Terms and Conditions
Data Privacy Notice
Your personal information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties
without your consent. It is protected under the Tennessee Information Protection Act (TIPA),
ensuring that your privacy rights are respected and safeguarded by law.
Summary of the Home Renovation Contract
Tennessee’s Home Improvement Law, as established under the Tennessee Consumer
Protection Act, includes several key provisions designed to protect consumers from unfair
trade practices in home improvement projects. Below are the main points:
Key Provisions:
- Written Contract Requirement:
○ A written contract is mandatory for any home improvement project valued at
more than $500. This contract must include:
■ The contractor’s name, address, and license number (if applicable).
■ A detailed description of the work to be performed.
■ The total contract price or the method for determining it.
■ A payment schedule, including any down payment.
■ Start and completion dates for the project. - Down Payment Restrictions:
○ The law limits the down payment to a maximum of one-third (1/3) of the total
contract price. This protects consumers from contractors who may take the
money and fail to complete the work. - Prohibition on Acceleration Clauses:
○ The contract cannot include clauses requiring the consumer to pay the full
contract price solely because the contractor declares insecurity about future
payments. Only the amount outlined in the payment schedule can be enforced. - Right to Cancel:
○ Consumers have a three-day right of rescission for home improvement contracts
signed at their residence or outside the contractor’s place of business. This right
must be clearly stated in the contract. - License Requirement:
○ Contractors performing home improvement work may need to be licensed,
especially for projects exceeding certain financial thresholds or involving
specialized work such as plumbing or electrical services. It is recommended to
verify this with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
- Bonding and Insurance:
○ Contractors are generally required to carry liability insurance, and in some cases,
a bond may be necessary. This protects consumers in case of damages or if the
contractor fails to complete the job. - Completion and Payment:
○ The payment schedule should align with project completion milestones. Final
payment should not be made until the work is satisfactorily completed. - Warranties:
○ Any warranties offered by the contractor must be clearly stated in the contract,
specifying what is covered and for how long. - Dispute Resolution:
○ The contract should outline the steps for resolving disputes, which may include
mediation or arbitration before legal action is taken.
Enforcement:
● The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office has the authority to enforce the Home
Improvement Law. Violations can result in civil penalties, and consumers have the right
to seek legal remedies in court.
● Consumers should keep a copy of the contract, all receipts, and documentation of the
work in case of disputes or warranty claims.
Additional Tips:
● Always check references and review previous work before hiring a contractor.
● Verify the contractor’s license status through the Tennessee Department of Commerce
and Insurance.
● Be cautious of unsolicited offers for home improvement services.
For the most up-to-date and specific information, consult the Tennessee Consumer Protection
Division or seek legal advice, as laws may change and specific regulations may apply
depending on the nature of the home improvement project.