(a) A person cannot act or offer contractor services in Maryland unless they possess a contractor license. This means even if you have intentions to work and advertise, without the license, it's against the law.
How To Write A Construction Contract With 7 Steps Step 1: Define the Parties Involved. Step 2: Outline the Scope of Work. Step 3: Establish the Timeline. Step 4: Determine the Payment Terms. Step 5: Include Necessary Legal Clauses. Step 6: Address Change Orders and Modifications. Step 7: Sign and Execute the Contract.
A home improvement contract must contain the contractor's name, address, telephone number, and MHIC license number. If a salesperson solicited or sold the home improvement, then the contract must also contain the name and license number of each salesperson.
§ 8-601. Section 8-601 - Acting as contractor or selling a home improvement without license (a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not act or offer to act as a contractor in the State unless the person has a contractor license.
There are a few exceptions to the licensing requirement. For instance, handymen who focus on 'light' landscaping tasks like grass cutting, fertilizer, and seeding are exempt. However, hardscape work such as stone, pavers, and masonry requires licensing. Demolition is another exception and does not require a license.
Consumer Advice - Home Improvement Commission Call 410-230-6231 or 1-888-218-5925. Ask if complaints have been filed against a contractor and whether they have been resolved or are still open. Obtain complaint forms by phone or at our website.
Maryland Law requires every person acting as a contractor in the state to have a Maryland home improvement contractors (MHIC) license. It is a criminal offense to do home improvements without a license and there is no protection from MHIC guaranty fund for the homeowner who uses an unlicensed contractor.
The terms of the contract must be agreed upon mutually. An offer is made, understood by both parties, and accepted. Both parties must agree to the same thing. This is sometimes referred to as “a meeting of the minds.”
Full Name, Address, and Signatures of Both Parties Though this may sound obvious, this commonly overlooked element of construction contracts is required to make the contract legally binding.
Home improvement contractors must be licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). However, it is common for people to take shortcuts or completely avoid this law. The penalties for doing so can be severe, especially if you want to stay in the contracting business in Maryland.