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Define home improvement - ANSWER The addition, alteration, conversion, improvement,
modernization, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building that is used
or was designed to be used as a residence or dwelling place or structure adjacent to that
building or an improvement to land adjacent to that building
Is a building of a swimming pool, deck, pier or porch included in Home Improvement? -
ANSWER Yes
Is work done on apartment complexes of more than 4 units considered home improvement? -
ANSWER No
Is work done on individual condominium units considered home improvement? - ANSWER Yes
Is installation in a residence of alarm, awning or fire alarm considered home improvement? -
ANSWER Yes
Is now removal or grass cutting home improvement? - ANSWER No
Define contractor - ANSWER A person who performs or offers or agrees to perform a home
improvement for an owner
Define Subcontractor - ANSWER A subcontractor enters into contracts with contractors or other
subcontractors to perform home improvement. A subcontractor is not authorized to enter into
agreement directly with the owner
,Define salesperson - ANSWER A person who sells a home improvement
Define Home Improvement contract - ANSWER An agrement between a homeowner and a
contractor to perform a home improvement. The law requires contracts to be in writing and be
signed by the parties to the agreement.
Define Owner - ANSWER Owner, owner's agent , tenant or other person authorized to enter into
a home improvement contract
Define license - ANSWER is either a contractor or salesperson license that is issued by the Home
Improvement Commission.
Does a handyman need a license? - ANSWER Yes
True or False: Home Improvement law does not apply if one of the parties is a government
agency - ANSWER True
Work done a residence inside a military base is excluded from licensing requirements - ANSWER
True
Can local jurisdictions issue home improvement lincenses - ANSWER No, only MD Home
Improvement Commission is authorized to issue a license to solicit, sell, or perform home
improvement services in Maryland
Can two or more individuals (such as homeowner and contractor) lawfully agree to ignore the
Home Improvement licensing requirement? - ANSWER No, waiver is prohibited
When was the commission established? - ANSWER 1962
,How Many commissioners are there? - ANSWER 9 (4 must have experience in the business of
home improvement; 4 are members of the general public that represent cosumers; and 1 must
have experience in banking and finance)
What is the most important role of the Commissioners? - ANSWER To promulgate regulations
for the Commission. These regulations help the public better understand the Home
Improvement Law and the Commission's policies
How often are the meetings? - ANSWER bi-monthly. Meetings are open to the public.
What is the requirement for Commissioners? - ANSWER Must be a resident of MD for at least 5
years
How long if the Commissioner's term? - ANSWER 4 years
Where is the Commission's office? - ANSWER Baltimore, MD
Who appoints the Executive Director? - ANSWER The Secretary of Department of Labor,
Licensing and Regulation
What is the Executive Director responsible for? - ANSWER the daily operations of the
Commission and signs under the seal letters affirming the licensing status of individuals for
court proceedings. The Executive director is also responsible for compiling and maintaining a
copy of the Commission's current regulations
What do investigators do? - ANSWER The Commission also employs investigators that review
the complaints and Guaranty Fund claims that are received by the Commission. The
investigators review complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors and salespersons.
, If an investigator determines that a violation may have occurred, what actions can the
Commission take? - ANSWER The Commission may take disciplinary action which may include
reprimand, monetary fine or suspension or revocation of the license.
True or False: An individual who holds a home improvement license as a contractor is NOT
required to obtain a construction license from the Circuit Courts - ANSWER True
How long are exams valid for? - ANSWER 2 years
If a candidate fails the exam, how long must he/she wait before retaking it? - ANSWER 30 days
the first time. After each subsequent failure a candidate must wait 60 days.
What is the insurance requirement for contractor? - ANSWER General Liability at least $50,000
What is the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund? - ANSWER One of the Commissions most
important function is to administer the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. The fund
compensates homeowners for the actual loss caused by the acts or omissions of a licensed
contractor.
True or False: Is a homeowner hires an unlicensed contractor he/she is eligible to collect money
from the fund? - ANSWER FALSE - if a homeowner hires an unlicensed contractor, the
homeowner will NOT be eligible to collect money from the Fund.
What is Actual Loss? - ANSWER Actual Loss means the cost to correct or complete a home
improvement that is inadequate, unworkmanlike or incomplete.
How much can homeowners recover? - ANSWER Homeowners may recover up to $20,000 per
contract, though they are not eligible to recover more than the amount paid to the contractor
against whom the claim is based. Certain costs like: legal fees, interest, consequential damages
are not covered by the Fund.