Mixed Deck — All MHIC Topics Flashcards

Under Maryland's contractor regulations, how long must a contractor retain records related to a home improvement contract after project completion?

Answer: 3 years

Maryland MHIC regulations require contractors to retain all contract-related records for at least 3 years following project completion.

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?

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

The arbitration clause must state *whether* the arbitrator's findings are binding, but it is not required that they must be. The clause must also name the arbitrator, disclose any fees, and state that a Guaranty Fund claim will be stayed pending arbitration.

A contractor is selecting concrete for a basement floor slab that will be exposed to freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts. Which concrete specification is most critical for durability in this application?

Answer: Air-entrained concrete with low water-cement ratio

Air-entrained concrete with a low water-cement ratio is essential for freeze-thaw durability. Air entrainment creates microscopic bubbles that relieve pressure as water expands when freezing. A low water-cement ratio increases strength and reduces permeability. High slump and high water-cement ratios both weaken concrete and reduce durability.

A contractor's MHIC license has lapsed for 6 months. To reinstate it, the contractor must:

Answer: Apply for reinstatement, pay fees, and may face penalties for unlicensed work during the lapse

Reinstating a lapsed MHIC license requires a new application, payment of fees, and any unlicensed work performed during the lapse may result in additional penalties.

Under the International Residential Code (IRC), what is the minimum required ceiling height for habitable rooms in a dwelling?

Answer: 7 feet

The IRC requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet (84 inches) for habitable rooms. While many builders choose 8 or 9 feet for comfort, the code minimum is 7 feet.

A homeowner asks an MHIC contractor to install a deck without obtaining a building permit, claiming it is unnecessary for structures under a certain size. What is the contractor's proper course of action?

Answer: Verify local permit requirements and obtain the required permit before starting work

MHIC regulations require contractors to comply with all applicable local building codes, which includes obtaining necessary permits before commencing work. Proceeding without a required permit exposes the contractor to license suspension, fines, and liability — regardless of the homeowner's wishes. The contractor must verify local jurisdiction requirements and secure permits.

A Maryland home improvement contractor's qualifying party resigns on a Tuesday. Under MHIC regulations, how long does the company have to designate a new qualifying party before its license is automatically suspended?

Answer: 30 days

Under MHIC regulations, when a qualifying party (the individual responsible for the license) leaves the company, the business has 30 days to designate a new qualifying party. Failure to do so within 30 days results in automatic suspension of the company's license — not 60 or 90 days, which are common distractors.

An MHIC licensee is also a licensed Maryland attorney who teaches a 4-hour seminar on construction contract law at an accredited law school. Which statement best describes how this activity affects the contractor's CE obligation?

Answer: The hours count only if the MHIC pre-approves that specific course offering before it is taught

MHIC requires that continuing education courses be pre-approved by the Commission. Even if the subject matter is relevant and the venue is accredited, the specific course offering must receive MHIC approval before it can count toward the CE requirement. Credentials from other licensing boards (e.g., attorney CLE) do not transfer automatically.

Which of the following is a legitimate reason Maryland may waive the educational requirement for an MHIC license applicant?

Answer: Documented proof of substantial equivalent professional experience or prior licensure in a related field as determined by the Commission

Maryland may grant waivers for equivalent experience or licensure, but it must be formally reviewed and approved by the Commission.

A homeowner wants to add a load-bearing wall in their basement. Which type of foundation footing is most commonly required beneath a new interior load-bearing wall in residential construction?

Answer: Continuous strip footing

A continuous strip footing (also called a continuous wall footing) runs the full length beneath a load-bearing wall, distributing the wall's load evenly along the soil. Isolated spread footings support individual columns or posts, not continuous walls. Pile and raft foundations are used in specialized conditions not typical for residential interior walls.

Which of the following MUST be included in a written home improvement contract under Maryland law?

Answer: The approximate start and completion dates of the work

Maryland law requires a home improvement contract to include the approximate start date and completion date (or time frame) for the project. This is one of several mandatory provisions under the MHIA designed to protect consumers.

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?

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

MHIC regulations mandate that licensed contractors must conspicuously display their home improvement license number, preceded by the letters "MHIC #", on both sides of all work vehicles. The lettering must be at least 3 inches high.

A contractor uses a Gantt chart to plan a kitchen renovation. What does a Gantt chart primarily display?

Answer: The sequence and duration of project tasks over a timeline

A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart that displays project tasks along a timeline, showing each task's start date, duration, and end date. It allows a contractor to visualize the entire project schedule at a glance.

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?

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

While the MHIC recommends all change orders be in writing, it is the best practice to avoid disputes. A written change order, agreed to and signed by both the contractor and the homeowner, creates a clear record of the new scope of work and cost, protecting both parties. The Door-to-Door Sales Act does not apply to transactions that are the result of a written change order.

Which is not considered a home improvement?

Answer: Installer a fence

Maryland law limits the amount a home improvement contractor can collect as an initial payment or down payment. The maximum initial payment allowed is typically one-third (1/3) of the total contract price. For a contract amount of $9,500, the maximum initial payment would be $9,500 / 3, which equals $3,166.67.

Under Maryland building codes, which of the following improvements to a residential structure typically DOES NOT require a building permit?

Answer: Painting interior rooms and replacing carpet

Cosmetic improvements such as painting interior rooms and replacing carpet are considered routine maintenance and do not alter the structure, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. These activities do not require a building permit. By contrast, adding electrical service to a shed, altering structural elements, or installing a new HVAC system all require permits because they involve code-regulated systems or structural changes.

An MHIC contractor completes an 8-hour online course from an out-of-state provider that is approved by another state's home improvement licensing board but has NOT applied for MHIC approval. How should the contractor treat these hours?

Answer: The hours do not qualify; only MHIC-approved providers satisfy the Maryland CE requirement

Maryland MHIC does not recognize reciprocal approval from other states' licensing boards for continuing education purposes. A course provider must be specifically approved by MHIC for the hours to count. Approval by another jurisdiction's board is irrelevant to Maryland compliance.

What does MHIC mean?

Answer: Maryland Home Improvement Commission

MHIC is an acronym that stands for the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. This commission is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and regulating home improvement contractors and salespersons in the state of Maryland. Its primary role is to protect consumers by ensuring contractors meet certain standards and adhere to specific laws and regulations.

What is the consequence if an MHIC licensee's required surety bond lapses or is cancelled during the license period?

Answer: The license is automatically suspended until a replacement bond is filed

If the required surety bond lapses or is cancelled, the contractor's MHIC license is automatically suspended. The contractor cannot legally perform home improvement work until a new bond is filed with the Commission and the suspension is lifted.

The mold remediation services subtitle of the Maryland Home Improvement Law does not apply to the performance of mold remediation in areas less than _______ square feet?

Answer: 10

The mold remediation services subtitle of the Maryland Home Improvement Law specifically outlines the scope of its regulations. It does not apply to mold remediation projects in areas less than 10 square feet. This exemption is likely in place to avoid over-regulating very small, minor mold issues that homeowners might address themselves or that pose a minimal risk, allowing the law to focus on larger, more significant projects.