MHIC - Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Contracts and Estimating Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to Maryland Home Improvement Law, what is the maximum deposit a contractor can accept from a homeowner before work begins?

Accepted Answer

1/3 of the contract price.

Answer

The Maryland Home Improvement Law explicitly states that a contractor cannot accept more than one-third (1/3) of the total contract price as a deposit before work commences. No payment can be accepted until the contract is signed by all parties.

Question 2

A contractor provides a homeowner with a contract for a new deck. The contract is signed in the homeowner's kitchen. Under the Maryland Door-to-Door Sales Act, what is the standard cancellation period for the homeowner?

Accepted Answer

5 business days.

Answer

Most home improvement contracts signed at the consumer's home are covered by the Maryland Door-to-Door Sales Act. This Act provides a 'cooling-off' period, giving the homeowner the right to cancel the contract without penalty until midnight of the fifth business day after the transaction. The period is extended to the seventh business day if the homeowner is 65 or older.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a required element in a Maryland Home Improvement contract?

Accepted Answer

The homeowner's driver's license number.

Answer

Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) regulations require specific information in every contract, including the contractor's name, address, and MHIC license number; the salesperson's name and license number (if applicable); approximate dates; a description of the work and materials; and the MHIC's contact information. The homeowner's personal identification numbers, like a driver's license number, are not required.

Question 4

A salesperson for a licensed home improvement contractor finalizes a deal with a homeowner. According to MHIC regulations, which of the following must be included on the contract?

Accepted Answer

The salesperson's name and MHIC license number.

Answer

If a salesperson solicited or sold the home improvement project, the contract must contain the name and MHIC license number of that salesperson, in addition to the contractor's information.

Question 5

A contractor is preparing an estimate for a large kitchen remodel. To ensure the estimate is comprehensive and professional, which practice should the contractor follow?

Accepted Answer

Itemize the costs for labor, materials, permits, and other major expenses.

Answer

A high-quality, professional estimate should be as specific as possible. Itemizing costs for labor, materials, permits, and other expenses provides clarity for the homeowner, helps prevent disputes, and forms the basis for a detailed contract. While getting multiple estimates is advice for homeowners, providing a detailed one is a best practice for contractors.

(MHIC) Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Practice Test

(MHIC) Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Practice Test

MHIC - Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Contracts and Estimating Questions and Answers