Home Repair And Remodeling Act

The Illinois Legislature has passed a new law effective January 1, 2000, entitled the “Home Repair and Remodeling Act.” Highlights are as follows:

The Act applies to all repairs for a sum greater than $500.00 (with some exceptions) to residential property or property with six or less units.

There is a pamphlet which must be delivered to the homeowner before any repairs are made. If the amount of the repair is greater than $1,000.00, the homeowner must acknowledge receipt of the pamphlet in writing. I have enclosed a copy of the text of the pamphlet with this letter. The pamphlet is an excellent, practical guide to what we all should do when we enter into any contract.

If the repair is for greater than $1,000.00, there must be a written contract itemizing total costs and the name and address of the contractor performing the repairs (which address cannot be a Post Office box).

The contractor is required to carry insurance “in the amount of $10,000.00 per occurrence for improper home repair or remodeling not in conformance with applicable State, County, or Municipal Building Codes . . . ”

Any violation of this Act is also a violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act and can allow a customer to recover actual damages, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages.

This is a new Act. If you want a full copy, please let me know and I will send it to you. If you wish to discuss it, I would be glad to do so.