New regulations are in place in Delaware governing the home improvement industry.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings said Wednesday that the regulations clarify common-sense practices and protections that will help ensure that homeowners are treated fairly and have peace of mind when dealing with a contractor. They clarify requirements for certain disclosures, and what counts as an “estimate,” or a “contract.”
The Justice Department Consumer Protection Unit took previous complaints about the industry into account in developing the rules that became effective Wednesday, November 1st.
Last year, DOJ received about 200 complaints related to home improvement issues, and there had been about 120 complaints in the first seven months of 2023.
“Hiring a contractor to work on your home can often feel like a leap of faith. These new regulations clarify common sense practices and protections that will help ensure homeowners are treated fairly and give them some peace of mind,” Jennings said. “Establishing clear rules of the road will also help level the playing field for small home improvement businesses throughout Delaware, making it harder for unscrupulous contractors to undercut legitimate ones.”
Homeowners are reminded that complaints about home improvement contractors can be made to the DOJ’s Consumer Mediation Unit via the internet or by calling the hotline at (302) 577-8600 or (800) 220-5424.
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