

Question 1

A contractor is performing a renovation on a home built in 1965.
The work involves disturbing more than 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces.
According to the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which of the following is a required action before work begins?

Accepted Answer

Provide the homeowner with the EPA's "Renovate Right" lead hazard information pamphlet.

Answer

Test the paint for lead content using an EPA-recognized test kit.

Answer

Obtain a special permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

Answer

Encapsulate all painted surfaces regardless of their condition.

Question 2

A licensed contractor's work vehicle is used for transporting materials and tools to various job sites. According to MHIC regulations, what must be displayed on both sides of this vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The contractor's MHIC license number, preceded by "MHIC #".

Answer

The company's full business name and phone number.

Answer

A list of services offered by the contractor.

Answer

Proof of general liability insurance.

Question 3

During a kitchen remodel, a homeowner requests a significant change to the cabinet layout that was not in the original signed contract. This change will add $2,500 to the total cost. What is the proper procedure for the contractor to follow?

Accepted Answer

Execute a written change order signed by both the homeowner and the contractor before performing the new work.

Answer

Complete the work as requested and add the extra cost to the final invoice.

Answer

Have the salesperson who sold the job approve the change.

Answer

Get verbal approval from the homeowner and document it in the project notes.

Question 4

An MHIC licensed contractor fails to respond in writing to a formal complaint filed by a homeowner with the Commission. What is a potential disciplinary action the MHIC can take against the contractor for this failure to respond?

Accepted Answer

Suspension of the contractor's license and a fine of up to $5,000.

Answer

Mandatory mediation with the homeowner.

Answer

A fine of up to $500 and a formal warning.

Answer

Automatic payment from the Guaranty Fund to the homeowner.

Question 5

Which of the following is a non-delegable duty of the prime contractor under Maryland Home Improvement Law?

Accepted Answer

Securing all necessary permits and licenses for the project.

Answer

Performing at least 51% of the work with their own employees.

Answer

Providing a 5-year warranty on all workmanship.

Answer

Personally supervising the job site on a daily basis.

Question 6

A contractor's contract includes a mandatory arbitration clause. Which of the following is NOT a required disclosure within that clause according to MHIC regulations?

Accepted Answer

A statement that the arbitrator's findings are always legally binding.

Answer

The name of the person or organization that will conduct the arbitration.

Answer

A disclosure that a claim against the Guaranty Fund will be stayed until arbitration is complete.

Answer

Any mandatory fees that will be charged to the parties for the arbitration.

A contractor is performing a renovation on a home built in 1965.The work involves disturbing more than 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces.According to the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which of the following is a required action before work begins?

A contractor is performing a renovation on a home built in 1965.
The work involves disturbing more than 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces.
According to the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which of the following is a required action before work begins?